{"id":126789,"date":"2023-12-29T07:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-12-29T07:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/?p=126789"},"modified":"2024-08-22T18:48:39","modified_gmt":"2024-08-22T18:48:39","slug":"boating-on-big-bear-lake","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/boating-on-big-bear-lake\/","title":{"rendered":"Boating on Big Bear Lake: A Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Just 100 miles north of Los Angeles, California\u2019s Big Bear Lake \u2014\u00a0known as the jewel of the San Bernardino Forest \u2014\u00a0is surrounded by stunning mountains and pines, making it a beautiful Southern Californian destination for any and every tourist looking for a new place to explore. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the summer and fall, Big Bear Lake is an absolute mecca for boating, fishing, and water sports \u2014 a true must-visit for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/the-joys-of-boating\/\">every water lover<\/a>. Snowboarding and skiing are waiting in the surrounding mountainscape in winter and spring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The lake, fed by melting snow, isn\u2019t a massive one compared to some of California\u2019s other lakes \u2014\u00a0but fishing, exploring, and boating on Big Bear Lake is still one of the most fun things a California boater can do. If you\u2019re heading out to boat on Big Bear Lake, there are a few things you should know. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Our guide to boating in Big Bear Lake has you covered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"http:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/05\/db_lifestyle-21.jpg\" alt=\"People boarding a boat at a dock, boating on Big Bear Lake concept. \" class=\"wp-image-125974\" width=\"779\" height=\"519\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/05\/db_lifestyle-21.jpg 648w, https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/05\/db_lifestyle-21-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 779px) 100vw, 779px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2><strong>Where to Launch and Dock Your Boat on Big Bear Lake<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re looking for the right place to launch and dock your boat on Big Bear, there are six marinas to choose from. At these marinas, you can rent a pontoon boat (or a bike) to explore the lake and the beautiful wilderness around it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can choose from any of these six locations when boating on Big Bear Lake:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/pineknotmarina.com\/services\/boat-slip-rentals\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pine Knot Marina<\/a>\n<ul>\n<li>439 Pine Knot Ave., Big Bear Lake, CA 92315<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>(909) 633-7511<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bigbearmarina.com\/launch-ramp-and-slips.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Big Bear Marina<\/a>\n<ul>\n<li>500 Paine Ct., Big Bear Lake, CA 92315<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>(909) 866-3218<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pleasurepointmarina.net\/lake-maps\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pleasure Point Marina<\/a>\n<ul>\n<li>603 Land Rock Landing, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>(909) 866-2455<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bigbearboating.com\/faq\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">North Shore Landing<\/a>\n<ul>\n<li>38573 North Shore Dr., Fawnskin, CA 92333<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>(909) 866-2628<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bigbearhollowaysmarina.com\/aboutus\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Holloway\u2019s Landing<\/a>\n<ul>\n<li>398 Edgemoore Rd., Big Bear Lake, CA 92315<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>(909) 866-5706<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/captainjohnsfawnharbor.com\/about\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Captain John\u2019s Fawn Harbor and Marina<\/a>\n<ul>\n<li>39369 North Shore Dr., Fawnskin, CA 92333<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>(909) 866-6478<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/12\/sunset-on-big-bear-lake-1-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Sunset over Big Bear Lake\" class=\"wp-image-126792\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/12\/sunset-on-big-bear-lake-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/12\/sunset-on-big-bear-lake-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/12\/sunset-on-big-bear-lake-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/12\/sunset-on-big-bear-lake-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/12\/sunset-on-big-bear-lake-1-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/12\/sunset-on-big-bear-lake-1-1140x760.jpg 1140w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2><strong>Boating Activities on Big Bear Lake<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When it comes to boating activities on Big Bear Lake, it\u2019s all about what you want to do! From fishing to watersports, there are tons of options. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can rent a stand-up paddleboard or kayak for a more relaxing afternoon or head out on a pontoon boat with a fishing rod in hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Since the scenery around Big Bear Lake is truly stunning, it\u2019s always a great idea to head out on a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bigbear.com\/things-to-do\/boating-water\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">boating tour of the area<\/a>, too. Anglers love the waters of Big Bear Lake, which are packed with trout and largemouth bass \u2014\u00a0so <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bigbear.com\/things-to-do\/boating-water\/fishing\/\" target=\"_blank\">check out this fishing primer<\/a> if fishing is on your list while boating on Big Bear. