The Best Boat Rentals in Kirkland

Expect most standard boats to range from about $150 to $250 per hour for pontoons and bowriders, $200 to $300 per hour for wake and surf boats, and $300 to $600+ per hour for captained cruisers and midsize yachts. Larger luxury yachts can run $600 to $800+ per hour, while sailing charters often fall between $100 and $275 per hour. Pricing can be higher on weekends and holidays. Safety gear is included on every rental; listings will specify whether a captain, fuel, taxes, or gratuity are included or added separately.

You’ll find an easy mix suited to every plan, including comfortable pontoon boats for relaxed cruising, bowriders for lake hopping, wake and surf boats for watersports, classic sailboats for a breezy afternoon, and motor yachts for celebrations and sunset cruises. Many boats are available either captained or self-operated depending on your experience and group needs.

Washington requires a Boater Education Card to operate a motorized vessel of 15 horsepower or more if you’re 12 or older and were born after January 1, 1955. Visitors can usually use an equivalent card from another state, and short stays may qualify for a 60‑day exemption. If you rent a captained charter, you do not need a boater card because a licensed or qualified captain operates the vessel.

Common meet-up points include the Kirkland Marina Park City Dock and Boat Launch in downtown (with transient moorage), the adjacent Second Avenue South Dock, Carillon Point Marina to the south, and Yarrow Bay Marina just beyond Carillon Point. Your captain or owner will confirm the exact dock and parking details after booking, and note that city events can briefly affect the Marina Park ramp and dock access.

Cruising Lake Washington from Kirkland often brings views of the Seattle and Bellevue skylines, the SR 520 Evergreen Point Floating Bridge (the world’s longest floating bridge), Mercer Island’s coves, and Medina’s waterfront homes. Many trips pass Husky Stadium and the Union Bay wetlands, and on clear days you may spot the Olympic Mountains and Mount Rainier. Wildlife sightings are common along the shoreline, but the waters of Juanita Bay Park are a protected habitat—boats must stay outside the marked buoys.

Yes. Families book boats here all summer, and every vessel carries U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jackets. Washington law requires children 12 and under to wear a life jacket on vessels under 19 feet while underway, and many captains ask kids to wear them at all times. If you have infants or young children, request the right sizes in advance to ensure a perfect fit.

Most owners allow you to bring snacks, picnic fare, and beverages. Many ask that you avoid red wine or messy items and prefer cans over glass for safety. If alcohol is allowed, passengers may drink but the operator must stay sober—boating under the influence is illegal in Washington. If you want to cater or decorate for a celebration, confirm details and cleanup expectations with the owner ahead of time.

Many listings allow well-behaved dogs, especially on pontoons, but policies vary. Ask about size limits, cleaning fees, and any restricted areas on board. Bringing a properly fitted pet life jacket is strongly recommended, and most captains will require it when the boat is underway.

Lake conditions can change quickly, and safety calls rest with the owner or captain. Getmyboat bookings follow the cancellation policy set on each listing, and many owners will reschedule or refund if conditions are unsafe. If the weather is marginal but still safe, standard cancellation terms usually apply. To reduce stress, keep an eye on the forecast, build a little timing flexibility into your plan, and message the owner the day before to align on go/no‑go and backup times.

If your goal is a zero‑stress celebration, sightseeing, or a photo‑worthy sunset, a captained trip is the easiest option—your captain handles routing, docking, and safety while you host. Confident boaters who hold the proper boater card may prefer a self-operated pontoon or bowrider for a budget‑friendly, flexible day. For watersports like wakeboarding or surfing, many renters choose captained wake boats so an expert can manage ballast, speed, and safe towing.

Absolutely. Captains here are used to milestone events and can suggest scenic loops, swim stops, and photo backdrops. When you inquire, share your headcount, vibe (relaxed cruise, swim party, or high‑energy watersports), and preferred pick‑up dock. Many yachts comfortably host 6 to 13 guests depending on the vessel; the listing will show the maximum group size, music setup, and any decor or footwear rules.

Prime boating season runs May through September, with the warmest, driest stretch in July and August. Memorial Day weekend, July 4th, and Labor Day weekend are high demand, so book early. Weekdays and morning departures often have calmer water and easier parking; late afternoon and golden‑hour cruises are gorgeous but busier on sunny weekends. If you’re visiting in mid‑July or early August, plan around major waterfront events at Marina Park and Seafair weekend across the lake.

Popular calm spots include coves along Mercer Island, the east side of the lake near Medina, and protected bays identified by your captain. Many groups cruise south to the designated anchorage at Andrews Bay near Seward Park for a social raft‑up scene, especially on summer weekends. Always follow local no‑wake and anchoring rules, and confirm with your captain where swimming is safe and allowed that day.

Yes—these are signature Seattle experiences. Seafair Weekend typically features hydroplane racing and the Boeing Seafair Air Show with the Blue Angels over Lake Washington in early August, drawing heavy boat traffic and creating an unforgettable day on the water. In fall, many fans anchor near Union Bay to boat to Husky Stadium on game days. For both, demand is high and marinas get busy, so reserve well in advance, plan extra time for docking and pick‑ups, and follow any temporary closures or speed restrictions announced for the event.