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Enjoying a fun day on the water with friends on a bright orange Madison Boats kayak, showcasing outdoor adventure, water recreation, and the perfect summer activity for boating enthusiasts.
Welcome To

Brittingham Boats

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Thank you for a great 2026 season!

Every year, we are so grateful to share Madison’s lakes with our community. We are excited to see you in 2027! Join our Newsletter to stay connected with all things Madison Boats!

Want to spend your summer on the water? We’re hiring for 2027!

Join Our Crew

Downtown’s premier paddle destination for seasonal paddlecraft rentals. Enjoy a unique view of Madison’s beautiful waterfront, featuring the Capitol and the Monona Terrace, as you paddle on Lake Monona. Special events, including Burgers on the Bay and Full Moon Paddles, make Brittingham Boats a Madison Must!

Our Boats at Brittingham

Kayaks

Explore Madison’s waterways with ease, for an exciting adventure anyone can enjoy.

Rent a Kayak
Kayakers paddling under a bridge on a sunny day, enjoying outdoor water recreation on Madison Boats.

Stand Up Paddle Boards

Enjoy the calm waters of Monona Bay and master balance with every stroke.

Rent a Paddle Board
Kids paddleboarding on a calm lake during daytime with a blue sky and scattered clouds, showcasing outdoor water activities and lifestyle with Madison Boats.

Canoes

Dive into an unforgettable experience at Madison’s picturesque lakes in our classic canoes.

Rent a Canoe
Fishing kayak, outdoor water activity, Madison Boats, recreational boating, two people fishing in a red kayak on a lake under blue sky.

Paddle Boats

Peddle your way around Monona Bay and take a swim to cool off. Perfect for jumping into the water!

Rent a Paddle Boat
Colorful paddle boat on a calm lake with a woman relaxing on a sunny day. Ideal for family outings, featuring quality craftsmanship and perfect for lakes, rivers, or recreational water activities.
Rent a Boat at BrittinghamView Boat Prices
Britisham Boats docked on Lake Monona in Madison, Wisconsin, surrounded by parks, zoos, and local attractions, offering recreational boat rentals and scenic lake tours for visitors.

Monona Terrace

 

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Easy

DURATION: 1 hour

Did you know Frank Lloyd Wright designed Monona Terrace to be seen from the water? Paddle a short 20 minutes from Brittingham Boats to see it as Frank Lloyd Wright envisioned it.

 

TIP!

The view of the Capital Building is stunning. Go to the center of the Terrace then paddle out 5 minutes. Now turn around. WOW!

Northern Yahara River

 

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Intermediate

DURATION: 3-4 hours

The Yahara River cuts through Madison’s isthmus, connecting Lake Monona and Lake Mendota. Paddle past Monona Terrace to the Yahara River for an urban treat.

 

TIP!

If you decide to stretch your legs and meander around Willy Street, bring a bike lock and cable to lock your boat while you’re away.

Southern Yahara River

 

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Advanced

DURATION: 4-5 hours

The Yahara River heads south, connecting Lake Monona with Upper Mud Lake, the Waubesa, and the rest of the Yahara chain of lakes. This paddle features many different stops from great parks to restaurants!

 

TIP!

Enjoy the Madison skyline as you paddle back to Brittingham. Spin around and grab a selfie with the skyline in the background. Don’t forget to tag us!

Olbrich Park & Starkweather Creek

 

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Advanced

DURATION: 4-5 hours

If you’re up for an adventure, paddle your way across Lake Monona to Starkweather Creek. Your reward is enjoying Olbrich Botanical Gardens from the water, paddling under vine-covered bridges and a breathtaking view of the gold-trimmed Thai Pavillion.

 

TIP!

Take the long way home and continue your way along the East Shore and stop for a “dip” at Monona Bait & Ice Cream, a famous stop for Babcock Hall ice cream.

Where to Paddle

Explore Downtown Madison lake-side at Brittingham Boats. Discover all that Lake Monona has to offer with options for all skill levels

Explore the ineractive map to check out our favorite paddle spots!

