REVIEW · CRUISES & BOAT TOURS
Aloha Paradise Private Boat Rental Percy Priest
Nashville days get better on the water. This private pontoon rental on Percy Priest Lake turns a few hours into a real hangout, with a slide, a party-cove vibe, and the option to spread out for calmer swimming. I like that you get the core gear sorted, including a cooler with ice, a 15 ft float pad, and tube time. I also love that the captain focus feels practical, not just sightseeing, so you spend more time playing and less time worrying. One thing to consider: alcohol and towels are not included, so you’ll want to plan those ahead.
If you’re going for a birthday, bachelor, or girls-gone-wild (with safety-first energy), this setup is built for that. In recent rides, captains like Sean, David, and Taylor have been praised for keeping things smooth and fun, including finding calmer water when the lake is busy. Duration is about 3 hours, which is long enough to settle in, rotate through water games, and still leave you with energy for food back on land.
Here’s the catch that matters: this is a private experience for your group only, but the price is $949 per group. That can be great value if you’re splitting costs with friends. If you’re just a couple and want solo-style peace, you may decide you want a different format.
Key highlights you should know before you go

- Private slide pontoon cruise with a party-cove hangout and space to go your own way
- 15 ft float pad plus 2 to 4 person tubes, so you can switch activities without waiting
- Cooler with ice included, which helps you keep drinks and snacks actually cold
- Captain-led route and safety-minded driving, with named captains (Sean, David, Taylor) earning repeat praise
- 3 hours on Percy Priest, enough time for tubing, swimming, and a real lake day rhythm
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Percy Priest Lake: the Nashville water day that actually delivers

Percy Priest is close enough to feel like a casual day plan, but it has enough open water to feel like you escaped. The best part is how the ride supports different moods in the same outing. Some people want to be social, some want to swim, and some want low-key cruising with friends. This private pontoon experience is set up for all three.
I like that the day is framed around a specific lake experience, not a vague “tour and photos” promise. You start on a slide-ready pontoon setup and then spend time where the action is, often described as a party-cove-style area. That means you’ll have a built-in social atmosphere if you want it, without feeling like you must participate in everything.
This is also a practical choice if you’re traveling with people who don’t all want the same kind of fun. The float pad and tube gear give everyone something to do, even if one person is more into lounging than tubing.
The slide pontoon setup: float pad, tubes, and easy downtime

The included gear is the real engine of this rental. You’re not just paying for a boat ride. You’re paying for a floating base camp.
Here’s what comes with the experience:
- 15 ft float pad
- 2 to 4 person tube
- Cooler and ice
- A Master Captain
- You can use the slide pontoon cruising time to reach your hangout spot
Why this matters: a 3-hour lake day can get repetitive if the only activity is watching the shoreline. With a float pad and tubes ready to go, you can rotate between swimming, tubing, and just floating with your group. That lowers the “what now?” factor that can happen on shorter boat outings.
One more practical note: tow sports depend on conditions, and tubing is only as fun as the water around you. The captain helps here by steering you toward places that are calm enough for swimming and active enough for tubing. In multiple recent outings, the captain was praised for protecting the group from rougher boat traffic and finding quieter water.
The 3-hour plan: cruising to the party-cove zone, then choosing your pace
Your time on the water runs about 3 hours. The day is built around a clear stop: Percy Priest Lake, where you’ll cruise over to a party cove area. The idea is simple. You get the social energy of being near other boats, but you also have flotation options that make it possible to claim your own space.
What you can expect in the party-cove style area:
- Hang out near other groups, if that’s your vibe
- Stay in your own area using the float pad and downtime gear
- Use the tube for water sports like being pulled behind the boat (2-person or 4-person tube)
- Swim when the water conditions cooperate
Here’s the real advantage of this structure. You’re not forced into one activity for the entire 3 hours. You can do a round of tubing, then switch to floating and talking, then jump back in for a swim. That makes it work for mixed-age groups and mixed-energy groups, as long as everyone is comfortable being out on the lake.
A potential drawback is that “party cove” implies more boat traffic. That can be fun, but it also means you’ll want to follow the captain’s guidance about where to swim and where to keep the group positioned. The good news is the captain is actively involved, and named captains have been praised for navigating around other boats.
More time on the water
Captain help that feels hands-on, not hands-off

A private boat can either feel like you have a guided experience or like you’re renting a tool and hoping for the best. The difference here is that you get a Master Captain, and the experience is consistently described as safe, organized, and fun.
In the feedback, the captains you’ll hear repeatedly include Sean, David, and Taylor. The praise isn’t just about friendliness. It’s about practical control:
- keeping the ride smooth
- protecting the group from surrounding boats
- taking you to calmer water for swimming
That last point is what I pay attention to. If you’ve ever tried to swim where the water is choppy or crowded, you know how fast fun turns into annoyance. When the captain can find a calm pocket, suddenly the boat turns into a floating playground instead of a bumpy chore.
So if you want a lake day with less decision-making, this captain setup is part of the value. You can focus on enjoying the time, not micromanaging the route.
What you get, what you bring: the inclusion list matters

