According to the National Marine Manufacturer’s Association, NMMA, there are over 11 million recreational watercraft in the United States, a clear indicator of the popularity of the outdoor pastime. The love of boating goes beyond just ownership, as the popularity of rentals and boat clubs has exploded in recent years, with several cities standing out as top locations for boating experiences.

As the leading marketplace for boat rentals and charters globally, Getmyboat undertook a comprehensive data collection and analysis using hundreds of thousands of data points. The results compilation is the definitive inventory of "The Most Popular Boating Cities in 2025," which spotlights the national appeal of boating and highlights aspects of the local boating culture.

Table of Contents


About the Report

By analyzing proprietary booking data on Getmyboat, we compiled this comprehensive report to create a resource for boating enthusiasts, industry stakeholders, and anyone intrigued by the current state of the boating industry and culture across the United States.

With this report, we aim to provide valuable insights to industry reporters, travelers, key stakeholders, and all others interested in the boating climate as they look forward to the 2026 boating season.

Our Methodology

To develop this report, Getmyboat analyzed thousands of boat rentals and charters in the United States, including territories, on the Getmyboat platform. Data was cleaned to exclude outlier hourly rates and locations with insignificant sample sizes, while rentals were categorized into the significant categories to be evaluated in this report. Data on the average hourly rate, trip price, most popular style of boat, and number of vessels available in each location is included for the top 15 locations to paint a more detailed picture of the boating culture for each city.

The Top 15 Map

2025DataMapUSA

#1: Miami, Florida

Average Hourly Rate: $312

Average Trip Price: $1,249

Most Popular Style of Boat: Yachts

Number of Available Vessels: 916

Coming in first place for the third consecutive year, Miami offers endless opportunities for boating adventures. With its stunning coastline, many amazing sights in this city are best experienced from the water. Whether you're cruising past iconic landmarks like Star Island and Millionaire’s Row or anchoring at Pace Picnic Island, renting a boat in Miami guarantees you’ll get to see parts of Miami that you can’t access on land.

It’s also a top yachting destination for special events, like bachelorette and bachelor parties, milestone birthdays, family vacations, or other celebrations. Plan a dock and dine experience in Miami with our waterfront dining guide. A boat rental in Miami typically lasts about four hours, but many people also book full-day or 8+ hour excursions. Almost all rentals are captained charters in Miami.

#2: Chicago, Illinois

Average Hourly Rate: $485

Average Trip Price: $1,941

Most Popular Style of Boat: Yachts

Number of Available Vessels: 281

Despite its shorter boating season relative to Miami and other southern destinations, Chicago comes in 2nd place for boat rental demand in the United States. Thanks to Lake Michigan, the Windy City is a haven for boating enthusiasts during the summer months. Renting a boat here means cruising the lake, passing by the city's famed skyline, and enjoying panoramic views of Navy Pier and the iconic Chicago Harbor Lighthouse. If you want to enjoy the 4th of July on the water in Chicago, be sure to book early, as boat rentals reserve far in advance.

#3: Austin, Texas

Average Hourly Rate: $224

Average Trip Price: $896

Most Popular Style of Boat: Pontoons

Number of Available Vessels: 180

Coming in third place for boat rental demand again, Austin's expansive waterways, notably Lake Austin and Lake Travis, attract tons of people looking to escape the Texas heat and cool off on the water. Rent a boat in Austin to cruise the lakes, relax on a floating mat in the quiet coves, or indulge in watersports like wakeboarding and tubing.

Like Miami, Austin is a popular city for special event trips, such as bachelorette and bachelor parties, birthdays, and family gatherings. Many visitors and locals alike rent boats to serve as the perfect venue for celebrations.

#4: San Diego, California

Average Hourly Rate: $296

Average Trip Price: $1,185

Most Popular Style of Boat: Yachts

Number of Available Vessels: 101

Rising from #5 in 2024 to #4 in 2025, San Diego has grown in popularity for boating. Offering year-round sunshine and diverse maritime landscapes, it's a premier destination for boat rentals. From navigating the San Diego Bay to whale-watching excursions in the Pacific, renting a boat in San Diego opens up a world of aquatic adventures against the backdrop of iconic landmarks like the Coronado Bridge and the historic USS Midway.

#5: Marina del Rey, California

Average Hourly Rate: $240

Average Trip Price: $953

Most Popular Style of Boat: Yachts

Number of Available Vessels: 136

As the largest man-made marina in the United States, Marina del Rey offers great access to the stunning coastline of Southern California. Renting a boat here means embarking on coastal cruises, exploring the charming waterfront communities of Venice Beach and Santa Monica. While it did drop one spot in 2025, from #4 to #5, Marina del Rey remains in the top spots for boating in the U.S.

Yacht charters are the most commonly booked experience in Marina del Rey, where a local captain can be the perfect guide to cruising around the harbor area and along the coast of Southern California.

#6: Lake Havasu City, Arizona

Average Hourly Rate: $201

Average Trip Price: $804

Most Popular Style of Boat: Pontoons

Number of Available Vessels: 97

Situated on the Colorado River, Lake Havasu City in Arizona offers a desert oasis for boating enthusiasts. Rent a boat here to cruise through the breathtaking red rock canyons, anchor at secluded beaches, and partake in thrilling watersports such as jet skiing and wakeboarding, all while reveling in the stunning natural beauty of the Arizona desert.

#7: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Average Hourly Rate: $247

Average Trip Price: $990

Most Popular Style of Boat: Pontoons

Number of Available Vessels: 269

Up three spots from #10 in 2024, Fort Lauderdale is growing in popularity for boat rentals and charters. Known as the "Venice of America" for its intricate network of waterways, the South Florida city offers epic opportunities for boating enthusiasts. Renting a boat here means navigating the scenic canals lined with opulent waterfront mansions, cruising along the Intracoastal Waterway, and exploring the pristine coastline of the Atlantic Ocean, all while basking in the warm Florida sunshine and luxurious maritime atmosphere.

