Birthdays, anniversaries, corporate events, group trips, grad

parties, family reunions — whatever you’re celebrating, it’s more

fun on a boat!

It’s easy! Enter your location and how many people you’ll be boating with, and then browse everything that’s available to rent nearby.
Once you’ve found the boat for you, you can send a rental inquiry to the boat owner with your specific dates, hours, and any special details, and the owner will respond with a customized rental offer for you to review and accept.

Boats listed on Getmyboat offer boat rentals with or without a captain. You can always communicate with the boat owner through Getmyboat before confirming your booking to ensure your captain and crew needs are met.

Nope, there’s no boating license necessary for renting a boat that includes a licensed captain — they’ll drive the boat, and you can enjoy your time on the water. If you want to drive the boat yourself, without a captain, licensing regulations vary depending on your location, but a Boating Safety Certificate is typically a minimum requirement.

The short answer: it depends. On your location, the time of year, and mostly on the type of boat you choose. Smaller and simpler boats, like a pontoon, can be exceptionally affordable, while party-ready mega yachts will run you a lot more. Enter your location on getmyboat.com, and you'll see a range of prices and boat types to give you an idea of the prices for your local market.

Whether you're taking a boat out on your own or renting a captained charter with a group of friends, there are some basic boating safety guidelines to remember.

• If you're on a captained charter, always heed your captain. Listen to their instructions and warnings and follow their directions.

• Wear a lifejacket. Even if you're a strong swimmer, the water conditions can change unexpectedly, or if you are hurt when you fall overboard, swimming might not be an option. Wearing a lifejacket can prevent accidents when out on the water.

• Always pay attention to the weather and local warnings on water conditions. When in doubt - don't go out. It's best to reschedule a boat day rather than risk it and try to go out when the water is choppy or dangerous.

• Slow down and never run on a watercraft, since wind or waves can change quickly and cause you to fall overboard or lose your balance and suffer serious injury.

• Be careful and mindful of hatches and companionways. Watch your step when moving about the vessel.

• Be cautious about swimming, floating, or paddling near or around other watercraft. Make sure they are aware that people are in the water and keep your distance from other watercraft.

• Use the buddy system and count off passengers frequently to ensure everyone is accounted for on the boat.

This isn't an exhaustive list of safety tips, but it can give you an idea of things to consider so you can enjoy boating safely. Check out more boating safety resources on the Getmyboat Journal.

Some boat owners will offer catering options, which you can ask to be included into your rental. It is best to ask the boat owner about catering options prior to booking, as not all owners will offer this service.

Write your list and check it twice! It's easy to forget everything you need when you're getting ready for an excursion on the water. If you're wondering what to pack for a boating trip or a day on the water, here are our recommendations:

• Layers, preferably ones that are UPF-rated.

• A complete change of clothes is always a good idea, just in case you get wet or the weather gets bad.

• Sunglasses and/or a hat.

• Sunscreen. Don't forget to reapply every two hours, or more frequently if you get in the water.

• Plenty of Water. Staying hydrated is very important.

• Snacks, of course.

• A book or magazine, so you can disconnect from your smartphone and relax!

If you'd like to bring something that is not on this list such as drinks, equipment, or decorations, then we recommend you contact the owner in advance to verify that these can be brought onboard. For more ideas on what to bring, check out the Getmyboat Journal.