The Best Boat Rentals Near Gig Harbor

Expect small powerboats and bowriders to run about $100–$200 per hour, pontoons around $150–$200 per hour, and private captained tours typically $250–$400 per hour depending on boat size and season. Larger motor yachts often range from roughly $300–$600 per hour, while shared sightseeing cruises can be closer to $50–$75 per person. Most charters include required safety gear and life jackets, and captained trips usually include the captain’s time; fuel, taxes, cleaning, or gratuity may be additional. Always review the listing for what’s included before you book so there are no surprises on the day of your trip.

You’ll find an easy mix of options for different groups and budgets: comfortable bowriders and pontoons for casual cruising, sailboats for a relaxed day under canvas, cabin cruisers and motor yachts for parties or celebrations, and dedicated boat tours for narrated sightseeing. Fishing charters and RIB-style boats are also available in the South Sound if you’re after a more adventurous ride. Choose the style that matches your group size, comfort level, and itinerary.

Most trip planners choose a captained experience for maximum ease—your local skipper handles navigation, docking, and currents, which makes hosting a group simple. If you prefer to drive yourself, you can book a self-operated rental on eligible boats; Washington requires a Boater Education Card to operate motorboats of 15 horsepower or more if you were born after January 1, 1955, and the minimum operator age is 12. Many rental companies can issue a temporary card after a safety checklist for qualifying renters. If you’re new to Puget Sound’s tides and Tacoma Narrows currents, captained is the most stress-free option.

Downtown departures commonly meet at Jerisich Dock by Skansie Brothers Park or at the Maritime Pier along Harborview Drive. You may also see pick‑ups at Arabella’s Landing Marina and Gig Harbor Marina & Boatyard; some tours and larger vessels meet nearby at Narrows Marina or Point Defiance Marina in Tacoma. Your exact meeting spot will be confirmed by your captain or host after booking—plan a few extra minutes for waterfront parking on busy weekends.

A typical route showcases the twin Tacoma Narrows Bridges, forested shores of Point Defiance, and views of Mount Rainier on clear days. Cruising the harbor reveals Gig Harbor’s historic waterfront and its rare collection of old fishing netsheds. Wildlife sightings are common—harbor seals, porpoises, and bald eagles are regulars, and whales do occasionally pass through the South Sound. If whales are present, crews follow Be Whale Wise rules that keep a very respectful distance so everyone stays safe.

If you plan to operate a motorboat of 15 hp or more, Washington law requires a Boater Education Card for anyone born after January 1, 1955, and operators must be at least 12 years old for those engines. Many visitors avoid the paperwork by booking a captained charter. For certain self‑drive rentals, a temporary card may be issued after completing a safety checklist—your host will let you know what’s needed during booking.

Yes—families are welcome on most boats. Operators provide U.S. Coast Guard‑approved life jackets and usually stock sizes for children; let your captain know ages and approximate weights in advance so they can set aside the right sizes. Washington law requires children 12 and under to wear a life jacket at all times on vessels under 19 feet when underway, and many captains ask kids to keep them on regardless of boat size. Bring layers—the breeze on Puget Sound can feel cool even in summer.

Most trips are BYO and happy to have you bring snacks, picnic fare, and beverages. Soft coolers are easier to stow than hard ice chests, and glass is often discouraged to protect decks—cans and reusable bottles travel best. Alcohol policies vary by boat; beer, wine, and seltzers are commonly allowed for guests 21+, while some captains may not permit red wine or messy staining foods. If you’d like catering, ask your captain about timing pick‑ups from waterfront eateries before departure.

Pet policies vary by vessel and captain. Some charters allow well‑behaved dogs (often with a cleaning fee or size limits), while others have a strict no‑pets policy. Service animals are generally accommodated. If your dog is coming, bring a fitted pet life jacket, a towel, and a leash, and mention your pet in the initial inquiry so the crew can prep accordingly.

Peak boating season is late spring through early fall, with July and August being driest. Light rain usually doesn’t cancel a trip, but strong wind, limited visibility, or small‑craft advisories can prompt a reschedule or refund based on the captain’s safety call and the policy on your booking. The water stays chilly year‑round (around the low‑50s °F in late summer), so dress in layers, bring non‑slip shoes, and plan for a cooler breeze on the water than on shore.

Absolutely. Boats make easy, memorable venues for six‑person celebrations on standard charters, and there are inspected passenger vessels available for larger groups if you need more capacity. Captains can tailor routes for photo‑ops at the Narrows Bridges or around the historic harbor, and many welcome decorations, playlists, and cupcakes—just confirm details in advance and avoid confetti or anything that could blow overboard.

The sweet spot is May through September, with June–August as the busiest. Holiday weekends—Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day—sell out quickly, and summer Saturdays go first. Locally, the Maritime Gig Festival (June 7–8, 2025) brings extra waterfront activity downtown, and the region’s Seafair Weekend in Seattle (August 1–3, 2025) spikes boat demand across Puget Sound. December features the Lighted Boat Parade if you’re planning a festive winter cruise. For calmer water and easier parking, choose weekday or morning departures; afternoons are warmer but can be breezier.

Favorite outings include a Narrows Bridges loop for dramatic views, a scenic run to Fox Island and Cutts Island (a boat‑in marine state park near Kopachuck State Park), or a cruise past Point Defiance and into Tacoma’s Foss Waterway. Captains time trips with the tides when transiting the Narrows, so you enjoy smooth sightseeing while watching for seals and eagles along the way. Share your must‑see list when you inquire, and your skipper will recommend the best route and timing for the day’s conditions.