10+ Best & Profitable Lake Business Ideas [2023]

Looking to start a profitable business on a lake in 2023? Check out this guide for 10+ of the best and most profitable lake businesses, including boating tours, fishing services and more. Get the financial information you need to get started today.
Newfoundr

By Nick Cotter
Updated Feb 07, 2024

Image of lake business ideas
This page may feature products from our affiliate partners, which could influence the products we discuss due to potential compensation. Despite this, our evaluations are impartial, based solely on our independent analysis. The content here is intended for informational purposes and should not be seen as legal advice. For professional guidance, consulting with a legal expert is recommended.
What are you waiting for?
Quit that job & start your business with ZenBusiness today.

Ever gazed upon a serene lake, the sun's rays dancing on the water's surface, and thought, "What if I could turn this beautiful view into a thriving business?" Well, guess what? You absolutely can! And 2023 could be the perfect year to dive in (pun intended!).

Hey there, future lakepreneur! Whether you're a seasoned business mogul looking for a fresh venture, or a newbie entrepreneur ready to make waves, you've landed in the right place. Welcome to our definitive guide on the 10+ Best & Profitable Lake Business Ideas in 2023.

We're here to inspire you with a splash of creativity, a sprinkle of practical advice, and a whole lot of motivation. So, buckle up, grab your notepad, and let’s set sail on this exciting journey together. Ready to discover how you can transform a tranquil lakeside into a booming business hub? Let's dive right in!

Boat Rental

A boat rental business is an excellent way to make a living as it can generate a good amount of income for the owner. Boat rentals are great for those who want to explore the beautiful scenery and waterways that nature has to offer without owning a boat. Benefits of starting a boat rental business include:

  • Consistent demand
  • Low overhead costs
  • Potential for high profit margins
  • Variety of customers
  • Diversification of services
  • Ability to offer discounts and specials
image of a Boat Rental

Fishing Guide Service

A Fishing Guide Service is a business that provides anglers with the necessary resources to go out on the lake and catch fish. This could include fishing boats, guides, and other fishing equipment. It would make a great business idea due to the large demand of people looking for a fun fishing experience.

  • Offer guided fishing tours
  • Rent out small boats, large boats, and vessels with motors
  • Provide various types of fishing equipment such as rods, hooks, lines, lures and live bait
  • Sell fishing licenses
Featured Business Formation Partners
image of ZenBusiness logo
ZenBusiness
Turn your business vision into reality with ZenBusiness's streamlined LLC formation and expert support services.
Newfoundrz Rating ★★★★★
image of Northwest Registered Agent logo
Northwest Registered Agent
Secure your business's future with Northwest Registered Agent's personalized LLC formation and privacy-focused expertise.
Newfoundrz Rating ★★★★★
image of Bizee logo
Bizee
Kickstart your business effortlessly with Bizee's comprehensive LLC services and free first-year registered agent support.
Newfoundrz Rating ★★★★★

Examples of successful businesses:

The lake business industry provides an array of resources and services, as well as a great source of income for many businesses and individuals. Here is an example list of successful companies in the lake business industry:

  • Lake Resorts Inc.
  • Americas Best Lakes
  • Lakes and Recreation Services
  • Lake Management Solutions
  • Lakeside Tourism Corporation
  • Lakefront Adventures
  • Blue Water Lakes LLC.
  • The Great Lakes Company

Watersport Equipment Rental

A Watersport Equipment Rental is a business that rents out equipment, such as jet skis, kayaks, paddle boards and rafts, to customers who wish to enjoy water activities in the area. This business idea can be especially appealing to tourists and those who don't own their own watercraft but would like to partake in watersport activities. This can be a great way to make money while providing people with a great experience. Here are some advantages of opening a Watersport Equipment Rental business:

  • The cost of renting equipment is usually lower than purchasing it.
  • You can offer customers a wide range of items for different types of watersport activities.
  • The initial investment required is relatively low compared to other businesses.
  • You don't need to worry about staff or inventory management.
  • You can cater to both regular customers and one-time tourists.

More resources:

Marina Hotel

A Marina Hotel is a type of accommodation that is situated near to a marina, usually accompanying a seaside or beach destination. This type of business idea could be appealing to those looking for a unique and memorable hotel experience, with the opportunity to enjoy activities such as boating and fishing. Additionally, the location could prove to be an attractive option for couples seeking a romantic getaway or honeymoon.

