The Best Boat Rentals in Portland

Most small powerboats and pontoons in Portland run about $150–$250 per hour, while sailboats often start around $120–$200 per hour. Larger captained party boats and small yachts generally range from about $600 up to $1,000+ per hour. Half-day trips usually fall between $600–$900 and full-day charters between $1,200–$2,500 depending on the boat, date, and group size. Your booking typically includes required safety gear and standard cleaning; captained trips include the captain’s time. Fuel, taxes, marketplace fees, and gratuity may be extra, and some owners offer coolers or float mats by request. Always review the listing’s “what’s included” section before you book.

You’ll find a wide mix suited to the Willamette and Columbia Rivers, including comfortable pontoons for cruising, wake and ski boats for towing, classic or modern sailboats for a slower pace, and larger charter boats or small yachts for celebrations. If you’re set on a particular style, filter by boat type and group size to see options that fit your plan.

Oregon requires a Boater Education Card to operate motorboats over 10 horsepower, but renters without a card can complete a brief dockside safety checklist provided by the rental agent and carry it on board for the duration of the rental. If you book a captained charter, the captain operates the boat and you won’t need to complete operator requirements.

Choose a captained trip if you want a hands-off experience, easier group coordination, and local knowledge of the best routes and pickup spots. Go self-operated if you’re comfortable at the helm and want full flexibility. Many planners pick captained boats for birthdays and bachelorettes so the organizer can relax while the captain handles navigation, docking, and safety.

Common meeting points include RiverPlace Marina in South Waterfront for downtown access, the docks at Tom McCall Waterfront Park for central pickups, Willamette Park Boat Ramp in South Portland, and Cathedral Park Boat Ramp beneath the St. Johns Bridge for scenic upriver trips. For Columbia River outings, many captains use the M. James Gleason Memorial Boat Ramp off NE Marine Drive. Your exact pickup is coordinated with the owner or captain after booking.

Expect postcard views of “Bridge City,” including the Hawthorne, Morrison, Tilikum Crossing, Marquam, and Ross Island bridges, plus the downtown skyline and OMSI. South of downtown you can cruise past Ross Island and Oaks Park; upriver toward St. Johns you’ll see the cathedral arches of the St. Johns Bridge and quiet shoreline pockets. On the Columbia, routes often include wide-open reaches, views of Government Island’s beaches, and big-sky sunsets backdropped by the Cascades on clear evenings.

Yes, families are welcome on most boats. Oregon law requires children 12 and under to wear a U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jacket while the boat is underway. Your boat will carry life jackets for the listed capacity; let the owner know ages and sizes so they can confirm properly fitting PFDs before you arrive. For infants and toddlers, ask about availability of the correct-sized jackets and consider bringing your own if you have one that fits perfectly.

Most rentals allow BYO snacks, picnics, and beverages, and many provide a cooler or have space for one. Cans are usually preferred over glass. Moderate alcohol is commonly allowed for adult guests, but the operator must remain sober and safety rules apply on all waterways. If you have catering, large coolers, or special setups, confirm details with your captain or owner in advance so loading is smooth.

Many owners welcome well-behaved dogs with advance approval, especially on pontoons and larger decks. Plan to bring a leash, a towel, and waste bags, and be mindful that some marinas or docks may have pet rules. If anyone in your group is sensitive to pets, filter for “no pets” or message the owner to confirm policies.

Summer in Portland is generally calm and sunny, but afternoon winds and occasional heat waves or regional smoke can affect comfort and visibility. Most owners offer clear weather and safety policies, with rescheduling or refunds if conditions are unsafe. If your plans involve swimming, your captain will advise on safe areas and may avoid spots with advisories. Check the forecast the day before, and message your captain early if you want to shift start times to calmer morning conditions.

Absolutely. Captained pontoons, classic cruisers, and small yachts are popular for celebrations because they handle groups easily and keep logistics simple. Confirm the boat’s maximum capacity, music setup, and any décor guidelines. For special dates like July 4th or big festival weekends, book early and plan extra time for meeting your boat due to downtown crowds.

Peak boating season runs June through September, with warm, dry weather and long daylight. Major boating holidays—Memorial Day weekend, July 4th, and Labor Day—sell out early and bring more river traffic. Portland’s Rose Festival spans late May into early June with Fleet Week ship visits and the Dragon Boat Races on the Willamette, and July 4th features the Waterfront Blues Festival fireworks downtown. For smoother water and easier parking, choose weekdays or morning departures; weekends and late afternoons are livelier and busier on both rivers.

RiverPlace Marina is the go-to for South Waterfront hotels and the Streetcar line, while Tom McCall Waterfront Park’s docks work well for central downtown meetups near the Hawthorne and Morrison Bridges. If you’re based in North Portland, Cathedral Park beneath the St. Johns Bridge is scenic and convenient. Your captain will confirm the exact dock and provide arrival instructions once your booking is set.

Yes. Government Island on the Columbia River is boat-in only and offers long stretches of shoreline for a beachy day and picnic spots, and some captains will anchor off the island for swimming when conditions are right. On the Willamette, a mellow downtown “bridges and skyline” loop is perfect for sunset cruises, and longer runs can explore quieter reaches upriver. Always follow your captain’s guidance on where to anchor or swim based on current, wind, and local rules.