Main marina
Wahweap Marina, Page AZ
Models available
8 Aramark + Antelope Point fleet
Price range (2026)
$2,271–$9,214/week
Min. stay
3 nights (some models 5+ nights peak)
Fuel cost
~$200–$350/day at cruise speed
Boating license
Not required (18+ with driver's license)
Book ahead (peak)
6–12 months
NPS entry fee
$30/vehicle, 7-day pass
Who rents houseboats on Lake Powell?
Two operators, not one. Most guides only mention Aramark: here is the full picture.
Aramark (Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas) is the NPS concessioner and the dominant player. They run the largest fleet from Wahweap Marina near Page, AZ, with a secondary operation at Halls Crossing, UT. Eight houseboat models ranging from 46 to 75 feet. Prices, availability, and booking are all managed at lakepowell.com.
Antelope Point Marina, 10 minutes east of Page on Highway 222, is independently operated by the Navajo Nation. Their fleet is smaller and more boutique. They also offer a unique boatel concept: a moored houseboat that functions as a hotel room rather than a self-drive rental, which suits travellers who want the houseboat experience without the driving. Antelope Point is also the best base for kayaking into Upper Antelope Canyon waterway.
Wahweap Marina: the main departure point
Wahweap is the largest marina on Lake Powell and the starting point for the majority of houseboat rentals. It sits inside Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, 7 miles north of downtown Page via US-89 North and Lakeshore Drive.
Getting there: From Page town centre, head north on US-89, turn left onto Lakeshore Drive at the NPS entrance kiosk. Drive time is about 10 minutes. The Glen Canyon NRA entry fee is $30 per vehicle (7-day pass): this covers your entire stay, not just the day you arrive. America the Beautiful passes are accepted.
What is at the marina: Full-service fuel dock, boat launch ramp, the Lake Powell Resort hotel, a restaurant, a small convenience store for last-minute provisions, and the Aramark houseboat check-in desk. Parking for your vehicles during the rental is free in the designated lot.
Key logistical note: Plan to arrive the evening before your departure day if you are driving from a significant distance. Houseboat orientation typically begins early morning, and Wahweap is 4.5 hours from Las Vegas, 4 hours from Phoenix. The marina has no shortage of last-minute things to sort before you depart.
All 8 Aramark houseboats compared
Aramark runs eight models at Wahweap. The choice matters more than most people expect: the difference between the 46-foot Expedition and the 75-foot Excursion is not just size, it is a completely different trip.
| Model | Length | Sleeps | Cabins | Bathrooms | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 46-ft Expedition | 46 ft | 6 | 1 | 1 | Entry-level, good for small groups |
| 50-ft Nomad | 50 ft | 10 | 2 | 1 | Spacious layout for medium groups |
| 48-ft Navigator | 48 ft | 10 | 3 | 1 | More cabins per foot than most models |
| 54-ft Escape | 54 ft | 10 | 2 | 1 | Mid-range, good value |
| 59-ft Discovery XL | 59 ft | 12 | 3 | 2 | Central A/C and heating |
| 59-ft Wanderer | 59 ft | 12 | 4 | 2 | Best cabin count in mid-range |
| 62-ft Journey | 62 ft | 12 | 4 | 2 | Water slide, BBQ: most popular |
| 75-ft Excursion | 75 ft | 14–16 | 5 | 2 | Top-of-range, new 2026 addition |
Which model to pick: The 62-ft Journey is the most popular for a reason: the water slide and BBQ grill justify the price jump over the 59-ft models when you have kids or a larger group. The 75-ft Excursion is worth it for groups of 12+ who want to split costs without feeling crowded. For 4–6 people on a tighter budget, the 46-ft Expedition covers the basics.
One underrated pick: the 59-ft Discovery XL, the only model with central air conditioning and heating, which matters enormously in July (when temperatures routinely exceed 40°C / 104°F) and in October nights (which can drop below 10°C / 50°F).
2026 prices: low season vs peak season
Prices below are Aramark weekly rates for 2026. All rates exclude fuel, the $225 service fee, NPS entry, and taxes. Verify current pricing at lakepowell.com before booking: rates are updated annually.
| Model | Low Season | Shoulder | Peak (mid-Jun – mid-Aug) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 46-ft Expedition | $2,271 | $2,600 | $2,897 |
| 50-ft Nomad | $2,700 | $3,100 | $3,800 |
| 48-ft Navigator | $2,900 | $3,300 | $4,100 |
| 54-ft Escape | $3,100 | $3,600 | $4,500 |
| 59-ft Discovery XL | $3,500 | $4,000 | $5,200 |
| 59-ft Wanderer | $3,700 | $4,300 | $5,600 |
| 62-ft Journey | $4,200 | $5,100 | $7,400 |
| 75-ft Excursion | $5,800 | $7,200 | $9,214 |
The season premium is real. The Journey goes from $4,200 in low season to $7,400 at peak: a 76% increase. If your group has schedule flexibility, May or September delivers the same boat at 40–55% lower cost, and with fewer neighbouring houseboats competing for the best anchoring spots.
