Tahoe Keys Boat Rentals

Awesome place I love the lake and the boat was awesome.

I rented a few jetskis with some friends and we took them for an amazing sunset cruise around the lake! The staff was very helpful in getting us comfortable with the jetskis and offered advice on where to go see. We ended up going over to Cave Rock and getting some amazing sunset photos on the way back! I can’t wait to do this again next summer! A little tip: bring a plastic baggie for your cellphone. They have drybags available for purchase and there are storage compartments but I was glad to have a ziplock just in case.

This is literally the first time I have ever posted a review, but this experience was so bad I felt compelled to write the first review of my 37 year old life!
It’s both funny and sad seeing Yan L’s review because it’s almost literally the same way we were treated this past Saturday. I rented a boat with my brother, sister in law, and 3 year old nephew. As has been alluded to in other reviews, there is a loooooooooooooong no wake zone to get out of the keys into the lake. There was a lot of shallow water but no signs, and after all, this is where they had instructed us to go, so I figured we were fine. We also stayed within the buoys of the no wake zone, so, again, we went exactly to where they instructed us to go. As soon as we get out of the no wake zone, we rev the engine to start cruising and the engine won’t accelerate. We try for a few minutes to get it going but it still won’t accelerate. So we radio the office and they of course don’t answer. So we call the front office from a cell phone and they say to drop anchor wherever we are and they’ll send some folks out to fix it. Two guys come out to help us, and they were nice enough guys but one guy was cussing repeatedly in front of my 3 year old nephew which definitely is not good customer service, but whatever, they fix the problem which was sand clogging the prop. Both independently tell us that we won’t be charged for the time they were fixing it (and by the way, we didn’t ask, they both eagerly volunteered the information). We go out on the lake and have a good time. We were out there an hour and a half. We get the bill and they charge us for 2.5 hours (which is the time we were on the boat total with repair time). So we talk with Lucious who was the manager for the day. Lucious explains that he charged us for 2.5 hours because if he doesn’t charge us that then he’ll have to charge us for sand damaging the prop. I tell him I understand him charging us for it if we were responsible for damaging it, but we literally went exactly where we were instructed to go by them. He says, «Not my problem. All I know is that when you went out you had a clean prop, when you brought it back it’s dirty.» We go back and forth, and incredibly, he sticks to his guns. I then tell him, «Additionally, both of the guys fixing our boat went out of their way to tell us that we wouldn’t be charged for repair time.» Ol’ Lucious is quick to respond, «No, they would never say something like that. I don’t give them the permission to say things like that. They would never say that.» I reply, «Ok, well both of them did, so…» and Lucious says «No they didn’t.» and then some more back and forth. Lucious was a real peach! Anyways, I think this customer service experience was literally the worst customer service experience I’ve had in my life, and of course I’ll never go back. But go back if you want your small child to learn some cuss words, you want to get blatantly overcharged, and you want to spend some quality time arguing over ridiculous and unethical charges with that winner Lucious!

Tahoe Keys Rentals was awesome! We rented a few jet skis in the afternoon and it couldn’t have been more fun. After finding the office (on the back side of the building next to the Fresh Ketch) we were greeted by very friendly employees. They took the time in the office to explain the terms and agreements and how to use the machines. It was an easy process and gave me the confidence I needed. We then met a guy down at the jet skis and he too showed us all the buttons and how to use the machines. He was very fun and answered all our questions. All three jet skis that we rented were newish and overall in great condition. We went out for about an hour and it was so worth it. The lake is so fun and beautiful. The jet skis ran great, no problems and we were all going super fast. When we got back the doc hand guy was there to greet us and help us tie up our jet skis. I was nervous due to the previous negative reviews but it was exceptional service. Overall, it was an experience of a lifetime! Thank you Tahoe Keys Boat Rentals.

After reading the negative reviews my husband and I were a little nervous to rent a jet ski here but the experience was great. The customer service was great and they got us through all the paperwork and info quickly. Our ride was enjoyable and our check in afterwards was quick and easy. We had no issues using our coupon. The only thing we disliked was that you pay for the exact amount of gas used rather than the $ 10/​hr listed on the flyer we got from the visitor center so we spent $ 38 instead of $ 10. They did mention that prior to rental though.

