The Best Boat Rentals in Pennsylvania

Most private charters with a captain on the Delaware or the Three Rivers run about $200–$350 per hour for small groups of 2–6, while self-operated pontoons on lakes like Wallenpaupack or Raystown typically range from roughly $75–$150 per hour or $400–$800 for a full day, depending on size, date, and demand. Larger yachts or specialty event boats can be $300–$600+ per hour. Prices generally include required safety gear and life jackets; captained trips often include fuel, while self-operated rentals usually require you to refuel or pay a fuel charge. Taxes, platform fees, and gratuity are extra, and security/cleaning deposits may apply on self-drive boats.

You’ll find a wide mix tailored to where you’re boating. On city rivers, expect small motor yachts, deck boats, bowriders, and sailing charters for sightseeing. On inland lakes, pontoons and deck boats are the go-to for cruising and swimming, with performance and fishing-focused powerboats also common. Houseboats are popular for multi-day trips on Raystown Lake, and sailboats and motor cruisers are available on Lake Erie and Presque Isle Bay.

Both options exist. In cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, many listings are captained so you can relax while a local pro handles docking, bridges, and boat traffic. On lakes, self-operated pontoons and runabouts are common if you’re comfortable at the helm. If you plan to operate the boat yourself, the person driving must meet Pennsylvania’s boating education rules (see below), and the host may require prior experience or a short dockside orientation.

Common pick-ups vary by region so you can choose what’s convenient for your group. In Philadelphia, departures often meet at Penn’s Landing Marina (near Spruce Street Harbor Park) or Pier 3 Marina along the Delaware River. In Pittsburgh, popular waterfront meet-ups include docks along North Shore Riverfront Park near the stadiums and the public dock at Allegheny Landing; some trips also stage from Station Square’s riverfront. On Lake Erie, many outings use Presque Isle State Park Marina or Lampe Marina on Erie’s Bayfront. For the Poconos, Lake Wallenpaupack launches commonly use Mangan Cove (public) or recreation areas like Caffrey, while Raystown Lake trips frequently meet at Seven Points Marina.

From the Delaware River in Philadelphia, you’ll cruise under the Benjamin Franklin Bridge with views of the skyline, Race Street Pier, Cherry Street Pier, and the waterfront parks around Penn’s Landing. In Pittsburgh, river cruises showcase the confluence at Point State Park, the fountain, the Downtown skyline, and a parade of iconic bridges near PNC Park and Acrisure Stadium. Around Erie, expect Presque Isle’s beaches and dunes, the bayfront skyline, and, on the lake itself, classic lighthouse views when conditions allow. On lakes like Wallenpaupack and Raystown, it’s all about green hillsides, quiet coves, and sunset anchorages.

Pennsylvania requires a Boating Safety Education Certificate for anyone born on or after January 1, 1982 to operate a boat powered by more than 25 horsepower, and all personal watercraft operators must have a certificate regardless of age. Out-of-state visitors can use a card from any NASBLA-approved course. Captained charters do not require guests to hold a certificate because the licensed captain operates the boat.

Yes—most hosts welcome families. U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jackets are provided; tell your host the ages and sizes of any children so the right fit is ready at boarding. Pennsylvania law requires children 12 and under to wear a life jacket while underway on boats 20 feet or less and on personal watercraft. Your captain or rental host will brief everyone on safety before departure.

In most cases, yes. BYO snacks, picnic fare, and non-glass beverages are commonly allowed, and many boats have coolers or allow you to bring one. Some captains can recommend caterers or pre-stock ice by request. Alcohol policies vary; passengers may drink on many private charters, but the person operating the boat may not be under the influence. Always confirm specifics with your host in advance.

Many boats allow well-behaved dogs, especially on lake cruises, though city charters may be more restrictive. If pets are permitted, expect rules like leashes at the dock, designated potty breaks ashore, and a cleaning fee. When in doubt, ask your host before booking and share your pet’s size and temperament so they can advise on the best setup.

Captains watch the forecast closely and won’t depart in unsafe conditions such as lightning, high winds, or small-craft advisories. Summer brings occasional pop-up thunderstorms, and mornings are often the calmest time on rivers and lakes. If weather turns unsafe, most hosts will reschedule or issue a refund according to the listing’s policy. From November 1 through April 30, Pennsylvania also requires life jacket wear on smaller boats during cold-weather months, which some operators consider when setting their seasonal schedules.

Absolutely. Private charters are popular for celebrations on the Delaware River, the Three Rivers, Lake Erie, and the big inland lakes. When planning, check the maximum passenger count, ask about playlists and decorations, and confirm pickup logistics and parking. Weekends and holidays sell out fast; for peak dates, reserve several weeks ahead and consider weekday afternoons for easier availability and better pricing.

Prime boating season runs late May through September, with the warmest water and longest days in July and August. Key holiday weekends—Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day—are the busiest statewide, from Philadelphia’s waterfront festivities to fireworks on Pittsburgh’s rivers and summer events around Presque Isle Bay. For smooth sailing, choose weekday departures or morning slots, which are typically less crowded and calmer. Spring and early fall can offer crisp, scenic days and fall foliage cruises, while marinas like Presque Isle generally operate May 1 through October 31. Book popular weekends 3–6 weeks in advance; weekdays can often be reserved closer to your date.

City river cruises (Philadelphia, Pittsburgh) are great for skyline views, bridge photo ops, and short, social outings with a captain handling the helm and docking. Lake days (Wallenpaupack, Raystown, Blue Marsh, Beltzville) favor self-operated pontoons or deck boats with time to anchor, swim, and picnic in quiet coves. If your group wants hands-off hosting and sightseeing, choose a captained river charter; if you prefer a DIY lake day with flexible stops, a self-drive pontoon is ideal.

Yes. In Erie, calm-weather cruises often showcase Presque Isle’s three historic lighthouses and long sandy shoreline. In Pittsburgh, sunset runs past the Point fountain and under the Roberto Clemente and Andy Warhol bridges are a local favorite. In the Poconos, Lake Wallenpaupack’s wide coves make for easy rafting-up afternoons, and at Raystown Lake, multi-day houseboat trips turn a boat day into a relaxed weekend on the water.