Best Boat Rentals Near Washington DC
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Best Boat Rentals Near Washington DC
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Top boat rental reviews in Washington, DC
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★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5/5 stars
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★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5/5 stars
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★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5/5 stars
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★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5/5 stars
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★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5/5 stars
Fun time on boat. Met on time and very helpful with inquiries.
Salim
Apr 2024 -
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5/5 stars
How to rent a boat in Washington?
Find the perfect boat
Enter your desired location and date to explore our fleet of boat, Washington, DC, United Statess.
Select a captain
Choose to drive yourself or select a USCG licensed captain.
Book with ease
Connect with your boat owner and complete your booking online.
Set sail
Enjoy your day on the water with friends and family!
Rent a Boat in Washington DC
Washington, DC sits at the heart of the ‘DMV’ region (DC/Maryland/Virginia). Our nation’s capital is well-known for its national monuments, countless museums, and political playgrounds, but it’s also home to some of the most iconic waterways for boating. From the Chesapeake Bay to the Potomac River and the Georgetown waterfront, dc is the perfect backdrop for any of your momentous life occasions—and we’ve found a way to make it even more special. Whether you’re bringing your family here to learn more about America’s history, or traveling with your partner for a romantic cruise past the cherry blossoms, you’ll want to upgrade your trip to Washington, DC with a Boatsetter rental.
What to Know
When planning to hit the water in and around Washington, dc, consider these popular boat rental styles:
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Bowriders and pontoon boats are great for couples looking to cruise Washington, DC’s waterways in style and comfort, with flexibility for handling a list of on-water activities. Take in the sights of the monuments, go water skiing, or pull a towable tube with the kids.
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Our fleet of luxury motor yachts — of different styles and sizes — is one of this city’s most sought-after experiences. Booking a yacht is a sure way to make special occasions like anniversaries, bachelor parties, bachelorette parties, or proposals memorable. Plus, a quick cruise down the Potomac will place you right at the front steps of the MGM National Harbor Hotel & Casino.
Safety Requirements:
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Boating License/Education Rules: Boating rules vary depending on whether you are boating on waterways located within Virginia, Maryland, or the District of Columbia. Be sure to research requirements for each unique location.
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District of Columbia: No one under the age of 18, or under the supervision of someone who is 18 years of age or older, may legally operate a vessel over 16 feet in length without a Boater Education Certificate showing completion of a boating safety course.
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Virginia: All motorboat operators, including PWCs, who are age 14 and older are required to take a boating safety course.
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Maryland: Mandatory boat education law applies to some operators of boats and/or personal watercraft.
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Life Jacket Recommendations: 13 and under must wear a PFD.
Where to dock your boat, or meet your rental:
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The Wharf Marina
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National Harbor Marina
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James Creek Marina
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Columbia Island Marina
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Thompson Boat Center
Learn more by reading Boating in Washington, DC: Everything You Need to Know.
Weather Conditions
Washington, DC is known for having somewhat cloudy skies year-round. During the summer, it is warm, humid and muggy—which makes cooling off by boat a go-to activity for locals and visitors. Winters, on the other hand, are frigid and snowy. Generally, warm-weather activities fare best in May through mid-August into early October; but for anglers who aren’t afraid to brave the cold, fishing opportunities present themselves year-round through the DMV region.
Avg. Temperature High: Peaks around 82.4°F in July and August
Avg. Temperature Low: Around 40°F during winter months, from December through February
Avg. Water Temperatures in and around Washington, DC:
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55°F in the Spring (March, April, May)
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78°F in the Summer (June, July, August)
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63°F in Fall (September, October, November)
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40°F in Winter (December, January, February)
Things to Do in Washington, DC by Boat
Go on a Monument Tour by Boat
When most tourists think of DC, they think of the monuments. While exploring these historical locations on-land can be crowded (and maybe even a bit boring, especially for the kiddos), seeing these iconic monuments by boat offers a whole new perspective. From the Washington Monument, to the Lincoln Memorial, the Jefferson Memorial, World War II Memorial, and more, you’ll have the best view from the water (and you’ll avoid the crowds). Book a boat rental with a local captain for your very own guided hour and history lesson.
