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Boat Rentals Near You - 2023

4.9(Average of 53,087 reviews in this area)
Get set to boat with our Ultimate Boat Rental Guide
Page 1 of 10 (240 listings)
Custom 26' Vessel with a 3k Sound System in Arlington Virginia
Powerboats in Arlington · 6 guests

Custom 26' Vessel with a 3k Sound System in Arlington Virginia

3.7
$175hour
20ft Suncruiser Pontoon for rent in Washington
Powerboats in Washington · 6 guests

20ft Suncruiser Pontoon for rent in Washington

5.0
$145hour
Don’t dream it. Live it! Rent and Ride the 37' Sea Ray Sundancer Yacht in Washington, District of Columbia
Events in Washington · 10 guests

Don’t dream it. Live it! Rent and Ride the 37' Sea Ray Sundancer Yacht in Washington, District of Columbia

5.0
$334hour
Escape the Ordinary! 42' Sea Ray Sundancer
Events in Washington · 6 guests

Escape the Ordinary! 42' Sea Ray Sundancer

5.0
$300hour
Awesome Time for DC Cruisin’!
Events in Washington · 12 guests

Awesome Time for DC Cruisin’!

5.0
$345hour
"Arabella" Meridian 341
Events in Washington · 6 guests

"Arabella" Meridian 341

New
Superowner
$671hour
"Airbow "- Cruise the Potomac in Luxury
Events in Washington · 13 guests

"Airbow "- Cruise the Potomac in Luxury

New
Superowner
$570hour
Meridian Yachts 408 Motoryacht Luxury DC Yacht Charter
Events in Washington · 12 guests

Meridian Yachts 408 Motoryacht Luxury DC Yacht Charter

5.0
$549hour
Get ready for the time of your life aboard 41" Sea Ray
Events in Washington · 12 guests

Get ready for the time of your life aboard 41" Sea Ray

New
$375hour
Beautiful 35ft Regal Cruiser with Swim pad
Powerboats in Washington · 12 guests

Beautiful 35ft Regal Cruiser with Swim pad

New
$325-350hour
BEST DAY EVER! CLEAN BOAT! HIGHLY EXPERIENCED CAPTAIN! $325/hr WEEKENDS $275 WEEKDAYS
Events in Washington · 6 guests

BEST DAY EVER! CLEAN BOAT! HIGHLY EXPERIENCED CAPTAIN! $325/hr WEEKENDS $275 WEEKDAYS

5.0
Superowner
Best of 2022
$325hour
Spacious Luxury Motor Yacht Rental in Washington DC
Events in Washington · 13 guests

Spacious Luxury Motor Yacht Rental in Washington DC

4.6
$280-292hour
Large Yacht - Bluewater Coastal Cruiser 50 For Entertaining in Washington, DC
Events in Washington · 12 guests

Large Yacht - Bluewater Coastal Cruiser 50 For Entertaining in Washington, DC

4.9
$350-390hour
Live Concert on the Water - 100 PPL
Events in Washington · 100 guests

Live Concert on the Water - 100 PPL

New
Superowner
Best of 2022
$275hour
$275 HR | 8 people + Water Activities
Events in Washington · 9 guests

$275 HR | 8 people + Water Activities

5.0
Superowner
Best of 2022
$275hour
50' Sea Ray 470 Luxury Sport Yacht for rent in Washington, DC
Events in Washington · 10 guests

50' Sea Ray 470 Luxury Sport Yacht for rent in Washington, DC

5.0
$550hour
Water Cabana  and Water Toys
Adventures in Washington · 8 guests

Water Cabana and Water Toys

New
$125hour
G3 Suncatcher 23ft Pontoon Boat  with Water Cabana Experience
Powerboats in Washington · 7 guests

G3 Suncatcher 23ft Pontoon Boat with Water Cabana Experience

5.0
$150hour
Pontoon Boat for Rent in Washington
Powerboats in Washington · 6 guests

