Relax on the water with open-deck seating, shade, and space to share snacks
2–4 hrs
Up to 12 people
Life jackets, Bluetooth speakers
This booking is for the whole experience, which fits up to 12 guests.
Full refund if it is raining at departure.
Retro Boat Rentals, 730 Water Street, Saugatuck, MI 49453
Josie and the rest of the staff here have built a genuinely enjoyable experience on the Kalamazoo River in Saugatuck. The boats, many with charming names like Betty, Doris, and Ruby, are clean, well-maintained, and surprisingly spacious. Families with young kids seem especially happy, with reviewers noting life jackets in all sizes and engines quiet enough for babies to nap through the whole ride. The Duffy-style boats are also a great pick for anyone with mobility concerns, as the staff goes out of their way to help guests on and off. The pace here is leisurely rather than thrilling, these are slow, scenic cruises rather than speedboat adventures. But that seems to be exactly the point, and most people leave wishing they had booked more time. The staff consistently earns praise for being friendly, clear with directions, and easy to work with from check-in to docking. Dogs are welcome, swimming from the boat is an option, and you can bring your own drinks and snacks onboard. For a relaxed afternoon on the water, it is hard to find many reasons not to go.
We took Gladys out and totally enjoyed the morning cruising the river and seeing all the beautiful homes and yachts along the way. The boat is very easy to drive, no loud motor sound to listen to, and an adventure that is different than the same old things offered every summer to tourists. The staff is very kind and thorough with the instructions. The only thing that was missing was the blue tooth speaker that was listed in the information add, but we still really enjoyed our relaxing time while we were cruising.
Sherry Schut
July 3, 2026
We took Gladys out and totally enjoyed the morning cruising the river and seeing all the beautiful homes and yachts along the way. The boat is very easy to drive, no loud motor sound to listen to, and an adventure that is different than the same old things offered every summer to tourists. The staff is very kind and thorough with the instructions. The only thing that was missing was the blue tooth speaker that was listed in the information add, but we still really enjoyed our relaxing time while we were cruising.
Sherry Schut
July 3, 2026