Learn more about boating in the great state of New York, with a wealth of data gleaned from thousands of boat rentals.

Table of Contents


With over half a million registered boats in the state, New York is seventh in the United States in terms of the number of registered vessels. There are many great waterways to explore in New York State, from the vast expanse of Lake Ontario to the Hudson River and all around New York City, Long Island, Upstate, and more.


About This Report

This report analyzes booking and demand data from Getmyboat, the world’s largest boat rental marketplace, examining the top 10 boating locations in New York.

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.


Our Methodology

This report analyzes boat rental data from Getmyboat, the world’s largest boat rental marketplace, to identify the most popular boating cities in New York. By examining the demand and number of completed rentals, we ranked the cities based on their frequency and included data regarding pricing, the most popular style of vessel, and information about the local boating culture.

To conduct this analysis, we collected proprietary boat rental data from Getmyboat listings and operators in New York. The data included the number of boat rentals recorded in each city over a specified period, allowing us to quantify the popularity of boating destinations.

The Top 10 Boating Cities in New York List

New York Data

#1 Manhattan, NYC

Average Hourly Rate:

$657

Average Trip Price:

$1,927

Yachts

Coming in first place, Manhattan is a beloved boating destination for both tourists and locals alike. This bustling part of the city offers boating experiences with access to the Hudson River, East River, and New York Harbor. See views of the Manhattan skyline, the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Manhattan Bridge. Both sailing and motor yachts are popular here, ideal for hosting a special evening or full day on the water.  Captained charters are the best option in Manhattan — it’s best to let a local professional be your navigator and guide while you relax and enjoy the amazing views of the city.  

#2 Sag Harbor

Average Hourly Rate:

$898

Average Trip Price:

$2,950

Sailing Yachts

A gem of the Hamptons, Sag Harbor offers a classic maritime charm and boasts a picturesque harbor lined with stunning sailboats and yachts. Here, boaters can explore Shelter Island Sound, Gardiners Bay, and the Peconic Bay, renowned for calm waters and scenic views of Long Island. The village's rich nautical history, vibrant waterfront scene, and quaint shops and restaurants create an idyllic setting for boating enthusiasts seeking relaxation and exploration. You can spend a whole day sailing from Sag Harbor or opt for a short sunset cruise to close the day. 

#3 Saratoga Springs

Average Hourly Rate:

$145

Average Trip Price:

$891

Pontoons

Coming in third on the list, Saratoga Springs offers boaters access to the serene waters of Saratoga Lake, located in the picturesque Adirondack Mountains of Upstate New York. A lot of the shoreline here is privately owned, so the best way to enjoy the waters is to launch a boat from one of the public access ramps, cruise around, stop for a swim at Riley Cove, or enjoy water sports. There are also many great fishing spots on Saratoga Lake, where you can expect to catch everything from Walleye, Yellow perch, Smallmouth bass, and Black crappie. The town's cultural scene, including its renowned horse racing tracks and historic sites, adds to the allure of Saratoga Springs as a boating destination during a summer vacation.

#4 Bay Shore

Average Hourly Rate:

$352

Average Trip Price:

$1,407

Yachts

Situated on the south shore of Long Island, Bay Shore provides boaters with convenient access to the Great South Bay and Fire Island. With miles of coastline, secluded coves, and waterfront parks, Bay Shore offers many boating experiences, from leisurely cruises to adventurous excursions. The town's proximity to Fire Island National Seashore and its waterfront dining scene make it a popular destination for boaters looking to dock and dine while exploring nearby towns on Long Island. 

#5 Oyster Bay

Average Hourly Rate:

$223

Average Trip Price:

$863

Yachts 

The most easterly town in Nassau County, Oyster Bay extends from Long Island's north shore to the south shore, offering access to Oyster Bay Harbor and Long Island Sound. Rich in maritime history and natural beauty, Oyster Bay provides stunning cruising grounds with scenic views of historic estates. Visit the Loyde Neck sand hole to swim in its crystal clear waters, or ask your captain about gathering steamer clams off Center Island and cooking them right on the boat. Enjoy iconic landmarks such as Sagamore Hill, the former home of President Theodore Roosevelt, while you cruise around Oyster Bay on a boat.

#6 Port Washington

Average Hourly Rate:

$427

Average Trip Price:

$1,977

Yachts

Port Washington is known for its quaint waterfront and scenic harbor on Long Island's north shore. Boaters can enjoy panoramic views of Manhasset Bay and the Long Island Sound while exploring the town's charming marinas, waterfront restaurants, and boutique shops. For outdoor recreation, check out the Sands Point Preserve or North Hempstead Beach Park. 

#7 Mamaroneck 

Average Hourly Rate:

$121

Average Trip Price:

$653

Sailboats

Mamaroneck, located on Long Island Sound's western shore, offers boaters access to sheltered harbors and scenic cruising grounds. Sailing is the popular cruising style of choice here, boasting a rich maritime heritage. It’s a fabulous spot if you want to learn the basics of sailing — simply book a captained charter, and a local professional will show you the ropes.  

#8 Schenectady

Average Hourly Rate:

$45

Average Trip Price:

$269

Fishing Boat

While Schenectady is inland, boaters can access the scenic Mohawk River and the Erie Canal from the city. Here, you can enjoy guided fly fishing excursions on the river, exploring the region's natural beauty and historical landmarks while you reel in an epic catch. Schenectady's proximity to the Adirondack Mountains and the Catskill Mountains provides boaters with further exploration and outdoor recreation opportunities.

#9 Montauk

Average Hourly Rate:

$1,231

Average Trip Price:

$4,923

Yachts

Montauk, situated at the eastern tip of Long Island, is a luxury boating destination with access to the Atlantic Ocean, Block Island Sound, and Gardiners Bay. Boaters can enjoy cruising on classic motor yachts, sailing, and unforgettable sandbar parties. Catch a glimpse of the Montauk Point Lighthouse or cruise into Fort Pond Bay for a relaxing swim. The town's vibrant seaside atmosphere, charming marinas, and upscale dining establishments make Montauk a premier destination for visitors seeking an extravagant boating experience. 

#10 Hampton Bays

Average Hourly Rate:

$669

Average Trip Price:

$1,841

Yachts

And number 10 on the list, Hampton Bays, is a beautiful boating destination situated between the Peconic Bay and the Atlantic Ocean on Long Island's south shore. Hampton Bays allows boating enthusiasts to explore its tranquil bays, marshlands, and barrier islands. The town's proximity to the Hamptons and its vibrant summer scene make it a popular destination for boaters seeking a quintessential “East Coast Summer” experience.


In Summary

The ranking of boating cities in New York provides valuable insights into the preferences and trends of recreational boaters. The dominance of urban centers like Manhattan highlights the significance of accessible waterways and recreational infrastructure in attracting boating enthusiasts. Conversely, coastal towns like Sag Harbor and Montauk capitalize on their natural beauty, luxury offerings, and maritime charm to appeal to boaters seeking a more tranquil experience.

The findings in this report contribute to our understanding of boating trends within the state and can inform strategic planning efforts to promote tourism and foster sustainable recreational practices.

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.


About Getmyboat

Getmyboat is the biggest and best marketplace for boat 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 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.



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