Big Bear Water Activities

Boating, paddle sports, fishing, wake boarding, inner tubing, jet skiing, and much more!

From spring through autumn, Big Bear Lake is open for tours, fishing, boating, jet skiing, kayaking and more. The lake is Big Bear's prime summer recreation hub and with so many ways to enjoy it, you'll definitely want to add some lake fun to your getaway!

Big Bear marinas typically open in April to late May and offer a range of rentals from pontoon boats to fishing boats, kayaks, jet skis, and stand up paddleboards. Select marinas also offer lessons in wakeboarding and waterskiing.

If you're more into relaxing on the water without manning the captain's wheel, a lake tour might be just the ticket! A number of tour boats depart their marinas daily for excursions around the lake offering a little history, a little entertainment, and a whole lot of scenic views.

Things to do | Lake Activities

Boat & Jet Ski Rentals

Big Bear Lake Fishing

Kayak, Canoe, & Paddleboard

Lake Tours

Big Bear Lake Wakeboarding and Tubing

Lake Safety and Information

Public Launch Ramps

The Public Launch Ramps are open for all vessels, motorized and non-motorized. Both ramps are located on the North Shore. The East Ramp is close to Stanfield cutoff, near the Discovery Center and the West Ramp is closer to the Big Bear Dam, west of Fawnskin. Launching your vessel is free, but your vessel will need to pass inspection for the Quagga mussel. You will also need to have a Lake Use Permit. Permits can be purchased daily, multiple days or annually. For launching information in day use and permits visit Big Bear Municipal Water District.

Please see map for Launch Ramp and Marina locations. Ramps are indicated with a blue icon. Marinas are indicated with an orange, anchor icon.

kids wearing eye patches and having fun on a pirate ship tour in Big Bear Lake — Click image for Lake Information & Safety

Lake Information & Safety

Big Bear Lake is a hub for thousands of boaters, anglers, water skiers, and swimmers to enjoy every year. But with any activity, it's important to observe the risks present and make smart decisions for your safety and the safety of others. Learn how to minimize your risk and maximize your fun.

Click the link above for more information on life vest laws, swimming rules at Big Bear Lake, pet safety tips, and more. Let's a enjoy a safe lake season!

Keep Big Bear Lake Clean

The Big Bear Municipal Water District and the community works hard to maintain the safety of Big Bear Lake for visitors and a healthy environment for wildlife. Help us keep our lake clean by disposing of trash in designated bins, cleaning up hooks and fishing line, refraining from feeding wildlife, and adopting a shoreline!

The Adopt-a-Shoreline program is designed for volunteers to 'adopt' a section of the shoreline or a trash can, and help keep that area clean throughout the season. It is structured much like the successful Adopt-a-Highway program sponsored by CalTrans. This is an excellent opportunity for kids, adults and community groups to participate in a great outdoor activity, help the environment, and keep Big Bear Lake beautiful too! BBMWD