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

Table of Contents


With over 230,000 registered boats, 3,000 miles of shoreline, 170 islands, and dozens of rivers and lakes, Washington State is a beloved destination for boating and on-water experiences for anyone exploring the Pacific Northwest. The state's coastline offers access to vibrant marine environments that comprise Puget Sound, offering endless opportunities for sailing, fishing, and wildlife spotting against the stunning backdrops of the San Juan Islands and the Olympic Peninsula.

Inland, pristine lakes such as Lake Washington and Lake Chelan provide serene settings for water sports, leisurely cruises, and family-friendly activities.

Additionally, Washington's temperate climate and stunning natural landscapes enhance the boating experience, making boating accessible and enjoyable year-round.

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 Washington.

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

To develop this report, Getmyboat analyzed boat rental demand and booking data for all locations in Washington. Cities are determined by the city that the boat owner registers the boat in within their profile on the platform. The data was cleaned to exclude outlier hourly and total trip rates while rental types were categorized into the significant categories to be evaluated in this report.

The Top 10 Boating Cities in Washington List

Washington State

#1 Seattle

Average Hourly Rate:

$274

Average Trip Price:

$975

Yachts

Seattle is the largest city in Washington and a premier destination for boat rentals and yacht charters. The city is completely surrounded by water, contributing to its vibrant boating culture and great access to boating experiences. There are many islands and inlets to explore, all with gorgeous views of the city’s skyline as well as natural features like Mount Rainier. Explore the Puget Sound with your eyes open to spot whales and dolphins, or cruise through canals to Lake Union and Lake Washington. If you’re in Seattle during the Seafair event, make sure you experience it on the water.

#2 Kirkland

Average Hourly Rate:

$453

Average Trip Price:

$1,645

Yachts

Kirkland, a city on the northeastern shore of Lake Washington, is a popular boating destination known for its charming waterfront parks and upscale amenities. Its close proximity to Seattle makes it easy to access on a weekend, and it shares in the same boating culture. Visit Marina Park, a popular spot for boating and a great spot for picnicking. Cruise to Juanita Beach Park offers swimming, paddleboarding, and kayaking.

#3 Renton

Average Hourly Rate:

$156

Average Trip Price:

$715

Pontoons

Coming in third on the list, Renton lies at the southern tip of Lake Washington, making it an ideal location for boat rentals and water sports. Here you can find great deals on pontoons, making it a bit more of a budget-friendly location than Seattle, and it’s perfect for a laidback family boat day on the lake. A few great spots you can check out when cruising around Renton include Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park, which features boat launches, fishing piers, and picnic areas, and the Cedar River, popular for kayaking and paddleboarding.

#4 Bellevue

Average Hourly Rate:

$240

Average Trip Price:

$1,052

Bowriders

Bellevue's location on the eastern shore of Lake Washington offers a perfect blend of urban and natural attractions for boat enthusiasts. Cruise in your boat to Meydenbauer Bay, which offers great waterfront dining. You can access the lake from Bellevue Marina and enjoy scenic views of the Seattle skyline, with the mountains in the background.

#5 Chelan

Average Hourly Rate:

$48

Average Trip Price:

$575

Bowriders

The most easterly town in Nassau County, Chelan is renowned for its stunning Lake Chelan, a long, narrow lake surrounded by mountains, making it a top choice for boating, water sports, and other recreation. It’s great for fishing and swimming in the summertime. Nearby to Chelan, you can visit the Stehekin Valley, which is accessible by boat, offering hiking and natural beauty.

#6 Lacey

Average Hourly Rate:

$60

Average Trip Price:

$704

Kayaks & Paddleboards

Lacey, located near Olympia, provides access to Puget Sound and various freshwater lakes, making it a versatile spot for boat rentals. It’s renowned as a very clean and safe area, offering a relaxing and family-friendly atmosphere. Here you can enjoy cruising Long Lake and Hicks Lake, beloved for water sports, kayaking, fishing, and more. For saltwater adventures, you can get to the Puget Sound fairly easily from Lacey.

#7 Moses Lake

Average Hourly Rate:

$76

Average Trip Price:

$768

Jet Skis

Moses Lake is an oasis in Central Washington, known for its large area and abundant sunshine, making it perfect for boating activities. It typically enjoys warmer temperatures for a longer season, giving you a wider range of dates where you can enjoy boating here. Moses Lake is a fantastic place to zip around on a jet ski, which is the most popular style of vessel to rent here. Wakeboarding and other water sports are also popular.

#8 Everett

Average Hourly Rate:

$68

Average Trip Price:

$649

Sailboats

Everett is a key city on Puget Sound, providing access to rich marine environments and convenient boating facilities. Here you can find the Port of Everett Marina, which is one of the largest public marinas on the West Coast. Cruise around Jetty Island on a day trip by boat, it’s a barrier island that is loved for water activities and it’s nice stretch of beach. You can also visit the Naval Station in Everett to learn more about the maritime history and culture of this city.

#9 Spokane Valley

Average Hourly Rate:

$78

Average Trip Price:

$456

Jet Skis

Spokane Valley, while more inland, offers access to the Spokane River and several lakes, making it a notable destination for freshwater boating. Some of the top bodies of water around Spokane include Liberty Lake, which is a favorite for fishing and water sports, the Spokane River, great for kayaking and paddleboarding. It’s also very close to Lake Coeur D’Alene in Idaho, giving you access to even more boating spots when in Spokane.

#10 Tacoma

Average Hourly Rate:

$60

Average Trip Price:

$715

Jet Skis

And last but not least, Tacoma, located on Puget Sound, is known for its bustling waterfront and diverse boating opportunities, and comes in at #10 on the list of the top 10 boating cities in Washington. Here you can explore Commencement Bay, the key location to enjoy Tacoma’s boating activities. Cruise by Point Defiance Park and see the Museum of Glass from the water, a unique building worth checking out when exploring Tacoma.


In Summary

Washington State is an exceptional location for boating and outdoor on-water recreation due to its diverse aquatic ecosystems, extensive coastline, and numerous inland water bodies. Washington's temperate climate allows for a longer boating season compared to other regions, with an average of 150-200 days of boating weather annually. The state also prioritizes environmental preservation, with programs like the Clean Marina Washington initiative, which has certified over 70 marinas for their commitment to protecting water quality. Furthermore, Washington offers ample infrastructure with over 500 public boat launches and numerous marinas and support services that facilitate easy access and enhance the boating experience. Washington State is a premier destination for boating enthusiasts, and a great place to rent a boat, no matter which body of water you’re looking to explore.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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