According to the National Marine Manufacturer’s Association, there are over 17 million recreational watercraft in the United States, a clear indicator of the popularity of the outdoor pastime. The love of boating goes beyond just ownership, as the popularity of rentals and boat clubs has exploded in recent years, with several cities standing out as top locations for boating experiences.

As the leading marketplace for boat rentals and charters globally, Getmyboat undertook a comprehensive data collection and analysis using hundreds of thousands of data points. The results compilation is the definitive inventory of "The Most Popular Boating Cities in 2024," which spotlights the national appeal of boating and highlights aspects of the local boating culture.

Table of Contents


About the Report

By analyzing proprietary booking data on Getmyboat, we compiled this comprehensive report to create a resource for boating enthusiasts, industry stakeholders, and anyone intrigued by the current state of the boating industry and culture across the United States.

With this report, we aim to provide valuable insights to industry reporters, travelers, key stakeholders, and all others interested in the boating climate as they look forward to the 2024 boating season.

Our Methodology

To develop this report, Getmyboat analyzed hundreds of thousands of boat rentals and charters in the United States, including territories, on the Getmyboat platform. Data was cleaned to exclude outlier hourly rates and locations with insignificant sample sizes, while rentals were categorized into the significant categories to be evaluated in this report. Data on the average hourly rate, trip price, most popular style of boat, and number of vessels available in each location is included for the top 15 locations to paint a more detailed picture of the boating culture for each city.

The Top 25 Map

Top 25 Map 2024

#1: Miami, FL

Average Hourly Rate: $203/hour

Average Trip Price: $774

Most Popular Style of Boat: Yacht

Number of Available Vessels: 974

Coming in first place, Miami offers endless opportunities for boating adventures. With its stunning coastline along the Atlantic Ocean, many amazing sights in this city are best experienced from the water. Whether you're cruising past iconic landmarks like Star Island and Millionaire’s Row or anchoring at Pace Picnic Island, renting a boat in Miami guarantees you’ll get to see parts of Miami that you can’t access on land.

It’s also a very popular destination for renting boats or charter yachts for special events, like bachelorette and bachelor parties, milestone birthdays, family vacations, or other celebrations. A boat rental in Miami typically lasts about four hours, but many people also book full-day or 8+ hour excursions. Almost all rentals are captained charters in Miami.

#2: Chicago, IL

Average Hourly Rate: $416/hour

Average Trip Price: $1,473

Most Popular Style of Boat: Yachts

Number of Available Vessels: 269

Despite its short boating season, Chicago comes in 2nd place for boat rental demand in the United States. Thanks to Lake Michigan, the Windy City is a haven for boating enthusiasts during the summer months. Renting a boat here means cruising the lake, passing by the city's famed skyline, and enjoying panoramic views of Navy Pier and the iconic Chicago Harbor Lighthouse. If you want to enjoy the 4th of July on the water in Chicago, be sure to book early, as boat rentals reserve far in advance.

#3: Austin, TX

Average Hourly Rate: $206/hour

Average Trip Price: $820

Most Popular Style of Boat: Pontoons

Number of Available Vessels: 150

Coming in third place for boat rental demand, Austin's expansive waterways, notably Lake Austin and Lake Travis, attract tons of people looking to escape the Texas heat and cool off on the water. Rent a boat in Austin to cruise the lakes, relax on a floating mat in the quiet coves, or indulge in watersports like wakeboarding and tubing.

Like Miami, Austin is a popular city for special event trips, such as bachelorette and bachelor parties, birthdays, and family gatherings. Many visitors and locals alike rent boats to serve as the perfect venue for celebrations.

#4: Marina del Rey, CA

Average Hourly Rate: $292/hour

Average Trip Price: $807

Most Popular Style of Boat: Yachts

Number of Available Vessels: 154

As the largest man-made marina in the United States, Marina del Rey offers great access to the stunning coastline of Southern California. Renting a boat here means embarking on coastal cruises, exploring the charming waterfront communities of Venice Beach and Santa Monica, and soaking up the California sun while basking in the luxurious maritime atmosphere. Yacht charters are the most commonly booked experience in Marina del Rey, where a local captain can be the perfect guide to cruising around the harbor area and along the coast of Southern California.

#5: San Diego, CA

Average Hourly Rate: $315/hour

Average Trip Price: $1,012

Most Popular Style of Boat: Pontoons

Number of Available Vessels: 126

With its year-round sunshine and diverse maritime landscapes, San Diego is a premier destination for boat rentals. From navigating the bustling San Diego Bay to whale-watching excursions in the Pacific Ocean, renting a boat in San Diego opens up a world of aquatic adventures against the backdrop of iconic landmarks like the Coronado Bridge and the historic USS Midway.

#6: Lake Havasu City, AZ

Average Hourly Rate: $78/hour

Average Trip Price: $792

Most Popular Style of Boat: Pontoons

Number of Available Vessels: 76

Situated on the Colorado River, Lake Havasu City in Arizona offers a desert oasis for boating enthusiasts. Rent a boat here to cruise through the breathtaking red rock canyons, anchor at secluded beaches, and partake in thrilling watersports such as jet skiing and wakeboarding, all while reveling in the stunning natural beauty of the Arizona desert.