Pontoon Boat for Rent in Washington

New
$225hour
Relaxing Cruise on the Potomac in a 30' Rinker Motor Yacht
Powerboats in Washington · 6 guests

Relaxing Cruise on the Potomac in a 30' Rinker Motor Yacht

New
$225hour
Rinker Captiva Bowrider Rental in Washington, District of Columbia
Powerboats in Washington · 6 guests

Rinker Captiva Bowrider Rental in Washington, District of Columbia

5.0
$150hour
Rent this 300 Sea Ray Cuddy Cabin Cruiser in Washington, DC
Powerboats in Washington · 6 guests

Rent this 300 Sea Ray Cuddy Cabin Cruiser in Washington, DC

5.0
$150-165hour
18' Clean 2017 Bayliner Bow Rider - Super fun for a nice cruise in DC Waters!
Powerboats in Washington · 6 guests

18' Clean 2017 Bayliner Bow Rider - Super fun for a nice cruise in DC Waters!

5.0
$130-160hour
2013 Bayliner 180 Bowrider 18' comfy and fun boat for rent in Washington District of Columbia
Powerboats in Washington · 6 guests

2013 Bayliner 180 Bowrider 18' comfy and fun boat for rent in Washington District of Columbia

5.0
$125-150hour

Use GetMyBoat to rent your next boat.

GetMyBoat makes the joys of boating more accessible to everyone. GetMyBoat allows you to quickly search, compare prices, submit rental inquiries, and pay for your rental or charter from the convenience of your phone or computer. We offer a secure platform for renters to facilitate a seamless rental transaction. Read thousands of real user reviews and book a boat rental with confidence for your next boat day. For boat owners, we connect millions of renters to their boat and provide secure rental transactions and fast payouts.

Search for the perfect experience now and book your dream day out on the water. We have a 24/7 customer service team ready to help you at any stage of the process.

Things to consider for your boat rental or charter.

  • Ask the captain to help you plan an itinerary including places to visit and a plan for getting there.
  • Ask the captain if gas is included in the price of your trip. Some owners include gas in the price and some don't, so be sure to ask.
  • Picking the right size and type of boat for your trip and guest count makes a huge difference. Make sure that the boat you choose can accommodate your activities, schedule, and group size. When in doubt, message the captain and ask.
Can you rent a boat for a day?

Yes, you can rent a boat for a day with GetMyBoat. You can also rent a boat by the hour, half-day, for multiple days, or any duration that owners set on their boat rental listings.

How much does it cost to rent a boat for a day?

The cost depends on the type of boat you want to rent. A pontoon boat rental can start as low as $200 a day and for something more luxurious like a motor yacht rental the cost can increase to $5,000 a day.

Do you need a boat license to rent a boat?

No, you do not need a license to rent a boat. With GetMyBoat you can rent a boat that includes a licensed captain so that you can enjoy your time on the water. If you want to drive the boat yourself, depending on the specific location you will need to at the very least have a Boating Safety Certificate.

What kind of boats can I rent?

Depending on availability, you can rent anything from a pontoon boat to a motor yacht. GetMyBoat has rental options for every type of boater. We have sailboats, wakeboarding boats, yachts, and party boats all for rent through our easy-to-use platform.

How can I rent a boat?

Renting a boat has never been easier thanks to GetMyBoat. It’s simple, just search GetMyBoat by the location you wish to visit, filter the boats based on type and group size, and submit a rental inquiry once you find a boat you like. Boat owners will respond with a custom offer and you can confirm and pay for the rental all through the website.

How long is a half-day boat rental?

Typically a half-day boat rental is any rental duration that lasts 4 hours. Boat owners usually like to split the day into two rentals, one in the morning for 4 hours and then a second for the later part of the day. Through GetMyBoat you can specify what timeframe you would like to reserve and the owner will let you know if they can accommodate your rental times.

How does GetMyBoat work for Renters?

Renting a boat is simple and quick with GetMyBoat. You first search for the type of boat you would like to rent by location. You review the boats available for rent in that location and then submit a rental inquiry to the owner of the boat you want to rent. You specify the dates, group size, and duration of the rental. After you submit the inquiry, the owner will respond with a customized rental offer for you to review. Once you agree on the rental terms, you pay for the rental in full via credit card through GetMyBoat to secure your rental reservation.

