The Best Boat Rentals in San Juan

Most private captained boats in San Juan run about $150–$400 per hour depending on size, style, and day of the week, while larger party boats and yachts commonly range from about $600 to $800+ per hour. Shared sightseeing cruises are often priced per person and can start around $120–$150 for a 1.5–2 hour outing. Many charters include a licensed captain, fuel for standard bay routes, coolers with ice, bottled water and soft drinks, and basic snorkel gear when there’s a swim stop; premium spirits, specialty catering, and lengthy offshore runs usually cost extra. For full-day trips, plan on roughly $1,200–$2,500+ depending on the boat and itinerary.

You’ll find a wide mix: sleek motor yachts and party pontoons for celebrations, classic sailboats and catamarans for sunset sails, and center-console boats for bay cruising or coastal runs. Fishing boats are also available for inshore or offshore charters. If you’re planning a group event, party boats with shaded seating and strong sound systems are popular in the bay, while sailing boats are favorites for romantic cruises at sunset.

If you book a captained charter or a boat tour, no license is needed. If you want to operate a boat yourself, expect to be asked for boating experience and, in many cases, proof of a recognized boating safety course. Puerto Rico law requires residents born after July 1, 1972 to hold a boating safety license to operate numbered recreational vessels; visitors commonly meet requirements by booking with a captain or presenting safety course credentials when bareboat options are available. Most travelers choose captained boats for convenience and stress-free navigation in and around the bay.

For most planners, a captained charter is the easiest, safest option. Local captains handle docking, currents, and traffic in San Juan Bay, keep you on schedule, and know the best viewpoints and swim spots. Self-operated rentals may be limited and tend to require strong boating resumes. If your priority is a smooth celebration, corporate outing, or family trip, book with a captain and focus on the fun while the crew manages the details.

The primary pickup points are San Juan Bay Marina near Miramar and Club Náutico de San Juan on Avenida Fernández Juncos. Some tours also use the Bahía Urbana waterfront piers in Old San Juan (often Pier 6) for sightseeing departures. Exact meeting instructions come from your captain after booking, so share your hotel location to coordinate the most convenient pickup spot and timing.

Bay cruises offer postcard views of Old San Juan’s 500-year-old city walls and forts, including Castillo San Felipe del Morro and Castillo San Cristóbal, plus La Fortaleza (the Governor’s Mansion), the San Juan Gate, Paseo de la Princesa, and the Capitol dome. You’ll also take in Isla de Cabras, the cruise port skyline, the Convention Center area, and the Bacardí Distillery across the bay. Sunset trips add golden light for epic photos; morning sails are calm and great for spotting sea life.

Yes—many boats are family-friendly. Captained charters provide U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jackets for all ages and sizes, and children are required to wear them while the boat is underway. Let your captain know the ages and sizes of any kids in your group so the proper gear is set aside, and consider earlier time slots when seas are typically smoother for little travelers.

Most private charters allow you to bring snacks and beverages, and many include water, sodas, and sometimes beer or rum punch on sightseeing routes. Your captain can usually supply a cooler with ice; glass containers are often discouraged for safety. If you prefer a hands-off plan, ask about simple catering, charcuterie, or celebration cakes when you book.

Policies vary by boat. Many shared tours do not allow pets, but some private charters will approve small, well-behaved dogs with advance notice and a pet fee. If your pup is joining, bring a pet life jacket, water bowl, and a towel, and confirm boarding rules and cleanup expectations with your captain before the day of your trip.

Boating is year-round here, but the Atlantic hurricane season runs June through November with the most activity typically in August and September. Captains monitor marine forecasts daily and will reschedule or cancel if conditions are unsafe; many offer weather-friendly rebooking or refunds when the captain calls off the trip. Passing showers are common and often brief, and mornings are usually the calmest time for smoother seas. If you’re traveling in late summer or early fall, build a little flexibility into your itinerary.

Yes. Boats in San Juan are set up for celebrations with Bluetooth sound, coolers, and flexible seating, and crews can help with timing, swim stops, and simple decorations. To keep things seamless, share your guest count, ideal vibe (chill sail, party boat, or luxury yacht), and any add-ons like snacks or a photographer when you inquire. For large groups, book early—especially on weekends and holiday periods.

The most reliably sunny, dry months are December through April, which also makes them the busiest for charters. Weekdays and morning departures generally have the smoothest conditions and the most availability. Boats book up quickly around U.S. boating holidays—Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day—and during major local events like the San Juan Christmas Boat Parade in mid-December and the San Sebastián Street Festival in mid-January. If you’re aiming for those windows, reserve several weeks in advance.

Yes, but most trips to those turquoise‑water cays depart from marinas on the east coast near Fajardo, about an hour’s drive from San Juan. Many operators offer hotel pickup from the metro area, or your captain can meet you directly at the marina for a full‑day outing with beach time and snorkeling. If your group prefers to avoid the drive, consider a San Juan Bay cruise or coastal sail and plan the island‑hopping for another day of your itinerary.