Our Events

Put this on your calendar! You don't want to miss out on these upcoming events…

Our Services

Want unlimited access? Own your own boat? Want to host a reunition, youth group, or birthday party? We want to help. With memberships, private boat storage and a host of private party and group services we work hard to make sure you do not have to.

  • Paddlecraft Rentals

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  • Pontoon Rentals

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  • Private Parties

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  • Group Rentals

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  • Memberships

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  • Boat Storage Marina

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  • Camp Wingra

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  • Events

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    • Pricing

    SUP’s – (Max Capacity: 275lbs.)

    • First Hour: $16
    • Additional Hours: $12

    Kid SUP’s – (Max Capacity: Up to 100lbs.)

    • First Hour: $10
    • Additional Hours: $10

    2-4 Person SUP’s – (Max Capacity: 600lbs.)

    • First Hour: $30
    • Additional Hours: $20

    4-8 Person SUP’s – (Max Capacity: 1,000lbs.)

    • First Hour: $40
    • Additional Hours: $30

    Kayaks – (Max Capacity: 350lbs.)

    • First Hour: $16
    • Additional Hours: $12

    Tandem Kayaks – (Max Capacity: 500lbs.)

    • First Hour: $22
    • Additional Hours: $15

    On-Top Kayaks – (Max Capacity: 275lbs.)

    • First Hour: $16
    • Additional Hours: $12

    On-Top Tandem Kayaks – (Max Capacity: 500lbs.)

    • First Hour: $22
    • Additional Hours: $15

    Canoes – (Max Capacity: 2-4 People, 850lbs.)

    • First Hour: $22
    • Additional Hours: $15

    Solo Canoes – (Max Capacity: 400lbs.)

    • First Hour: $18
    • Additional Hours: $15

    Paddle Boats – (Max Capacity: 4 People, 500lbs.)

    • First Hour: $24
    • Additional Hours: $15

    Row Boats – (Max Capacity: 3-4 People, 400lbs.)

    • First Hour: $24
    • Additional Hours: $15

    Watermats – (Max Capacity: 10 People, 1,500lbs.)

    • First Hour: $40
    • Additional Hours: $30

    Duck, Swan & Dragon Paddle Boats – (Max Capacity: 5 People, 800lbs.)

    • First Hour: $30
    • Additional Hours: $20

    8 Passenger Pontoon Boat

    • Weekday (MON – THUR) – $85 Per Hr
    • Weekend (FRI – SUN) – $95 Per Hr

    Fishing/Cruise Pontoon Boat

    • Weekday (MON – THUR) – $85 Per Hr
    • Weekend (FRI – SUN) – $95 Per Hr

    12 Passenger Pontoon Boat

    • Weekday (MON – THUR) – $105 Per Hr
    • Weekend (FRI – SUN) – $115 Per Hr

    Captained Pontoon – (Max Capacity: 10 People)

    • Weekday (MON – THUR) – $135 Per Hr
    • Weekend (FRI – SUN) – $155 Per Hr
    Fishing BoatsPer HourHalf Day (5 Hours)Full Day (10 Hours)
    Weekdays (Mon. - Thurs.)$60$225$400
    Weekends (Fri. - Sun.)$75$300$500

    Max capacity is 3 people or 550 lbs.

    Gas and operational instruction is included.

    Gratuity is not included.

    If born before 1/1/1989 no boater certificate is required. If you were born after, you must be 18 with a boater’s certificate to drive the boat. To obtain a license, here is a link to the Wisconsin Boat Rental course.

    Paddle Craft TypeFirst HourAdditional Hours
    SUP (Stand Up Paddle Board)$16$12
    4-6 Person Stand Up Paddle Board$40$30
    2-3 Person Stand Up Paddle Board$30$20
    Kayak$16$12
    Tandem Kayak$22$15
    On-Top Kayak$16$12
    On-Top Tandem Kayak$22$15
    Canoe$22$15
    Solo Canoe$18$15
    Paddle Boat$24$15