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The Best Boat Rentals in California
Browse, book, and get out onto the water with local captains and boat owners.
Suggested Searches
Types of Boats Popular in California
Yachts
From mid-size to mega yachts, these luxury boats are great for groups and celebrations
$150-$2,140
Pontoons
Perfect for casual cruising, sandbar stops, swimming, and parties
$75-$650
Tours
Explore local waters with a boat rental dedicated to sightseeing and exploration
$90-$1,000
Sailboats
Set sail with these traditional wind-powered boats
$120-$750
Jet Skis
Fast, fun, and easy to operate, these are a guaranteed good time on the water
$50-$775
Fishing Charters
Let a captain do the driving while you do the fishing
$70-$600
Fishing Boats
Boats outfitted for fishing, from small inshore angling boats to deep-sea yachts
$70-$630
Wakeboarding Boats
A high-octane powerboat designed and outfitted for wakeboard towing
$70-$1,500
Kayaks
Who says you need a motor to have fun on the water?
$50-$1,845
Houseboats
All the comforts of home out on the water, for multi-day boat trips
$145-$1,545
Whale Watching
See some of the ocean’s most incredible creatures with these eco tours
$300-$2,150
Diving
Explore the ocean depths with trained boat operators
$65-$600
Canoes
A classic option for leisurely paddling
$50
Recent Reviews in California
Norma
Twin Powered 32ft Bayliner Luxury Power Boat 🛥️
10/10 would recommend booking with Captain Sam! Our group was celebrating a bachelorette and from the beginning to end we felt so welcomed and cared for. We had a great time being on the water. Captain Sam was helpful and made sure we were all comfortable.
ML
Meredith
30ft Catlina Sailboat Charter in Alameda CA
We had a great day on the bay with Captain Brad! Brad was very friendly and full of information about the bay, sailing, and the local areas. It was a very enjoyable day on the bay for our whole group! Planning was simple-- Brad is very communicative and made things easy!
AV
Alexandra
Amazing Private Sailing Charter on 36' Sailboat in Marina del Rey
Matthew is the best! He is professional and knowledgeable about sailing. You can tell he really enjoys it. We had the best time spending Mother’s Day on Matthew’s boat, couldn’t have thought of a better experience. Thank you so much!
TF
Tamara
2023 Bentley Tri-toon with 200hp in Lake Havasu City, Arizona
Renting from Kevin for the first time during one of the busiest times, Desert Storm was so smooth. Great experience from beginning to end. Great communication from launch to pulling us out. Ken did an amazing job putting our boat in and out. Thank you! Would definitely use them again!
BV
Brendon
58' San Francisco Party Cruiser up to 49 passengers! Captain/crew included!
Brian and the Gold Rush crew are amazing! Had my bachelor's on their boat. It was a movie! The whole bay was looking at us. Thank you Gold rush crew for taking care of us. Everything was on point. They helped with loading and unloading equipment. Boat is in tip top shape, very clean. Communication very responsive. See you again soon!
CR
Chloe
58' San Francisco Party Cruiser up to 49 passengers! Captain/crew included!
Brian and his crew were amazing! We were running late and they had no issue waiting for our whole group. He was super easy to work with and the trip was amazing. 2 hours was a perfect amount of time for the trip to the golden gate and bay bridge!
Top Boat Rental Locations in the United States
How To Book on Getmyboat
Browse
Find the right listing for you and your crew, with options for boat types, group size, captained or self-charter, and lots more.
Inquire & Book
Found one you like? Send a rental inquiry with your preferred trip details, and you’ll receive an offer from your captain to book.
Enjoy
Coordinate a pick-up place and time, meet your boat captain, and get out onto the water!
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to rent a boat in California?
California boat rentals cost anywhere from less than $100/hour to over $1,000/hour. It will depend greatly on the size and style of the boat, the itinerary you’re hoping to enjoy (if it’s a boat charter), the number of passengers, duration, and when you’re renting. Boat rentals over holidays, like the 4th of July, are always more expensive, but you can split the cost if you have a larger group onboard. Electric boat rentals in harbors around California are some of the most budget-friendly boat rentals, while luxury yachts will be on the more expensive end.
How much is it to rent a yacht for a day in California?
The typical yacht rental will cost between $750-$1,500 for a full-day rental, and this would include the captain’s fee but not a gratuity for the captain and crew onboard. Yacht charters will vary a lot in price depending on your itinerary and what is included, like food and beverages, entertainment, and more. If you’re cruising far distances, you may have to pay extra surcharges for fuel.
Do you need a license to rent a boat in California?
No — it is not required to rent a boat. Still, it’s highly recommended that you have a Boater Safety Education certificate or other boating license and previous boating experience before operating a boat in the state of California. Some rental companies might have their own requirements for renting, so it’s best to check with the owner or company before you rent. Safety is the number one priority, and having education and prior experience will keep you and your passengers safe.
Where is the best snorkeling in southern California?
While there are tons of great snorkeling spots around Southern California, some of the best, bucket-list spots include Catalina Island, Laguna Beach, and Santa Cruz Island, to name a few. You can book snorkeling tours by boat or from shore when in Southern California.
Where is the best fishing in California?
The best lake fishing and freshwater fishing in California include the San Joaquin Delta, Lake Shasta, Castaic Lake, and Lake Tahoe to name a few. The best saltwater fishing spots include Long Beach, Santa Catalina Island, San Diego, Yerba Buena Island, Bodega Bay, and San Francisco. Book a fishing charter when you're in California for a great angling experience.
Real reviews from happy Getmyboaters.
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