The Best Boat Rentals Near Richland

Most motorboat rentals in the Tri-Cities run about $100–$200 per hour, with premium wake and surf boats with a captain typically $200–$300 per hour. For easy planning, expect roughly $400–$900 for a half day and $800–$1,600 for a full day, depending on the boat, captain, fuel, and weekend demand. Life jackets are included, and many boats come with Bluetooth sound, shade, and basic tow toys by request. Fuel, cleaning, and platform service fees may be additional, and gratuity for captained trips is customary but optional.

You’ll find comfortable pontoons for relaxed cruising, wake and surf boats for watersports, deck and bowrider boats for mixed groups, and smaller fishing or jet-style boats for quick runs. Full-size yachts and sailboats are less common on the Columbia here; most outings are on motorboats built for river cruising, sandbar stops, and watersports.

Both options are available. If you prefer a hands-off, social day, book a captained charter and your skipper will handle docking, routing, and safety. Experienced operators can book self-operated boats; Washington generally requires a Boater Education Card to operate a 15 hp+ vessel if you were born after January 1, 1955. For many rentals, completing the owner’s safety checklist serves as a temporary authorization for the rental period. Visitors with an equivalent out-of-state card can typically operate here for up to 60 days. When in doubt, choose a captain to keep your focus on the group.

Common pickup points include Columbia Point Marina Park in south Richland, the Howard Amon Park boat launch near Newton Street in central Richland, and the North Richland Boat Launch by Leslie Groves Park. Many trips also meet just downriver at Wade Park in Pasco or at Sacajawea Historical State Park at the Columbia–Snake confluence. Your captain or owner will confirm the exact dock and parking details after booking.

Expect big-sky river views along the Columbia with easy cruising past Howard Amon and Leslie Groves parks, the I‑182 bridge, and the Yakima River delta and Bateman Island—great for spotting pelicans, herons, and ospreys. Longer outings can head toward the White Bluffs and Hanford Reach for striking desert cliffs and open water, or downriver toward Kennewick and Pasco to see the Blue Bridge and Cable Bridge. Sunset trips are especially scenic as the basalt hills glow and winds often ease.

In Washington, operators of motorboats 15 horsepower or greater who were born after January 1, 1955 generally need a Washington Boater Education Card. If you’re renting, many owners provide a safety checklist that acts as a temporary card for the rental period, and visitors with a valid equivalent card from another state can typically operate here for up to 60 days. Captained trips require no license for guests.

Yes. Families book here all the time for calm cruising and tubing. Coast Guard–approved life jackets are provided for all sizes; let the owner know children’s ages and approximate weights so they’re ready at check‑in. Children must wear life jackets while underway as directed by the captain and state rules, and there are free life‑jacket loaner kiosks at several Richland boat ramps if you want extra small sizes for shore time.

Most owners allow you to bring snacks, coolers, and non‑glass beverages. Many captains are happy to plan a mid‑cruise picnic stop at a riverside park. If you plan to bring alcohol, keep it moderate and note that the captain is responsible for safety and can limit consumption. Ask ahead about ice, cooler space, and any restrictions like red wine or crumbly foods on cushioned seating.

Some boats are dog‑friendly, especially pontoons, while others are not. If you’re hoping to bring a pet, search for pet‑friendly listings or message the owner before you book. Plan to bring a non‑slip mat, water bowl, and a towel; a small pet cleaning fee may apply.

Summers are hot and dry, with afternoons that can be breezy; mornings and evenings are usually the calmest. Spring can bring more wind, and late summer occasionally brings wildfire smoke or heat advisories. If the captain deems conditions unsafe—think strong winds, lightning, or severe smoke—trips are typically rescheduled or refunded per the owner’s policy. To maximize smooth water and availability, consider morning start times or weekdays.

Absolutely. Most boats host 6–12 guests comfortably, and captains know calm coves for swimming, sandbar tie‑ups, and golden‑hour cruises. Share your headcount, occasion, and music preferences in your inquiry so the owner can suggest the right boat and pickup spot. For July weekends, holiday dates, or sunset slots, reserve early and plan rideshares or carpools for easier marina parking.

Peak season runs May through September, with the warmest water and longest days from late June to early September. Major boating holidays—Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day—book up early. The Tri‑City Water Follies hydroplane races in late July bring crowds and daytime river closures along the race course; plan around that weekend or book an early‑morning or sunset cruise elsewhere on the river. For smoother water, go weekdays or mornings; for vibrant skies and photos, choose sunset.

Two local favorites are a wildlife‑spotting loop around the Yakima River delta and Bateman Island and a longer day trip toward the Hanford Reach for sweeping White Bluffs scenery and broad, open water. If you prefer an urban skyline spin, cruise downriver past Kennewick and Pasco to see both the Blue Bridge and the Cable Bridge before anchoring for a swim at a quiet cove.