Local Reviews

  1. NM
    Nancy
    Escape the Ordinary! 42' Sea Ray Sundancer

    Our group of 5 had an amazing time on Captain T’s boat - the boat was beautiful and had everything you would expect for a day on the water: great speaker system, cooler for our drinks, Leah and Captain T were great hosts and Leah even took a bunch of photos and videos for us! It’s such a great activity if you have guests visiting from out of town as you get to see the monuments from the water. We had the best time thanks to Leah & Captain T, he is super professional and fun.

  2. Emily
    Emily
    Awesome Time for DC Cruisin’!

    Really had "a blast" on with our friends for Labor Day weekend. Couldn't have asked for a better experience from check in to communication. Captain Marty was easy going and funny. Memories were surely made with my friends and I on "A Blast".

  3. BR
    Brandon
    Spacious Luxury Motor Yacht Rental in Washington DC

    My entire group had a blast on our trip. It’s a perfect way to spend a summer day, taking in the beautiful sights along the Potomac and enjoying some time in the water. We loved all the floats that were provided. Captain Rick and Nefertiti are both awesome and fun to be around. They took care of everything we needed and made sure it was the best experience possible. I’ve now sailed on Richard’s boats with Rick and Nefertiti multiple times now and have had nothing but positive experiences. Highly recommend!!

  4. YJ
    Yolanda
    Escape the Ordinary! 42' Sea Ray Sundancer

    We had such a great experience and can’t wait to come back and do it again! Captain Terrance and his crew were very knowledgeable, professional and made our experience such a memorable one. We were able to relax, sunbathe, take beautiful pictures with the monuments as our backdrop and dance to our favorite music. The staff helped with all food setups and also helped take great photos. Such an awesome experience. We highly recommend you book with him.

  5. NL
    Nora
    Rent this 300 Sea Ray Cuddy Cabin Cruiser in Washington, DC

    Pablo and his wife Veronica were attentive, helpful, accommodating and professional!

  6. CJ
    Cory
    BEST DAY EVER! CLEAN BOAT! HIGHLY EXPERIENCED CAPTAIN! $325/hr WEEKENDS $275 WEEKDAYS

    Stop looking any further and reserve immediately. Captain took excellent care of my family and I. Safety was a priority and ensured we had a great time during our cruise.

The Ultimate Boat Rental Guide for 2023

In This Guide
Boat Rental Guide

Boat Rentals of All Kinds

First things first: you have to decide what kind of day on the water you want to have. GetMyBoat helps you find boat rentals from local owners and captains of all kinds of boats, like:

And whichever you choose, you can find a rental for you to drive yourself, or book a boat charter with a professional captain who can take care of the driving and help you plan your perfect day.

Types of Boats and Boat Experiences

Low-key cruise? High-powered adventure? All-day fishing charter? There are options for everyone.

Occasions to Get out on the Water

Party Rental Pro-Tip

Party Rental Pro-Tip

When making your booking inquiry, let the captain know that you’re renting for a special event or occasion. They can give you insight and advice on where to go, your catering options, special activities to enjoy and provide information that you can relay to your guests about what to expect and what to bring. Some captains even go above and beyond by setting up decorations and other special touches.

Weather & Boating Seasons

Boat rental: Weather & Boating Seasons

Obviously, you don’t want to get stuck in a storm or plan your boat day during rainy, cold weather. Check your local weather forecast a few days out, and keep tabs on the radar to make sure you’re renting on a day where it’s safe to go out.

But even with that basic preparation, you can still be caught off guard on the water, so it’s good to prepare ahead of time in case conditions change.

What if the weather takes a turn?

One of the first tricks a boater should learn is how to read clouds, since their shape, speed, and position in the sky are all hints as to what the weather will be doing in the near future — and with that knowledge, you can plan and react accordingly. Below are a few basics; for more, check out our full guide on how to predict the weather at sea.

