What to know about renting a boat in Monterey, CA

Renting a boat and cruising in the bay is a fantastic choice to maximize your time in Monterey. The bay provides gorgeous views of this idyllic California coastline, and getting to experience it from the perspective of the water is even more impressive than seeing it from a car window as you drive.

For a spectacular day, rent or charter a sailboat while you’re in Monterey. There’s nothing more liberating than having the wind in your sails take you out into the Pacific. Sail on your own or charter a sailboat with a captain to be your guide in Monterey Bay. You can book special tours like sunset sailing cruises, dinner cruises, or even host a private event during your stay in Monterey. Boat rentals with custom itineraries are excellent venues for events for both California locals and visitors.

If you’d prefer to explore at a higher speed, rent a rib or motor yacht to power down the coast. You can visit nearby places like Big Sur, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and Pacific Grove. Enjoy a picnic onboard, layout and soak up the sun from your private boat deck, or cruise into little coves and secret spots around the bay. Charter a motor yacht with a captain if you want someone else to sort out all the details of your perfect boating day around Monterey Bay.

Fishing charters on a trawler boat are a top choice among visitors to Monterey. Catch Cod, Salmon or Albacore with an experienced guide who will show you a good time on the Bay. Rent a fishing boat with all the equipment if you want to go on your own, or book a charter to have an all-inclusive experience.

For active and sporty travelers visiting Monterey, renting a kayak or a stand-up paddleboard is an excellent option for getting in a workout while still experiencing all the natural beauty of this region. Book a guided kayak tour in the ocean or rent on your own for a fun day of exploring.

The emphasis on conservation and environmental protection of this region makes Monterey an excellent place to go scuba diving. Dive into the extraordinary kelp forests of Monterey Bay with a divemaster who will teach you about the local ecosystems. You might get to see marine life like seals and sea lions!

If you want to see marine life but stay on the boat, book a whale watching tour from Monterey. These ecotourism excursions give you a rare chance to see beautiful whales and dolphins in the wild, an experience that cannot be replicated in captivity. Cruise onboard with your guide who will teach you about the local whale pods that inhabit Monterey Bay.

Boating Events in Monterey

In December, the Brighten the Harbor boat light parade is a fun event to get into the festive spirit for the holidays. Enjoy a waterfront parade of beautifully decorated boats which cruise by in the bay. The California Offshore Race Week finishes in Monterey, and the Monterey Peninsula Yacht Club hosts a variety of sailing regattas throughout the year.

Top Things To Do in Monterey

While on land, there’s plenty to see and enjoy in Monterey. Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium for an educational and entertaining day learning about the local ocean ecosystem, while seeing lots of animals. There are tons of special exhibits, and it’s enough to keep everyone entertained for a full day.

Go for a walk around the historic part of the old town of Monterey. Walk the Path of History and be sure to check out Fisherman’s Wharf. Admire the massive sea lions perched on the wharf an iconic sight of Monterey Bay.

Marinas in Monterey

The biggest marina in Monterey is the Monterey Peninsula Yacht Club. Here you can get advice on boating in the local area, and have a walk to admire the stunning boats moored in their berths. Watch boats cruise in and out of the bay, or visit the Yacht Club’s restaurant for a meal and a drink with a view.

Using GetMyBoat to Rent Your Next Boat

Experiencing the water has never been easier thanks to GetMyBoat. GetMyBoat allows you to search quickly, 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. For boat owners, we connect millions of renters to their boat and provide the security and safety checks on each rental transaction.

Search for the perfect experience now and book your dream day out on the water.

About Monterey

Monterey is a picturesque seaside city on the central coast of California. It’s a perfect place for a vacation or a stop during a California road trip. Monterey is known for its historical buildings, the gorgeous bay, and the Monterey Aquarium. It’s a fantastic city to visit on a weekend trip away from San Francisco or a break from provincial towns in California. A California road trip is incomplete without a stop in Monterey.

The best time of year to visit Monterey is during the shoulder seasons of summer. May or September and October will offer views unspoiled by massive tourist crowds that flock here from June through August. You’ll be able to find more reasonable prices on accommodation while still having warm temperatures. Just pack some layers - it can get cold at night.

To get to Monterey, you can drive in on the Pacific Coast Highway during a road trip. If you’re arriving by plane, catch a flight to San Francisco or >San Jose airport, and it’s under a 2-hour drive to Monterey. You can take a bus or train, but having a car is the best way to see all the off-the-beaten-path spots in Monterey and the surrounding coastal towns.