Pine Knot Marina
Pine Knot Marina: Your gateway to Big Bear Lake adventures, offering boat rentals, scenic tours, and family water park fun.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Pine Knot Marina
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Pine Knot Marina: Your gateway to Big Bear Lake adventures, offering boat rentals, scenic tours, and family water park fun.
"The whole crew at Pine Knot Marina was extremely kind, professional and helpful. "
🎯 Rent a Boat Slip
If you plan multiple visits, consider a seasonal slip to avoid daily launch hassles. :boat:
🛒 Grab Lake Day Essentials
Bear Cupboards Market at the marina has snacks, drinks, and picnic provisions. :shopping_cart:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Big Bear Queen Lake Tour
Pine Knot Marina
A 90-minute narrated cruise offering history, celebrity homes, and scenic views of Big Bear Lake.
Inflatable Water Park
Pine Knot Marina
Fun for all ages with slides and water activities, perfect for a sunny day on the lake.
Pontoon Boat Rentals
Pine Knot Marina
Ideal for family outings and enjoying the lake at your own pace. Pack a picnic!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Boat Rentals & Lake Access
Water Park & Activities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Rent a Boat Slip
If you plan multiple visits, consider a seasonal slip to avoid daily launch hassles. :boat:
🛒 Grab Lake Day Essentials
Bear Cupboards Market at the marina has snacks, drinks, and picnic provisions.
💰 Bring Cash for Parking
Parking at the marina requires cash payment, so come prepared. :moneywithwings:
💧 Water Park Fun
Kids love the inflatable park, but water can be chilly! :water_wave:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Rent a Boat Slip
If you plan multiple visits, consider a seasonal slip to avoid daily launch hassles. :boat:
🛒 Grab Lake Day Essentials
Bear Cupboards Market at the marina has snacks, drinks, and picnic provisions.
💰 Bring Cash for Parking
Parking at the marina requires cash payment, so come prepared. :moneywithwings:
💧 Water Park Fun
Kids love the inflatable park, but water can be chilly! :water_wave:
🚫 No Swimming from Boats
Lake law prohibits swimming directly from rental boats. :no_swimming:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Pine Knot Marina receives mixed reviews. Many praise the friendly and helpful staff, especially for rentals and the water park. However, some visitors have reported issues with the quality and maintenance of rental boats and negative experiences with deposit handling and staff professionalism regarding jet ski rentals. The Big Bear Queen tour is generally well-regarded for its scenic value and historical narration, though cleanliness of facilities has been a minor concern.
"We had such a blast today! The whole crew at Pine Knot Marina was extremely kind, professional and helpful. They even went out of their way to try to find a lost item that someone in our group dropped in the water. If you’re looking for rentals, I highly recommend this company. We will use them every time we come back to visit."
Quincy
"Kids ages 8-16 all had a great time on the inflatable water park. The water temp was around 70 and the outside temp was 72 with wind so it was cold but they all said they'd do it again. 45 mins was plenty of time. The inflatable park is at the very end of the marina and you can park pretty close to the end. There's also a few rows of covered bleacher seats for parents who prefer to watch, but there were plenty of adults who were going out with their kids."
Andrea & Joe Z
"Nice & helpful staff just disappointed with the boat quality (things broken / not working & dirty). Be aware that Bear Lake law does not allow people on rental boats to swim from the boat so there is no ladder. Doesn't make sense as I have never been on a boat without a ladder & everyone that owns a boat can swim at their leisure. Guess they only want you to drive around & fish so 4 hours was too long for families with a bunch of young kiddos. Also bring cash to pay to park at the marina."
Dave Rumsey
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Pine Knot Marina is located in Big Bear Lake, California. It's easily accessible by car, with parking available on-site (cash required). Many visitors find it a convenient starting point for exploring the lake.
Yes, there is parking available at Pine Knot Marina. Be aware that it typically requires cash payment.
Yes, Pine Knot Marina is a short stroll from The Village shops and restaurants, making it convenient to combine with a shopping trip.
Pine Knot Marina is a primary access point for Big Bear Lake, offering boat rentals, tours, and slips for private vessels.
While public transport directly to the marina might be limited, Big Bear Lake has local shuttle services that can get you close to The Village area, from where you can walk to the marina.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Rental costs vary depending on the type of boat and duration. Pontoons and jet skis are popular options. Look out for weekday discounts like 'Code20' for 20% off.
It's highly recommended to book boat rentals, especially during peak season or weekends, to ensure availability.
Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check their official website or call ahead for the most up-to-date information on hours for rentals and tours.
Yes, Pine Knot Marina sometimes offers discounts, such as 20% off Monday-Friday rentals with a specific code.
