The Best Boat Rentals in Long Beach Island

Expect small powerboats and pontoons on Barnegat Bay to run about $125–$200 per hour, with many half-day options around $500–$800. Nearshore fishing or sailing charters commonly range from about $120–$300 per hour depending on duration and gear, while larger event and party boats can be $500–$800+ per hour. Most listings include USCG-required safety gear and fuel or a clear fuel policy; many captained charters include a licensed captain, basic dock fees, Bluetooth sound, and a cooler with ice. Exact inclusions vary by boat, so check the offer details before you book.

You’ll find an easy mix for the bay and nearshore ocean: pontoons and bowriders for relaxed cruising and sandbar stops, center consoles for fishing and lighthouse runs, classic sailboats for breezy bay sails, and larger yachts or passenger boats for celebrations. You’ll also see specialty options like tiki-style cruises and eco or dolphin tours in season.

If you want to operate the boat yourself on local tidal waters like Barnegat Bay or Little Egg Harbor, New Jersey requires a valid New Jersey Boat Safety Certificate for motorized vessels. Many visitors choose a captained charter instead—no license needed, and your captain handles navigation, docking, and local routes. Captained trips are a great choice if you’re new to the area or planning to go near the inlet.

Common departure points include the Ship Bottom Municipal Boat Ramp at West 10th Street and Shore Avenue and the Beach Haven Municipal Ramp at 9th Street on the bay. Boats may also meet guests at Barnegat Light’s municipal ramp at 10th Street and Bayview Avenue, the docks near Viking Village in Barnegat Light, or marinas such as Beach Haven Yacht Club Marina on South West Avenue. Your exact pickup spot will be confirmed in your booking messages.

Bay cruises bring views of Barnegat Lighthouse and the inlet jetties, the historic commercial fishing fleet at Viking Village, salt‑marsh islands dotted with ospreys and herons, and long stretches of the protected back bays. In summer, nature and dolphin cruises sometimes spot bottlenose dolphins just outside the inlet, and sunset trips light up the Causeway and the marsh skyline. At the southern tip, the Holgate unit of the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge frames a wild, undeveloped shoreline—admired best from outside posted areas.

Yes—families are welcome on most charters. Every vessel carries USCG‑approved life jackets, and New Jersey requires children 12 and under to wear a properly fitted life jacket when a boat is underway (unless they’re inside an enclosed cabin). From November 1 through May 1, everyone on boats under 26 feet must wear a life jacket while underway, which is another reason most family trips cluster in warmer months. Ask your captain to have child sizes ready, and share ages and approximate weights in your booking notes.

Most captains are happy for you to bring snacks, lunch, and beverages. Cans and plastic containers travel better than glass; red wines and messy sauces are often discouraged to protect seating. Some boats include a cooler with ice, and many can recommend dock‑and‑dine stops if you want to grab takeout bayside. Remember that the operator must be sober, and New Jersey enforces strict boating‑under‑the‑influence laws—keep it low‑key and follow your captain’s policies.

Many bay charters are pet‑friendly with advance notice. Confirm with your captain, bring a leash and water bowl, and consider a canine life jacket for comfort and safety. If your itinerary includes a swim stop or sandbar, plan for shade and fresh water for your pup.

Your captain monitors marine forecasts and will make the final call on safety. If conditions are unsafe—strong winds, storms, or rough seas—most trips are rescheduled or refunded per the owner’s cancellation policy. Light rain often doesn’t cancel a bay cruise, but inlet or ocean routes may be adjusted to calmer water. Keep your phone handy on trip day for updates.

Yes—boats here regularly host celebrations. Captains can suggest smooth routes for photos, swim or sandbar stops, and sunset timing. Share your headcount early to match a vessel that fits your group and the USCG passenger limit, and ask about playlists, decorations that won’t blow away, and preferred pickup spots to streamline arrival and parking.

Prime boating season runs late May through early September, with Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day weekends booking up fastest. July and August bring the warmest bay water and the most tour options; shoulder weeks in June and September are quieter but still lively. Notable local draws include the White Marlin Invitational in August and the Beach Haven Chowder Cook‑Off in early October, both of which can impact marina and ramp traffic. For smoother water and easier parking, choose weekdays and morning departures—afternoon sea breezes can kick up chop on the shallow bay, especially in midsummer.

Most casual cruisers and families stay in the protected bay for calm water, swimming, and scenery. Barnegat Inlet can feature strong currents and shifting shoals and is best left to experienced local captains and suitable boats. If you’re hoping to spot dolphins or do nearshore fishing, book a captained trip that knows the inlet and the day’s conditions.

For peak weekends, reserve a few weeks ahead—earlier if you need a specific time or larger boat. Share your preferred date, duration, headcount, any kids’ ages, and whether you want to swim, fish, or just cruise. Confirm the exact pickup point, parking plan, and what’s included (fuel, ice, towels). Arrive 15–20 minutes early with sunscreen, hats, soft‑soled shoes, and your playlist ready to connect—then relax and enjoy the bay.

Favorite outings include sunset loops past Barnegat Lighthouse, dolphin and nature cruises in summer, sandbar days off Ship Bottom when tides are right, and scenic crossings linked to the seasonal LBI Water Ferry between Beach Haven’s public dock and Tuckerton Seaport. If you love wildlife, ask for an itinerary that skirts the marsh edges for osprey viewing and lighthouse photo ops without entering posted refuge zones.