Dive into the busiest boating destinations across New England with a wealth of data gleaned from thousands of boat rentals.


Table of Contents


New England is one of the top regions for boating and on-water experiences in the world. With over 6,000 miles of coastline, including the iconic shores of Cape Cod, the idyllic coast of Newport, and the rugged beauty of Maine, the region is a haven for sailing, fishing, cruising, and exploring by paddle.

According to the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), New England consistently ranks among the top regions for recreational boating, with Massachusetts alone boasting over 1 million registered boats. The region has a strong maritime history spanning hundreds of years, and in modern times boasts extensive marine infrastructure. New England is home to countless marinas, boatyards, and sailing schools, offering access and resources for both seasoned boaters and newcomers.

Additionally, the local economy is significantly supported by the boating industry, with billions contributed annually. On-water recreation supports a vibrant community of local businesses, from boat rentals to waterfront dining. Whether exploring the picturesque islands of Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard or enjoying the serene lakes of New Hampshire and Vermont, New England offers unparalleled opportunities for memorable on-water experiences.


About this Report

This report analyzes booking and demand data from Getmyboat, the world’s largest boat rental marketplace, examining the top boating locations in New England.

It contains proprietary data for each city, including the most desired vessel style for renters and average pricing. It discusses the distinct features that make each of these destinations boating hotspots and the overall boating experience they offer.


Our Methodology

To develop this report, Getmyboat analyzed boat rental bookings and demand data for locations in New England. Cities and locations are determined by the city that the boat owner registers the boat in within their profile on the platform.

The data was cleaned to exclude outlier hourly and total trip rates while rental types were categorized into the significant categories to be evaluated in this report.


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The Top 10 Boating Locations in New England

#1: Boston, MA

Average Hourly Rate: $314/hour

Average Trip Price: $825

Most Popular Style of Boat: Yachts

Coming in first place, Boston is the busiest boating destination in New England. It offers a unique blend of urban and maritime experiences during the summer and fall. The city sits on the Boston Harbor, which is part of Massachusetts Bay, making it ideal for both short harbor cruises and longer trips to the Boston Harbor Islands. The Charles River, which borders the city, also provides opportunities for smaller boats and water sports. Enjoy seeing the Boston skyline from the water, book a sunset cruise to close out a fun day of sightseeing, or enjoy historical narrated tour of the city by boat, seeing the Cradle of Liberty from Long Wharf. You can also take day trips to Martha’s Vineyard and Cape Cod.

#2: Newport, RI

Average Hourly Rate: $245

Average Trip Price: $724

Most Popular Style of Boat: Sailboats

Coming in a #2 on the list, Newport, Rhode Island is another boating paradise in New England. The city is well-known as a sailors haven, and is considered one of the most prestigious boating destinations in New England. Located on Aquidneck Island in Rhode Island, Newport offers access to Narragansett Bay, known for its deep waters and steady breezes, ideal for sailing. The city hosts several sailing regattas annually and has a vibrant yachting community. When cruising in Newport, you can admire a stunning coastline, with historic mansions dotted along the beaches, and a charming downtown area make it a top choice for boaters seeking both adventure and luxury.

#3: Stamford, CT

Average Hourly Rate: $147

Average Trip Price: $371

Most Popular Style of Boat: Powerboats

Stamford is a thriving city on the Long Island Sound in Connecticut. It provides boaters with easy access to both Connecticut’s and New York’s waters, and is close to many iconic waterfront towns. The calm waters of the Sound make it an excellent location for sailing, fishing, and leisure boating. Stamford’s modern marinas, coupled with its proximity to major cities like New York, offer convenience and a variety of boating experiences. The city’s waterfront parks, expansive beaches, and charming waterfront seafood restaurants add the appeal for boating and exploring on the water.

#4: New Fairfield, CT

Average Hourly Rate: $109

Average Trip Price: $481

Most Popular Style of Boat: Pontoons

New Fairfield is a small town known for its access to Candlewood Lake, the largest lake in Connecticut. Candlewood Lake is a popular spot for recreational boating, including fishing, water skiing, and pontoon cruising. The lake offers a serene environment, perfect for a weekend getaway or a relaxing summer vacation. It’s surrounded by wooded hills and residential communities, makes it a favorite for families with kids who want to enjoy water sports behind a boat. Cruise around the hidden coves and inlets of the lake while enjoying the sights of the surrounding mountains.

#5: Norwalk, CT

Average Hourly Rate: $194

Average Trip Price: $727

Most Popular Style of Boat: Yachts

Norwalk, located on the Long Island Sound, is another excellent boating destination in Connecticut. The city is known for its well-maintained marinas, scenic coastline, and access to the Norwalk Islands, a group of small, picturesque islands perfect for day trips. Enjoy cruising by Calf Pasture Beach or Cove Island Park, an area known for its wildlife thanks to the marshes and mudflats nearby. Norwalk’s maritime culture is evident in its Seaport Association, an organization that offers boating excursions and events, expanding access to boating beyond typical rentals and ownership.