Pro Tip: If you’re looking for a truly romantic escape, book your rental during the cherry blossom’s peak bloom between the last week of March and the first week of April. Allow the cherry blossom trees in bloom and the gentle waters you two float on to open up the floodgates and let love come in.
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Location: Google Maps Link
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Downtown marinas: The Wharf Marina, Washington Marina Company, James Creek Marina
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Lat/Long: 38.8841° N, 77.0385° W
Explore the Georgetown Waterfront & Shops
Georgetown is one of the many older, yet charming neighborhoods in the Washington, DC area. Its trendy retail scene is centered around M street, where avid shoppers will find stores featuring high-end designers like Billy Reid, J.Crew, Anthropologie, Free People, Patagonia, and more. Georgetown is also the home of the historical and scenic C&O canal, running almost parallel to the Potomac River near the Francis Scott Key Memorial Bridge. Dock your boat rental along Georgetown waterfront park docks, Thompson Boat Center, or right at Tony and Joe’s Seafood Place to grab dinner during sunset.
Pro Tip: Anchoring near the Georgetown waterfront will provide you with the perfect view of dc’s infamous Fourth of July fireworks extravaganza, and allows you to skip the crowds that pack into the Mall. Book early, as rentals fill up fast to secure the best vantage point from the water.
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Location: Google Maps Link
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Places to eat and drink: Fiola Mare, Sequoia DC, iCanale
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Lat/Long: 38.9029° N, 77.0653° W
See the Iconic Cherry Blossoms
Dock at the East Potomac Park for a nice stroll along the shoreline, which is lined with Washington, dc’s beloved cherry blossom trees. Plan ahead to pack lunches so you can head to the Southern tip of the park to set up a picnic and enjoy quiet views of the capital. Make sure to go to the Northern end of the island to see the Thomas Jefferson Memorial (or just cruise by it via boat). Keep in mind, the National Cherry Blossom Festival takes place in Washington, DC from March 20 through April 16, providing the very best opportunity to see these cherry blossoms in full bloom.
Pro Tip: The East Potomac Park dock is the only place to dock on the island. If you need a break from the water, there are several sports facilities throughout the park, like a golf course and tennis courts.
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Location: Google Maps Link
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Closest marinas to Downtown: Washington Marina Company, James Creek Marina, The Wharf Marina
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Lat/Long: 38.8734° N, 77.0260° W
Where to Go Boating in Washington, DC
The Chesapeake Bay
Boating in the Chesapeake Bay means boating in a historic waterway that connects you to an endless amount of adventures in multiple states, from the District of Columbia to Virginia and Maryland, up into Delaware, New York, Pennsylvania and even West Virginia. With so much to explore, each boating trip you plan can be one of a kind—trust us, just one day of boating in the Chesapeake Bay is never enough. Hop on a pontoon and bring the children for a cruise to Sandy Point State Park for swimming near beaches. Or book a fishing boat rental or fishing charter, and cast a line for everything from largemouth bass in brackish river waters, to striped bass and flounder, or even head offshore for cobia and black drum.
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Target fish species: Varies depending on what part of the bay you are in, but you can expect: striped bass (upper bay), bluefish and Spanish mackerel (lower bay), speckled sea trout, red drum, rockfish, and some largemouth bass.
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Pro Tips: The Chesapeake Bay is endangered by sewage plants that dump their polluted water into the bay. Make sure to learn these green boating practices to keep the bay as precious as you found it.
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Best places to explore: The Chesapeake Bay provides access to top boating destinations like Havre de Grace, St. Michaels, Smith Island, the National Harbor, Tangier Island, Ocean City (MD), Annapolis, Edgewater, and many more mid-Atlantic coastal hideaways.
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Lat/Long: 37.5214° N, 76.1050° W
Potomac River
The Potomac River, running through Washington, DC and connecting Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland, lies at the heart of the DMV region and has even been dubbed the ‘Nation’s River’ by President George Washington. Stretching 380-miles before emptying into the Chesapeake Bay near Point Lookout, MD, the Potomac is a water-lovers playground, ripe for boating and fishing. Any history buffs out there? Plan a boat rental to cruise south to Mount Vernon, and on your way back to DC, make sure to stop in Old Town Alexandria for fresh seafood. The Potomac is also your go-to route sightseeing all of DC’s hottest attractions—from the monuments to The Wharf—and will connect you to the Anacostia River, which takes you right by Nationals Park, the home of Major League Baseball’s Washington Nationals.
