The Best Boat Rentals in New Orleans

Most casual cruising options run about $75–$150 per hour for pontoons and smaller powerboats, $100–$150 per hour for captained sailing trips on Lake Pontchartrain, and $200–$400+ per hour for larger motor yachts suitable for celebrations. Half-day fishing charters often range from roughly $600 to $1,200 depending on boat size and how far you go. Many captained listings include the captain’s fee and basic safety gear; fuel for easy lake or river cruising is sometimes included and sometimes billed based on actual use. Taxes, platform fees, gratuity, and add‑ons like coolers, ice, or special décor are usually extra, and each listing spells out what’s covered so you can see your full cost before you book.

You’ll find comfortable pontoons and tritoons for relaxed lake days, classic sailboats for sunset cruises on Lake Pontchartrain, center consoles and bay boats geared for inshore fishing in the marshes and passes, and motor yachts for birthdays and bachelorette outings. If you’re planning to cruise the Mississippi River for skyline views, most trips are on captained vessels well-suited to the river’s current and commercial traffic, while self‑operated options are more common on the lake.

For the easiest experience, a captained trip is the way to go—your skipper handles navigation, docking, and routing, and you can focus on your group. The Mississippi River is a working waterway with swift current and ship traffic, so it’s typically captained only. Self‑operated pontoons and smaller powerboats are more common on Lake Pontchartrain, but Louisiana requires boater education for many operators (see below). If anyone in your group is new to the area or boating in general, a captain will reduce stress and keep the day on schedule.

Most private charters meet on Lake Pontchartrain from Orleans Marina in West End and South Shore Harbor Marina near Lakefront Airport. Depending on your itinerary, some trips also stage from Seabrook Harbor & Marine on France Road or the Bonnabel Boat Launch in Metairie. River cruises that take in the skyline and the French Quarter coordinate specific pickup instructions near the downtown riverfront; your captain will confirm the exact meeting point and parking details after you book.

On Lake Pontchartrain, expect broad-water views, pelicans and shorebirds, the New Canal Lighthouse at West End, the art‑deco façade of Lakefront Airport, and long sightlines toward the Causeway Bridge—sunset here is a favorite. On the Mississippi River, you’ll pass the French Quarter riverfront and Woldenberg Park, Algiers Point, the Crescent City Connection bridges, and busy port scenes with tugboats and freighters against the skyline. In the marshes and passes east of the city you may spot herons and egrets, and occasionally dolphins in the brackish channels.

Louisiana requires anyone born on or after January 1, 1984 to complete a state‑approved boater education course to operate a motorboat over 10 horsepower, and you must carry proof while operating. If you don’t have it, you can still enjoy the water by booking a captained charter, or by riding along while an eligible adult operates. Many Getmyboat listings are captained, which removes the licensing requirement for you.

Yes—families are welcome. All legal boats carry U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jackets, and Louisiana law requires children 16 and under to wear a properly fitted life jacket while underway on vessels under 26 feet. Tell your captain the ages and approximate weights of children so the right sizes are ready. Most boats have shaded areas; pack sun protection, water, and snacks, and ask about swim stops if that’s on your wish list.

Most charters allow BYO food and beverages and can provide a cooler with ice if you request it in advance. Glass is often discouraged; cans and reusable bottles are best. Passengers may drink alcohol, but the operator must stay sober—your captain will set clear safety rules. If you want catering, ask your host; many can arrange platters or suggest lakefront pick‑ups on the way out.

Pet policies vary by vessel, but many lake charters are dog‑friendly with advance notice. Small, well‑behaved dogs are the most commonly accepted. Bring a leash, a towel, a collapsible water bowl, and be prepared for a modest cleaning or pet fee. For the animal’s comfort, choose a boat with shade and minimal ladder climbs.

From June through November is hurricane season, and summer afternoons can bring quick pop‑up storms. Captains watch forecasts closely and will delay, reroute, or reschedule if conditions are unsafe. Cancellation terms are set by each listing, but many owners offer a refund or no‑penalty reschedule when the Coast Guard issues advisories or the captain deems it unsafe. To keep your plans flexible, check the listing’s policy before you book and aim for morning departures in midsummer when winds and storms are typically lighter.

Absolutely. Boats on Lake Pontchartrain and the river are popular for birthdays, bachelor and bachelorette trips, proposals, and corporate groups. Share your headcount, playlist needs, décor preferences, and any surprise moments, and your captain will recommend the best route—sunset skyline cruises, calm‑water sandbar‑style hangs on the lake when conditions allow, or photo passes by the French Quarter riverfront. Most boats allow tasteful decorations but prohibit confetti or anything that could blow into the water.

Peak boating weather is spring and fall—March through May and September through November—when temperatures are comfortable and winds are moderate. Summer is great for early‑morning and sunset trips to avoid heat and pop‑up storms. Major boating holidays like Memorial Day, July 4, and Labor Day book up quickly. Big local events also drive demand and traffic near the riverfront: French Quarter Festival runs April 10–13, 2025, and Jazz Fest spans April 24–May 4, 2025. Mardi Gras season culminates on Mardi Gras Day March 4, 2025, which affects road closures, parking, and pickup timing. For the calmest water and easiest parking, choose weekdays or morning departures; weekends and late afternoons sell out fastest.

Yes, but plan ahead. On July 4, Go 4th on the River launches fireworks over the Mississippi River downtown at about 9 p.m., and captained vessels book out weeks in advance and follow temporary safety zones. On the Northshore, Mandeville’s Light Up the Lake show lights up Lake Pontchartrain in the evening as well. If a fireworks cruise is on your list, reserve early, expect adjusted meeting points and return times, and follow your captain’s instructions for staging and river closures so your group enjoys a smooth, front‑row experience.