And if there’s a risk you’ll get stuck in bad weather, check out this guide for buying foul-weather gear that will keep you protected.

Cirrus Clouds

These high, wispy clouds are ice clouds positioned high in the atmosphere. If they appear long and wispy, or if you actually see them moving, then a change in weather might be imminent that day.

Distant Storms

You might see the edges of storms and cloud banks while at sea. Don’t panic —they may head toward you, or they may pass harmlessly by. You can try to gauge a storm system’s movement and move accordingly, but remember that storms often change direction, and larger ones tend to travel in a circular pattern. If you happen to have a barometer on board, you can check it for a better reference; a drop in air pressure means that a storm could be imminent in your area.

Winds

A shift in wind direction means a change in weather. Most prevailing winds in the Northern Hemisphere go from west to east, and so a persistent wind blowing due north or south may have a strong system connected to it.

Scent

As humidity increases, so does your sense of smell. A day at sea where everything smells much stronger than usual can mean an impending rain.

Weather Questions and Concerns

What if it rains on my boat rental day?

Cancellation and rescheduling policies vary from owner to owner. If the weather is bad on your scheduled boat day, contact your owner/operator to ask about rescheduling, or a refund. You can (and should) also ask about specific cancellation policies before you book, and often the owner will put it in the listing description of their boat.

Can I cancel or reschedule my boat rental if there’s bad weather?

This will vary depending on your boat owner or captain, but many are very flexible and will work with you to find an alternative time when the weather is better. Be sure to ask about their cancellation and rescheduling policy before you book.

Boat rental: How to Find a Boat Rental with GetMyBoat

How to Find a Boat Rental with GetMyBoat

We make it easy, no matter where you are in the world or what kind of boat day you want to have. Just a few steps:

  1. Search your location on GetMyBoat to see boats available nearby.
  2. Filter by your budget and preferred style of boat or water experience.
  3. Send a booking inquiry to the captain/owner. You’ll tell them your preferred dates, departure times, and any details about what you want to do.
  4. Receive a personalized offer from the boat owner.
  5. Confirm and pay for your booking.
  6. Enjoy the water!

What to Bring on Your Boat Rental

Bringing the right stuff can make or break your boat day, so get together a checklist of what you’ll want well ahead of time so that you don’t forget on the day of.

What to bring will depend on your itinerary and weather conditions, but that being said — it’s always a good idea to bring water, snacks, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, towels, a warm extra layer of clothing (in case it gets chilly), as well as boat shoes. Your boat captain or owner that you rent from can give you more ideas on necessary essentials to bring.

And while most boat captains, owners, and boat rental services should include lifejackets and safety gear, if you have a personal lifejacket that you prefer to wear while enjoying watersports or other activities, it’s a good idea to bring it along.

It might feel like overkill for a casual day on the water, but it’s always better to be over-prepared than under-prepared.

What to Bring on Your Boat Rental

Boat Rental Cost Breakdown

Hourly Rate

This is the base cost per hour for your boat rental before taxes, captain’s fees, or fuel. For every hour of your rental, you’ll pay this price.

Captain’s Fee

This can be listed as a separate charge or included in the hourly rate. Be sure to check the boat listing’s description to see if the captain’s fees are included or a separate charge.

Fuel

Fuel charges are sometimes included but are sometimes separate from the hourly rate price, and will fluctuate based on how far you travel and how much fuel is used during the trip.

Tax

Tax charges for boat rentals vary by region.

Tip

While gratuity is always optional and isn’t part of the GetMyBoat checkout process, tipping is customary in many places. 10-20% of the rental cost is somewhat standard if you have a captain and crew catering to your needs on a charter, but it can vary depending on your region.

= Total Cost

Frequently Asked Questions

Boat Rental Basics

What makes GetMyBoat different from other boat rental apps?

GetMyBoat is the world’s largest boat rental and water experience marketplace. We connect more people to boat rental services than any other company. Our mobile app available for iOS and Android makes it possible to find and book boating experiences right on your phone.