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Target fish species: Striped bass, snakehead, largemouth and smallmouth bass, and catfish.
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Pro Tips: With so many different areas around the DMV to explore via the Potomac River, we highly recommend booking your boat with a local, licensed captain. Not only can they serve as your tour guide, sharing location history and pointing out areas of interest during your cruise.
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Lat/Long: 38.9072° N, 77.0369° W
Lake Anna, VA
Just a quick 90-minute drive south from the heart of the DMV, Lake Anna, VA is the go-to weekend escape for both local boaters and visitors to Washington, DC and its surrounding cities. Known by locals for its ‘cold’ and ‘warm’ sides of the lake, this hidden gem has boat-up restaurants, breweries, lakeside wineries, and ample room for on-water activities. Get out on the lake early to secure a prime spot at one of the many island beaches or sandbars, or join a raft-up at one of the party coves. Grab dinner and drinks at Tim’s at Lake Anna, The Cove at Lake Anna, or Lake Anna Taphouse, before wrapping up your day watching the sunset on the water.
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Target fish species: Largemouth bass, striped bass, hybrid striped bass, bluegill, yellow perch, walleye, white perch, and black crappie.
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Pro Tips: Some of Lake Anna’s most popular local hot spots may be difficult to find for new boaters to the area. For the best experience, book your rental with a captain who can navigate the lake, handle any potential raft-ups, and serve as your designated sober skipper.
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Best places to explore: The Sandbar, Pirate’s Cove, Cocktail Cove, The Bahamas, Pleasants Landing Beach, and the Lake Anna State Park.
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Lat/Long: 38.1112° N, 77.8346° W
Dock-and-Dine at Washington, DC Waterfront Restaurants
Nick's Riverside Grill
- Address: 3050 K St NW, Washington, DC 20007
- Hours: Open Mon-Sun 12pm - 10pm
- Reservations: Yes, but not required
- Type of food: Fresh seafood, Grill, Happy hour
- Dockage available: Yes
Hank's Oyster Bar
- Address: 701 Wharf St SW, Washington, DC 20024
- Hours: Open Mon-Sun 11am - 10pm
- Reservations: Yes, but not required
- Type of food: Seafood and fresh fish; Happy hour
- Dockage available: Yes
The Point DC
- Address: 2100 2nd St SW, Washington, DC 20024
- Hours: Open Mon-Tues 5pm -9pm; Wed-Thurs,Sun 11:30am - 10pm; Fri - Sat 11:30am -12pm
- Reservations: Yes, but not required
- Type of food: Burgers, Fusion seafood,
- Dockage available: Yes
Check Out Additional Washington, DC Boating Guides
Got questions?
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to rent a boat in DC?
The cost to rent a boat in DC starts at $85 per hour, depending on the amount of time that you would like to use the boat.
How much to rent a yacht for a day in DC?
The cost to charter a yacht varies depending on the boat size and the length of the charter. Prices typically range from less than $1,000 to $5,000 plus if you're wanting to charter the yacht overnight.
What are requirements for boating in Washington DC?
All DC boat operators must complete a boating safety course and carry a boater education card.You must be 18 years old to rent a captained boat and 25 years old if you would like to rent a bareboat charter.
What are the top destinations to explore with a Washington DC boat rental?
With a Washington DC boat rental, the Potomac River is the main attraction, offering iconic views of the Lincoln Memorial, Kennedy Center, and Washington Monument from the water. Cruise south toward Alexandria or National Harbor for dockside dining and entertainment. The Anacostia River offers a more serene ride with skyline views and nature areas like Kingman Island. Boaters can also explore the Georgetown waterfront or anchor near Roosevelt Island for a peaceful stop. DC’s waterways offer a blend of history, nature, and city sights best appreciated by boat.
How many people can fit on the boat rental?
The number of people who can fit on boat rental largely depends on the boat's size and how many life jackets are on board. Currently the coast guard allows a maximum of 10-12 people on a Boatsetter boat rental.
Own a boat?
Boatsetter lets you make money renting out your boat. Peace of mind and insurance is included in every rental, and you choose who rents your boat.
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