The Best Boat Rentals in Brooklyn

For private charters in Brooklyn, expect smaller powerboats and sailboats for groups of up to six to start around $200–$350 per hour, mid‑size motor yachts for 6–12 guests to range roughly $400–$800 per hour, and larger party yachts for bigger groups to start near $1,000 per hour and go up from there. Most captained charters include the boat, a licensed captain and crew, fuel for standard routes, basic cleaning, and safety gear. Many boats also include a Bluetooth sound system, cooler or basic galley access, and bottled water, while taxes, optional gratuity of 15–20%, premium docking requests, and add‑ons like catering or decorations are typically extra. Pricing can be higher on summer weekends and holidays, and you’ll often find better value on weekday daytime departures.

You can choose from comfortable sailboats for relaxed skyline cruises, center consoles and fishing boats for harbor or near‑shore angling, sleek cabin cruisers and motor yachts for celebrations, and spacious pontoons or catamarans for casual lounging. If you’re planning a larger event, there are multi‑deck party yachts available that accommodate bigger groups with indoor salons and outdoor viewing decks.

In New York Harbor, most rentals are captained because the waterways are busy, tidal, and have specific traffic patterns. Self‑operated options are limited and generally offered only to experienced boaters on select smaller vessels in more protected areas. If you book a captained charter, you do not need to operate the boat yourself and can focus entirely on hosting your group. If you’re seeking a self‑drive experience, be prepared to show strong recent boating experience and the required safety certification, and expect availability to be limited.

Popular Brooklyn departure points include Brooklyn Bridge Marina at Pier 5 in Brooklyn Bridge Park, which is steps from DUMBO and Brooklyn Heights; the public piers along Emmons Avenue in Sheepshead Bay, a longtime hub for sightseeing and fishing trips; Marine Basin Marina on Gravesend Bay near the Verrazzano‑Narrows Bridge; the Brooklyn Army Terminal waterfront in Sunset Park with easy subway and NYC Ferry access; and Moonbeam Gateway Marina at Floyd Bennett Field, which provides quick access to Jamaica Bay and Rockaway Inlet. Your exact pickup is confirmed after booking and may vary based on vessel size, tides, and dock availability.

Typical harbor routes showcase the Statue of Liberty up close, sweeping views of Lower Manhattan and One World Trade Center, and postcard passes under the Brooklyn Bridge with looks at DUMBO and the Manhattan Bridge. Depending on your departure and charter length, you can also cruise past Governors Island, Ellis Island, the Williamsburg Bridge, and the East River skyline, or head south for views of Red Hook, the Verrazzano‑Narrows Bridge, Coney Island’s shoreline, and the Atlantic inlet. Sunset and city‑lights trips add dramatic reflections and nighttime skyline photos.

If you are operating the boat yourself, New York requires a state‑approved boating safety certificate for anyone driving a motorized vessel. As of January 1, 2025, this applies regardless of age. Most Getmyboat experiences in Brooklyn are captained, so guests do not need a certificate when they are not operating the boat. If you’re interested in a self‑operated rental, plan to show your valid boating safety certificate and recent, relevant experience at the time of booking.

Yes, families are welcome on most boats. Every legal charter carries U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jackets for all passengers, and New York law requires children under 12 to wear a life jacket while on deck on vessels under 65 feet unless in an enclosed cabin. Captains provide a safety briefing before departure, and many boats have comfortable indoor spaces for shade or chillier days. If you have infants or toddlers, let your captain know in advance so they can confirm correctly sized life jackets or advise you to bring your own.

Most captains allow you to bring your own food, birthday cakes, and beverages, and many can recommend local catering or offer simple add‑ons like ice, cups, and plates. Policies on alcohol vary by boat, but beer, wine, and ready‑to‑drink beverages are commonly allowed for adult guests. For safety, glass is often discouraged, red wine may be restricted, and hard liquor may be limited at the captain’s discretion. Always confirm cooler space, refrigeration, and cleanup details in your booking messages.

Small, well‑behaved dogs are permitted on some boats with advance approval. If your dog is joining, bring a non‑slip mat or blanket, plan for quick cleanups, and consider a snug‑fitting pet life jacket. Larger breeds or energetic pups may be limited to specific vessels with more open deck space, so share your pet’s size and temperament before you book.

Captains monitor marine forecasts closely. Light rain usually doesn’t stop a trip—most boats have covered areas—but high winds, lightning, dense fog, or unsafe seas may require delaying, rerouting, or rescheduling. Your exact cancellation or weather policy is shown on the listing; many offer free rescheduling if the captain calls off the trip for safety. If conditions are borderline, expect proactive communication the day before and morning of your charter with a clear go/no‑go plan.

Absolutely. Private boats make planning easy because everyone is in one place with a set route, music, and skyline views built in. Captains can time your cruise for golden‑hour photos by the Brooklyn Bridge, plan a close pass by the Statue of Liberty for a group shot, and suggest pickup spots that simplify rideshares and public transit. Many boats allow tasteful decorations and playlists, and larger event yachts offer multiple decks and indoor lounges for comfort in any weather.

Peak boating season runs from late May through September, with warmest temps from June to August. Holiday weekends—Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day—book up earliest and often carry premium pricing. Spring and fall offer cooler, often calmer days with great visibility. Weekdays are ideal for better availability and smoother pricing, and mornings typically bring gentler breezes and lighter traffic, while sunsets and evening skyline cruises are the most photogenic. If you’re targeting a prime Saturday in summer, plan to book three to six weeks ahead; for weekday sails, a week or two is often enough.

Yes, special‑event cruises are a Brooklyn favorite. Each July 4th, New York’s major fireworks show is often staged over the East River with prime views near the Brooklyn Bridge, and Friday‑night summer fireworks at Coney Island create a fun south‑Brooklyn option. These dates are extremely popular, so expect higher demand and earlier call‑times due to safety zones and dock traffic. Reserve well in advance, and follow your captain’s instructions on timing and viewing areas to ensure a smooth experience for your group.