The Best Boat Rentals Near Atlantic City

Most smaller powerboats and center consoles typically run about $150–$300 per hour, while mid-size sport yachts and event-ready boats are usually $300–$700 per hour. Large party boats can be higher during summer weekends and holidays. Half-day outings commonly total $600–$1,500, with full days ranging higher depending on size, season, and crew. Prices may include a captain and basic safety gear; fuel, taxes, platform fees, gratuity, and add-ons like ice or inflatables are sometimes extra and are clearly shown on each listing.

You’ll find a range that fits most plans: center consoles for fishing or quick cruises, bowriders and deck boats for sightseeing, pontoons and tiki-style boats for casual parties, and larger sport yachts or passenger boats for celebrations. Sailboat availability is limited compared with powerboats here, so if you want a sail, plan early or consider nearby ports.

If you book with a captain, you don’t need a license. For self-operated powerboats on these tidal waters, New Jersey requires a Boating Safety Certificate (NJ or a NASBLA-approved equivalent from your home state). The separate New Jersey “boat license” from the MVC applies to non-tidal freshwater only, not to the bays and ocean around Atlantic City. Operators generally must be at least 16 years old; always confirm age and certificate requirements with the owner before booking.

Captained charters are the stress-free option for groups, celebrations, or first-time visitors. Local captains handle navigation, docking, and changing conditions in Absecon Inlet and the back bays so you can focus on the day. If someone in your group holds an approved boating safety certificate and knows the local waters, a self-operated rental can work well for low-key cruising or fishing.

Common meeting points include the Senator Frank S. Farley State Marina at the Golden Nugget, Kammerman’s Marina on Carson Avenue near the Coast Guard station, and the docks by Historic Gardner’s Basin on North New Hampshire Avenue. Your captain will confirm the exact pickup spot and parking details after you book.

Expect skyline and Boardwalk views, the Steel Pier and Observation Wheel, and the historic Absecon Lighthouse guarding the inlet. Back-bay routes pass salt marshes and bird habitat with Atlantic City shimmering in the background; ocean routes (conditions permitting) trace the beaches toward Brigantine. In summer, keep an eye out for dolphins along the oceanfront.

Yes—many charters are family-friendly. Every boat carries U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jackets, and New Jersey law requires children 12 and under to wear a properly fitted life jacket while underway. Let the owner know the ages and sizes of any children so they can have the right gear ready, and pack sun protection and snacks for younger cruisers.

Most trips are BYO. You can usually bring coolers with food, water, and beverages; alcoholic drinks are allowed for guests 21+ on many captained charters. Glass and red liquids may be restricted to keep decks safe and clean, so check your listing. Some captains can arrange dock-and-dine stops near the marinas—ask when you inquire.

Pet policies vary by boat. Many captains welcome small, well-behaved dogs with advance notice. If approved, bring a leash, a towel, and water bowl, and consider a pet PFD. For everyone’s comfort, avoid bringing pets on crowded celebration cruises or in very hot weather.

Safety comes first on the Jersey Shore. Captains monitor marine forecasts and may adjust routes to the calmer back bays or reschedule if winds, storms, or advisories make conditions unsafe. Cancellation and refund terms are set by each owner on Getmyboat; if a trip is called off for unsafe weather, most offer a new time or a refund according to the listed policy.

Absolutely. Atlantic City is built for celebrations, and boats make planning simple. Choose a yacht or passenger boat sized to your headcount, confirm any decor or playlist requests, and share your ideal vibe—relaxed sunset cruise, photo-focused skyline loop, or party-at-anchor in a calm cove. Finalize guest count and catering details early, especially for peak weekends.

Peak boating season runs June through early September, with warm water and long daylight. Memorial Day weekend, July 4th, and Labor Day are the busiest and book up early. Notable events can impact availability and traffic, such as the mid-summer airshow when scheduled over the beach and the Atlantic City In-Water Boat Show at Farley State Marina in early September. For smoother seas and easier parking, choose weekdays or morning departures; afternoons often see stronger sea breezes and choppier water. Spring (May) and fall (September–October) offer lighter crowds and cooler temps if you’re flexible.

Back-bay cruises edge along the marshes that lead toward the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge, a key Atlantic Flyway stopover with abundant birdlife and big-sky views of the city. On ocean runs in late spring through early fall, dolphin sightings are common along the beaches; your captain will follow respectful viewing distances for wildlife.