You don’t have to go away to get away, as Covid-19 terminated our plans to sail cruise ships packed with more than 5,000 people. But the fun of rowing a rented boat on the beautiful and picturesque lakes of the Bay Area is a perfect way to safely escape for a few hours from your shelter-in-place home.

Here is your itinerary to enjoy a few Bay Area boat rentals. Boat rental companies are taking extra precautions to keep boaters at a safe distance and keep all the equipment, including the life vests, regularly sanitized. It’s time to get some fresh air, breathe deeply and paddle away!

Stow Lake Boathouse in San Francisco

Located in the world-famous Golden Gate Park, the historic Stow Lake Boathouse offers rowboats, pedal boats or electric boats. Man-made Stow Lake was created in 1893 and your boating trip to this lake, while floating, paddling or peddling around, especially with your youngsters, will be one of the most pleasant unforgettable memories of the challenging times we are all experiencing now. Aren’t you happy you decided to get away from it all?

Information
Prices range from $22 to $37 per hour
415-386-2431
Stow Lake Boathouse in San Francisco
stowlakeboathouse.com

Photo courtesy of Stow Lake Boathouse

Shoreline Lake in Mountain View

A small lake on the southern peninsula in the vicinity of a very famous neighbor (you guessed it: the Google headquarters), Shoreline is surrounded by hiking trails and bike lanes that lead to a marsh area near southern San Francisco Bay. The lake has a resident flock of friendly and entertaining Canada Geese families. Boat rentals feature rowboats, colorful canoes, pedal boats, single and double kayaks, and enclosed kayaks.

There are also a lot of picnic areas, so don’t forget to bring a blanket and some delicious and refreshing provisions. Don’t be surprised if the geese stop by to check on the selections in your picnic basket. There is free parking adjacent to the boat rentals. You may run into a dozen or more Googlers who ride their green, yellow and red bikes. After all they also need some fresh air in order to circulate their new innovative ideas.

Information
Rental price is $25 per hour
650-965-7474
Mountain View Shoreline Aquatic Center
shorelinelake.com

Photo courtesy of Shoreline Aquatic Center

Lake Chabot in Castro Valley

Lake Chabot is nestled beneath a high ridge where boaters can explore two outstretched lake arms with secluded coves. After renting the boat at the Lake Chabot Marina, which re-opened for business this month, head past a small island, then choose to continue straight ahead to Bass Cove. You may be surprised by an overhead flight of bald eagles or a giant bass swimming right beneath your boat. Now you know why it is called Bass Cove. The Marina offers single and double kayaks, pedal boats, rowboats, boats with electric trolling monitors and pontoon boats.

Information
Rental prices start at $27 per hour
510-247-2526
Lake Chabot Marina in Castro Valley
lakechabotrecreation.com

Photo courtesy of Lake Chabot Marina

Los Vaqueros Reservoir in Contra Costa County

Los Vaqueros is the biggest area lake for boat rentals. Venture into nearby Cowboy Cove or West Fork Kellogg Creek for sightings of raptors, including golden eagles and red-tailed hawks. Don’t forget to bring a waterproof camera, binoculars or a spotting scope. This lake is a fabulous place for fishing. Spend a wonderful day enjoying nature, relax and catch some fish to bring home for dinner. Your home cocooning will be more tolerable with striped bass on your plate.

P.S. A key to a great visit is to make sure the wind is down. Always call before you drive to Los Vaqueros lake, which is less than an hour’s drive from San Francisco.

Information
Rental prices start at $25
925-371-2628
www.ccwater.com/738/Boat-Rentals
Los Vaqueros Reservoir in Contra Costa County

Photo courtesy of Los Vaqueros Reservoir Fishing

Lina Broydo immigrated from Russia, then the Soviet Union, to Israel where she was educated and got married. After working at the University in Birmingham, England, she and her husband immigrated to the United States. She lives in Los Altos Hills, CA and writes about travel, art, style, entertainment, and sports. She hardly cooks or bakes, with no borsch or piroshky on her home cooking menu. Therefore, she makes reservations and enjoys dining out, mostly sushi.