The Best Boat Rentals in Savannah

Expect most private charters to run about $150–$300 per hour for standard pontoons and center-console boats, while larger premium boats and small yachts typically range from roughly $250–$700 per hour. Short sightseeing and dolphin tours can start around $60–$200 per hour depending on the boat and duration, and fishing charters often fall in the $120–$450 per hour range. Half-day outings commonly total $400–$800; full-day trips are often $900–$1,800+. Most captained trips include the captain, safety gear, and basic fuel; taxes, port or booking fees, and gratuity are usually extra. Always check your listing for any cleaning fees, fuel surcharges, or holiday pricing.

You’ll find comfortable pontoons and deck boats for relaxed cruising, center consoles and bay boats for fishing and sandbar stops, and a selection of small motor yachts for celebrations. Sightseeing and dolphin-watching trips are common, and you may also see classic-style tour boats or sailboats offered seasonally. Choose the boat type based on your group size, the route you want, and how much time you plan to be underway versus beached or at anchor.

Both options are available. Many visitors book a captained charter to simplify navigation around Savannah’s tidal rivers and sounds. If you prefer to operate a boat yourself, the owner must allow it and you must meet Georgia’s legal operator requirements. Self-operated rentals are more common for experienced boaters planning calm, intracoastal routes; captained trips are best if you want a stress-free day and local know-how for tides, channels, and sandbars.

Common meeting points include Bull River Marina on Wilmington Island and Isle of Hope Marina on the Intracoastal Waterway. You’ll also see departures from Hogan’s Marina on Wilmington Island, Savannah Bend/Thunderbolt marinas along the Wilmington River, and Coffee Bluff Marina on Savannah’s south side. Some sightseeing cruises use docks along River Street in the Historic District; always confirm your exact pickup when you book.

Routes often showcase the Savannah River skyline, the Talmadge Memorial Bridge, and River Street’s historic waterfront. Out toward the coast, you may pass Fort Pulaski and the Cockspur Island Lighthouse near Lazaretto Creek, watch massive container ships transit the harbor, and spot bottlenose dolphins in the Wilmington, Bull, and Ossabaw Sound areas. Barrier-island scenery around Tybee and Little Tybee features broad beaches, winding creeks, and birdlife in the marshes.

If you plan to operate the boat yourself, Georgia requires anyone born on or after January 1, 1998 to complete a state‑approved boating safety course and carry proof of completion. Operators age 16+ must have valid ID aboard; ages 12–15 have additional limits and supervision rules. If you book a captained charter, you do not need a boater card because the licensed captain operates the vessel.

Yes—Savannah charters are family‑friendly. Boats carry U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jackets for every passenger, and most captains can provide child sizes if you share ages and weights in advance. Georgia law requires children under 13 to wear a life jacket while a boat is underway. For comfort, look for boats with shade, a restroom if needed, and calmer morning departures for younger kids.

Most private charters welcome you to bring snacks, picnic fare, and beverages, and many provide coolers with ice. Glass is commonly prohibited; cans, boxed drinks, and reusable bottles are preferred. Alcohol is generally allowed for guests 21+ on private trips—confirm in advance if you’d like to bring bubbly for a celebration. Some captains can arrange catering with notice.

Many boats are pet‑friendly with prior approval. Let the owner know your dog’s size and temperament, bring a leash and a towel, and consider a well‑fitting pet life jacket. A small cleaning fee or deposit may apply, and some vessels or wildlife‑focused routes may not permit pets.

Savannah’s coastal waters are tidal, with strong currents in inlets and sounds. Summer brings hot afternoons and pop‑up thunderstorms; mornings are usually calmer. If a captain determines conditions are unsafe, trips are typically rescheduled or refunded per the listing’s policy. To keep your day smooth, build in flexibility around tide times for beaching or sandbar stops, and consider earlier departures in summer.

Peak boating runs from April through October, with warm water from May into October. Major holidays—Memorial Day, July 4th (fireworks usually around 9:30 p.m. over the Savannah River), and Labor Day—book up fast. Notable seasonal events include the Thunderbolt Blessing of the Fleet in early April and the Lighted Boat Parade on the river Thanksgiving weekend. For easier parking and smoother water, choose weekdays and morning departures; sunsets are gorgeous but popular.

Absolutely. Decide your guest count, vibe, and must‑sees—dolphins and sandbars, a cruise past River Street, or a beach stop near Little Tybee—and we’ll match you with a boat that fits. Smaller groups often ride on pontoons or center consoles; bigger celebrations may prefer a larger inspected passenger vessel. Share your date, timing, budget, and any BYO or catering needs, and book early for weekends and holiday periods.

Two favorites are a day on Little Tybee Island’s undeveloped beaches and a fossil‑hunting run to the Savannah River’s “Shark Tooth” spoil islands at low tide. Nature lovers also enjoy exploring around Wassaw National Wildlife Refuge, which is only accessible by boat. History fans can cruise near Fort Pulaski and the Cockspur Island Lighthouse for photos from the water. Ask your captain to tailor a route to the tide and your interests.