  • Ideal for those seeking a unique hotel experience
  • Accompany your stay with activities like boating, fishing and sailing
  • Located near to beautiful seaside or beach destinations
  • Romantic environment perfect for couples or honeymoons
  • Appealing to customers who are looking for something different and exciting

Boat Maintenance And Repair

A Boat Maintenance and Repair business offers services such as cleaning and waxing, repairs for engines and outboard motors, electrical checks and installations, and fiberglass and gelcoat repairs. It can be an attractive business venture for entrepreneurs looking to serve the boating market with a service oriented business.

  • Ability to obtain specialized knowledge in an in-demand field
  • Potential for high profits due to the specialized nature of boat maintenance services
  • Wide target audience for potential customers
  • Opportunity to network with boat owners and businesses that serve the marine industry
  • Interesting work that allows you to explore new places

Related business ideas:

Yacht Charter Service

A Yacht Charter Service is a business offering luxury boat rentals for special occasions such as corporate events and family vacations. It is an excellent business opportunity and can offer:

  • A unique experience for customers
  • High potential profits
  • The chance to own and operate a business in an exciting industry
  • The opportunity to travel to different locations

Water Taxi Service

A Water Taxi Service is a business that operates boats or watercraft for the purpose of transporting people from one location to another. It is an ideal business idea for entrepreneurs looking to capitalize on the popularity of recreational activities such as sailing, boating, and fishing. Additionally, it can also provide a valuable service to those who use it for transportation purposes. The advantages of this business include:

  • Low startup costs
  • Ease of operation
  • Large customer base
  • High potential for profit

Watercraft Sales And Rentals

A Watercraft Sales and Rentals business could be a lucrative venture, as it allows customers to purchase or rent watercrafts like boats, canoes, and kayaks. The benefits of such a business are numerous:

  • Broad customer base - Clients could be recreational water enthusiasts, commercial fishermen or boat owners.
  • Ongoing income - Whether from rentals or sales, ongoing revenue can be generated from repeat customers.
  • Expansion potential - As the business grows, there is the potential of expanding into more areas like boat maintenance, storage and insurance.
  • Ease of operation - With the right training and licensing, operating a watercraft rental and sales business can be relatively straightforward.

Fish Hatchery And Farm Service

Fish hatcheries and farms provide a valuable service to many communities, providing an important source of food, recreation and tourism. Starting a fish hatchery and farm can be a lucrative business venture, as there is a high demand for fish. Here are some advantages to running your own fish hatchery and farm:

  • Availability of resources - You can find fish eggs or larvae in rivers or lakes, so there will be plenty of sources for your hatchery.
  • Food supply - Fish are an important part of the human diet, so providing them with a steady supply will be beneficial to local communities.
  • Recreational use - Fishing is an enjoyable activity for many, and running a fish hatchery and farm will provide people with access to freshly-caught fish.
  • Tourism - A fish hatchery and farm can attract visitors from other areas to come and see the facility, providing additional revenue.

Restaurant And Bar

A Restaurant and Bar is a great business idea because it has the potential to bring in a steady stream of customers. It can also offer a variety of services, including dine-in and take-out meals, drinks and snacks, catering, entertainment, and more. The key to any successful restaurant and bar lies in its quality of food, beverages, service, atmosphere, and overall customer experience. Here are some advantages of having a Restaurant and Bar:

  • A great way to create an inviting atmosphere for guests
  • An opportunity to serve unique food or drink combinations
  • A chance to specialize in certain types of cuisine or drinks
  • An efficient way for customers to enjoy meals with friends or family
  • A source of additional income through catering services

Newfoundr

Founder and CEO

We're newfoundr.com, dedicated to helping aspiring entrepreneurs succeed. As a small business owner with over five years of experience, I have garnered valuable knowledge and insights across a diverse range of industries. My passion for entrepreneurship drives me to share my expertise with aspiring entrepreneurs, empowering them to turn their business dreams into reality.

Through meticulous research and firsthand experience, I uncover the essential steps, software, tools, and costs associated with launching and maintaining a successful business. By demystifying the complexities of entrepreneurship, I provide the guidance and support needed for others to embark on their journey with confidence.

From assessing market viability and formulating business plans to selecting the right technology and navigating the financial landscape, I am dedicated to helping fellow entrepreneurs overcome challenges and unlock their full potential. As a steadfast advocate for small business success, my mission is to pave the way for a new generation of innovative and driven entrepreneurs who are ready to make their mark on the world.