The Best Boat Rentals in Lake Union

Most self-operated dayboats and runabouts on Lake Union run about $100–$200 per hour, while spacious pontoons usually cost around $150–$250 per hour. Captained sailboats often range from roughly $150–$300 per hour, and mid-size captained motor yachts commonly fall between $250–$450 per hour. Premium and luxury yachts for larger groups can be $600–$1,200+ per hour, with holiday surcharges for July 4th and Seafair. Rates usually include required safety gear and a sound system; fuel may be included for easy lake cruising but can be billed separately for longer routes. Taxes, platform fees, and optional gratuity are additional, and you’ll see the exact inclusions and any captain or cleaning fees before you book.

You’ll find an easy mix for any plan: comfortable pontoons for relaxed cruising, nimble powerboats and bowriders for sightseeing, classic or modern sailboats for a breezy afternoon, and motor yachts with upper decks for celebrations. Smaller electric dayboats are popular for slow, scenic laps of the lake, and many captained yachts offer multi-lake itineraries that connect to Portage Bay and Lake Washington.

Both options are available. If you want a stress-free outing with a set itinerary, a captained charter is ideal—your skipper handles docking, traffic, and route planning. Confident boaters can choose self-operated rentals on smaller vessels and enjoy cruising at Lake Union’s relaxed speeds. For larger yachts and special events, a professional captain is often required and is the easiest way to keep your schedule on track.

Common meet-up points include Lake Union Park by MOHAI in South Lake Union and the AGC Marina along Westlake Avenue North. You’ll also see pick-ups near Lake Union Piers on the south shore, the Sunnyside Ave N Boat Ramp just east of Gas Works Park, and Portage Bay marinas by the University Bridge. Your exact dock and parking instructions will be shared after booking so arrivals are straightforward.

This route packs in signature Seattle views: the Space Needle and downtown skyline, the rust-red towers of Gas Works Park, historic floating homes—including the famous “Sleepless in Seattle” neighborhood—bascule bridges like the Fremont and University Bridges, and the quieter coves of Portage Bay and the Montlake Cut that lead toward Lake Washington. Keep an eye out for Kenmore Air seaplanes taking off from the south end of the lake and for bald eagles and great blue herons along the shoreline.

Washington requires a Boater Education Card to operate a motorboat of 15 horsepower or more if you were born after January 1, 1955. Many rental operators can issue a temporary safety certificate after a dockside briefing for short-term rentals. If you book a captained trip, your crew handles all licensing. Bring a government ID either way, and review the operator’s requirements in your booking details.

Yes. Families are welcome, and all boats carry U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jackets. By Washington law, children 12 and under must wear a life jacket on vessels under 19 feet while underway, and most captains ask that kids wear theirs at all times on any boat. When you book, share each child’s approximate weight so the crew can have properly sized vests ready at boarding.

Absolutely—BYO snacks and drinks are common, and many boats provide coolers or refrigerators. Some captained charters can arrange catering. Please confirm alcohol rules with your captain or owner, pack cans instead of glass where possible, and plan to take any leftovers and recyclables with you after the trip.

Many boats are pet-friendly, especially for small to medium dogs, while others restrict pets to protect upholstery and decks. If your group includes a pup, filter for pet-friendly listings or ask the owner before booking. A leash, a towel or mat for deck grip, and a collapsible water bowl make the day easier for everyone.

Summers on Lake Union are typically mild and dry, but rain and wind can still pop up. Captains monitor conditions and will delay, reroute, or reschedule if it’s unsafe. Each listing sets its own cancellation policy—ranging from flexible to strict—and weather decisions are usually coordinated directly with the owner or captain. You’ll see the policy during checkout, and if conditions are deemed unsafe, most hosts will offer a reschedule or a refund per their terms.

Yes. The calm water, skyline backdrop, and short loops make Lake Union perfect for celebrations. Many captained boats welcome tasteful decorations, allow a custom playlist, and can suggest photo stops and swim-friendly coves on warmer days. For groups, a captained vessel keeps the planning simple and lets everyone stay in the moment.

Peak boating runs May through September, with July and August bringing the driest weather and golden-hour sunsets. Weekday mornings are the calmest and easiest for docking and photos, while sunny weekend afternoons are the busiest. Major boating holidays—Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day—book up early. On July 4th, fireworks are staged over Lake Union with prime on-the-water viewing from South Lake Union and Gas Works Park, and Seafair Weekend in early August features hydroplane racing and the Blue Angels over nearby Lake Washington. On summer Tuesdays, Duck Dodge sailboat races fill Lake Union in the evening; it’s fun to watch, but plan around it if you want quieter waters.