The real cost of a trip (fuel, food, extras)
The weekly rental fee is only the beginning. Here is what a realistic 5-day trip actually costs for 8–10 people sharing a 62-ft Journey in shoulder season:
| Item | Estimated cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Houseboat rental (5 days) | $3,000–$3,600 | 62-ft Journey, shoulder season pro-rated |
| Service fee | $225 | Fixed fee, all rentals |
| Fuel | $800–$1,400 | $200–$350/day, varies by distance traveled |
| NPS entry fee | $30 | Per vehicle, 7-day pass: bring one car per group |
| Food and supplies for 8 | $800–$1,200 | Budget $20–$30 per person per day |
| Ice (lots of it) | $80–$150 | Buy extra in Page before departure |
| Optional jet ski rental | $350–$600 | Half-day, from Wahweap or Antelope Point |
| TOTAL | $5,285–$7,205 | Divide by 8–10 people = $530–$900 per person |
The fuel line is the one that surprises people most. At normal cruising speed (around 7–8 mph), a 62-ft Journey burns roughly 8–10 gallons per hour. Fuel at Wahweap runs around $5.50–$6.50/gallon in 2026. A single 50-mile day of exploration costs $200–$250 in fuel alone. Groups that anchor in one spot for two or three days and use the houseboat as a base camp (rather than trying to see the whole lake) spend significantly less on fuel.
Best time to rent: season breakdown
| Season | Dates | Temp | Crowds | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low season | Oct – Apr | 5–20°C | Very low | Cheapest rates, quiet water, dramatic light | Cold nights (get the Discovery XL), short days, some facilities closed |
| Shoulder | May, Sep | 25–35°C | Moderate | Best value, warm swimming, easy bookings | Weather less predictable in May |
| Peak | Mid-Jun – mid-Aug | 38–42°C | High | Guaranteed sunshine, full facilities open | Extreme heat midday, most expensive, book 6–12 months ahead |
The honest recommendation: September is the sweet spot. Water temperatures are still warm enough for swimming (around 24°C / 75°F), air temperatures drop to a manageable 30–35°C, prices fall 30–40% below peak, and the anchorages that were packed in July have space. If you can only go in summer, aim for late June before the absolute peak heat of July sets in.
Can a first-timer drive one?
Yes, and most people are. No boating licence is required: just a valid driver's licence for the person who signs the rental agreement (must be 18+). The mandatory marina orientation covers everything: starting and docking the engine, navigation by buoy numbers, the two-anchor beach method, safety procedures, and the radio channels to use in an emergency.
A few things to know before your first time at the wheel:
- Houseboats do not steer like cars. They are slow to respond and have significant momentum. Give yourself wide berth around other boats and plan stops early.
- Navigation is by buoy numbers, not GPS. Download the Lake Powell offline map on Navionics or a similar app before you lose cell signal (which happens fast once you leave Wahweap). The NPS also provides printed navigation charts at check-in.
- The two-anchor beach method is how you park for the night. One anchor dropped from the bow, then motor toward shore until the boat is a few feet from the bank. A stern anchor holds the back. The orientation covers this: practice it on your first afternoon when conditions are calm.
- Cell service: Essentially non-existent beyond a few miles from Wahweap. Download everything (maps, weather, provisions list) before you leave.
Fuel logistics after the Dangling Rope closure
This is the single biggest practical change to Lake Powell houseboat trips in recent years. Dangling Rope Marina (the only mid-lake fuel stop) closed permanently in 2023. This means there is no longer a fuelling option between Wahweap and Bullfrog, a distance of roughly 95 miles.
The active fuel stations in 2026 are:
- Wahweap Marina: main Aramark dock near Page (south end)
- Antelope Point Marina: 10 min east of Page on Hwy 222
- Bullfrog Marina: north Utah side, ~95 miles from Wahweap
- Halls Crossing: Utah, across from Bullfrog by ferry
The practical rule: never use more than one third of your tank without a confirmed plan to refuel. If your itinerary takes you up toward the Escalante Arm or Rainbow Bridge and back, calculate your round-trip distance against your tank capacity before departure. The marina staff will help you plan this during orientation.
Groups that stay in the lower lake (Antelope Canyon arm, Padre Bay, Warm Creek Bay) can refuel easily at Wahweap or Antelope Point and are minimally affected by the Dangling Rope closure. It is primarily an issue for ambitious itineraries that head deep into the Utah side.