Awesome place! These guys took the time to help my family load and unload the boat without rushing at all.
Were courteous and gave us devoted attention amongst all the chaos of other renters– they were organized and efficient — just like how an operation like this should be.
Equipment worked great– No hidden fees and made us have a stress free day. Have a question? Ask for Lucius — so knowledgeable

I would give negative review if I could. DO NOT RENT BOAT HERE unless you don’t care about your money and the service. They only care about their boat and money. The water is shallow in the entry and easy to be stuck into sand. There is no sign and you will pay for that.
Here is my full story:
On July 18^th, 2015, our family (4 adults and 2 children) rented a boat in Tahoe Keys Boat rental to drive in Lake Tahoe. We thought it would be a fantastic journey but it turned out to a nightmare.
In the beginning, everything looked fine. The lady helping me check in went through the customer agreement quickly and I signed and paid quickly. Then we got the boat, and one guy introduced us the basic equipment on the boat and the basic operation. He also told us kids need life jackets, my wife went back to the office and asked for life jackets and a map from a male staff who was passing by the office. And then we left the marina.
The nightmare began. The boat was stuck at the entry of the marina to the lake. This happened just 5 mins after we drove the boat ourselves in the channel. We called the marina and waited. Waited and waited. Finally two people from marina came and helped us get out of there but 40 minutes had passed. They told us the water at the entry is so shallow that the propeller was stuck in the sand. Without checking anything, they pulled us to the lake and left.
Now we can drove in the lake but the nightmare continued. We heard there was beep on the back of the boat, we asked the marina through radio what’s the sound but nobody responded us. 20 minutes later, we smelled bad smell and saw some smoke in the boat. We are so scared that we stopped the engine and called the marina in the radio to tell them this situation. Same as before, nobody responded us. Instead, we called their number (it’s so «lucky» that the cell phone still had signal) and told them what’s happening and our location. Then we waited for their people come. Waited and waited. 30 minutes later, one guy came to our boat. After checking the boat, he said he can’t repair the boat. So he asked the marina to send a boat to get us back. We had to wait for another 30 minutes in the cold wind and it’s almost dark.
Finally we went back to the marina and we met the worst customer service in our lives. Without asking if people were safe, the guy who said he is the supervisor told us we need to pay the repair fee of their boat because sand blocked engine when the boat was stuck. But we always drove in the channel, following their route. There is no sign of shallow water. He even asked us to pay the late fee. It’s so ridiculous, we’re broke down and waiting for the rescue. We can’t fly. The lady who checked us in insisted that she showed us a map and gave us the map. But the truth is that my wife asked for it from a man. No instructions or reminders about the channel and the shallow. Maybe she sometimes did it to others but not to us. All they did was to put all the responsibility to us. They didn’t care about customer’s experience even if they are safe or not.
Today I saw there is a $ 790 charge from them in my credit card. This is totally unacceptable! We think they didn’t do their job to remind customer of the shallow water with even a simple sign.

DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY! So bummed I didn’t read the reviews. The boat died on the lake and we couldn’t restart it — had to wait almost 30 minutes for help on the radio to tell us how to do it just so. Add on 40 minutes to your rental just to navigate in and out of the looooong marina. And yes we got slammed with the charge for a scratch on the propeller. I think that they must be in the propeller selling business and their mark up is HUGE — $ 400 for a $ 100 propeller. OUCH! Of course, they billed us $ 75 for gas. .. Which coincidentally the person in front of us got charged AND is the same price others have mentioned getting charged when they suspected being over billed. We got taken by these guys — hook, line, and sinker. Lesson learned — ALWAYS CHECK THE Unilocal REVIEWS!

They have a hidden location which makes it difficult to find your way back. We got lost! We were planning a one h trip but after we couldn’t find our way back it took the rental company almost 2 h to locate us (horrible experience not sure why can’t use technology to operate safe and efficient!). I am glad we had our cellphone with us to call and ask for help. When we got back we learned that another boat was lost today too:(. This was only my 3^rd time renting a boat and I am sure this might not have happens for a more experienced person. Overall my advise is that if you are not experienced try to stay away from this place.

Our wonderful day was quickly ruined by Boyd the manager. We have never encountered someone so rude. We came 15 minutes late, because we could not start the engine in a middle of the lake. We were overcharged $ 100 for being 30 minutes late. When we tried to show him the contract to correct the mistake, he threatened to call his uncle the sheriff. Avoid this place unless you want to be bullied and overcharged. Our friends rented from Ski Run Marina and had wonderful experience

