The Best Boat Rentals Near Rochester

For planning purposes, expect most captained powerboats and small cruisers to run about $100–$150 per hour, with larger yacht-style options often in the $200–$400 per hour range. Fishing charters commonly price around $100–$150 per hour or a flat $450–$800 for a half or full day, and self-operated pontoons or bowriders on Irondequoit Bay are usually in the $300–$600 half-day and $600–$1,000 full-day range. Rates generally include the boat, required safety gear, and basic fuel usage for typical outings; captain’s fees may be included or listed separately, and taxes, cleaning, docking, or gratuity can be extra. Browse listings to compare exact inclusions for your date, group size, and itinerary.

You’ll find an easy mix for groups and occasions: comfortable pontoons for relaxed bay cruising, sporty bowriders and deck boats, chartered fishing boats tuned for Lake Ontario, classic sailboats for wind-powered cruising, and mid-size cabin cruisers or small yachts for celebrations and sunset runs. Availability varies by season and day of the week, so check listings for the best fit for your group size and vibe.

As of January 1, 2025, New York requires a safe boating certificate for anyone operating a motorized vessel. However, there is a specific allowance for rentals: if you are 18 or older, you may rent and operate a motorboat from a livery after receiving the required on-dock safety briefing and demonstrating basic operation to the livery staff. If you prefer not to drive, book a captained experience and let a licensed pro handle the helm. (nysparks.com, parks.ny.gov, nysenate.gov)

Popular departure points include the Port of Rochester Marina at the mouth of the Genesee River beside Ontario Beach Park, the public launch and docks at Irondequoit Bay State Marine Park, and private marinas along the lower river and bays such as Shumway Marine and Westpoint Marina on Braddock Bay. Your exact meeting point will be confirmed in your booking message thread. (waterwayguide.com, parks.ny.gov, shumwaymarine.com, wp-pos.com)

From the lakefront you’ll cruise past Ontario Beach Park, the Charlotte Pier, and the historic Charlotte–Genesee Lighthouse, with wide-open Lake Ontario views perfect for golden-hour photos. Upriver, the Genesee reveals Turning Point Park’s long boardwalk and marshy wildlife habitat, while spring and fall bring notable bird activity around nearby Braddock Bay. On longer river runs you can continue toward the Erie Canal junction near Genesee Valley Park for a totally different, calm-water setting. (www3.monroecounty.gov, en.wikipedia.org, fingerlakessum.wordpress.com, bbrr.org)

Yes—families are welcome. Boats carry U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jackets for all passengers, and New York law requires children under 12 to wear a properly fitted life jacket while underway on vessels under 65 feet (there’s also a cold‑weather life‑jacket season for small boats from November 1 to May 1). If you’re bringing little ones, share their approximate weights in advance so the right sizes are ready at boarding.

Most hosts are fine with you bringing snacks, sandwiches, and canned or boxed beverages, and many provide coolers or allow you to bring your own. Glass and red wine are commonly discouraged to keep decks safe and stain‑free. If you’d like catering or a dock-and-dine stop near the Port of Rochester or around Irondequoit Bay, ask your captain for options and timing.

Many boats are dog‑friendly by request. If you’re bringing a pup, confirm the size and breed with your host, bring a towel and leash, and plan for a possible extra cleaning fee. For everyone’s comfort, choose a cooler morning or evening slot on hot days and pack fresh water for your pet.

Great Lakes weather can change quickly. Captains watch the NOAA Nearshore Marine Forecast and will reschedule or cancel if winds, waves, storms, or advisories make conditions unsafe; in those cases, you’ll follow the cancellation policy on your booking. If your plans are flexible, mornings usually offer the smoothest ride, especially on the open lake.

You can book either style. Captained charters are the most hands‑off option—great when you want a set route, local knowledge, and no driving responsibilities. Self‑operated rentals are available on select boats, typically on Irondequoit Bay or other protected waters; if you’re 18+ and renting from a livery, New York allows you to operate after the required safety briefing and demonstration, or you can present your boating safety certificate.

Peak boating runs from late May through early September, with the lake and bays warmest and most predictable in July and August. Major boating holidays—Memorial Day, July 4, and Labor Day—book up early. Rochester’s Lilac Festival in May and the Rochester International Jazz Festival in late June also bring extra demand and traffic, so weekday or morning departures are your easiest, calmest choice during those windows. (weather.gov, spectrumlocalnews.com, visitrochester.visitwidget.com)

Absolutely. Many boats are set up for celebrations with shaded seating, Bluetooth audio, coolers, and flexible routes. Share your headcount, preferred vibe (relaxed cruise, photo stops by the lighthouse, a swim at anchor in the bay), and any décor or catering needs in the inquiry so your captain can tailor the plan and confirm the boat’s maximum capacity.

Two local favorites are a calm‑water cruise up the Genesee River to the Erie Canal junction at Genesee Valley Park for a scenic, city‑meets‑nature route, and a spring wildlife outing near Braddock Bay during the renowned raptor migration. If you’re up for a longer day, many groups also point the bow east along the lakeshore for a destination lunch in the bays beyond Rochester. (waterwayguide.com, en.wikipedia.org, bbrr.org)