No, Big Bear Lake law prohibits swimming directly from rental boats. There are no ladders on rental boats for this purpose.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Pine Knot Marina offers boat rentals (pontoons, jet skis), the Big Bear Queen lake tour, and an inflatable water park.
Yes, the inflatable water park is enjoyed by kids aged 8-16, though the water can be chilly. Parents can watch from bleachers or join in.
The Big Bear Queen is a 90-minute narrated cruise that departs daily from Pine Knot Marina, sharing local history and pointing out celebrity homes.
Yes, seasonal boat slips are available for rent, which can be more convenient than daily launching if you plan frequent use.
The marina has a market for picnic provisions and drinks, as well as facilities for boat rentals and tours.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Bear Cupboards Market at the marina offers picnic-ready provisions and cold drinks.
Yes, bringing your own food and drinks is a great idea, especially for a picnic on a pontoon boat. The market is convenient for last-minute items.
While there isn't a full-service restaurant directly at the marina, the Bear Cupboards Market provides snacks and drinks, and The Village offers numerous dining choices.
The market offers a variety of essentials, including picnic-ready provisions and cold drinks, perfect for a day on the lake.
Absolutely! Renting a pontoon boat is perfect for a leisurely picnic on the water.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of the lake, boats, and surrounding mountains. The Big Bear Queen tour offers great perspectives for photography.
Pine Knot Marina offers front-row access to Big Bear Lake's famous 4th of July fireworks, making it an ideal spot for photos.
Yes, the Big Bear Queen tour provides excellent opportunities to photograph the lake, celebrity homes, and scenic vistas.
The marina offers picturesque backdrops with boats and the lake. The inflatable water park area can also provide fun, candid shots.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive lake views and boats. A telephoto lens can be useful for distant mountain shots or wildlife.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
and enjoy a leisurely cruise on the lake. Remember that swimming directly from rental boats isn't allowed, so focus on enjoying the ride and scenery. The Big Bear Queen tour is another great option for families, offering a narrated history lesson combined with beautiful lake views that can keep even younger attention spans engaged for the 90-minute duration.
Parking is available, and the marina's proximity to The Village means easy access to additional dining and shopping for a full day of family fun. 💰 Budget Travelers
Packing your own picnic and drinks from outside the marina, rather than relying solely on the on-site market, can also help cut costs. Consider a shorter rental period if budget is a primary concern, or opt for the Big Bear Queen tour, which is generally more affordable than private boat rentals. While renting a seasonal boat slip is expensive,
couples
Pack some wine and snacks for a truly memorable outing. Strolling hand-in-hand through The Village after a day on the lake, with its charming shops and restaurants, adds to the romantic appeal.
The marina's location makes it easy to combine a day of aquatic adventure with a relaxed evening exploring the local scene. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Boat Rentals and Ownership
Many visitors rave about the helpfulness of the staff when it comes to rentals. It's important to be aware of Big Bear Lake's specific regulations. Notably, swimming directly from rental boats is prohibited, and there are no ladders provided on these vessels for that purpose.
For those interested in boat ownership, Pine Knot Marina also offers opportunities for boat slip ownership, providing privileges and prime access, especially during events like the 4th of July fireworks.
This can be a significant investment but offers unparalleled convenience for dedicated boaters. Family Fun at the Water Park
While the park is a hit, reviewers note that the water temperature, even on warm days, can be quite chilly, around 70°F. Parents have the option to watch from covered bleacher seats or join their children in the water.
It's worth noting that this water park is a relatively new addition, with creators expressing excitement about its potential to become a major summer attraction in Big Bear.
The enthusiasm from both visitors and local businesses highlights its growing popularity as a family-friendly destination. Scenic Cruises and Lake Views
This historic cruise, operating since 1965, departs daily from Pine Knot Marina and offers a 90-minute narrated journey around Big Bear Lake. Captain Chris, a lifelong captain of the Queen, shares fascinating stories about the area's history, celebrity homes, and local landmarks like Garstin Island and the Solar Observatory. These cruises provide excellent photography opportunities, allowing visitors to capture the stunning mountain scenery, the unique architecture of lakeside homes, and the expansive beauty of the lake itself.
Light snacks and drinks are available for purchase onboard, enhancing the leisurely experience. While generally well-received, some guests have noted that the onboard bathrooms could be cleaner. Beyond the official tours, renting a pontoon boat from Pine Knot Marina allows for a personalized scenic adventure.
You can pack a picnic from the on-site market and explore the lake at your own pace, enjoying the tranquility and picturesque views. The marina's location makes it a central point for accessing the best vistas Big Bear Lake has to offer. 
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit