The Best Boat Rentals in Washington

Most private charters on the Potomac and Anacostia run about $150–$300 per hour for pontoons and smaller powerboats, $300–$600+ per hour for mid-size cruisers and yachts, and $700–$900+ per hour for premium or peak-time trips like holiday fireworks. Two to three hour minimums are common. Many listings include a licensed captain, fuel, a cooler with ice, Bluetooth speakers, and standard safety gear; others price the captain’s fee or fuel separately. Taxes and gratuity are typically extra, and holiday or sunset slots can carry surcharges. Always check your specific listing for what’s included.

You’ll find comfortable pontoons for casual cruising, nimble bowriders and deck boats for sightseeing, center consoles, classic and modern sailboats for leisurely sails, and a range of cabin cruisers and larger yachts for upscale celebrations. Many options are set up for groups, with shaded seating, restrooms on larger vessels, and easy boarding at popular DC docks.

If you plan to operate the boat yourself on DC waters, you must carry a valid boating safety education certificate from an approved course; visiting boaters with NASBLA-recognized cards are accepted. Most travelers choose a captained charter so no license or local experience is required. For any self-operated booking, bring your boater card and a government-issued ID, and be prepared to demonstrate recent experience on a similar vessel.

Common pickup points include The Wharf Marina on the Southwest Waterfront, the Georgetown waterfront at Washington Harbour, and The Yards Marina by Nationals Park. Nearby departure hubs also include National Harbor Marina in Maryland, the City Marina in Old Town Alexandria, and Columbia Island Marina near the Pentagon Lagoon. Your captain will confirm the exact pier and parking or rideshare details a day or two before departure.

A typical route showcases the Washington Monument rising over the Tidal Basin, the Jefferson Memorial’s dome, the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington Memorial Bridge, the Kennedy Center and Watergate, Theodore Roosevelt Island and Key Bridge near Georgetown, and East Potomac Park at Hains Point. On the Anacostia, you’ll pass the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge, Yards Park, and Nationals Park. Many cruises also glide by Reagan National Airport’s flight path for memorable plane-spotting along the river.

Yes—families are welcome on most charters. Every boat carries U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jackets sized for the group, and you can request infant or child sizes in advance. Children under 13 must wear a life jacket while the boat is underway unless they are below deck or in an enclosed cabin. Strollers are usually fine on larger boats; for smaller vessels, lightweight carriers work best.

Most DC charters are BYO for snacks and beverages, and many provide a cooler with ice. Cans are strongly preferred over glass. If you’re self-operating, the operator must remain sober at all times; on captained trips, your crew handles the driving so your group can relax. If you’d like catering, ask your captain—pickup near The Wharf, Georgetown, The Yards, Old Town, or National Harbor makes logistics easy.

Pets are allowed on some boats with prior approval. Small, well-behaved dogs are the most commonly accepted, often with a modest cleaning fee. Bring a leash, waste bags, and a non-slip mat or towel so your pup has a comfortable spot on deck, and consider a fitted pet PFD for extra peace of mind.

Captains keep a close eye on heat, wind, and summer pop-up thunderstorms. If the forecast turns unsafe—think lightning, high winds, or river advisories—most charters will reschedule or offer a refund per the listing’s policy. Light rain usually isn’t an issue. Keep your phone handy on trip day, build in a little schedule flexibility, and dress for sun and spray.

For stress-free sightseeing and celebrations, a captained charter is the easiest option: your crew handles docking, routing, and river traffic while you focus on your guests. Self-operated rentals can be cost-effective for confident boaters with a DC-accepted boater card and recent experience on similar boats. If you’re coordinating a group or special event, captained is almost always the smoother pick.

Peak boating season runs May through September, with warm temps and long evenings. Cherry blossom season—from late March into early April—is a spectacular but busy shoulder period on the water. Major boating holidays like Memorial Day weekend, July 4th, and Labor Day book far in advance; July 4th also brings special river safety zones and heavy demand. Weekdays are calmer and often priced more flexibly than weekends, mornings tend to have lighter winds and smoother water, and golden-hour sunset cruises are the most requested slots.

Absolutely. Many boats are set up for celebrations with spacious seating, great sound systems, and easy boarding at central piers like The Wharf or Georgetown. You can usually bring decorations, desserts, or a playlist, and some crews can recommend photographers or simple catering. Share your headcount, desired vibe, and pickup area in the inquiry so the captain can match you with the right boat and route.

Plane-spotting near Reagan National Airport is a DC classic, with jets tracing the river as you cruise by Gravelly Point. Spring cherry blossoms line the Tidal Basin and East Potomac Park for unforgettable photo stops. Baseball fans love gliding past Nationals Park on the Anacostia. Longer cruises can add Old Town Alexandria and National Harbor to your itinerary, and some full-day outings venture downriver toward Mount Vernon for a history-filled day on the Potomac.