The Best Boat Rentals in Maryland

Expect smaller powerboats to start around $125–$200 per hour, sailboats from roughly $140–$325 per hour, mid‑size cabin cruisers and yachts (30–50 feet) in the $250–$600 per hour range, and larger yachts or party boats from about $600 up to $1,200+ per hour. Prices vary by size, season, and whether you book weekends or holidays. Many listings include safety gear and basic cleaning; captained charters may bundle the captain’s fee and fuel, while others list fuel, dockage, taxes, and gratuity separately—always check the inclusions on the offer before you book.

You’ll find a wide mix, including pontoons and bowriders for relaxed cruising, center consoles for fishing and sandbar stops, classic sailboats and catamarans, comfortable cabin cruisers, and luxury motor yachts for celebrations. Inventory is strongest around Annapolis, Baltimore, the Potomac/National Harbor area, Ocean City, and the Eastern Shore.

Most planners choose a captained charter for a stress‑free day—your captain handles navigation, docking, and local routes. Self‑operated (bareboat) rentals are available for experienced boaters; if you plan to operate the boat yourself, Maryland requires a boating safety education certificate for anyone born on or after July 1, 1972, and owners may ask for a boating résumé. (dnr.maryland.gov, getmyboat.com)

Common launch points include Annapolis City Dock/Ego Alley in the heart of downtown, Baltimore’s Inner Harbor and Harbor East Marina, National Harbor Marina on the Potomac, Ocean City’s Sunset Marina near the inlet, St. Michaels Harbour Inn/City Docks on the Miles River, and Solomons Island at the mouth of the Patuxent River. Your exact pickup is confirmed in your booking chat. (annapolis.gov, baltimoreinnerharbormarina.com, harboreastmarina.com, nationalharbormarinadc.com, ocsunsetmarina.com, smharborshuttle.com, fishsolomons.com)

Around Annapolis you can cruise by the U.S. Naval Academy, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, and the photogenic Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse; in Baltimore, favorites include Fort McHenry—birthplace of the Star‑Spangled Banner—and the iconic Domino Sugar sign glowing over the harbor. On the Eastern Shore, St. Michaels’ harbor views shine, and in summer you may even spot bottlenose dolphins in parts of the Bay. (en.wikipedia.org, cheslights.org, explore.baltimoreheritage.org, umces.edu)

To operate a motorized vessel yourself, Maryland law requires anyone born on or after July 1, 1972 to carry a Maryland‑approved boating safety education certificate; visitors from out of state can meet the rule with an accepted course card. If you book with a licensed captain, you don’t need a boater card to be a passenger. (dnr.maryland.gov, law.justia.com)

Yes—most captains welcome families. U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jackets are provided for everyone on board, and Maryland law requires children under 13 to wear a life jacket while underway on recreational vessels under 21 feet (with limited exceptions). Ask your captain in advance for infant/toddler sizes to ensure the best fit. (uscgboating.org, dnr.maryland.gov)

Most charters allow you to bring snacks, meals, and beverages; many provide a cooler with ice. Alcohol is typically fine for guests 21+, but the operator must remain sober—boating under the influence is illegal and faces penalties similar to a DUI, with recent Maryland updates increasing consequences for offenders. Check your boat’s rules on glass, red wine, and catering before you pack. (law.justia.com, news.maryland.gov)

Plenty of boats are dog‑friendly with advance approval, often with a small cleaning fee—confirm when you inquire. If you’re cruising near Assateague, remember the famous ponies are truly wild: enjoy them from a distance and never attempt to feed or approach them from shore or boat.

Captains watch NOAA marine forecasts and will reschedule or cancel if conditions aren’t safe; most owners offer a new date or a refund per the cancellation policy on your listing. If there’s a Small Craft Advisory or storms on your route, expect flexibility—but light rain or clouds may not trigger a refund. Review the policy before booking and keep an eye on the marine forecast the day prior. (weather.gov, getmyboat.zendesk.com)

Yes—boats in Annapolis, Baltimore, National Harbor, and Ocean City host celebrations all the time, from laid‑back pontoon cruises to yacht charters with a captain. Share your headcount, preferred vibe, and any decorations or playlist plans in the inquiry so your captain can prep. Weekdays often have better availability and pricing, and many listings outline party‑friendly tips and safety basics.

Peak boating runs late spring through early fall, with weekends and major holidays—Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day—selling out first. Big seasonal draws include the Blue Angels over Annapolis during Commissioning Week (May 20–21, 2025), the Ocean City Air Show (June 14–15, 2025), and the Annapolis Powerboat and Sailboat Shows in October. For smoother water and lighter crowds, consider weekday mornings or the shoulder months of May, September, and early October. (annapolis.gov, oceancitymd.gov, eyeonannapolis.net, annapolisboatshows.com, atlanticmarinasmd.com)

Two standouts: a lighthouse run to Thomas Point Shoal Light off Annapolis—one of the Bay’s most photographed beacons with seasonal tours—and a cruise along Baltimore’s harbor to Fort McHenry with sunset views of the Domino Sugar sign. On summer days, watch for bottlenose dolphins in parts of the Bay, and if you’re near Ocean City/Assateague, you may glimpse wild ponies along the shoreline from a respectful distance. (thomaspointshoallighthouse.org, nps.gov, wbal.com, umces.edu, dnr.maryland.gov)