Enjoy a dog-friendly cruise aboard a 1958 Car Aqua runabout
1.5 or 3 hrs
Up to 5 people
Boat rental, life jackets
Cruise aboard Betty, a 1958 Car Aqua runabout made in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Bring your dog along for a vintage boat rental on the water.
No refund for cancellations within 7 days of your reservation, except if it is raining at departure. If it is raining at departure, a full refund is available.
Product ID: F4EE6J
Bring your dog along on your retro boat rental.
Bring your own snacks, but leave outside coolers behind.
Allow extra time for parking. Limited parking is available in front of Retro Boat Rentals and on surrounding streets; on weekends, park at Saugatuck High School and use the free shuttle, which leaves every 15 minutes.
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.
Take the helm for simple, laid-back cruising or a fishing trip
Get on the river with an accessible launch and staff assistance
Take the helm of an easy-to-handle lake cruiser
Ride with ease on a lightweight, step-through bike
Discover the estate’s history with access to spaces usually closed to the public
Bring your own glass items for a hands-on smash session
Explore permaculture crops, greenhouses, and herbal cordial tastings
Sip a select spirit as you go behind the scenes
Explore Holland with a lightweight bike designed for comfort