The Best Boat Rentals in New Jersey

Expect small motorboats to start around $115 to $150 per hour, pontoons and deck boats to run about $150 to $250 per hour, and sailboats in the $200 to $350 per hour range. Captained power cruisers and mid-size yachts commonly cost $300 to $600 per hour, with larger luxury yachts from about $800 per hour and up. Most captained charters include the professional captain, basic fuel for local cruising, standard safety gear, and bottled water or ice; taxes, marina fees, and gratuity are usually additional. Self-operated rentals often include required safety equipment and a quick dockside briefing, with fuel charged at the end of your trip.

You’ll find a wide mix suited to different plans: family-friendly pontoons and deck boats for bays and rivers, sleek bowriders and center consoles for coastal cruising, classic sailboats for leisurely afternoons, and motor yachts for birthdays and special occasions. Fishing boats are also common for inshore and offshore trips along the Jersey Shore and in Raritan Bay.

If you want a stress-free day—especially for celebrations or sightseeing—a captained charter is the easiest option. If you plan to operate the boat yourself, New Jersey generally requires a New Jersey Boat Safety Certificate to run a powerboat, and a separate Boat License from the MVC for non‑tidal (fresh) waters. Visitors can operate with an equivalent certificate from another state. For certain adult renters, New Jersey allows operation of a rented powerboat (not personal watercraft) after completing a brief, state‑approved pre‑rental instruction from the rental business. Many planners book captained trips so everyone can relax while a licensed pro handles docking, navigation, and local rules.

Popular departure points span the state. Near New York Harbor, Liberty Landing Marina in Jersey City offers immediate access to the Statue of Liberty and skyline views, and nearby marinas such as Shipyard Marina in Hoboken and Newport Marina in Jersey City are common pickup spots. Up the coast, Atlantic Highlands Municipal Harbor on Sandy Hook Bay is a frequent launch for Lower Bay and ocean trips. Along the Jersey Shore, Belmar Manutti Municipal Marina on the Shark River is a major charter hub, and farther south, Atlantic City’s Senator Frank S. Farley State Marina and Cape May’s Utsch’s Marina are convenient for coastal cruising, fishing, and dolphin or whale-watching routes.

From Hudson River and New York Harbor departures, you’ll cruise past the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Lower Manhattan skyline, with bridges and landmarks in every direction. Around Sandy Hook and Raritan Bay, expect views of the Sandy Hook Lighthouse and sweeping Atlantic vistas. Down the Shore, Barnegat Lighthouse (“Old Barney”), oceanfront boardwalks, and barrier‑island beaches line the route. Near Atlantic City, skyline and Boardwalk perspectives shine at sunset, while around Cape May you may spot dolphins in summer and, in season, migrating whales offshore.

To operate a motorized boat yourself, New Jersey requires a New Jersey Boat Safety Certificate. If you’re boating on non‑tidal (fresh) waters, you also need an MVC Boat License in addition to that certificate. Out‑of‑state visitors can generally operate with a valid, recognized safety certificate from their home state. Adults renting a powerboat (not a PWC) may be permitted to operate after completing a brief, state‑approved pre‑rental instruction offered by the rental business. If you book a captained charter, you don’t need any license—the licensed captain operates the vessel for you.

Yes, families are welcome. Coast Guard‑approved life jackets are provided for every passenger, and New Jersey requires children 12 and under to wear a properly fitted life jacket while the boat is underway. Many operators carry child and infant sizes, but it’s smart to confirm ages and weights in advance so the right vests are ready. From November 1 through May 1, New Jersey also requires everyone on boats under 26 feet to wear a life jacket while underway. Your captain or host will brief your group on safety before departure.

Most charters allow BYO snacks and beverages, and many encourage cans over glass for safety. Alcohol is typically permitted for adult guests, but the operator must remain sober—boating under the influence is illegal and strictly enforced. Even where state law allows alcohol consumption by passengers, marijuana remains illegal under federal law on the water and is not permitted aboard. If you’d like catering, many captains can recommend easy, local options or arrange it for you.

Some boats allow dogs with advance approval, especially on private bay cruises. Policies vary by captain and vessel, and a cleaning fee may apply. If you’re bringing a pup, let your host know the breed and size, bring a non‑slip mat and water bowl, and consider a well‑fitted pet life jacket. If anyone in your group has allergies, share that with the captain so they can plan accordingly.

Captains watch NOAA marine forecasts and local conditions closely. If unsafe weather is expected—such as small craft advisories, strong winds, lightning, or heavy seas—your trip will usually be rescheduled or refunded per the booking’s weather policy. Summer mornings are often calmer than afternoons along the coast, and flexible timing helps. If the forecast is borderline, your captain will make the final call with safety first.

Absolutely. Private charters are perfect for milestone birthdays, bachelorette and bachelor parties, proposals, photo shoots, team off‑sites, and client entertaining. Tell your captain your headcount, vibe, music preferences, and if you want a swim stop or a skyline cruise. Many boats allow simple decorations and can suggest routes that keep the group together and comfortable, with easy pickup and drop‑off near parking or transit.

Peak boating runs from late May through September, with Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day among the busiest weekends. The Atlantic City Soar & Shore Festival brought the airshow back July 15–16, 2025 and is slated to return May 28–30, 2026, drawing extra traffic on those dates. For calmer water and easier parking, choose weekdays or morning departures; sunsets on weeknights are especially relaxed. Book popular weekend time slots two to four weeks ahead in summer, and consider April, early May, late September, and October for cooler‑weather deals and lighter crowds.

For Statue of Liberty and Manhattan views, look for pickups at Liberty Landing Marina in Jersey City, Shipyard Marina in Hoboken, and Newport Marina in Jersey City. These locations offer quick access to New York Harbor and are convenient for transit and rideshare, making meetups and drop‑offs simple for groups.

Yes—Tices Shoal in Barnegat Bay is a beloved warm‑weather anchoring spot where boats raft up in shallow, clear water just inside Island Beach State Park. On lifeguarded days, boaters who step ashore via the Fisherman’s Walkway may need to follow park access rules, but you’re free to relax and swim from the boat at anchor. Ask your captain about a Tices Shoal day for a laid‑back, only‑in‑Jersey sandbar experience.