The Best Boat Rentals in Bronx

Expect most smaller powerboats and sailboats to run about $200–$350 per hour, mid-size motor yachts for 6–12 guests to be around $350–$800 per hour, and premium or larger yachts to start near $1,000 per hour, with many listings requiring a 2–3 hour minimum. Captained trips typically include a licensed captain, standard safety gear, and often fuel for local routes; taxes, marina pickup fees, catering, and gratuity (commonly 15–20%) are usually extra. Pricing varies by day of week, time of day, and holidays, so booking early for weekends is wise.

You’ll find a range that fits most group sizes and vibes, including comfortable motor yachts for celebrations, classic sailboats for relaxed skyline cruising, party pontoons and spacious cruisers for casual hangouts, and larger inspected event vessels for big groups. Availability shifts with the season, but these categories are consistently popular across New York waters.

Most New York–area charters are captained for ease and safety, which means you don’t have to worry about routes, docking, or currents. If you prefer to operate a boat yourself, New York’s Brianna’s Law now requires every motorboat operator to hold a state‑approved boating safety certificate as of January 1, 2025; many owners will also ask for experience and a security deposit for self-operated rentals. (boatus.com, boat-ed.com, marinebusinessworld.com)

Common pickup points include City Island’s marinas and yacht clubs—such as Minneford Marina at 150 City Island Avenue, City Island Yacht Club at 63 Pilot Street, and the Harlem Yacht Club at 417 Hunter Avenue—as well as Throggs Neck’s waterfront at Marina Del Rey, 1 Marina Drive. Your captain will confirm the exact dock and may offer alternative pickups in Manhattan, Queens, or Westchester for an added fee. (marinalife.com, mapquest.com, hyc.org, mdrnyc.com)

From City Island and Pelham Bay, local cruises often pass the Whitestone and Throgs Neck Bridges, historic Fort Schuyler at SUNY Maritime, and Long Island Sound lighthouses like Stepping Stones and Execution Rocks, with views of Hart Island along the way; longer outings can route through Hell Gate toward Roosevelt Island, around Manhattan, or up the Harlem River past Yankee Stadium for skyline and bridge photo ops. (en.wikipedia.org, sunymaritime.edu, nyctourism.com, waterwayguide.com, nychottubboat.com)

As of January 1, 2025, everyone operating a motorized vessel on New York waters must carry a boating safety certificate approved by New York State Parks (Brianna’s Law). Personal watercraft have additional age rules, but for typical motorboats the key is that all operators—residents and visitors with NASBLA‑approved cards—must be certified. If you book a captained charter, no license is needed for passengers. (boat-ed.com, boatus.com, marinebusinessworld.com)

Families are welcome, and every charter provides properly sized U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jackets. New York law requires children under 12 to wear a life jacket while on boats under 65 feet, and from November 1 to May 1 everyone on vessels under 21 feet must wear a PFD when underway. Let your captain know ages and sizes in advance so child vests are ready at boarding.

Most hosts allow BYO snacks and beverages and many supply coolers with ice; some even coordinate catering or pickup from City Island’s well‑known seafood spots. Policies on glass, red wine, or hard liquor vary by boat, so check your listing details and plan to pack tidy, spill‑proof options to keep the deck party‑ready.

Pet policies depend on the vessel. Many captains will welcome a small, well‑behaved dog if you ask in advance and bring a leash, water bowl, and a towel; some may add a cleaning fee or limit pets on high‑gloss interiors. Confirm your plan with the owner when you send your booking request.

Each listing sets its own cancellation terms, and weather decisions are typically made by the owner or captain on the day. If conditions are unsafe, most will offer to reschedule or refund; if a trip could safely operate, standard cancellation rules usually apply. Getmyboat’s default when no policy is specified is a full refund if you cancel at least five days before departure, while weather‑related refunds depend on the owner’s policy and Coast Guard advisories.

Yes—boats are a low‑stress way to gather your group with a built‑in backdrop. Mid‑size yachts work well for 6–12 guests, and larger inspected vessels can host bigger parties; many listings include sound systems and allow simple decorations. For weekend dates and sunset slots, reserve early to secure your preferred boat and pickup window.

Peak boating season runs roughly May through September, with the warmest water and longest daylight in July and August; spring and fall shoulder months are milder and often less crowded. Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day weekends sell out quickly, and the annual Fourth of July fireworks on the East River draw heavy demand for evening charters citywide, so plan well ahead if you want that night. For calmer water and friendlier rates, aim for weekday mornings or early afternoons; sunset cruises are the first to book out on Fridays and Saturdays. (en.climate-data.org, apnews.com, decider.com)

Decide your guest count, preferred pickup area (City Island or Throggs Neck are both convenient), and a 2–3 hour window, then send one clear request through the listing with your date options and any must‑haves like a captain, BYO food, or a specific route. Captained charters handle the navigation and docking, and you can split payments among guests in advance so boarding day is just show‑up, step aboard, and enjoy. (marinalife.com, mdrnyc.com)