You can access thousands of professional boat captains and companies to help plan your perfect day on the water. GetMyBoat’s 24/7 customer service team is always available to help with any step in the booking process. We also enable you to read real user reviews and see photos added from past users, so you can book with confidence that you’re choosing a 5-star boat rental or water experience.

GetMyBoat is committed to taking the lowest booking fees in the industry to save the customer money in pursuit of their perfect day on the water.

What is a boat charter?

A boat charter (vs. a boat rental) includes a professional captain to drive the boat. Frequently, it also includes crew members to provide services to the passengers, like food and beverage, as well as being there to assist the captain. The number of crew members working a boat charter will depend on the size of the vessel and the number of guests onboard.

A boat charter with a licensed, professional captain is the best option for inexperienced boaters or people unfamiliar with the waterways they wish to explore. A captain can provide an amazing experience on a private boat rental and help make the experience safer and more relaxing for boaters.

Can I rent a boat for a week?

While half-day and full-day boat rentals are the most commonly booked trip durations on GetMyBoat, some boat owners and operators allow for multi-day or week-long rentals. Some owners and boat rental services offer discounted rates when you book for more than one day. Ask about weekly deals on rentals if you’re hoping to go boating for more than one day.

Where do I pick up the boat rental?

While it’s common to meet at a marina or public dock, boat captains and owners can often coordinate a drop off at a boat launch or ramp, or another spot if it’s more convenient. Get the exact directions to where you need to meet your boat owner/captain to determine where to pick up the vessel. Send your captain a message to clarify if you’re unsure where to go!

Where do I refuel the boat?

If you need to refuel your boat rental before you return to the dock, ask the boat rental service or owner where they recommend that you refuel. Most waterways will have several fuel stations to choose from, and often the docks that you meet at for your boat rental will also have them. Many captains and owners will take care of this for you, but it’s a good idea to ask what their specific policy is for fueling. Check out local marinas to see if they have a fuel dock.

Can I bring my dog on my boat rental?

Dogs are often welcome on boat rentals and charters — but be sure to ask first! Some boat captains do and some don’t allow pets to come along.

It’s also a good idea to do some research to make sure your pet will be okay with boating if they’ve never been before. Check out our guide for boating with your dog, and if you do decide to bring your dog along, make sure you have the appropriate lifejacket and other safety gear for them!

Services, Costs, & Fees

How much does it cost to rent a boat near me?

GetMyBoat’s mission is to make boating more accessible and affordable. To do this, we’re constantly growing our team of boat owners, captains, and operators around the world to offer a wider range of boat rentals and services at different price points. We want to provide the joys of boating to everyone - regardless of their budget.

Boat rental costs will vary depending on the size and type of boat you wish to rent. Other factors that impact the price of a boat rental include: trip duration, desired route, and itinerary. A boat rental usually costs between $50 and $150/hour but can range up to over $400/hour. Renting a boat for a few hours is usually less expensive than renting a boat for a whole day, but you can sometimes save money on the hourly rate by renting for longer - some owners and rental services offer discounted rates.

There’s no booking obligation at the inquiry stage with GetMyBoat - so you can send an inquiry message to a captain to get a price quote before you commit.

How much is a boat rental near me for a day?

The cost of a boat rental will depend on the duration of your rental, the size of the boat, and the size of your group. Sometimes, specific itineraries (i.e., traveling far distances to get to a famous swimming spot) can add extra costs if they require additional fuel. Typically, a half-day boat rental is 4-hours, and a full-day is 8 hours. Depending on your specific needs, you can expect to pay anywhere from $250 to over $1000 for your boat rental.

How much does it cost to charter a yacht?

Yacht charters are typically more expensive than boat rentals, but you can find many yachting services that are still affordable on GetMyBoat. A yacht charter usually costs between $300/hour to over $1,000/hour, and this generally includes the captain’s fees and other costs of having a crew onboard to work the charter.

How much is a pontoon boat rental?

