The Best Boat Rentals in Virginia Beach

Most casual cruising boats like pontoons, deck boats, bowriders, and center consoles run about $100–$200 per hour, with half-day trips commonly $450–$750 and full-day charters about $600–$1,200. Captained bay and oceanfront cruises typically start around $175–$300 per hour, while larger premium yachts can be $300–$500+ per hour. Holiday weekends often carry peak pricing. Rates usually include required safety gear and basic fuel for captained sightseeing trips; taxes, service fees, add‑ons (tubes, floating mats), gratuity, and marina pickup fees are typically extra. Exact inclusions vary by listing, so check what’s bundled before you book.

You’ll find a mix that suits calm Chesapeake Bay days and quick oceanfront hops: pontoons and deck boats for relaxed cruising and sandbar stops; bowriders and center consoles for exploring Lynnhaven Inlet, Broad Bay, and out toward Cape Henry; fishing boats for inshore or nearshore trips; plus sailboats and motor yachts for celebrations or sunset cruises. Many listings offer Bluetooth sound, coolers, swim ladders, and shade canopies to keep your group comfortable.

If you want a stress‑free day (routes planned, docking handled, local knowledge baked in), choose a captained trip. Self‑operated rentals are great for confident boaters familiar with tides, channels, and the busy inlets here; Virginia requires operators of motorboats with 10 hp or more to meet boating‑education rules, and rental outfits commonly provide a brief dockside safety checklist to complete before you go. If in doubt, hire a captain—you’ll see more and relax more.

Common launch points include the Rudee Inlet area at the south end of the Oceanfront (with departures near the Virginia Beach Fishing Center and surrounding marinas) and the Lynnhaven Inlet/Broad Bay side (Lynnhaven Boat Ramp & Beach Facility under the Lesner Bridge, Long Bay Pointe Marina, and The Marina at Marina Shores). Owl Creek Boat Ramp on General Booth Boulevard also provides access to Rudee Inlet and the Atlantic. Your exact meeting spot will be confirmed by your captain or owner after booking.

Expect great skyline and beach views, pods of bottlenose dolphins in warmer months, ospreys and pelicans, and—with the right route—both Cape Henry Lighthouses at the mouth of the Bay. Many captains will also point out the Chesapeake Bay Bridge–Tunnel, the Chesapeake Light Tower offshore, and, on winter wildlife trips, the possibility of humpback whale sightings. Inside Broad Bay and Linkhorn Bay you’ll enjoy calm, scenic coves and sandy pull‑up spots.

For self‑operated rentals, Virginia requires boaters operating motorboats of 10 hp or more to meet the state’s boating‑education requirement. If you don’t already have a boater‑education card, many rental providers use a quick dockside safety checklist that you review and keep on board for your trip; your host will tell you exactly what’s needed. If you book a captained charter, you won’t be operating the boat, so no license is required for you or your guests.

Yes—families are welcome. Every boat supplies U.S. Coast Guard‑approved life jackets for all guests, and most hosts can provide child sizes if you share kids’ ages and weights in advance. Children under 13 must wear a life jacket while the boat is underway on most coastal waters. Your captain or owner will give a safety briefing before departure so everyone knows where gear is and how to move around the boat safely.

In most cases, yes. BYO snacks, picnic spreads, and beverages are common, and many boats have a cooler onboard—ask whether ice is included. To keep the deck safe, bring cans or plastic instead of glass. If you’re celebrating, check your listing about decorations and catering options, and remember that the captain must remain sober and in command at all times.

Some boats are pet‑friendly—especially for small to medium dogs—while others aren’t. Policies are set by each owner and may include a cleaning fee or limits on size and shedding. If you’re bringing a pup, pack a leash, a towel, a collapsible water bowl, and plan shade breaks. Confirm pet approval in your booking request so the crew can prep accordingly.

Summer brings calm mornings and a reliable afternoon sea breeze, with occasional pop‑up thunderstorms. Late summer through fall is Atlantic hurricane season, and nor’easters can bring wind and swell. Captains monitor conditions closely and won’t depart in unsafe weather. Most listings offer a free reschedule or refund if the captain cancels for safety. If your plans are flexible, mornings typically offer the smoothest water.

Absolutely. Private charters are a turnkey way to celebrate, with most boats comfortably hosting 6–12 guests and offering easy add‑ons like coolers, floating mats, and great sound systems. Share your group size, preferred vibe (quiet cruise, swim stops, or a skyline sunset), and any décor requests when you inquire so your host can match you to the right boat and pickup point.

Peak boating season runs May through September, with warm water July–September and the busiest days around Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day. Two big Oceanfront events also impact marina and parking demand: the East Coast Surfing Championships (typically mid‑to‑late August) and the Neptune Festival Boardwalk Weekend (last weekend of September). For the easiest logistics and best prices, choose weekdays over weekends and morning or sunset departures over midday.

Yes. Popular routes include a lighthouse run past the Old and New Cape Henry lights at the Bay’s entrance, a CBBT sightseeing loop, dolphin‑spotting along the Oceanfront, and sandbar days in Broad Bay at “The Narrows” near First Landing. Tell your captain what you want to see—Bay coves, wildlife, history, or open‑water views—and they’ll tailor the itinerary to conditions and your group’s timeline.