5 Fun Water Sports Adventures to Experience in Big Bear

While the sunshine and excitement of sunny California might invoke thoughts of well-loved vacation destinations such as L.A. or San Diego, travelers looking for a more off-the-beaten-path escape will want to set their summer sights on Big Bear instead.

This scenic stop surrounded by the San Bernardino National Forest is a mere two hours from Los Angeles but feels like worlds away thanks to the many opportunities to commune with nature, enjoy encounters with wildlife, and still have time to browse the boutique shops scattered throughout charming downtown.

While the winter months highlight Big Bear landmarks such a Snow Summit Ski Resort and Bear Mountain, the summer months put the focus squarely on pristine Big Bear Lake. This sprawling body of water is filled with fish, provides ample shoreline and is a gem to be enjoyed in the heart of this welcoming mountain town.

While a leisurely swim is worth your time and sunbathing is always an option for those who book their stay close to the shore, the waters of Big Bear Lake inevitably beckon to those with a passion for water sports and when it comes to wave-based adventures, there’s plenty to choose from! When you’re hoping to make the most of your lake-focused itinerary, here are five fun water sports adventures to be sure to experience while you’re in Big Bear.

Wakeboarding and Water Skiing

When you’re ready to test your adrenaline and balance on the water, wakeboarding and water skiing are two options that are sure to thrill. Head over to Designated Wakesports located at 603 Landlock Landing to browse an impressive selection of wakeboards and water skis that are available for rent.

This location also keeps the newest equipment available on the market and their team of experts is ready and waiting to help answer questions and get you outfitted with the gear that’s right for your day on the lake. Ask about chartered wakeboard boat options when you’re looking for some instruction or rent your own gear and head out independently.

Jet Skiing

For those travelers to Big Bear that are looking for a way to spend the afternoon that provides plenty of speed, fun and time spent on the waves, renting a jet ski and hitting the water is one of the best options around. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of options when it comes to marinas well-stocked with jet skis to rent for the hour, afternoon or day.

Big Bear Lake is home to six separate marinas, all of which offer up rental services. Big Bear, Pine Knot, Pleasure Point, Holloway, and North Shore Landing are all geared towards high-energy water sport rentals, while Fawn Harbor is a better bet for those looking to rent a pontoon, fishing boat, canoe or kayak for the afternoon.

Bass Fishing

Booking a bass fishing guided experience on Big Bear Lake is a wonderful way for experienced anglers to learn new tricks and new anglers to get excited about the possibilities of this water sport. Both Largemouth and smallmouth bass thrive within the waters of Big Bear Lake which tend to remain on the cooler side throughout the year.

Ranging in size from two pounds up to six pounds, the possibilities of what you could reel in during one of these excursions is always exciting. Prime bass fishing season at Big Bear Lake falls between April and November and because bass live in both shallow and deeper waters, options to explore a variety of lake destinations makes a bass fishing excursion as versatile as it is fun. Big Bear Charter Fishing is a great place to start when you’re ready to set up a guided experience.

Big Bear Pirate Ship

While it might not come with the thrilling speeds of a jet ski, time booked on the Big Bear Pirate Ship is a water sports adventure in its own right thanks to the imagination and history behind the entertainment. This lake tour is truly one of a kind and invites guests to board a replica pirate ship and enjoy sailing around the lake in the company of pirates.

Live entertainment is yours for the enjoying when you book this lake activity as well as spectacular views. Big Bear Pirate Ship is headquartered 398 Edgemoor Road and is a family-fun option for time spent on the water with tours provided daily.

Big Bear Watersports School

When picking one water sports activity seems impossible, there’s no need to choose. Head over to Big Bear Watersports school instead and enjoy a day filled with lessons, excursions, and new water-based excitement. Big Bear Watersports School is ideal for visitors of all ages and is located at 439 Pine Knot Avenue.

The staff at this school are certified instructors and can help guests understand, learn and enjoy everything from wakeboarding and wake surfing to tubing. No matter what where your watersport interests may lie, the team at Big Bear Watersports School will help you experience the best of it all.