The Best Boat Rentals Near Everett

Expect small motorboats and pontoons to start around $100–$200 per hour, classic sailboats from about $125–$200 per hour, and mid‑size captained cruisers and yachts from roughly $250–$600+ per hour depending on size, itinerary, and season. Half‑day private fishing or sightseeing charters typically range from about $600–$1,200 for the boat, while premium, large‑group or luxury options can run higher. Most listings include required safety gear and basic cleaning; captained trips include the captain’s fee. Fuel may be included for short local cruises but can be billed separately for longer runs, so check your listing for fuel, gratuity, and any marina or moorage fees.

You’ll find a mix of comfortable pontoons and deck boats for easy cruising, center consoles and fishing boats for Puget Sound or Snohomish River outings, classic and modern sailboats, and a range of cabin cruisers and motor yachts for hosting celebrations. Many charters are captained, and there are also self‑operate options for qualified boaters.

Choose a captained charter if you want a stress‑free outing where a local pro handles navigation, docking, and weather decisions—great for groups and special occasions. Self‑operate (bareboat) works if you’re comfortable with tides, currents, and local rules and can meet Washington’s operator requirements. Captained trips maximize relaxation and route flexibility, while self‑operate gives you total control of pace and privacy.

The Port of Everett waterfront is the main hub, with departures commonly from the Port of Everett Marina’s guest docks at Waterfront Place and from the large 10th Street Boat Launch area by Jetty Landing Park. For river trips, some operators use the Langus Riverfront Park boat launch on the Snohomish River. Your confirmation will list the exact meeting point and parking details.

On clear days you’ll cruise with views of the Olympic and Cascade ranges, Jetty Island’s long sandy beaches, and Gedney (Hat) Island in Possession Sound. Routes often pass the Mukilteo lighthouse and ferry, working waterfront scenes in Port Gardner Bay, and shoreline parks. Wildlife sightings can include harbor seals, porpoises, eagles, and in spring, migrating gray whales that sometimes forage near Hat Island.

Washington requires a Boater Education Card to operate motorboats of 15 hp or more if you were born after January 1, 1955. Many visitors use an equivalent card from another state. If you’re renting, some vendors can issue a temporary safety card after you complete a brief checklist, and captained charters don’t require you to hold a card. Always review the operator requirements on your listing before you book.

Yes—families are welcome on most boats. U.S. Coast Guard‑approved life jackets are provided for everyone on board; tell the owner your children’s ages and weights so they bring the right sizes. Washington law requires children 12 and under to wear a life jacket when underway on smaller vessels, and your captain or host will brief the group on safe seating and movement before departure.

Most charters allow you to bring snacks, picnic items, and non‑staining beverages, and many boats have coolers or small galleys. Alcohol policies vary by boat; beer, wine, and canned cocktails are often fine for guests 21+ on private trips, but glass containers, red wine, and hard‑to‑clean spills may be restricted. If your plan includes time ashore at Jetty Island, remember that alcohol isn’t permitted on the island.

Pet policies vary by boat—small, well‑behaved dogs are sometimes allowed with advance approval and a pet cleaning fee. However, pets are not allowed on the Jetty Island ferry or on the island itself to protect sensitive habitat. If your itinerary includes a Jetty stop, plan to leave pets at home.

Summer is generally mild, with calmer mornings and a light afternoon breeze. Operators watch marine forecasts closely; light rain usually doesn’t cancel, but high winds, dense fog, or unsafe seas may trigger a reschedule or refund per the owner’s policy. Build buffer time for tides and traffic at the dock, dress in layers, and confirm your provider’s specific weather and cancellation terms before departure.

Absolutely. Many captained cruisers and yachts near Everett are set up for celebrations, photo‑worthy toasts, and easy playlists. Tell the owner your headcount and occasion so they can recommend the right boat and route. Most boats list a firm maximum capacity; smaller charters commonly host up to six guests, while larger inspected vessels can accommodate more. You can usually bring decorations, cakes, and a cooler—just avoid confetti and anything that could blow overboard.

Peak boating runs June through September, with the warmest, driest weather in July and August. Spring and early fall can be beautiful with lighter crowds. Major boating holidays—Memorial Day weekend, July 4, and Labor Day—book up fast. Locally, Everett’s “Thunder on the Bay” Fourth of July fireworks draw big waterfront crowds, and the Seattle Seafair Weekend in early August can affect regional marinas and traffic if your cruise heads south. For the smoothest experience, choose weekday outings or morning departures, which often mean easier parking and calmer water.

Favorite local excursions include beach days at Jetty Island with warm, shallow water at low tide, lighthouse‑viewing passes by Mukilteo, and loops around Hat Island in Possession Sound. In March through May, captained trips sometimes look for the migrating gray whales that pause to feed near Hat Island’s mud flats. Full‑day charters can stretch north toward Whidbey and Camano Island harbors for waterfront lunch stops and scenic anchorages.