The Best Boat Rentals in Queens

For most private charters in the NYC area, expect smaller powerboats and sailboats to run about $200–$400 per hour, mid-size motor yachts for 6–12 guests around $400–$800 per hour, and larger event yachts $1,000+ per hour, typically with a 2–3 hour minimum. Captained trips commonly include a licensed captain, required safety gear, and fuel for standard routes; taxes, marina pickup fees, catering, and gratuity are usually extra. Pricing rises on summer weekends and holidays.

You’ll find a mix of comfortable motor yachts for celebrations, classic sailboats for skyline cruises, center consoles and cabin cruisers for faster sightseeing, catamarans with extra deck space, fishing boats for Jamaica Bay and the nearshore ocean, and larger inspected vessels for bigger groups. Availability varies by season and pickup location.

Most NYC-area trips are captained for safety and ease, especially on the East River where currents around Hell Gate can exceed 4–5 knots and commercial traffic is heavy. If you’re seeking a self-operated rental, some small-boat options exist in protected waters like Jamaica Bay, but as of January 1, 2025 New York generally requires a state boating safety certificate to operate a motorized vessel; captained charters require no license for guests. Always confirm operator requirements before booking.

Common Queens departure points include Marina 59 in Far Rockaway for Jamaica Bay and ocean access, Riis Landing by Fort Tilden/Breezy Point for seasonal trips, and Bayside Marina on Little Neck Bay for calmer north‑shore waters. Flushing Bay’s World’s Fair Marina has ongoing pier construction that can affect passenger pickups, so captains will confirm the exact dock and may recommend nearby alternatives if needed.

Routes often showcase the Long Island City waterfront and the landmark Pepsi‑Cola sign, the Ed Koch Queensboro (59th Street) Bridge and Roosevelt Island, and sweeping views of Midtown Manhattan. North‑shore trips may pass the Whitestone and Throgs Neck bridges and Fort Totten/Little Bay, while Jamaica Bay routes feature birdlife near the Wildlife Refuge and Rockaway beaches with the Marine Parkway–Gil Hodges Bridge in view. On game days you may spot Citi Field and planes arriving at LaGuardia from Flushing Bay.

New York’s Brianna’s Law requires all operators of motorized vessels to hold a boating safety certificate as of January 1, 2025. Personal watercraft have additional age and certification rules. If you book a captained charter, you don’t need a license; for any self-operated rental, bring proof of your boating safety certificate and photo ID, and verify requirements with the owner before departure.

Yes—families are welcome on most private charters. Boats carry U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jackets for everyone on board, and New York law requires children under 12 to wear a life jacket on deck while underway on vessels under 65 feet. Share children’s ages and approximate sizes when booking so the crew can have the right fit ready.

Most private charters are BYO for snacks and beverages, and many provide a cooler with ice or have basic refrigeration. For safety and cleanup, captains often prefer cans over glass and may restrict red wine or hard liquor; some offer catering or can suggest nearby pickup. Confirm what’s allowed, cooler space, and any cleanup fees in your booking messages.

Pet policies vary by boat. Some captains welcome well‑behaved dogs, sometimes with a size limit or a cleaning fee, while others are pet‑free. If your pup is joining, bring a non‑slip mat and a snug pet life jacket, and let the owner know your dog’s size and temperament when you inquire.

Captains monitor marine forecasts and will go if conditions are safe. Light rain usually doesn’t cancel a trip, but high winds, lightning, dense fog, or rough seas may require a delay, reroute, or reschedule. Weather cancellations follow the owner’s stated policy on the platform; if the captain deems it unsafe and cancels, you can typically reschedule or receive a refund per that policy.

Absolutely. Most groups choose a 2–3 hour private yacht for skyline photos and a celebratory cruise, with options to add decorations, playlists, and light catering. Smaller yachts commonly host 6–12 guests, and larger inspected vessels can take bigger parties; weekend sunsets book far in advance, so reserve early for prime times.

Peak season runs May through September, with warm weather and the longest daylight. Memorial Day weekend, July 4th, and Labor Day are the highest‑demand holidays; in 2025, the Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks returned to the East River, making Queens waterfront trips especially popular. Late August to early September brings the US Open in Flushing Meadows, and August 9–10, 2025 featured the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival—both can add traffic near Queens waterfronts. For calmer water, lighter crowds, and often better rates, consider weekday mornings or late afternoons; spring and fall shoulder seasons offer crisp air and golden light with easier availability.

Yes—seasonal whale and dolphin cruises operate nearby, typically from spring through late fall, with departures commonly using Riis Landing or Sheepshead Bay depending on schedules and park access. Wildlife sightings vary, but recent seasons have regularly spotted humpback whales and bottlenose dolphins off the Rockaway Peninsula; plan for a longer trip if wildlife viewing is your goal.