The Best Boat Rentals Near Sarnia

For most small powerboats and pontoons around Sarnia, plan on roughly C$150–C$350 per hour, with half-day private charters commonly in the C$600–C$1,200 range and full days around C$1,200–C$2,000 depending on boat size, captain, and weekend demand. Nearby Lake Huron and Lake St. Clair operators typically include safety gear and a safety briefing; captained trips include the skipper and basic route planning, while fuel, taxes, and gratuity may be extra. Your Getmyboat offer will state exactly what’s included before you pay.

You’ll find comfortable pontoons and tritoons for cruising, bowriders and wake/surf boats for swimming and sandbar stops, classic sailboats for an afternoon sail, and larger cabin cruisers or motor yachts for celebrations. Fishing charters on Lake Huron or the St. Clair River are also available if your group wants a guided angling day.

In Canada, anyone operating a motorized pleasure craft must carry proof of competency. Many renters complete a simple Rental Boat Safety Checklist with the operator for the duration of the rental, while those with a Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) can use that as proof. Visitors to Canada can use an equivalent boater card from their home state or country, or complete the rental checklist. If you book a captained charter, no license is needed because the captain operates the boat.

Captained charters are turnkey: a licensed skipper handles the driving, docking, and navigation, suggests routes based on conditions, and keeps your itinerary on schedule so you can focus on your group. Self-operated rentals give you the helm after a safety briefing; you’ll follow local rules, monitor weather, and return on time. If your group wants a stress-free celebration or is new to Lake Huron and the St. Clair River, a captained trip is the easier option.

The most common meeting points are the Andrew S. Brandt Marina at Sarnia Bay on Seaway Road and Bridgeview Yachting Centre/Bridgeview Marina by the Blue Water Bridge in Point Edward. Both sit right on the protected harbour with quick access to Lake Huron and the St. Clair River, making pick-ups and drop-offs simple for groups.

Expect wide-open Lake Huron views, the twin spans of the Blue Water Bridge overhead, and regular Great Lakes freighter traffic gliding through the bright-blue St. Clair River. Many outings cruise past Canatara Park’s Blue Flag beach, the Point Edward waterfront, and the downtown skyline, with sunset trips known for glowing, glassy horizons on calm evenings.

Yes. Children are welcome on most boats, and charters provide the required Transport Canada–approved lifejackets or PFDs for every passenger. For toddlers and infants, bringing a snug, familiar jacket can help with comfort and fit. Captains cover lifejacket use, safe seating, and engine-off swim procedures during the safety briefing.

Absolutely—coolers with snacks, water, and non-alcoholic beverages are common, and many captains are happy to recommend caterers or pickup spots near the marina. In Ontario, open alcohol is only permitted on boats with permanent cooking, sleeping, and toilet facilities while the vessel is docked or at anchor, and the operator must remain sober at all times. If your group plans to enjoy adult beverages, book a captained cruiser that meets those requirements or plan to celebrate dockside after your cruise.

Many listings are pet-friendly for well-behaved dogs, especially on pontoons and larger cruisers. Always confirm in your inquiry, include your pet’s size, and bring a non-slip mat, water bowl, and a dog lifejacket if you have one. Some hosts may charge a small cleaning fee.

Conditions can change quickly on open water. Mornings are often calmer on Lake Huron, while winds can build in the afternoon; the St. Clair River also has strong currents near the Blue Water Bridge, so captains choose routes accordingly. If the marine forecast looks unsafe, most owners will offer to reschedule or refund per the cancellation policy on your Getmyboat booking—just watch messages the day before and morning of your trip.

Peak season runs June through early September, with the warmest water typically in late July and August. Canada Day (July 1) is busy locally, and nearby U.S. holidays—Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day—also fill dates fast because cross-border visitors flock to the Blue Water area. Bluewater BorderFest at Centennial Park in late June and the Port Huron-to-Mackinac race festivities in mid-July bring extra waterfront traffic; book well in advance for those weekends. For smoother water and easier parking, choose weekdays or morning departures.

Yes—Sarnia is great for milestones. Pontoons and cabin cruisers are popular for groups thanks to shaded seating and easy boarding. Share your headcount, preferred vibe (swim cove, sightseeing, sunset cruise), and any add-ons like decorations, playlists, or a cake, and your captain can suggest the right boat and route. Be sure to confirm maximum capacity and footwear rules when you inquire.

Favorites include an easy loop from Sarnia Bay past the Blue Water Bridge and along the Lake Huron shoreline by Canatara Beach, a relaxed swim stop on a calm day just outside the harbour, or a downriver sightseeing run on the St. Clair to take in freighters and riverfront parks before heading back for a sunset under the bridge. Captains will tailor the plan to wind, waves, and your group’s timeline so the day stays smooth and fun.