The Best Boat Rentals in Seattle

Most small powerboats and pontoons run about $100–$250 per hour, sailing charters commonly range $150–$300 per hour, and captained motor yachts usually start around $300–$900 per hour with premium options reaching roughly $1,100+ per hour in peak summer. Rates often include standard safety gear and basic cleaning; captained listings typically include the captain’s time, while fuel, taxes, gratuity, and add-ons like water toys or catering may be extra. Pricing varies by boat size, season, and day of week, so it helps to compare options for your date range.

You’ll find a wide mix suited to different groups and budgets, including pontoons and bowriders for easy lake cruising, sailboats for a classic wind-powered experience, and motor yachts for celebrations or corporate events. You can also book guided sightseeing boat tours if you want a set route and narration.

If you plan to drive a motorboat of 15 horsepower or more, Washington requires operators who were born after January 1, 1955 and are at least 12 years old to carry a Washington State Boater Education Card. Visitors boating fewer than 60 days can use an equivalent out-of-state card, and many rental vendors can issue a temporary card after you complete their safety checklist. If you hire a captain, you won’t need a boater card.

Common pickup points include Lake Union Park in South Lake Union for lake cruises, Bell Harbor Marina at Pier 66 for downtown and Elliott Bay access, Shilshole Bay Marina near Golden Gardens for Puget Sound sailing, Elliott Bay Marina in Magnolia for saltwater trips, and Fishermen’s Terminal near the Ballard Bridge for freshwater moorage close to the locks. Availability varies by boat and season, so always confirm your meeting spot after booking. (seattle.gov, portseattle.org, elliottbaymarina.co, flysea.org)

On Lake Union you can glide past Gas Works Park, historic floating homes, and seaplanes landing with skyline views anchored by the Space Needle. From Elliott Bay you’ll see the Seattle Great Wheel, the revitalized waterfront, and on clear days Mount Rainier on the horizon. Many routes can also include a look at the Ballard Locks area, time and conditions permitting.

Yes, most boats welcome families. Life jackets are provided and sized for your group; in Washington, children 12 and under must wear a U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jacket when underway on vessels under 19 feet, and many captains encourage or require kids to wear them at all times. If you need an extra jacket for a guest, ask your captain or check local loaner programs before departure.

Bringing snacks, picnic fare, and nonalcoholic drinks is common, and many captained charters allow responsible alcohol consumption for guests 21+. Policies on glass containers, red wine, or hard alcohol vary by boat, and some yachts can arrange catering. Confirm specifics with your captain or owner, and pack easy-to-serve items to keep setup and cleanup simple.

Many owners allow dogs with advance approval, often with a small cleaning fee. Bring a leash, a towel for wet paws, and a collapsible water bowl. If your route includes open water or a longer cruise, a well-fitted pet life jacket is a smart idea.

Seattle boats operate in light rain, but your captain may adjust the route or reschedule if strong winds, lightning, dense fog, or a Small Craft Advisory are in the forecast. Always review the listing’s weather and cancellation policy when you book; safety calls are typically made on the day of departure based on the latest marine forecast.

Absolutely. Smaller charters often host up to six guests, while inspected vessels can carry larger groups. For summer weekends, July 4th, and Seafair weekend, reserve early to lock in your preferred time and boat size. If your party is larger than six, look for listings that note they are inspected or ask the owner before booking.

Peak boating season runs roughly June through September, with warm afternoons and long daylight. Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day weekends are especially busy, and Seafair Weekend on Lake Washington—complete with hydroplane races and the Blue Angels air show—creates very high demand and special waterway restrictions near the show box. If you prefer calmer water and easier parking, consider weekday mornings or earlier departures on summer weekends.

If your group wants a stress-free day with curated scenery and photo stops, a captained charter is the easiest option—your skipper handles docking, route planning, and safety so you can focus on the celebration. Confident boaters with the required boater card often choose a self-operated pontoon or bowrider for Lake Union or Lake Washington. For routes that include the locks or Puget Sound swells, a captain is recommended so timing and tides don’t complicate your schedule.

Yes, many captained trips can include a transit of the Hiram M. Chittenden (Ballard) Locks, which operate 24/7 for vessel traffic. Plan extra time for staging and lockage, and note that water conservation measures or peak summer traffic can increase wait times; your captain will decide whether a locks run fits safely within your charter window on the day.