A pontoon rental is typically the most affordable boat rental. A pontoon will usually start at $50 and cost no more than $150-200/hour, depending if you rent with a captain or not. Pontoon boat rentals are a cheaper option for boating if you’re looking to save money.

How much should I tip the boat captain?

When a captain and crew provide excellent service on the water, leaving a gratuity as a show of appreciation is a common custom. In many places, 10-20% of the rental cost is standard, but this can vary depending on where you are using boat rental services. GetMyBoat does not handle tips or gratuity payments, so please bring cash with you to tip, or many boat captains also have the option of CashApp or Venmo for leaving a tip after your boat charter.

How much does fuel cost for a boat rental?

Sometimes the boat owner/captain you are renting from will include fuel costs in the total fee charged, while others will charge on a usage basis - so depending on how much you use on your boat day. Inquire with the boat owner/captain about the typical fuel costs for your boat rental duration.

Are there additional costs for renting a boat near me?

Costs for your boat rental will vary from owner to owner, so be sure to inquire about any extra costs that might not be covered in the listed price - like fuel, captain’s fees, or additional charges for unique itineraries. Your captain will let you know what to expect if there is any deviation from the price on the boat listing.

Safety, Laws, and Regulations

How old do you have to be to rent a boat?

You must be at least 18 years old to rent with GetMyBoat. To operate a boat without a captain, you will need to ensure you meet the correct boating safety requirements. Boat owners and operators on GetMyBoat sometimes have their own individual age requirements for renting, so inquire with them on their minimum age when you send a booking inquiry.

How old do you have to be to rent a jet ski?

To rent a jet ski independently, you have to be at least 18 years old. Often 16 & 17 year olds can operate a jet ski rental if they have a guardian present to sign a waiver for them. No one under the age of 16 should operate a jet ski without being in direct supervision of a parent or guardian.

How many people can I bring on my boat rental?

The boat's capacity will vary depending on the captain’s licensing rules, size of the boat, style of the boat, and the location you’re renting in. Every boat listing on GetMyBoat indicates the maximum number of people allowed on the boat, so you’ll know before inquiring if it will suit your group’s size.

Do I have to rent a boat with a captain?

Whether or not you rent a boat with a captain will depend on many factors. If you do not have boating experience - it is recommended that you book a boat rental with a captain service for safety. Some locations require that renters have a licensed captain onboard operating the boat at all times. If you do have boating experience and want to rent a boat without a captain, in most locations you are able to rent it bareboat to go on your own. Ask the boat rental service provider for information on renting a boat without a captain and let them know information about your boating experience.

Where should I go with my boat rental?

When you rent a boat, it’s a great idea to do some research on your own or ask the boat owner/company for recommendations if you’re not from the area. With a boat rental, popular places to venture to include sandbars, islands, beaches, coves, and waterfront restaurants. It’s a good idea to inquire with the boat owner for recommendations on what to do and advice on navigating there safely.

Do I need my own insurance to rent a boat?

You do not need your own insurance to rent a boat.

Do I need a boating license to rent a boat?

Boating license requirements vary from state to state, country to country, and can even be different in various cities and local jurisdictions of the same state. As a renter, you are responsible for understanding local requirements and regulations.

For more information please check out our Boating Laws and Regulations by State Guide and download our Boating Safety Checklist.

Where can I take a boating safety course?

Many boat safety courses are offered online and you can earn a certificate that will qualify you to rent a boat on your own. You can also often take in-person boating lessons which will teach you the necessary hands-on skills to operate a boat independently. Check out BoatEd for more information on local boating safety requirements and courses. You can also check out our Top Boating Safety Tips resources.

Are lifejackets Included in the price of a boat rental?

Most boat owners and boat rental services will include all lifejackets and safety equipment within the price of your listing. It’s always a good idea to ask where the equipment is located onboard before you leave the dock. Your captain or the owner should give you a briefing at the beginning of your rental experience, so you’re aware of all safety features and equipment on the boat.

GetMyBoat has 240 listings for boating experiences in this location with 53,087 reviews.

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