Thanks to the maritime culture of Boston and other major coastal cities, Massachusetts is a summer hotspot for boat rentals and charters, and is the top state in New England for boating.
With over 6,000 miles of coastline, including the iconic shores of Cape Cod, the idyllic coast of Newport, and the rugged beauty of Maine, the region is a haven for sailing, fishing, cruising, and exploring by paddle.
According to the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), New England consistently ranks among the top regions for recreational boating, with Massachusetts alone boasting over 100,000 registered boats. The state has a strong maritime history spanning centuries, with a modern boating culture that comes alive in the summer. Massachusetts is home to countless marinas, boatyards, and sailing schools, offering access and resources for both seasoned boaters and newcomers.
Additionally, the local economy is significantly supported by the boating industry, with billions contributed annually. On-water recreation supports a vibrant community of local businesses, from boat rentals to waterfront dining. Exploring the picturesque islands of Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard or enjoying the inland rivers and lakes offers amazing opportunities for memorable on-water experiences in Massachusetts.
About this Report
This report analyzes booking and demand data from Getmyboat, the world’s largest boat rental marketplace, examining the top boating locations in Massachusetts.
It contains proprietary data for each city, including the most desired vessel style for renters and average pricing. It discusses the distinct features that make each of these destinations boating hotspots and the overall boating experience they offer.
The Busiest Boating Cities in Massachusetts
#1 — Boston
Most Popular Style of Boat: Yachts
Number of Vessels Available: 46
Coming in first place, Boston serves as the top hub for recreational boating in Massachusetts. The Charles River supports kayaking and paddle sports, while Boston Harbor provides opportunities for sailing, yachting,, and harbor cruises. The city offers a host of iconic marinas, such as Constitution Marina and the Boston Waterboat Marina. With over 1,000 permitted moorings and a dense concentration of boat rental providers, Boston's boating economy is bolstered by tourism, recreational boating clubs, and local sailing schools. The city comes alive in the summer months with both locals and tourists alike enjoying stunning views of the skyline from the water.
#2 — Barnstable
Most Popular Style of Boat: Center Consoles
Number of Vessels Available: 19
Located on the northern shore of Cape Cod, Barnstable offers direct access to both Cape Cod Bay and Nantucket Sound. The town supports a high volume of seasonal boating activity due to its sheltered harbors, notably Barnstable Harbor and Hyannis Harbor. Boating facilities such as Millway Marina and the Hyannis Marina accommodate both recreational and commercial vessels. During the summer, boat charters for fishing and water sports are top activities enjoyed by families visiting the coast. The presence of the Great Marsh and proximity to Cape Cod National Seashore enhance its ecological and recreational value for boaters in Barnstable.
#3 — Gloucester
Most Popular Style of Boat: Sailboats
Number of Vessels Available: 10
Located on Cape Ann, Gloucester is recognized as the oldest continuously operating seaport in the United States. Its location along the North Shore and access to Massachusetts Bay support a range of boating activities, including deep-sea fishing, whale watching, and leisure cruising. The city maintains several large marinas and public docks, and supports robust seasonal tourism. Gloucester’s boating infrastructure includes the Gloucester Marine Railways and a municipal harbormaster service managing hundreds of moorings. It’s a great destination for a relaxing summer sailing trip, where you can anchor and swim in a quiet bay and explore spots like Ten Pound Island, Niles Beach, and the Dog Bar Lighthouse.
#4 — Marblehead
Most Popular Style of Boat: Yachts
Number of Vessels Available: 6
Marblehead is renowned for its sailing culture and high per capita ownership of recreational vessels. The town’s naturally protected harbor is considered one of the finest sailing harbors on the East Coast, with approximately 1,200 moorings primarily occupied by sailboats. The town hosts multiple yacht clubs, including the Eastern Yacht Club and Corinthian Yacht Club, which serve as regional centers for competitive sailing and maritime instruction. Its maritime zoning, minimal commercial development along the waterfront, and strong harbor governance make Marblehead a model for small-town coastal boating communities.
#5 — Salem
Most Popular Style of Boat: Sailboats
Number of Vessels Available: 5
Salem supports a mixed-use harbor that accommodates both recreational boating and limited commercial marine activity. Salem Harbor has over 1,600 permitted recreational vessels, with marina services available at Safe Harbor Hawthorne Cove and Pickering Wharf Marina. During the summer you can explore sites like Bakers Island and Misery Island from Salem, or enjoy a fall cruise to see the beautiful autumn foliage if you’re visiting Salem for spooky season.
#6 — Newburyport
Most Popular Style of Boat: Yachts
Number of Vessels Available: 24
Situated at the mouth of the Merrimack River, Newburyport provides access to both riverine and oceanic boating corridors. The harbor is home to a substantial number of transient and seasonal slips, with marinas such as Newburyport Harbor Marina and Windward Yacht Yard offering full-service amenities. The area supports a mix of powerboating, sailing, and small craft navigation. Its close proximity to Plum Island and the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge enhances opportunities for ecotourism and wildlife observation by boat.
#7 — Haverhill
Most Popular Style of Boat: Jet Skis
Number of Vessels Available: 5
Located inland along the Merrimack River, Haverhill supports a growing freshwater boating sector. The city provides public access points for motorboats, kayaks, and paddleboards, with designated areas like Plug Pond (Lake Saltonstall) offering family-oriented boating facilities. The Merrimack River in this region is suitable for day cruising and recreational fishing, with relatively low commercial traffic, contributing to its safety and accessibility for novice boaters.
In Summary
Massachusetts offers a diverse and well-developed boating landscape, shaped by its extensive coastline, inland rivers, and maritime heritage. Coastal cities such as Boston, Gloucester, and Barnstable serve as major hubs for both recreational and commercial boating, supported by robust marina infrastructure and access to open water. Historic towns like Marblehead and Salem contribute significantly through their sailing traditions and environmentally conscious harbor management. Northern cities such as Newburyport provide unique access to estuarine and riverine ecosystems, while inland communities like Haverhill are expanding freshwater boating opportunities along the Merrimack River. Collectively, these cities represent a dynamic and geographically varied boating environment, reinforcing Massachusetts’ status as a leading state for marine recreation and boat rental activity.
About Getmyboat
Getmyboat is the world's biggest and best marketplace for fun, safe, and easy boating experiences of all kinds. Launched in 2013, over 2 million customers have gone boating through the platform, with 180,000+ listings across 184 countries and thousands of 5-star reviews for boat owners and captains. 30% of trips are boat rentals, while 70% of trips are captained by boating professionals, so customers feel safe while they enjoy being together with family and friends on the water.
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