The Best Boat Rentals Near Pasco

Most small powerboats in the Tri-Cities run about $150–$250 per hour, with half‑day outings commonly $400–$700 and full days around $700–$1,200 depending on boat size, season, and whether you add a captain or watersports gear. Prices on Getmyboat are set by each owner, and local shops sometimes post hourly packages that help anchor expectations. Your booking typically includes required safety gear and basic orientation; fuel, taxes/fees, and add‑ons like tubes or wake gear are often extra and shown in the offer before you pay. Getmyboat processes payment in full at confirmation and releases it to the owner after the trip. (getmyboat.com, pacificshorzsports.com)

You’ll find comfortable pontoons for relaxed cruising, bowriders and wake/surf boats for tubing and board sports, plus fishing‑friendly powerboats. There are also captained scenic cruises if you prefer to sit back while a local pro handles the helm. Availability varies by date and group size, and you can filter options on Getmyboat to match your plan.

Both are popular. A captained trip lets your group relax while a local skipper navigates the Columbia and Snake, handles docking, and shares on‑the‑water tips. If you want to operate the boat yourself, Washington allows renters of 15‑horsepower‑and‑up vessels to forgo the Boater Education Card by completing the state’s motor‑vessel rental safety checklist provided by the owner for that rental period; otherwise, operators born on or after January 1, 1955 generally need a Washington Boater Education Card or accepted equivalent. Out‑of‑state cards are recognized, and each owner sets experience requirements. (parks.wa.gov, law.justia.com)

Common pickup spots include the Chiawana Park and Road 54 boat ramps in west Pasco, the Wade Park launch off Road 54, and the Pasco Boat Ramp near South 4th Avenue. For trips toward the confluence, many meet at Sacajawea Historical State Park. Nearby launches that work well for Snake River outings include Hood Park and Charbonneau Park by Ice Harbor Dam, and some charters can also meet at the public launch on Kennewick’s Clover Island. Always confirm your exact meetup in messaging with the owner after you inquire. (nww.usace.army.mil, pasco-wa.gov, parks.wa.gov, portofkennewick.org)

Expect big‑sky river scenery, the Blue Bridge (Pioneer Memorial Bridge) and the Cable Bridge (Ed Hendler Bridge), plus the storied confluence of the Snake and Columbia at Sacajawea Historical State Park. Keep an eye out for ospreys, bald eagles, and, in season, flocks of American white pelicans that use nearby McNary National Wildlife Refuge—great photo opportunities from a respectful distance. (wsdot.wa.gov, en.wikipedia.org, nps.gov, fws.gov)

For motorboats of 15 hp or more, Washington generally requires a Boater Education Card for operators born on or after January 1, 1955, but renters can legally operate without the card if they complete the state’s approved motor‑vessel rental safety checklist provided by the rental company for that trip. Out‑of‑state boater cards are accepted, and captained trips do not require you to be licensed. (law.justia.com, parks.wa.gov)

Yes—families are welcome. By law, children 12 and under must wear a U.S. Coast Guard‑approved life jacket at all times when underway on boats under 19 feet, and every vessel must carry properly sized PFDs for all passengers. Owners supply life jackets, and many local marinas and parks host life‑jacket loaner boards if you want an extra. Message the owner with your children’s ages and approximate weights so the right sizes are ready. (parks.wa.gov, portofkennewick.org)

Most owners allow you to bring snacks, picnic items, and drinks; many provide a cooler or you can bring your own. Glass is discouraged on the water. If you’re staging at U.S. Army Corps of Engineers parks such as Hood Park or Charbonneau Park, note that alcohol is prohibited on shore in those areas; check your launch site rules and the owner’s onboard policies before you pack.

Many boats are dog‑friendly—especially pontoons—though cleaning fees or pet size limits may apply. If you’re meeting at parks like Chiawana, Wade, Hood, or Charbonneau, pets must be leashed ashore per park rules. Confirm pet policies with your owner in the inquiry so they can advise on best pickup points and bring extra towels. (nww.usace.army.mil, pasco-wa.gov)

Summer is hot and generally dry, with the windiest period in spring and calmer mornings most days. Afternoon breezes can build chop on open stretches of the Columbia and Snake. If conditions look unsafe, most owners will offer to reschedule or follow their listed weather policy; cancellations for light rain or cooler temps usually follow the owner’s standard terms. (weatherspark.com, getmyboat.zendesk.com)

Absolutely. Captained cruises are ideal for celebrations so you can focus on your group while the captain manages navigation and docking. Many hosts can recommend pickup spots with easy parking and nearby dining—Clover Island in Kennewick is a popular meet‑and‑mingle area with guest docks—so share your headcount, timing, and any special requests in your inquiry. (getmyboat.com, portofkennewick.org)

Peak boating runs from late May through early September, with Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day being the busiest holiday weekends. Late July brings the Tri‑City Water Follies hydroplane races and over‑the‑river air show, which draw heavy river traffic and temporary closures near the course; book well in advance or target weekdays and mornings for smoother water and easier parking. Spring and early fall offer pleasant shoulder‑season boating with fewer crowds. (waterfollies.com, visittri-cities.com, weatherspark.com)

Race weekend typically centers on the Columbia River west of the Blue Bridge, with designated restricted zones, patrol boats, and lots of spectator traffic along the Kennewick and Pasco shorelines. Many boaters plan short cruises, anchor well outside restricted areas, or watch from parks like Columbia Park. If you’re booking for that weekend, ask your owner about meeting points and river rules specific to the event dates. (waterfollies.com, visittri-cities.com)