The Best Boat Rentals Near Nova Scotia

For private charters in Nova Scotia, most mid‑size powerboats and sailboats run about $150–$350 USD per hour, with premium yachts typically $300–$600+ per hour. Half‑day outings often land between $600 and $1,200, while full days range from roughly $1,200 to $2,000+. Group boat tours (like whale watching) are commonly priced per person, usually around $60–$100. Pricing typically includes the boat, required safety gear, and a captain if it’s a captained listing; fuel may be included for short harbour cruises and billed separately for longer trips. Taxes and gratuity are extra, and some hosts offer bundle pricing for special occasions.

You’ll find a good mix for coastal cruising and lake days: comfortable motor yachts for groups and events, classic sailboats for scenic sails, sturdy RIBs and center consoles for sightseeing and wildlife runs, and pontoons or runabouts on inland lakes. Many options are available as captained experiences, while smaller lake boats are often available as self‑operated rentals.

If you plan to operate a motorized boat yourself, you must carry proof of competency in Canada. This can be a Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC), an equivalent recognized credential from your home country or state if you’re visiting, or a completed Rental Boat Safety Checklist provided by the rental company that serves as proof of competency for the rental period. If you book a captained charter, no license is required for passengers.

Choose a captained trip if you want maximum relaxation, local knowledge, and stress‑free navigation—great for parties, family outings, and visitors unfamiliar with local waters, fog, and tides. Self‑operated rentals can be a fit if you’re experienced, comfortable with charts and marine conditions, and want full control of the route. Many planners pick captained charters for celebrations and keep‑it‑simple logistics.

Popular departure points include the Halifax Waterfront Marina downtown (with berths at Queen’s Marque and Foundation Wharf), Lunenburg’s historic waterfront on the South Shore, Baddeck’s public wharf on Bras d’Or Lake in Cape Breton, and the Chester Yacht Club area on Mahone Bay. Your exact pickup will be confirmed in your booking details, and captains can often suggest the most convenient wharf for your itinerary.

In Halifax Harbour you can cruise past the skyline, Georges Island’s fortifications, McNabs Island’s beaches, and, farther out, the approach to Sambro Island Lighthouse—one of North America’s oldest operating lights. Along the South Shore, expect rugged granite shores, Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse, and colourful towns like Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In Cape Breton, the Bras d’Or Lake offers sheltered sailing with highland views, while the Bay of Fundy rewards with dramatic tide lines and frequent whale and seabird sightings in season.

Yes—families are welcome on most charters. By law, every person on board must have a properly sized lifejacket or PFD available, and reputable hosts carry a full set for both adults and children. Many captains require kids to wear lifejackets while underway and will provide a safety briefing before departure. If you’re bringing infants or toddlers, share their weights and ages in advance so the crew can confirm the right fit.

Most hosts allow you to bring snacks, picnic items, and non‑alcoholic beverages, and many can recommend local caterers. For alcohol, Canadian law prohibits operating a vessel while impaired; open alcohol rules also vary and are stricter underway. Captained charters will advise what’s permitted and when—cans instead of glass are preferred, and red wine is often discouraged to avoid staining. Always confirm your group’s plans with the captain before the trip.

Many captains allow well‑behaved dogs on a case‑by‑case basis. If you plan to bring a pet, request approval in your booking message and include the breed and size. Bring a leash, a towel, fresh water, and consider booties if you’re boarding from rocky or splinter‑prone wharves. Some vessels restrict pets in interior cabins—your captain will outline any rules.

Maritime weather can change quickly with fog, wind, and rain. Captains monitor marine forecasts and make the final call for safety. If conditions aren’t suitable, most will offer to reschedule or provide a weather‑related refund according to the listing’s policy. To keep your itinerary flexible, consider holding a backup time or date, and dress in layers even on sunny days.

Peak boating season runs May through October, with the busiest and warmest months from late June through early September. Weekdays typically feel quieter on the water and at the docks, while weekends, long weekends, and festival periods book up fast. Morning departures are often smoother and less crowded; late‑afternoon golden‑hour sails are popular for photos. In Halifax, late July through early August brings waterfront festivals and Natal Day events; mid‑August features Chester Race Week on Mahone Bay. U.S. holiday weekends like Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day can also drive demand from visiting travelers, so plan ahead for those dates.

Absolutely. Captained yachts and sailboats are popular for celebrations, proposals, and corporate get‑togethers. Share your headcount, desired vibe (chill sightseeing vs. upbeat party), and any add‑ons like cake, décor, or a photo stop. Many captains can suggest scenic routes—Harbour loops in Halifax, lighthouse runs on the South Shore, sunset sails on Bras d’Or Lake—and advise on playlists, catering, and timing.

Whale watching typically runs from late May through October, peaking in summer on the Bay of Fundy and off Cape Breton. On the events side, the Halifax Busker Festival lights up the waterfront in late July and early August, Halifax‑Dartmouth’s Natal Day festivities include harbour fireworks in early August, and Chester Race Week—Canada’s largest keelboat regatta—brings sailing action to Mahone Bay in mid‑August. These periods are fantastic on the water but sell out quickly, so secure your boat early.