The Best Boat Rentals in Puget Sound

Plan for small powerboats to run about $100–$200 per hour, sailboats around $100–$300 per hour, and mid‑size motor yachts about $250–$500 per hour, with larger or luxury yachts from roughly $600 to $1,000+ per hour. Half‑day private charters commonly total $800–$1,800, while full‑day outings often range from $1,500–$4,000+, depending on boat size, date, and route. Most captained listings include a licensed captain, basic fuel for local cruising, and required U.S. Coast Guard safety gear; taxes, gratuity, marina pickup fees, or fuel surcharges for longer runs are usually additional. Always review the specific listing to see exactly what’s included.

You’ll find a wide mix: comfortable motor yachts and cabin cruisers for groups and celebrations, classic sailboats for scenic cruising, speedy bowriders and deck boats for quick outings, fishing charters geared for local species, and even specialty tour boats for larger groups. Personal watercraft are available in some areas, but most Sound outings are best enjoyed on a captained yacht or cruising powerboat that handles open‑water chop and currents well.

For stress‑free trip planning, a captained charter is the easiest option. Local skippers handle docking, routing, currents, and ferry traffic so you can focus on your group. If you prefer to operate the boat yourself, be ready to show experience and meet Washington requirements for operating a motorboat; owners may also require a skills checkout. Given tides, shipping lanes, and changeable weather, many planners choose captained for groups, parties, and first‑time visitors.

Common pickup and departure points include Shilshole Bay Marina in Ballard and Bell Harbor Marina on the downtown Seattle waterfront. You’ll also see charters using Elliott Bay Marina in Magnolia, the Port of Edmonds Marina to the north, Des Moines Marina between Seattle and Tacoma, Dock Street Marina on Tacoma’s Thea Foss Waterway, and the Port of Everett Marina on Port Gardner Bay. Your captain will confirm the exact dock and parking details after booking.

Expect skyline views of downtown Seattle with the Space Needle and the Seattle Great Wheel, Washington State Ferries crossing to Bainbridge Island, and—on clear days—Mount Rainier and the Olympic Mountains. Routes can also take you past Alki Point, Discovery Park bluffs, the Tacoma Narrows Bridges toward the south Sound, and working waterfronts near Everett and Tacoma. Wildlife sightings can include harbor seals, harbor porpoises, bald eagles, and, on occasion, orcas or humpbacks; while exciting, wildlife is never guaranteed.

In Washington, anyone 12 or older who operates a motorboat of 15 horsepower or more generally needs a Washington State Boater Education Card unless exempt. Visitors from out of state usually have up to 60 days of reciprocity, and rental operators can issue a temporary card after completing a safety checklist for certain rentals. If you book a captained charter, you won’t need a card because the licensed captain operates the vessel. Always confirm your situation with the owner or captain before booking.

Yes—most captains welcome families. U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jackets are provided for everyone on board, and children’s sizes are available; let your captain know ages and approximate weights when you book. Washington law requires children 12 and under to wear a life jacket on vessels under 19 feet when underway, and many captains ask kids to wear them at all times on deck. Bring layers, sun protection, and non‑slip shoes for little ones.

Most private charters allow you to bring snacks, picnic items, and beverages. Use easy, spill‑proof containers and lightweight coolers, and ask ahead about ice, refrigeration, or onboard catering options. For safety and compliance, the operator must remain sober—operating a vessel under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal in Washington—so plan your beverages accordingly and follow your captain’s rules on glass and red or staining drinks.

Many boats are pet‑friendly with advance approval. If your pup is joining, bring a well‑fitted canine life jacket, leash for the marina, a towel, water bowl, and waste bags. Captains may limit pets based on size or deck layout and may add a cleaning fee. If your itinerary includes swimming or island stops, confirm pet rules for those areas before you go.

Summer is usually calm and dry, but Puget Sound weather can change quickly with afternoon breezes, fog, or passing showers. Captains monitor marine forecasts and may adjust departure times, routes, or reschedule if conditions are unsafe. On Getmyboat, each listing sets its own cancellation policy—typically Flexible, Moderate, or Strict—and many owners work with you to reschedule for weather. Review the policy on your listing before you book and keep an eye on the forecast as your date approaches.

Peak boating season runs May through September, with the warmest, driest months usually in July and August. Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, and Labor Day weekends book up early, and Seafair festivities in late July and early August—including Fleet Week ship arrivals on Elliott Bay and the Blue Angels air show over Lake Washington—create regional demand across marinas. For smoother water, easier parking, and better rates, consider weekday trips or morning departures; sunset cruises are popular for golden‑hour views on clear evenings.

Absolutely. Captained yachts are perfect for celebrations, team off‑sites, proposals, and family milestones. Many boats accommodate groups of about 6–13 guests, while larger inspected vessels can host bigger parties. Share your headcount, vibe, music preferences, and any décor or catering plans with the captain in advance. If your date falls on a holiday weekend or during Seafair, secure your boat and dock pickup time as early as possible.

Mornings often bring the calmest water and lighter boat traffic—great for families, photos, and wildlife spotting—while afternoons can have a livelier breeze and energy, especially on weekends. Sunset trips deliver spectacular light when skies are clear. If your group wants easier parking and a more relaxed pace, pick a weekday morning; if you’re after a festive feel, consider weekend afternoons and plan extra time for waterfront congestion.

Yes. Blake Island Marine State Park is a classic local boat‑in spot for picnicking and beach time, with moorage docks and buoys in a protected cove across the Sound from downtown Seattle. Many charters can build a Blake Island stop into a half‑day or full‑day itinerary, with time to stroll the shoreline and enjoy views of the city and the Olympics. Ask your captain about timing, moorage availability, and any park fees before you go.