#7: Fajardo, Puerto Rico

Average Hourly Rate: $294/hour

Average Trip Price: $1,555

Most Popular Style of Boat: Yachts

Number of Available Vessels: 103

With its crystal-clear Caribbean waters and vibrant marine life, Fajardo is a paradise for boaters seeking tropical adventures. Renting a boat here means exploring the pristine coastline of Puerto Rico, discovering secluded islands like Culebra and Vieques, and snorkeling amidst colorful coral reefs teeming with exotic marine creatures, all against the backdrop of lush tropical landscapes and azure skies.

#8: Honolulu, HI

Average Hourly Rate: $358/hour

Average Trip Price: $1,087

Most Popular Style of Boat: Sailboats

Number of Available Vessels: 63

Anchored in the heart of the Pacific Ocean, Honolulu offers a gateway to the stunning waters of Hawaii. Rent a boat here to cruise along the breathtaking shores of Waikiki Beach, embark on dolphin and whale watching expeditions, and discover hidden gems like the secluded coves of Lanikai Beach.

#9: Newport Beach, CA

Average Hourly Rate: $415/hour

Average Trip Price: $1,332

Most Popular Style of Boat: Yachts

Number of Available Vessels: 105

With its picturesque harbor, Newport Beach is a quintessential destination for boating enthusiasts in Southern California. Rent a boat here to sail past iconic landmarks like Balboa Pier and the historic Newport Harbor Lighthouse.

#10: Fort Lauderdale, FL

Average Hourly Rate: $161/hour

Average Trip Price: $829

Most Popular Style of Boat: Yachts

Number of Available Vessels: 255

Known as the "Venice of America" for its intricate network of waterways, Fort Lauderdale offers unparalleled opportunities for boating enthusiasts. Renting a boat here means navigating the scenic canals lined with opulent waterfront mansions, cruising along the Intracoastal Waterway, and exploring the pristine coastline of the Atlantic Ocean, all while basking in the warm Florida sunshine and luxurious maritime atmosphere.

#11: Manhattan, NY

Average Hourly Rate: $657/hour

Average Trip Price: $1,927

Most Popular Style of Boat: Yachts

Number of Available Vessels: 55

Boating in Manhattan offers a unique experience, with iconic views of the city skyline, Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island. The Hudson River and East River provide ample opportunities for leisurely cruises, yacht parties, and breathtaking sunset sails, making it a vibrant and bustling boating destination in the heart of the Big Apple.

#12: Peoria, AZ

Average Hourly Rate: $176/hour

Average Trip Price: $885

Most Popular Style of Boat: Pontoons

Number of Available Vessels: 78

Despite being in the desert, Peoria boasts fantastic boating opportunities thanks to Lake Pleasant. With its vast expanse of clear blue water, surrounded by desert landscapes, boaters can enjoy a serene escape from the city, indulging in water sports, fishing, and peaceful cruises amidst stunning desert vistas.

#13: Seattle, WA

Average Hourly Rate: $274/hour

Average Trip Price: $975

Most Popular Style of Boat: Yachts

Number of Available Vessels: 152

Seattle's prime location on the Puget Sound makes it a haven for boating enthusiasts. From sailing through the picturesque San Juan Islands to exploring the bustling waterfronts and charming marinas, Seattle offers diverse boating experiences amid breathtaking natural beauty and a vibrant maritime culture.

#14: South Lake Tahoe, CA

Average Hourly Rate: $207/hour

Average Trip Price: $1,059

Most Popular Style of Boat: Pontoons

Number of Available Vessels: 70

Sitting in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, South Lake Tahoe is a paradise for boaters. The stunning alpine lake offers crystal-clear waters perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, and cruising. Surrounded by majestic peaks and lush forests, boaters can enjoy unparalleled scenery and outdoor adventures year-round.

#15: Destin, FL

Average Hourly Rate: $163/hour

Average Trip Price: $733

Most Popular Style of Boat: Pontoons

Number of Available Vessels: 122

Known as the "World's Luckiest Fishing Village," Destin is beloved for its emerald-green waters and sugar-white sand beaches. Thanks to the massive sandbar known as Crab Island, it’s a top destination for boat parties and fun in the sun. It’s also a very affordable destination to rent a boat, with many pontoon rentals starting at less than $100/hour.

The Top 100 List

Top 100 List - Vertical


About GetMyBoat

GetMyBoat offers charters and rentals, worldwide.

Launched in 2013 with the vision of making the joy of boating accessible to everyone, the company has since grown into the largest boat rental and charter marketplace globally, with over 150,000 listings in 184 countries covering 9,300 destinations.

By giving a platform to both individual boat owners and professional charter businesses, GetMyBoat makes the experience of getting out on the water more accessible to everyone — from a weekend jet ski rental in the local lake to a vacation yacht charter to a bachelor party pontoon, and everything in between.


Citing This Report

Media professionals are welcome to utilize this data for journalistic reporting purposes, with a citation and link to GetMyBoat. For any questions, or for any other data not found in the below report, reach out to pr@getmyboat.com. Our data and press team can provide further analysis, press quotes, and any other information needed for press stories.


Explore Boat Listings in Top Cities