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While the lake itself isn\u2019t a huge one, boating on Big Bear Lake could be as relaxing or as adrenaline-inducing as you like. It\u2019s all up to you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><strong>Attractions and Festivities on Big Bear Lake<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>While boating on Big Bear Lake is a favorite of ours, there are also so many things to do on the lake and around it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The hiking, for instance, is absolutely incredible in the <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fs.usda.gov\/sbnf\" target=\"_blank\">San Bernardino Natural Forest<\/a>. We recommend you check out the Pineknot Trail for some really gorgeous views. However, you\u2019ll have to <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fs.usda.gov\/main\/sbnf\/passes-permits\/recreation\" target=\"_blank\">grab an Adventure Pass first<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Also, stay alert for bears \u2014\u00a0they\u2019re there!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Wintertime in Big Bear Lake is full of outdoor opportunities, giving you beautiful skiing at <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bigbear.com\/directory\/bear-mountain-ski-resort\/\" target=\"_blank\">Bear Mountain<\/a> or Snow Summit. Kids and adults alike will also have fun searching for gold at Gold Rush Mining Adventures, and there are tons of options, from the zoo to bike rides to helicopter trips to keep you and your family occupied, no matter what.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/us\/california\/?utm_source=BOATsmart%21+Blog&amp;utm_medium=banner&amp;utm_campaign=BS%21_Blog&amp;utm_id=BS.Blog\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"926\" height=\"400\" src=\"http:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/08\/blog-banner-ad-California.png\" alt=\"Graphic showing the BOATsmart! California course, safety when boating on Big Bear Lake concept. \" class=\"wp-image-126568\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/08\/blog-banner-ad-California.png 926w, https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/08\/blog-banner-ad-California-300x130.png 300w, https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/08\/blog-banner-ad-California-768x332.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 926px) 100vw, 926px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2><strong>Other Things to Know on Big Bear Lake<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When boating on Big Bear Lake, there are a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/us\/california\/boating-regulations\/\">number of regulations<\/a> that must be remembered while you\u2019re on the water. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From rules around the times of day all the way to lifejacket rules, there are serious laws in place to keep all boaters, anglers, swimmers, and even hikers safe \u2014\u00a0and Lake Patrol officers patrol Big Bear Lake\u2019s waters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><strong>Big Bear Lake Safety Considerations<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As with any body of water, safety rules and regulations must be followed to ensure a safe boating experience for everyone. In addition, Big Bear Lake itself has some unique <a href=\"https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/top-10-boating-safety-tips\/\">safety considerations<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For instance, lightning storms can develop quickly in the mountains surrounding Big Bear Lake \u2014\u00a0so every boater should keep an eye on the weather at all times. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition, lake ice develops in the winter and spring months and must be treated with the utmost caution. The wildlife around Big Bear Lake is also something to pay attention to. After all, it\u2019s not called Big Bear Lake for no reason!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"684\" src=\"http:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/03\/KE_Boat_FL_2024-501-crop-1024x684.jpeg\" alt=\"Three women holding boater education cards while smiling and wearing lifejackets on a boat. \" class=\"wp-image-126892\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/03\/KE_Boat_FL_2024-501-crop-1024x684.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/03\/KE_Boat_FL_2024-501-crop-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/03\/KE_Boat_FL_2024-501-crop-768x513.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/03\/KE_Boat_FL_2024-501-crop-1536x1026.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/03\/KE_Boat_FL_2024-501-crop-1140x761.jpeg 1140w, https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/03\/KE_Boat_FL_2024-501-crop.jpeg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2>Get Your Boater Safety Card Before Boating on Big Bear Lake<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Right now, almost every boater in California is required to hold a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/us\/california\/\">California Boater Card<\/a> to boat legally in California (and on Big Bear Lake). By 2025, <em>every <\/em>boater must hold a California Boater Card \u2014 so get ahead of the curve and make sure that you\u2019re properly certified to boat safely. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By taking BOATsmart!\u2019s engaging, narrated, and animated boating safety course, you\u2019ll be properly equipped (and legal) for your next excursion boating on Big Bear Lake. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Originally published December 30, 2021. Content most recently reviewed and updated for accuracy and relevancy August 22, 2024. <\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Just 100 miles north of Los Angeles, California\u2019s Big Bear Lake \u2014\u00a0known as the jewel of the San Bernardino Forest&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":126790,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[663,664],"tags":[965,884,716,814],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v14.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Boating on Big Bear Lake: A Guide - BOATsmart! Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"We\u2019re telling you everything you need to know about one of California\u2019s favorite things to do \u2014 boating on Big Bear Lake. 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