The Best Boat Rentals in Cape Cod

Most small motorboats and center consoles start around $150–$200 per hour, with half days typically $350–$600 and full days about $600–$900, plus fuel. Private fishing or cruising charters commonly run $800–$1,200 for 4–8 hours, while larger motor yachts can range from $500–$1,000+ per hour depending on size, crew, and itinerary. Sailboat charters are often the best value, from roughly $100–$250 per hour. Prices move to the higher end in July and August and may not include gratuity, taxes, fuel, or a platform service fee. Your quote on Getmyboat will itemize what’s included before you pay.

You’ll find a wide mix suited to the Cape’s waters: center consoles and bowriders for beach-hopping or fishing, sailboats for leisurely afternoons under canvas, motor yachts and trawlers for comfortable group outings, and RIBs or deck boats for quick scenic cruises. Many options are captained, and a subset are self-operated in protected areas like Lewis Bay and Nantucket Sound.

If you want the easiest, most relaxing day, book a captained charter—a local skipper handles navigation, docking, and weather calls. Self-operated boats are best for confident boaters comfortable with tides, fog, sandbars, and afternoon sea breezes common on the Cape. Many bareboat providers limit where you can go and require prior powerboat experience; captained trips are generally more flexible with routes and destinations.

Common meeting points include Hyannis Inner Harbor (Ocean Street) for Lewis Bay and Nantucket Sound, MacMillan Pier in Provincetown for Cape Cod Bay and Stellwagen Bank, Saquatucket Harbor in Harwich Port for Monomoy and the islands, Sandwich Marina at the east end of the Cape Cod Canal, Barnstable Harbor/Millway Marina for Sandy Neck and Cape Cod Bay, and Sesuit Harbor in Dennis. Your captain will confirm the exact pickup spot and parking details in your booking messages.

Highlights include Hyannis Port’s shoreline and views toward the historic Kennedy Compound, classic lighthouses like Chatham Light, Nobska Light near Woods Hole, and Race Point Light off Provincetown, sweeping dunes of the Cape Cod National Seashore, and frequent wildlife sightings—seals around Monomoy and, in season, whales on Cape Cod Bay near Stellwagen Bank. On clear days you may also spot Martha’s Vineyard or Nantucket from portions of the Sound.

Through March 31, 2026, Massachusetts does not require a general boating license for adults to operate motorboats, but operators aged 12–15 must have an approved boating safety certificate to run a motorboat without adult supervision, and anyone under 16 may not operate a PWC. A new statewide rule takes effect April 1, 2026, phasing in a boater safety certificate requirement for all motorboat and PWC operators (with deadlines based on birth year). Rental companies may still require experience or a course regardless of age, so review requirements on each listing.

Yes—families are welcome on most listings. All legal safety gear is provided, and Massachusetts requires children under 12 to wear a life jacket while underway. Share your group’s ages and sizes after booking so your captain can have properly fitting kid vests ready. If you prefer calm water, ask for routes inside Lewis Bay, Barnstable Harbor, or the lee of Sandy Neck where conditions are often smoother.

Most charters are BYO. Coolers are common, and many captains can recommend dockside markets for ice and provisions. For everyone’s safety and cleanliness, glass bottles and red wine are often discouraged, and grills or open flames are typically not allowed. The boat operator must remain sober; if you book a captained trip, your crew can relax and enjoy.

Many boats welcome well-behaved dogs with prior approval and may charge a small cleaning fee. Bring a leash, water bowl, and a towel for sandy paws. Note that certain protected areas—like the Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge islands—prohibit pets ashore, so plan to stay onboard when cruising near wildlife habitats.

Captains monitor marine forecasts closely for fog, wind, and seas. If conditions are unsafe, trips are typically rescheduled or refunded according to the owner’s policy on Getmyboat. If the day is safe but not perfectly sunny, the charter usually proceeds. Always review the listing’s cancellation terms, and consider a morning start for calmer winds, with sunset cruises as another typically comfortable window.

Absolutely. Private boats make celebrations easy—your captain can suggest scenic routes for photos, quiet coves for a swim stop, and timing for sunset. Most private charters carry up to six guests; for larger groups, look for inspected vessels designed for higher passenger counts. Share your occasion and any décor or playlist requests in advance so your crew can be ready.

Peak boating runs June through September. Memorial Day weekend kicks off the season, highlighted by the Figawi Race from Hyannis to Nantucket; July 4th and Labor Day are especially busy; and late August features Provincetown’s Carnival week. Weekdays usually offer the best availability and prices, mornings are often smoothest before the afternoon sea breeze fills in, and sunset trips trade warmth for golden light and calmer conditions. Spring and October bring lighter crowds and crisp, beautiful days—just pack layers.

Yes. Seal viewing is common near the Monomoy shoals and sandbars much of the year, and whale activity peaks roughly May through October on Cape Cod Bay and the Stellwagen Bank area, with humpbacks, finbacks, and minkes often spotted. For the best chances, book a trip that plans time in those feeding grounds and follow your captain’s guidance on safe, respectful wildlife viewing distances.