The Best Boat Rentals in Oregon

Most small motorboats and pontoons in Oregon run about $100–$250 per hour, wake and surf boats are commonly $200–$350 per hour, and sailing charters tend to be $120–$200 per hour. Large event boats and yachts can range from about $700 to over $1,000 per hour. Half-day outings often land around $500–$1,000, with full-day private rentals from roughly $900–$1,800 depending on size, season, and captain. Captained trips typically include the captain, safety gear, and fuel. Self-operated rentals usually include required safety equipment but may exclude fuel and cleaning, and often require a security deposit. Exact pricing and what’s included will be listed on each Getmyboat listing when you inquire.

You’ll find comfortable pontoons for relaxing cruises, sporty wake and ski boats for tubing and surfing, versatile bowriders and deck boats for sightseeing, classic sailboats on the Willamette and Columbia, fishing-friendly powerboats on lakes and reservoirs, and, on the coast, ocean-ready cruisers for bay and nearshore trips. Large, captained vessels are also available for celebrations and corporate outings.

If you want a turnkey experience—no docking, navigation, or route planning—a captained charter is the easiest option and great for groups. Confident boaters who want to set their own pace often choose self-operated rentals. In Oregon, renters of motorboats over 10 hp are generally exempt from completing a full boating course if they complete the state’s rental safety checklist, though some owners still prefer experienced operators or a captain. If in doubt, go captained so you can relax and enjoy the day.

In the Portland area, many departures use RiverPlace Marina and the public ramps at Cathedral Park and Willamette Park on the Willamette River, as well as the M. James Gleason Memorial Boat Ramp on the Columbia River. In the Gorge, the Hood River Marina is a common launch. On the coast, look for trips from the Port of Newport’s recreational marina on Yaquina Bay. Popular inland starts include Detroit Lake State Park ramps and The Cove Palisades State Park at Lake Billy Chinook.

Portland outings showcase the skyline and a string of iconic bridges—St. Johns, Fremont, Broadway, Steel, Hawthorne, and more—with possible wildlife around Ross Island and Oaks Bottom. Columbia River cruises offer views of Sauvie Island, big river scenery, and, on clear days, Mount Hood. In the Gorge, expect cliff-lined shores and windsurfers dancing across the water. On the coast, you can cruise under the Yaquina Bay Bridge and often spot sea lions on the docks. At mountain lakes like Detroit Lake and Lake Billy Chinook, you’ll be surrounded by forested slopes and desert canyons.

Oregon requires a Boater Education Card for operating motorboats over 10 hp, but renters are generally exempt from completing a full course if they complete the state’s watercraft rental safety checklist before departure. Visiting boaters with valid NASBLA-approved cards from other states are recognized. If you book a captained charter, the captain handles the operation, so no card is needed for your group.

Yes, families are welcome. Boats carry U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jackets for all passengers, and Oregon law requires children 12 and under to wear a life jacket while underway. If you have infants or toddlers, request properly sized life jackets in advance to ensure the right fit. Captains provide a safety briefing before departure, and owners will outline any age-related rules in the listing.

Most trips allow you to bring snacks, picnic-style food, and non-glass beverages. Many captains are happy to provide coolers or suggest easy catering options nearby. Alcohol is typically permitted for adult passengers, but the operator must remain sober at all times. For everyone’s safety and to protect the waterways, avoid glass and secure any trash so it doesn’t blow overboard.

Pets are welcome on many pontoons and deck boats, and some captains allow well-behaved dogs with prior approval. Policies vary by boat, and an extra cleaning fee or pet deposit may apply. If you’re bringing a pup, pack a non-slip mat, a dog life jacket if you have one, and fresh water and a bowl.

Summer days are generally sunny and dry in western Oregon, with calmer mornings and a higher chance of afternoon breezes, especially in the Columbia River Gorge. Spring and fall can bring light rain or cooler temps; coastal trips may encounter fog or swell. If the forecast looks unsafe, owners will work with you to reschedule or cancel per the listing’s policy. Getmyboat hosts set their own cancellation terms—many offer flexible weather rescheduling, and listings will show whether the policy is Flexible, Moderate, or Strict. Always message the owner through the app if conditions change.

Absolutely. Pontoons and larger captained boats make celebrations easy, with shaded seating, music, and space to mingle. Around Portland, groups love skyline cruises, sunset laps under the bridges, and slow floats near Sauvie Island. On holiday weekends and during big events, boats book early, so lock in your date and headcount as soon as you can.

Peak boating runs from late May through September, with July and August offering the warmest water and longest days. Major boating holidays—Memorial Day, July 4, and Labor Day—sell out quickly, and the Portland Waterfront Blues Festival fireworks on July 4 draw heavy river traffic. Early June brings Portland Rose Festival Fleet Week with bridge lifts and busy waterfronts, early August features the Astoria Regatta and its boat parade on the Columbia, and December showcases the Christmas Ships Parade on the Willamette and Columbia. For smoother cruising, choose weekday mornings or golden-hour evenings; weekends fill up fastest, especially in midsummer.

Morning departures are usually the smoothest, with lighter boat traffic and calmer conditions—great for families and photos. Afternoon trips add warmth and lively river scenes, especially in summer. Sunset cruises are a favorite for celebrations, giving you cooler temps, softer light for photos, and twinkling city views as the bridges light up.

Yes—seasonal experiences like watching the Christmas Ships Parade from the water in December are unforgettable. In summer, a “10-bridge” evening cruise on the Willamette in Portland shows off the city’s architecture, while Sauvie Island beach days and Columbia Gorge sightseeing let you pair boating with swimming and scenery. On the coast, calm-day bay cruises around Yaquina Bay can include sea lion viewing and a pass beneath the Yaquina Bay Bridge.