#6: Barnstable, MA

Average Hourly Rate: $253

Average Trip Price: $1,090

Most Popular Style of Boat: Powerboats

Barnstable is the largest town on Cape Cod and offers a diverse range of boating opportunities. With access to both Cape Cod Bay and Nantucket Sound, Barnstable is ideal for sailing, fishing, and island hopping. The town’s seven villages, including the popular Hyannis, provide a variety of marinas, boat launches, and charter services. Explore and cruise around Hyannis Port Harbor, Lewis Bay, or visit the sandbar at Egg Island. It’s a beloved town for waterfront restaurants, charming views, and a classic East Coast summer experience.

#7: Gloucester, MA

Average Hourly Rate: $470

Average Trip Price: $1,234

Most Popular Style of Boat: Sailboats

Gloucester is one of America’s oldest seaports, located on Cape Ann. It’s a top destination for deep-sea fishing, whale watching, and sailing. The city’s working harbor, combined with its picturesque coastline and access to the open Atlantic making it a great jumping-off point for a day of boating. You can cruise past a plethora of local sights best enjoyed from a boat deck, including the Ten Pound Island Lighthouse, Wingaersheek Beach, Half Moon Beach, and more. The city’s rich fishing heritage, along with its charming downtown and numerous seafood restaurants, adds to its appeal as a boating hub for locals and visitors enjoying a classic New England summer.

#8: Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire

Average Hourly Rate: $100/hour

Average Trip Price: $400

Most Popular Style of Boat: Pontoons

Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire, is an exceptional boating destination, sitting at the foothill of the scenic White Mountains. The lake is approximately 21 miles long and covers 69 square miles. The lake's spring-fed, clear waters, surrounded by lush forests, create a picturesque setting for a variety of boating activities, including kayaking, canoeing, and motorboating. There are various towns around the lake that offer a charming appeal for tourists visiting in the summer and in the fall to see the incredible colors. Boaters also can enjoy easy access to other nearby lakes, such as Silver Lake and Ossipee Lake. Lake Winnipesaukee provides the ideal lake experience for boaters, making it a top choice in New Hampshire's boating community.

#9: South Portland, Maine

Average Hourly Rate: $124

Average Trip Price: $619

Most Popular Style of Boat: Boat Tours

South Portland, Maine, is a premier boating destination on the state's picturesque coastline. The city's sits on Casco Bay, known for its calm, protected waters and stunning island scenery. With over 200 square miles of navigable waters and more than 200 islands to explore, Casco Bay offers endless opportunities for sailing, fishing, and cruising. Check out iconic spots including Bug Light Park, with its 1875 lighthouse, and Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse. South Portland's marinas, such as the popular Port Harbor Marine, provide excellent amenities, including boat rentals, moorings, and docking facilities, catering to both locals and visitors.

#10: Burlington, Vermont

Average Hourly Rate: $95

Average Trip Price: $237

Most Popular Style of Boat: Sailboats

Burlington, Vermont, is an excellent boating location, primarily due to its stunning position on the eastern shore of Lake Champlain, one of the largest freshwater lakes in the U.S. The lake offers over 120 miles of navigable waters, providing great opportunities for sailing, powerboating, and kayaking. Burlington's waterfront features a modern marina with services for boaters, including mooring, fueling, and repairs. The lake is known for its clear waters and stunning setting, thanks to the Adirondack Mountains to the west and the Green Mountains to the east. Additionally, the area’s vibrant boating community and regular events, such as the Lake Champlain Maritime Festival, make Burlington a popular hub for boating activities.


In Summary

The six states of New England all offer amazing boating locations and opportunities, each with its unique charm and appeal. Whether you’re looking for the energy and oceanic expereinces of a coastal city like Boston or the serene waters of Lake Champlain, these locations provide excellent opportunities for boating. New England is the perfect place to plan a fall boat trip to see the region’s renowned foliage changes from the water. In the summer, you can enjoy countless on-water experiences, from fishing to sailing and so much more.

New England is the perfect region to pencil in a boat day onto your travel itinerary, and these top cities are just the beginning of what’s possible to experience.


About Getmyboat

Getmyboat is the world's biggest and best marketplace for fun, safe, and easy boating experiences of all kinds. Launched in 2013, over 2 million customers have gone boating through the platform, with 180,000+ listings across 184 countries and thousands of 5-star reviews for boat owners and captains. 30% of trips are boat rentals, while 70% of trips are captained by boating professionals, so customers feel safe while they enjoy being together with family and friends on the water.


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.