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California is one of the most popular boating state in the country, with over 800,000 registered watercraft in the state. Thanks to its expansive coastline and gorgeous inland lakes, California has endless boating opportunities for people who hold the proper educational certificates.

As of January 1st, 2018, it is mandatory for any operator of a powerboat (including sailboats equipped with motors) to carry a California Boater Card while boating. As of 2023, according to an NMMA study, California ranks #7 in boat sales overall, with the gross value topping $1.1 billion. This is a 17% increase from 2020, indicating that boating interest is growing strong in the Golden State.


About This Report

This report delves into booking data from Getmyboat, the world’s largest boat rental marketplace, examining the top 10 boating cities in California.

It contains proprietary boating data for each location, discusses the distinct features that make each of these cities a haven for boaters and explores the maritime culture, boating amenities, attractions, and the overall boating experience they offer.


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 180,000 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 to everyone — from a weekend jet ski rental in the local lake to a vacation yacht charter to a bachelor party pontoon , and everything in between.


Our Methodology

To develop this report, Getmyboat analyzed recent boat rental data in Florida on the Getmyboat platform. Cities are determined by the city that the boat owner registers the boat in within their profile on the platform. Data was curated to exclude outlier hourly and total trip rates while rental types were categorized into the significant categories to be evaluated in this report.


California Data Map 2025

#1: San Diego

Most Popular Style of Boat: Pontoons

Number of Vessels Available: 135

Known for its stunning coastline and vibrant marina scene, San Diego has solidified itself as California’s top boating city. Rising from its position as #2 in 2024, increased interest in boating in San Diego can be attributed to a steady increase in tourism in the past year and over 5,000 registered vessels in the city.

The city offers various boating experiences, from sportfishing trips and sailing in Mission Bay to yacht charters and whale-watching tours in the Pacific.

#2: Marina Del Ray

Most Popular Style of Boat: Powerboats

Number of Vessels Available: 129

Dropping from its rank as the #1 city in 2024, Marina del Rey comes in 2nd place for top boating cities in California. It’s the largest man-made small craft harbor in North America, Marina del Rey is a prime destination for recreational boaters. It provides easy access to the Santa Monica Bay, making it a hotspot for sailing, fishing, and luxury yacht charters.The area is also home to a thriving boating community with over 5,000 registered boats, thousands of slips, and numerous rental options. There are also great sailing schools and an active calendar of maritime events in Marina del Rey.

#3: Newport Beach

Most Popular Style of Boat: Yachts

Number of Vessels Available: 134

Rising from #4, Newport Beach comes in 3rd place for top boating cities in California this year. Boasting one of the most scenic harbors in the state, Newport Beach is a premier destination for yacht charters, Duffy boat rentals, and deep-sea fishing trips. The harbor has luxury waterfront homes and a relaxed yet upscale boating experience. Newport Beach is also a gateway to Catalina Island, making it a favorite starting point for multi-day boating excursions.

#4: South Lake Tahoe

Most Popular Style of Boat: Pontoons

Number of Vessels Available: 62

Offering a completely different boating experience from California’s coastal cities, South Lake Tahoe is known for its crystal-clear waters and breathtaking alpine scenery. The region attracts boaters looking for water sports, fishing, and leisure cruising. The marina facilities are well-developed, and boaters can explore secluded coves, sandy beaches, and scenic vistas unique to the Sierra Nevada region.

#5: Tahoe City

Most Popular Style of Boat: Powerboats

Number of Vessels Available: 11

Located on the northern shores of Lake Tahoe, Tahoe City is a hub for kayaking, paddleboarding, and motorized boating. The area offers adventure and relaxation, with easy access to marinas, boat ramps, and waterfront dining. Its proximity to popular ski resorts makes it a year-round attraction for outdoor enthusiasts. It has grown in popularity the past year, as indicated by its rank rise from #8 to #5.

#6: Long Beach

Most Popular Style of Boat: Yachts

Number of Vessels Available: 86

Long Beach is a dynamic boating destination known for its vibrant waterfront and easy access to the Pacific Ocean. The city has several major marinas, the famous Queen Mary, and the annual Long Beach Grand Prix. Long Beach boaters enjoy sailing, deep-sea fishing, and trips to nearby Catalina Island.

#7: San Francisco

Most Popular Style of Boat: Fishing Charters

Number of Vessels Available: 64

The iconic San Francisco Bay offers one of California's most scenic and challenging boating experiences. From navigating under the Golden Gate Bridge to sailing around Alcatraz Island, the city’s waters are rich with history and adventure. The boating culture here is strong, with numerous yacht clubs, regattas, and sailing schools attracting enthusiasts year-round.

#8: Huntington Beach

Most Popular Style of Boat: Powerboats

Number of Vessels Available: 21

Also known as “Surf City USA,” Huntington Beach is best known for its surfing culture but has a growing boating scene. The Huntington Harbour area provides opportunities for paddleboarding, electric boat rentals, and private yacht charters. The relaxed, beach-town vibe makes it an excellent spot for casual boating and waterfront dining.

#9: Chula Vista

Most Popular Style of Boat: Pontoons

Number of Vessels Available: 12

As part of the greater San Diego area, Chula Vista is gaining recognition as a boating destination. The Chula Vista Marina is expanding, and the calm waters of San Diego Bay provide ideal conditions for leisure boating and fishing. The city’s development projects aim to enhance its waterfront attractions. It’s new on the list at #9 for 2025.

#10: Sausalito

Most Popular Style of Boat: Yachts

Number of Vessels Available: 15

Located just across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco, Sausalito is a charming waterfront town with a strong maritime heritage. The city is known for its houseboat community, sailing culture, and spectacular bay views. It is a quieter alternative to San Francisco while offering world-class boating experiences. Interestingly, Sausalito has maintained its spot at #10 for the 2nd consecutive year.


In Summary

The coastal cities of California, as delineated in this comprehensive analysis, offer a spectrum of boating experiences characterized by unique aquatic features and points of interest. The diverse attractions, ranging from serene lakeside retreats to lively urban waterfronts, establish these destinations as popular choices for boaters seeking scientific interest, recreational opportunities, and an exploration of California's coastal geography.


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.