The Best Boat Rentals Near Surrey

Most small powerboats around Surrey run about $150–$200 per hour, pontoons are usually near $150 per hour, and skippered motor yachts for celebrations or sightseeing range roughly from $200 up to $700+ per hour depending on size, season, and duration. Fishing charters commonly start around $350–$550 per hour. Prices usually include the boat, required safety gear, and for captained trips a licensed skipper; fuel, gratuity, and add‑ons like BBQs or water toys may be extra. Taxes and a platform service fee also apply at checkout, so plan a little buffer in your budget.

You’ll find an easy mix for different groups and plans: comfortable pontoons for relaxed river and bay cruising, sporty bowriders and runabouts for quick outings, sailboats for hands‑on time under canvas, and motor yachts for birthdays, bachelorettes, and sunset cruises. Fishing boats and guided tours are also available if you’d rather focus on the experience while your captain does the driving.

If you want a stress‑free day, book with a captain—local skippers handle tides, shipping lanes, and docking so you can relax with your crew. Self‑drive options are available on certain boats and routes; you’ll need proof of competency to operate a motorized vessel in Canada. If you don’t hold a Canadian Pleasure Craft Operator Card, most renters can qualify by completing a brief Rental Boat Safety Checklist before departure, or by presenting an equivalent U.S. state boating card. Minimum operator age and experience are set by each owner, so check the listing details.

Common pickup points include Crescent Beach Marina in South Surrey for direct access to Boundary Bay and Semiahmoo Bay, the public dock and ramp at Elgin Heritage Park (Ward’s Public Marina) on the Nicomekl River, and the Surrey Public Wharf on the Fraser River in North Surrey. Some captains may also offer pickups from nearby Vancouver or Richmond marinas for saltwater itineraries—confirm the exact meet‑up spot when you book.

Closer to South Surrey you’ll cruise along the Nicomekl River out to Boundary Bay, with views of Blackie Spit, Mud Bay’s sand flats, and the North Shore Mountains on clear days. Around Semiahmoo Bay you may pass Crescent Beach and the White Rock Pier, and it’s common to spot harbor seals and abundant birdlife in this important migratory area. Longer saltwater itineraries can stretch toward the Strait of Georgia for skyline views and open‑water scenery.

For captained trips, no license is needed. For self‑operated rentals of motorized boats, Canadian law requires proof of competency. That can be a Pleasure Craft Operator Card, a completed Rental Boat Safety Checklist provided by the owner for the duration of your rental, or an accepted equivalent from your home state or country if you’re visiting. Bring photo ID, and expect the owner to verify your experience and set minimum age rules.

Yes—most hosts welcome families. Transport Canada requires a properly sized lifejacket or PFD for every person on board, and reputable operators carry a full size range for children. Many captains ask that kids wear their lifejackets the entire time. Strollers and car seats can usually stay on the dock or cabin floor, but pack light and let your captain know the ages of children so they can load the right sizes.

Absolutely—BYO snacks and non‑alcoholic drinks are widely welcome, and some boats offer coolers or a small galley. Alcohol policies must follow provincial and federal rules: open alcohol is only permitted on vessels with permanent cooking, sleeping, and toilet facilities, and typically only when the boat is docked or anchored; operating a vessel while impaired is illegal. Many celebratory charters are BYO with captain approval—confirm specifics in your booking.

Pets are often allowed on a case‑by‑case basis. If you’re bringing a dog, ask the owner in advance, keep your pet leashed during boarding, and bring a towel and waste bags. Some boats may charge a cleaning fee or restrict pets on certain upholstery, so a quick message to the host avoids any surprises.

Your captain will watch conditions and adjust the route or reschedule if needed. When you book through the platform, each listing has its own cancellation policy for weather. Many owners are flexible about unsafe conditions, but light rain or overcast skies may not qualify. If a storm advisory or strong wind warning makes it unsafe, most trips are postponed or refunded per the listing’s policy—message your host early if your plans are weather‑sensitive.

Yes—this area is great for celebrations. Pontoons and mid‑size yachts comfortably host 8–12 guests, and larger yachts out of nearby Vancouver can accommodate bigger groups. Let the captain know your occasion when you inquire so they can suggest the right vessel, meeting point, route, and add‑ons like a Bluetooth sound system, a grill, or a swim stop if conditions allow.

Peak boating season runs late May through early September, with the driest months in July and August. Canada Day (July 1), BC Day (first Monday in August), and Labour Day weekends book up early, and U.S. holiday weekends like Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day also drive demand across the region. For the smoothest water and easier parking, choose weekday mornings; afternoons can be windier due to sea‑breezes, and weekends fill fast. On the Nicomekl River and Boundary Bay, departures often align with favorable tides, so be flexible on start times.

Protected sections of the Nicomekl River offer gentle cruising, while Boundary Bay and Semiahmoo Bay are typically easygoing on fair‑weather mornings. At very low tides, shallow areas near Mud Bay and Blackie Spit can limit access, so captains time trips around the tide. If you’re heading onto the Fraser River from the Surrey Public Wharf, expect working‑river traffic and currents—another reason many planners choose a captained charter.

Yes—during late July the Honda Celebration of Light lights up Vancouver’s English Bay, and some captains offer special routes to watch from the water if the schedule and conditions allow. Surrey’s own summer calendar, including the Surrey Fusion Festival in July, can also make weekend availability tight, so it’s smart to reserve well in advance for those dates.