I give this place 1 star and it goes to the boat for being awesome!
No stars for customer service. We rented this boat on the 4^th of July and were told to arrive at least a half hour early. Reservation time was 10pm. We arrived at 9:15 and waiting in line for a while when the gal at the counter told me to listen in (halfway through her instructions to the people in front of me). They finally got our boat ready at 10:15, where we were then sent off with a deck hand to go through a checklist of boat items and their conditions.
Just when we thought we were ready to go out on the water (FINALLY!!) they said the boat had to be filled up since it was on empty. You would think since we are the first renters of the day these boats would have been filled the night before! I checked the pump and the amount was about $ 74, and the time was 10:38. I was pretty bummed already considering we were supposed to be on the water by 10! The deck hand was really nice and as he pushed off our boat he said «Time starts now! See ya guys!» I said «So we actually do get our 4 hours worth! Yay!» he gave us a thumbs up. Off we went, we cruised a little bit and stopped the boat 4 times in the middle of the water and then hung out in Emerald Bay for the remainder of the time.
The needle on the gas gauge hardly moved, which seemed right because we hardly went anywhere on the water with so little time. When we returned the boat the employees at the gas pump said they needed to refill the boat, I asked if I needed to stay to see how much they put in, but they rushed me to the office saying they already had the numbers ready. The office charged me $ 74!!! The amount I was charged at the beginning. No matter how many of us tried to explain to them where we went and there was no way it was that much, we were given the excuse «not all of our gas gauges work». Are you kidding me? This boat looked brand new and it’s not my problem it doesn’t work!
When I went into the other office to pay for the rental I started to explain to them how upset I was about the gas, they said «they are a different company you will have to take it up with them.» Wow, thanks. The girls disappeared and they grabbed some guy with glasses. I wish I had remembered his name because he scold me on being late, regardless of the explanation I was giving him that his deck hand guy told me I had 4 hours on the boat, especially since we didnt get out on the water until nearly 11 when I had arrived at 9:30. He was extremely rude to me and charged me a late fee. I should never have signed the receipt. I will never go back to this place. Oh and they never gave me back the $ 50 deposit they charged me.
GO TO SKI RUN RENTAL LOCATION, I’ve used them before and they were AWESOME!
This is clearly how these people make their money!!! Way to ruin a great time.

Great service. Boat was in good conditions.
FYI: They don’t honor the 15% off if you check in.

Rented a boat here last week (Silver class pontoon boat) and the experience was great. Unilocal reviewers almost scared me off from renting here from reading about the replacement propellers but I figured those are probably angry people who write bad reviews because they are pissed off at having to pay for the replacement. As long as you are safe and pay attention to the buoys this won’t be an issue for you as it wasn’t for us. We had 9 people on the boat and there was plenty of room (max capacity was 13). FYI, gas is not included (just like when you rent a car) and the gas ended up costing around $ 30 for the 4 hours that we had the boat.
Loved it and will do it again next year.

What a great experience! Thank you to the amazing staff!
Family friendly
Thank you!

Amanda was so helpful!
Came before 9 am and got a 25 $ off from her!
She was super super nice, I told her that I would leave a Unilocal review !
She clearly explained the pricing, boat rules, etc. got the forms and paper work done in a flash, within 15 minutes we were on the boat!
Cost about 150 $ for 1 hour including fuel! Boats were amazing, was cruising at 30 mph constantly, easily made it to Emerald bay and back within the hour!
Definitely going to her again! She only works weekends though!

Very knowledgable. Safety is paramount. Hugely recommend this place for water toy rentals.

Good prices!
Not all the staff we’re helpful,. We almost got lost trying to find our way back at the end of the day. I like the other location better too.

Not sure why you would pick this outfit over others with easier access to the lake (you’ve got to navigate the marina for at least 15 mins to get in and out), but we had a good time with this outfit. All the folks there were cool, and they do seem to try to compensate for the shortcomings of the location. They gave good directions, a map, etc.
Our boat was awesome. a «super deluxe» pontoon boat as they called it.
Reading the other reviews, it’s clear that sometimes they let you secure a specific newer or older boat ahead of times, others not, depending on how busy they are. Would probably be best for their reputation if they let people reserve and then opt out or switch if they don’t like the boat. Maybe they do, just a guess.

We rented a 6 seater boat for a slot of 1:00 pm — 5:00pm on a very busy Saturday. Get into boat #7 and the motor kept turning over and stalling out. However our guy put us into a different boat which was much much better! Felt a lot better after that and took off to cruise the lake which as usual is awesome. We had no issues when we came back for gas and to turn in the boat. We definitely had a good experience here!

Apparently the business complained and they took off my picture of horrible customer service as well as my screen shot from an employee trying to act as an objective UnilocalER.
I love Unilocal but it’s times like this where they act like the Facebook mafia. Either way this business sux – STAY AWAY.