Luxury Boat Rentals (and More): 5 Services for Global Travel
From family outings to bachelorette parties, spending a day or multiple days on a boat has the potential to turn your holiday into a success story. Thanks to ever-evolving peer-to-peer platforms and established charter companies, travelers can book various types of rentals from nearly any location in the world, ranging from budget-friendly pontoons to stylish motorboats and fully crewed catamarans—all with just a few clicks. Whether it’s sharing costs with a group, wanting to water ski off the stern, or desiring a full catered experience, boat rental services have become increasingly user-friendly and easy to plan.
According to Michael Farb, CEO of Boatsetter, boat rental services are on the rise, particularly among Generation Z. “One of the biggest trends we’re seeing is the increase in group bookings, especially among Generation Z,” says Farb. “This segment has grown by 30% compared to last year and now books more than Generation X—with nearly half of their rentals involving larger boats that accommodate eight or more passengers.” Farb notes that this confirms a growing trend among travelers seeking these types of shared experiences: “Whether it’s celebrating a special occasion or simply spending a day on the water with friends, sharing the costs makes it even more accessible,” Farb adds about this travel style.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do I need a boating license?
The necessity of a boating license depends on the location and type of vessel. According to Click&Boat, in many countries, the type of boat that can be rented without a license is limited to those with smaller engines. For instance, boats with engine power below 15 horsepower are often exempt from licensing requirements. Check local regulations and directly ask the captain of each vessel to understand any applicable restrictions, as rules vary by country or state.
How much do boat rental services typically cost?
The prices vary significantly depending on the destination and type of boat. According to Val Streif, manager at GetMyBoat, self-driven pontoons can start at $50 per hour, jet skis at around $100 per hour, and crewed yachts range from $100 to $500 per hour. The cost fluctuates based on the type of boat selected or the time of year, says Ian Pedersen, senior marketing manager at The Moorings and Sunsail. “You can book a week-long charter with The Moorings starting at $4,000 for a small three-cabin sailing monohull (about $600 per person), up to $30,000 for a large all-inclusive crewed yacht (about $3,750 per person), and everything in between,” states Pedersen. “The main point is that The Moorings charters are fully customizable, allowing people to tailor the package that best suits them (and their budget).”
When should I book?
For boat rentals, it’s ideal to book the service two to three weeks in advance. However, for larger yacht rentals with companies like The Moorings, travelers should aim to book four to six months in advance. “This seems to be the ideal timing for most of our clients, though many book a year or more in advance,” says Pedersen. “It’s important to remember that we have a limited number of yachts available, so booking the perfect yacht for your group as early as possible is often advisable, ensuring it will be ready and waiting for your specific dates.”
What’s the best type of boat for my trip?
Choosing the right boat for your trip depends on several factors including the number of passengers, the nature of the activities planned, and your budget. While smaller boats like pontoons might be ideal for leisurely day trips and larger yachts suit luxury vacations, it’s essential to consider what you want from the experience to make the best choice.
GetMyBoat
Ideal for: Flexible and affordable rentals (main locations in the US and the Caribbean)
GetMyBoat is one of the largest peer-to-peer boat rental platforms, offering affordable rentals and skippered charters in popular Caribbean destinations such as Nassau, Fajardo, and Cartagena. The platform allows easy booking of motorboats, sailboats, and yachts through its user-friendly app, catering to both seasoned boaters and first-time renters, with options ranging from bareboat to skippered rentals. The company boasts excellent availability in coastal cities across the US and island destinations worldwide, making it a convenient choice for travelers looking for an affordable, hassle-free nautical experience. According to Streif, the site features some lesser-known and surprising destinations where boats can be booked at very reasonable prices, including Istanbul, Dubai, Belize, Islamorada, Florida (a great alternative to crowded Key West), Lake Havasu in Arizona (popular for pontoons), and the Canary Islands in Spain (a more economical alternative to many Caribbean destinations).
I personally used GetMyBoat for the first time on a recent trip to Miami, where I set sail with Captain Francisco Areitio, owner and manager of many vessels listed on the site. It was one of the quickest travel booking experiences I’ve ever had, and naturally, it was much easier to enjoy a day on the water. It was truly amazing to see the city in a new light, a place I had been to many times before.
Boatsetter
Best for: A variety of rental options, from fishing charters to overnight stays
Boatsetter stands out for its vast array of rentals in the US and international locations, including Miami, Seattle, Barcelona, and the Amalfi Coast. With over 50,000 boats available in more than 700 locations, the platform offers everything from day charters to overnight stays and boat-sharing options. According to Farb, the company has discovered that bookings are reaching other corners of the world, with growing interest in locations beyond typical ones like Miami. Nationally, the company is growing in the Florida Keys, Charleston, and even some inland destinations like Salt Lake City and Minneapolis. It’s even possible to sail under the Milky Way on Lake Michigan, with an overnight trip from Chicago to Saugatuck. Internationally, the company is also seeing significant growth, especially in Mexico, where bookings have increased by 40% over the past two years, and in the Caribbean, with a 60% growth.
“More and more travelers are seeking unique experiences, whether it’s a sunset cruise in Charleston, whale watching off the coast of Los Angeles, or a trip on a houseboat on Lake Powell in northern Arizona,” says Farb. “Overall, it’s clear that today’s travelers want flexibility, adventure, and ways to connect with friends.” Whether you want to rent an electric boat for a quiet day on the lake, book a fishing charter, or relax on a luxury yacht, Boatsetter has a diverse fleet to choose from. While motorboats and sunset cruises are fashionable in Miami, in Tampa, you’re more likely to find pontoons, perfect for a relaxing day on the water with friends, according to Farb. In Austin, the water is dotted with boats for skiing and wakeboarding, which last year accounted for 15% of bookings, explains Farb.
Farb also notes that Boatsetter offers a wide range of experiences at different price levels, making it easier for guests to find the right solution for their trip. “For a relaxing day on the water, smaller boats like pontoons typically start at less than $500 for a full day, making them a great choice for families and groups of friends looking for a convivial and relaxed experience,” explains Farb. “For those seeking something more upscale, motor yachts average around $375 per hour, with destinations like Los Angeles tending to increase, where the hourly rate averages over $400.” And at the higher end of the spectrum, he says, luxury charters in Turks & Caicos can reach over $8,000 per day, or approximately 7200 euros.
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