This rental includes several items that reduce the usual “oops” moments on water days. Here’s the practical breakdown.
Included:
- Cooler and ice
- 15 ft float pad
- 2 to 4 person tube
- Master Captain
Not included:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Towels
It’s also worth noting what’s not stated here, so you can plan thoughtfully: there’s no towel guarantee, and alcohol is your responsibility. For me, that’s the biggest planning decision. If your group wants day drinking, you’ll want to bring what you plan to drink and also bring enough non-alcohol options so everyone stays comfortable.
Also, plan for sun and comfort. Even though sunscreen and swim gear aren’t explicitly listed, it’s smart to assume you’ll be in strong sun for 3 hours. You’ll likely want swim shoes or grip-friendly footwear, plus water-friendly clothing that dries fast.
Value check: is $949 worth it for a private group?

Let’s talk money like adults.
The price is $949 per group for about 3 hours. The listing indicates the private rental is for your group only. It also notes up to 1, so check the exact group-size limit when you book. The value depends on how many people you’ll actually have on board and how many of them will use the float pad and tube.
Why this can be a good deal:
- You get premium lake time without sharing the boat with strangers
- The float pad and tube are included, so your group isn’t paying extra to stay entertained
- Cooler and ice reduce the cost and hassle of bringing supplies separately
- The captain experience helps protect the vibe and reduces stress
When it might feel pricey:
- If only a couple people will actually be using the tube and float pad, you’re paying for space you might not fully use
- If you were hoping for a casual rental where you bring everything on your own with no included extras, this includes enough that the price will feel higher if your group doesn’t take advantage of it
My rule of thumb: if you’re splitting the cost with friends and you’ll use the gear (tubes plus floating), it often pencils out better than you’d expect. If you’re booking solo or as a small pair and want a lot of quiet, you might compare alternatives.
Where to meet and how to plan your arrival

You meet at 3979 Bell Rd, Hermitage, TN 37076. The activity ends back at the meeting point.
This part matters because a lake day has a rhythm. Arrive a little early so you can:
- get settled
- verify the included items
- move into swim mode without rushing
The meeting area is described as near public transportation, which is helpful if you’re coordinating rides. Still, most groups will want a simple ride plan that avoids stress on the way back, especially after a day of sun and snacks.
Best for birthdays, bachelor energy, and groups that like choice

This experience shines when your group wants options. The format works especially well for:
- Bachelorettes and bachelor trips that still want a safe, organized captain-led day
- Birthdays where people want nonstop laughs and plenty of time in the water
- Friend groups that can handle different energy levels, from tubing to lounging
- Mixed groups where some people want to socialize and others want a calmer pocket
If you’re traveling as a family, it can also work, since the vibe is described as versatile, including possibilities for family-friendly time. The key is to match the water activities to everyone’s comfort level. The captain can help guide you to appropriate spots for swimming.
If you’re looking for a quiet nature outing with minimal social noise, you may or may not love the party-cove atmosphere. You can still keep your group in your own space with the float pad, but the area name says what it is.
What to pack for a smooth lake day (so you do not regret it)
Towels and alcohol aren’t included, so think in terms of “what your group needs to keep things easy.”
Pack these:
- Towels (since they are not provided)
- Food and drinks you plan to have, including alcohol if that’s part of your plan
- Water-friendly clothing, swimwear, and something that dries fast
- Sunscreen and sun protection for the whole group
- Anything you need to make the cooler actually useful for you
And a small but important tip: coordinate with your group about the tube rotation. Water time feels longer when everyone gets a turn, and shorter when only a few people do the active activities.
Quick FAQ
FAQ
How long is the Percy Priest private boat rental?
It runs about 3 hours.
Where is the meeting point?
The start and end point is listed at 3979 Bell Rd, Hermitage, TN 37076, USA.
Is this experience private?
Yes. It is a private tour or activity, and only your group participates.
What is included with the rental?
You get a cooler and ice, a 15 ft float pad, a 2 to 4 person tube, and a Master Captain.
Are alcoholic beverages included?
No. Alcoholic beverages are not included.
Are towels included?
No. Towels are not included.
What language is the experience offered in?
It is offered in English.
Is there a cancellation policy?
The experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Should you book the Aloha Paradise Private Boat Rental at Percy Priest?
Book it if you want a private, gear-based lake day where your group can choose between floating, tubing, and swimming without waiting for someone else’s plan. The included cooler and ice, the float pad size, and the tube access make the price easier to justify when you split costs with friends.
Skip it or reconsider if you hate the idea of party-cove energy or you’re not likely to use the water activities. Also plan around what is not included, bring towels and anything you want to drink, since those gaps are on you.
If you want a straightforward Nashville water adventure with a safety-focused captain and enough structure to keep the day fun, this rental is one of the more sensible options on the lake scene.
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