#8: Mooresville, North Carolina (Lake Norman)

Average Hourly Rate: $140

Average Trip Price: $592

Most Popular Style of Boat: Pontoons

Number of Available Vessels: 110

New in the top 10 in 2025, Mooresville, North Carolina stands out as a city with a high demand for boat rentals thanks to the nearby Lake Norman. This popular waterway in North Carolina comes alive in the summer months with people looking to cruise the many coves and around the vast expanse of the lake. It's beloved for boat parties, family gatherings, and as a way to beat the Carolina heat in the summer. It also stands out as a very affordable destination for boat rentals, with hourly rates on average costing less than $150/hour.

#9: Seattle, Washington

Average Hourly Rate: $262

Average Trip Price: $1,050

Most Popular Style of Boat: Yachts

Number of Available Vessels: 154

Up from #13 in 2024 to #9, Seattle's prime location on the Puget Sound makes it a haven for boating enthusiasts. From sailing through the picturesque San Juan Islands to exploring the bustling waterfronts and charming marinas, Seattle offers diverse boating experiences amid breathtaking natural beauty and a vibrant maritime culture.

#10: Newport Beach, California

Average Hourly Rate:

Average Trip Price: $1,651

Most Popular Style of Boat: Yachts

Number of Available Vessels: 134

Down one spot from #9 in 2024 to #10 in 2025, Newport Beach still remains in the top 10 list for boating. With its picturesque harbor, it's a quintessential destination for boating enthusiasts in Southern California. Rent a boat here to sail past iconic landmarks like Balboa Pier and the historic Newport Harbor Lighthouse. Plan a dock and dine experience by boat in Newport Beach, check out our guide to waterfront dining in the city.

#11 Honolulu, Hawaii

Average Hourly Rate: $272

Average Trip Price: $1,089

Most Popular Style of Boat: Catamarans

Number of Available Vessels: 58

Anchored in the heart of the Pacific Ocean, Honolulu offers a gateway to the stunning waters of Hawaii. Rent a boat here to cruise along the breathtaking shores of Waikiki Beach, embark on dolphin and whale watching expeditions, and discover hidden gems like the secluded coves of Lanikai Beach. Renting a boat in Hawaii is a must to have the full experience in this beautiful place.

#12: Charleston, South Carolina

Average Hourly Rate: $255

Average Trip Price: $1,060

Most Popular Style of Boat: Powerboats

Number of Available Vessels: 118

Newly on the top cities list in 2025, Charleston, South Carolina has stood out as a popular boating and yachting hub thanks to increased tourism interest in the city. Many people flock here for birthday celebrations, bachelor and bachelorette weekends, and it has become renowned as a foodie city, attracting visitors from all over the world. Charleston is also a top spot for boating, where adventurous explorers can enjoy dolphin watching, sunset cruises, party barges, and even fossil excursions. Fishing is also very popular in Charleston.

#13: South Lake Tahoe, CA

Average Hourly Rate: $313

Average Trip Price: $1,252

Most Popular Style of Boat: Pontoons

Number of Available Vessels: 62

Rising in the ranks one spot from #14 to #13, South Lake Tahoe is a paradise for boaters. The stunning alpine lake offers crystal-clear waters perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, and cruising. Surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, boaters can enjoy incredible scenery and outdoor adventures on Lake Tahoe.

#14 Tampa Bay, Florida

Average Hourly Rate: $210

Average Trip Price: $837

Most Popular Style of Boat: Pontoons

Number of Available Vessels: 424

Newly in the top 15, the popular Gulf Coast cities of Tampa and St. Petersburg in Florida have grown significantly in the number of rentals in 2025. Here, boaters enjoy lots of sunshine, sandbars, and affordable boat rentals with captains to cruise the beautiful waters of the gulf. Fishing is also a very popular reason to rent a boat in Tampa and St. Petersburg.

#15 Manhattan, New York

Average Hourly Rate: $470

Average Trip Price: $1,879

Most Popular Style of Boat: Yachts

Number of Available Vessels: 58

Boating in Manhattan offers a unique experience, with iconic views of the city skyline, Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island. The Hudson River and East River provide ample opportunities for leisurely cruises, yacht parties, and breathtaking sunset sails, making it a vibrant and bustling boating destination in the heart of the Big Apple.

In Summary

Across the United States, there are endless opportunities for boat rentals and charters on a wide range of waterways. From the coastal gems of Miami and Newport Beach to inland lakes like Lake Michigan and Lake Norman, boating has become a popular pastime and beloved itinerary activity for travelers and locals alike. 2025 saw huge demand over the summer months, with boating experiences being booked for special celebrations and holiday weekends. It has never been easier to find and book captained boating experiences across America, and the available inventory is growing as we head into 2026.

About Getmyboat

Getmyboat offers charters and rentals, worldwide.

Launched in 2013 with the vision of making the joy of boating accessible to everyone, the company has since grown into the largest boat rental and charter marketplace globally, with over 150,000 listings in 184 countries covering 9,300 destinations.

By giving a platform to both individual boat owners and professional charter businesses, Getmyboat makes the experience of getting out on the water more accessible — from a weekend jet ski rental in the local lake to a vacation yacht charter to a bachelor party pontoon, and everything in between.

Citing This Report

Media professionals are welcome to utilize this data for journalistic reporting purposes, with a citation and link to Getmyboat. For any questions, or for any other data not found in the below report, reach out to pr@getmyboat.com. Our data and press team can provide further analysis, press quotes, and any other information needed for press stories.