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Marina and boat rentals · Big Bear Lake

Pine Knot Marina Big Bear review of rentals and tours

Pine Knot Marina is a waterfront operation offering boat, jet-ski and paddle-sport rentals, lake tours and marine services. It suits visitors wanting lake access near the Village and is about 1.4 miles from Snow Summit's main address.

  • Best for: Boats near the Village
  • 1.4 mi from Snow Summit

At a glance

  • Marina, rentals and lake tours
  • 439 Pine Knot Avenue, Big Bear Lake
  • Seasonal availability varies
  • Advance booking is available
  • Best for: boats near the Village
  • Official website: pineknotmarina.com

What it is known for

The marina's own website lists pontoon boats, jet skis, kayaks, paddleboards, lake tours and marine repair services.

Visitors often praise the fleet and lake views, but repeated complaints concern inconsistent service, check-in delays and unclear rental-time communication.

What a visit is like

The setting and what's available

Pine Knot Marina is situated where Pine Knot Avenue meets Big Bear Lake, adjacent to the Village area. The marina is within walking distance of Village restaurants, bars, and shops.

The marina offers a range of boat and watercraft rentals through its concession partners. Visitors can choose from pontoon boats, jet skis, kayaks, and paddleboards. For those interested in towed watersports, options like wakeboarding, tubing, and waterskiing are also available.

Activities and services

Beyond individual rentals, Pine Knot Marina provides narrated sightseeing cruises. The Miss Liberty paddlewheel tour is a 90-minute journey that explores Big Bear's history, folklore, and notable landmarks. This tour features amenities such as a shaded upper deck, an enclosed heated salon, restrooms, and seating arrangements for smaller groups.

The marina offers boating supplies, fuel, and marine repair services.

Activities at the marina span from self-operated watercraft rentals to narrated sightseeing cruises. Pine Knot Marina presents boating, paddling, watersports, and narrated cruises as summer activities. It's worth noting that some special cruises and events are seasonal and may not be available throughout the entire period the marina operates its rentals.

Strengths and limits

Pros

  • Broad range of watercraft
  • Near the Village
  • Lake tours and repair services

Cons

  • Service quality varies
  • Booking communication receives complaints
  • Seasonal availability is not clearly summarized

Other places to try

Adventures on the water

For a different kind of lake experience, consider Big Bear Marina. This spot offers boat rentals for visitors who want to rent a boat. It suits visitors who want to rent a boat.

The Time Bandit Pirate Ship offers a lake boat tour suited to families on the lake. It suits families on the lake.

Family fun on land

For activities that do not involve the water, the Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain offers a different kind of thrill. This attraction features an alpine slide and family rides and is best for children over 36 inches tall. It suits children over 36 inches tall.

The Big Bear Alpine Zoo is another option for families, especially those with young children. This facility not only provides a place to see animals but also engages in wildlife rehabilitation. It suits families with young kids.

Who it suits

  • Families

    Pontoon rentals offer a relaxed outing on the lake for families.

  • Couples

    Enjoy a leisurely lake experience with pontoon boat rentals.

  • Active visitors

    Jet skis provide a faster, more energetic ride on the water.

  • Sightseeing fans

    The Miss Liberty boat offers a narrated sightseeing tour.

  • Close-to-shore trips

    Kayaks and paddleboards are available for paddling near the bank.

Good to know

About the marina

Pine Knot Marina has a history dating back to 1999 when it launched the Dock Club. The property was converted to a deeded ownership model with 650 moorage units. Slip owners at Pine Knot Marina share interests in the property, commercial storefronts, service docks, and marine equipment. The marina has undertaken facility investments, including dredging, dock construction, and infrastructure upgrades.

The Miss Liberty, a Skipperliner vessel, is docked at Pine Knot Marina. It was built in 1994 and underwent refurbishment in 2006. The marina also identifies marine technician Jami Miller as the first woman in the United States to achieve Yamaha Outboard Master Technician status.

Activities and rentals

Pine Knot Marina offers a floating water park as one of its activities. All rental boats are equipped with Bluetooth capability and speakers. The marina's fishing guide service provides the necessary fishing gear for patrons.

When renting pontoon boats and jet skis, dogs are permitted. However, dogs are not allowed on the lake tours. For customers interested in kayaks and paddleboards, Pine Knot Marina directs them to check in with Get Boards, located across the street, before using the launch dock.

Plan your visit

  1. 01

    Book ahead

    Reserve major watercraft and trips ahead when possible, as availability can vary.

  2. 02

    Check companies

    Activities use different operators, so confirm which company handles your booking and check-in.

  3. 03

    Arrive early

    Miss Liberty passengers should arrive with enough time to locate the correct boarding area.

  4. 04

    Lake conditions

    Miss Liberty trips are weather permitting, so check the lake weather before departure.

  5. 05

    Bring binoculars

    Wildlife-cruise passengers can bring binoculars for viewing bald eagles and other animals.

  6. 06

    Summer fun

    The marina presents boating, paddling, watersports, and narrated cruises as summer activities.

Getting there and parking

Pine Knot Marina is located at 439 Pine Knot Ave, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315. It sits where Pine Knot Avenue meets Big Bear Lake, adjacent to The Village area. The marina is approximately 1.4 miles from Snow Summit's main address.

When driving to Big Bear Lake, the primary routes are State Route 330 via Highland, State Route 38 through Redlands, and State Route 18 from Lucerne Valley. Winter conditions can change quickly. Drivers should always check Caltrans QuickMap or their highway conditions service before departing. It is advisable for winter drivers to carry traction devices and obey all posted chain-control signs.

Public parking is available in several city of Big Bear Lake lots, including those on Bartlett Road, Knickerbocker Road, and Pennsylvania Road. There is also the Alden Lot situated behind Dynasty restaurant. For transit within the area, the Big Bear trolley offers a free service connecting various points such as grocery stores, restaurants, recreation areas, ski resorts, and The Village. Mountain Transit's Red Line also serves The Village and connects to other areas including Moonridge, Bear Mountain, and Snow Summit. These transit vehicles are equipped with wheelchair accessibility and bicycle racks.

Before you go

Should visitors book ahead?

The marina provides prominent booking links for rentals and tours, so advance booking is advisable, per its own website.

When is the marina's rental season?

The marina does not provide one simple season statement on the researched page; check its own booking system for current availability, per Pine Knot Marina.

Which website has current rental information?

Use pineknotmarina.com for current watercraft, tour and booking details, per the marina's own website.

Where it is

Who reviewed this

Jenna Whitcomb

Jenna Whitcomb

Local guide editor

Jenna Whitcomb edits Near Big Bear. Every place on this page was checked against the business's own website and OpenStreetMap on the date below.

Reviewed by
Marcus Delgado, Fact checker
Updated
September 22, 2026