The Best Boat Rentals in Highlands

Most private charters in Highlands run about $160–$250 per hour for smaller motorboats and pontoons, $250–$475 per hour for sailboats and sightseeing boats, and roughly $400–$900 per hour for mid-size yachts, with upscale options reaching $2,500+ for a full day. Listings usually include the required safety gear and many include a captain on yacht charters; some also provide bottled water and ice. Taxes, gratuity, and any add-ons like fuel surcharges, decorations, or special pick-ups are usually extra, so review the inclusions on your specific listing before you book.

You’ll find a range that fits most group plans, including comfortable pontoons for casual cruising, center consoles and other motorboats for bay and river runs, classic sailboats for a scenic sail, sportfishing boats for angling, and yachts for celebrations. Most options can be booked with a captain, and a subset are set up for self-operated cruising if you meet the requirements.

If you hire a captain, you don’t need a license. For self-operated motorboats on local tidal waters like Sandy Hook Bay and the Navesink/Shrewsbury Rivers, New Jersey requires a state-approved Boating Safety Certificate for operators; visitors can typically use an equivalent out-of-state certificate if they’re in New Jersey for a short stay. A separate MVC “boat license” is generally for non‑tidal lakes and isn’t required on the bay. Age rules apply for minors and for PWCs, so check your listing’s operator requirements before you book.

Common meet-up points include Sandy Hook Bay Marina at One Willow Street in Highlands and the Atlantic Highlands Municipal Harbor at 2 Simon Lake Drive next door in Atlantic Highlands. Some trips also stage from Leonardo State Marina in Middletown, a few minutes west along the bay. Your exact dock and parking details will be confirmed by your captain after booking.

Expect big views of the Sandy Hook Lighthouse and historic Fort Hancock, the dramatic Twin Lights atop the Navesink Highlands, sweeping beaches of the Sandy Hook Unit of Gateway National Recreation Area, and on clear days the New York City skyline across the Lower Bay. A relaxing run up the Navesink River passes grand waterfront homes and leafy parks, and in season you may spot dolphins in the bay and even humpback whales offshore.

Yes—families are welcome. Every charter provides U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jackets, and New Jersey requires children 12 and under to wear a properly fitted life jacket whenever the boat is underway. In colder months (November 1 through May 1), passengers on smaller boats may be required to wear life jackets while underway. If you need infant or youth sizes, tell your captain your kids’ ages and weights in advance so the right gear is ready at boarding.

In most cases yes. Many captains are BYO for snacks and beverages and provide a cooler with ice and bottled water; some can arrange catering or a “dock-and-dine” stop at waterfront restaurants. Plan on cans or plastic only, as glass is often not allowed. Alcohol is BYO for guests 21+, and crew may limit service if conditions are bumpy or anyone appears unsafe. Always confirm your group’s plan with the captain in the booking chat.

Plenty of boats welcome well-behaved dogs, especially on bay and river cruises. Ask first, bring a canine life jacket that fits, and pack water, a leash, and clean-up bags. If your itinerary includes a beach stop, your captain can advise where pets are permitted from the water.

Your captain makes the final call for safety. If conditions are unsafe—think thunderstorms, heavy fog, or small‑craft advisories—most hosts will offer to reschedule or issue a refund according to the listing’s cancellation policy. Light rain or overcast skies usually don’t stop trips if the wind and seas are manageable. Check your listing’s policy, and keep your phone handy on charter day for any updates.

Absolutely. Yachts and roomy motorboats here are set up for celebrations with shaded deck space, Bluetooth sound, and easy cruising routes with memorable photo backdrops. Boats list a maximum passenger count—often 6 to 12 depending on vessel and inspection status—so choose a size that fits your group, lock in weekend dates early in summer, and coordinate any decorations, cake, or special pick‑ups with your captain ahead of time.

Peak boating runs from late May through September, with Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day weekends booking up fastest. Early August often brings the Highlands Clam Fest near Huddy Park, which can add traffic around the marinas; plan extra time. Weekdays and morning departures are typically calmer on the water and easier for parking. Late summer into early fall has warm water and clear afternoons, and fall foliage cruises up the Hudson and local rivers are popular on select dates.

If you want a low-stress day—photos, food, and fun—go captained. Local captains handle tides, currents, bridge openings, and traffic while you relax. Self-operated options are best for boaters with a valid boating safety credential who are comfortable with Sandy Hook Bay and the rivers; some rentals require a pre‑rental briefing or specific experience. If you’re organizing a celebration or mixed‑experience group, a captained charter is the smoothest choice.

Favorites include a gentle loop across Sandy Hook Bay to circle the lighthouse and Fort Hancock, a scenic cruise up the Navesink River past Rumson’s grand waterfront homes, and a relaxed bay day with a stop in Horseshoe Cove on Sandy Hook when conditions are favorable. Your captain will tailor the route to the day’s weather, tides, and your group’s vibe.