Frequently Asked Questions

  • Yes!

    Madison Donut Boat Company is BYOB. We do not provide drinks, alcohol or food. Feel free to bring your own cooler with snacks and beverages (no glass please!) or order to go directly from Christy’s Landing! All Wisconsin laws relating to the consumption of alcohol on boats apply.

    Please note that Christy’s Landing opens M-F at 11am.

  • The rental agreement waiver will be sent once your reservation is booked & confirmed. (Check your inbox for a confirmation email) Please have signed electronically before you arrive.

    All guests are permitted to sign a mandatory liability waiver. The operator will also be permitted to sign a mandatory operator agreement and safety waiver which we will provide at the dock.

    Please refer to our “Boat License” page for Wisconsin boating laws and responsibilities.

  • Full refund if canceled at least 72 hours before the rental. (Stripe processing fees still apply.)

  • Choose between a 2 hour or 4 hour cruise, depending on how long you’d like to relax and enjoy the water.

  • You are the captain! (21+ to operate)

  • Yes! For the best swimming experience, we recommend our 4-hour rental, which gives you time to anchor and enjoy the water—popular spots include areas like Gilligan’s Island and Goodland Park. Our boats cruise at a relaxed speed (about 5 mph) and stay on/near Lake Waubesa.

    Please note that all swimming is at your own risk and the boat must be safely anchored before anyone enters the water.

  • To book more than one donut boat, simply change the quantity to “2” during the booking process. If you need help coordinating multiple boats or don’t see enough availability, feel free to reach out to us and we’ll be happy to assist!

  • 2 :)

  • If you’ve selected a date and time and it shows as ‘unavailable,’ it usually means that time slot has already been reserved. Our system updates availability in real time to prevent double bookings. If you have any questions or want help confirming your reservation, feel free to reach out, we’re happy to help!

  • Feel free to reach out to us through our contact page!

  • Our dock slip is located at 2952 Waubesa Avenue Madison, WI 53711 (Christy’s Landing!) Follow the signs to the Madison Donut Boat Company dock slip past the tiki bar.

  • Any person born before January 1, 1989 is only required to have a valid drivers license.

    If you were born after January 1, 1989, then you must complete a boaters safety exam using this link https://boat-ed.com/wisconsinrental/

    Must be 21+ years to operate and proof of license will be required before you can get on our boat.

    The course is short, simple and made for situations just like this - most people knock it out pretty fast!

  • Our donut boats seat up to 10 people. Please note there is also a total weight limit. If you're bringing the whole crew and a cooler full of snacks/drinks, you might be more comfy booking 2 boats!

  • Absolutely! Our donut boats are equipped with quiet electric motors and an intuitive steering system, making them as easy to operate as a golf cart—just on water. They cruise comfortably at a maximum speed of 5–6 mph.

    Before departure, all guests receive a brief tutorial along with a comprehensive safety orientation to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience on the water.

  • You must be 21+ to rent the boat however all ages are welcome on the boat.

    The renter must be present on the boat at all times during the rental.

  • Our donut boats operate rain or shine and include a shaded canopy for your comfort. Light rain does not qualify for cancellation.

    For your safety, we do not operate in dangerous conditions such as lightning, thunderstorms, or high winds. If weather conditions are unsafe, we will reschedule your booking.

    Your safety and experience are our top priorities. Weather in Madison can change quickly, so we monitor conditions throughout the day. If needed, we will contact you prior to your reservation to adjust or reschedule your cruise.

  • Yes! In fact, per Wisconsin law, all children under the age of 13 must wear a life jacket while underway.

    We provide life jackets for children and adults. For infants or very small children, we recommend bringing a properly fitting life jacket, as availability may be limited.

  • We recommend arriving 15–20 minutes before your scheduled departure time. This allows enough time for check-in, your safety briefing, and a quick tutorial so you can maximize your time on the water.

  • If something comes up, no worries, just reach out to us at madisondonutboatcompany@gmail.com and we’ll be happy to help you reschedule your booking or cancel it (as long as it’s within our cancellation timeframe)