Written by Diego Fresno, travel writer and independent publisher specialising in the American Southwest. This guide draws on field research at Wahweap Marina in July 2025, current 2026 Aramark pricing verified at lakepowell.com in August 2026, and NPS operational data from the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.. Verified quarterly: last review April 2026. About the author →
How much does a Lake Powell houseboat rental cost in 2026?
Aramark (Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas) charges $2,271–$4,912 per week in low season and $2,897–$9,214 per week at peak, depending on the model. Add a $225 service fee, fuel (~$200–$350/day at cruising speed), NPS entry ($30/vehicle), and food. A realistic budget for a 5-day trip for two families (8 people) sharing the cost is $5,000–$8,000 total.
Do you need a boating license to rent a Lake Powell houseboat?
No license required. Anyone 18 or older with a valid driver's license can captain an Aramark houseboat. Before you leave the dock, the marina runs a mandatory orientation covering operation, safety procedures, navigation, and anchoring. First-timers consistently say the orientation is thorough enough that confidence comes within the first hour on the water.
What marinas rent houseboats on Lake Powell?
Two operators: Aramark (Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas) runs houseboats from Wahweap Marina near Page, AZ, and Halls Crossing, UT; Wahweap has the largest and newest fleet. Antelope Point Marina, 10 minutes east of Page on Highway 222, is independently operated and offers a smaller boutique fleet including their "boatel" option (a moored houseboat used as a hotel rather than self-drive). Bullfrog Marina in Utah also has an Aramark presence but limited inventory.
How far in advance should you book a Lake Powell houseboat?
For peak season (mid-June through mid-August), book 6–12 months ahead. The 62-foot Journey and 75-foot Excursion (the models with waterslides and hot tubs) sell out first. Shoulder season (May, September) can be booked 2–3 months out. Last-minute availability occasionally opens up due to cancellations, but you'll be limited to the entry-level 46-foot Expedition.
What does a Lake Powell houseboat rental include?
All Aramark rentals include: full kitchen with cookware and appliances, linens and towels, life jackets, a detailed navigation orientation, and access to the slip. What is NOT included: fuel (you pay by the gallon when refuelling), NPS entry fee ($30/vehicle, 7-day pass), food and supplies, and any optional add-ons (jet ski, dinghy, fishing rods). Some models include a water slide, BBQ grill, or hot tub: check individual listings.
Where is Wahweap Marina?
Wahweap Marina is 7 miles north of Page, Arizona, about a 10-minute drive on US-89 North, then left onto Lakeshore Drive. The Glen Canyon National Recreation Area entry fee ($30/vehicle, 7-day pass) is collected at the kiosk before the marina. The full address is 100 Lakeshore Drive, Page, AZ 86040. From Las Vegas: ~4.5 hours. From Phoenix: ~4 hours. From Flagstaff: ~2.5 hours.
Can you go to Rainbow Bridge on a houseboat?
Yes: it is actually the classic houseboat destination. Rainbow Bridge sits at the head of Forbidding Canyon, roughly 50 miles from Wahweap. Self-drive houseboat renters typically anchor nearby and take the short guided walk to the bridge. Check current water levels before planning this; at very low water (below ~3,525 ft elevation), the channel into Forbidding Canyon can become too shallow for larger houseboats.
How does fuel work now that Dangling Rope Marina has closed?
Dangling Rope Marina (the mid-lake fuel stop) closed permanently in 2023, which significantly changes fuel planning. The only fuel stations are now at Wahweap, Antelope Point, Bullfrog, and Halls Crossing. If you plan to travel far up-lake (toward Rainbow Bridge or Escalante Arm), use the rule of thirds: one third of your tank to go out, one third to return, one third reserve. Budget about $200–$350/day in fuel at normal cruising speed.
Is a Lake Powell houseboat trip worth it?
For the right group, yes: there is nothing else like sleeping anchored in a side canyon with sandstone walls rising 200 feet above you. The honest caveats: the base rental fee is only part of the cost (fuel adds up fast), peak heat in July and August is extreme (plan water activities for early morning), and the logistics of provisioning and fuel planning require more preparation than a hotel trip. Groups of 8–12 that split the cost get the best value. Solo travellers or couples are better served by the Antelope Point boatel or a day boat rental.
More Lake Powell guides
Lake Powell: the complete 2026 guide
Water levels, best viewpoints, when to visit, and how Lake Powell compares to the Grand Canyon as a destination.
Read more →Lake Powell boat tours 2026
The 6-hour Rainbow Bridge full-day tour, Glen Canyon cruises, kayak rentals at Antelope Point, and sunset cruises.
Read more →Rainbow Bridge: how to visit the world's largest natural bridge
Accessible only by boat from Wahweap Marina. Tour options, the 50-mile round trip, and what to expect at the bridge.
Read more →Glen Canyon Dam: free tours and what to know
The 710-foot dam that created Lake Powell. Free inside-the-dam tours and the Lake Powell water level explained.
Read more →