Find the best boat rentals in San Francisco

Insurance provided by

Top San Francisco, CA Boat Rentals and Yacht Charters

Rent a Catalina sloop in Alameda, CA near me
$114+ /hour

Alameda, CA

5.0 (11 bookings)

sailboat charters

2 - 6 hours Captained
Up to 4 passengers
Rent a Lagoon catamaran in Oakland, CA near me
$243+ /hour

Oakland, CA

5.0 (26 bookings)

Smooth & Stable on the Most Popular Catamaran Ever

4 - 8 hours Captained
Up to 10 passengers
Rent a Duffy Electric Boats electric in Sausalito, CA near me
Icon $150+ /hour

Sausalito, CA

4.5 (17 bookings)

18' Duffy Boat Rental in Sausalito! (White, Boat 4)

2 - 4 hours No captain
Up to 8 passengers
Rent a Axopar 37 Cross Cabin cruiser in San Rafael, CA near me
$891+ /hour

San Rafael, CA

2022 Axopar 37 Cross Cabin

3 - 8 hours Captained
Up to 6 passengers
Rent a Santa Cruz Yachts sloop in San Francisco, CA near me
Icon $788+ /hour

San Francisco, CA

5.0 (10 bookings)

Up to 20 pax - Sail Yukon Jack

2 - 4 hours Captained
Up to 20 passengers
Rent a Other catamaran in Oakland, CA near me
$295+ /hour

Oakland, CA

5.0 (34 bookings)

Ready to Cat around SF Bay?

4 - 8 hours Captained
Up to 10 passengers
Rent a Other schooner in San Francisco, CA near me
Icon $1,256+ /hour

San Francisco, CA

5.0 (15 bookings)

72 Foot Scow Schooner - Corporate Events/offsites

3 - 8 hours Captained
Up to 49 passengers
Rent a Lingbo rigid inflatable in Richmond, CA near me
$60+ /hour

Richmond, CA

Coach boat

2 - 8 hours No captain
Up to 4 passengers
Rent a Beneteau USA sloop in San Francisco, CA near me
Icon $350+ /hour

San Francisco, CA

5.0 (19 bookings)

Charter the Loveliest 37 footer on the Bay

2 - 4 hours Captained
Up to 6 passengers
Rent a Excess catamaran in Alameda, CA near me
$200+ /hour

Alameda, CA

5.0 (21 bookings)

Brand New Sailing Catamaran - Sail the Bay, anchor, beach, sealife

2 - 8 hours Captain optional
Up to 12 passengers
Rent a Beneteau USA cruiser in Oakland, CA near me
$240+ /hour

Oakland, CA

5.0 (26 bookings)

Luxury Afternoon & Evening Sailboat Charters

2 hours Captained
Up to 6 passengers
Rent a Beneteau USA cruiser in Oakland, CA near me
$237+ /hour

Oakland, CA

Sail One of the Newest, Nicest Boats on the Bay!

4 - 8 hours Captained
Up to 8 passengers
Rent a Mainship motor yacht in San Francisco, CA near me
Icon $275+ /hour

San Francisco, CA

5.0 (20 bookings)

Gorgeous Mainship 30 Motoryacht - Downtown SF!

2 - 8 hours Captained
Up to 6 passengers
Rent a J Boats cruiser in San Francisco, CA near me
Icon $250+ /hour

San Francisco, CA

5.0 (16 bookings)

Fast & Fun J/105 - UP to 6 Pax, With Captain

2 - 4 hours Captained
Up to 6 passengers
Rent a Marlow downeast in Emeryville, CA near me
Icon $236+ /hour

Emeryville, CA

5.0 (1 booking)

Captain & Fuel Included - Cruise In Comfort 37 Foot Trawler

2 - 8 hours Captained
Up to 6 passengers
Rent a Seaswirl Boats bow rider in Richmond, CA near me
$119+ /hour

Richmond, CA

5.0 (25 bookings)

Beautiful Seaswirl 19’ I/O Bow Rider Boat

6 - 8 hours No captain
Up to 6 passengers
Rent a Boston Whaler fish and ski in Tiburon, CA near me
$83+ /hour

Tiburon, CA

4.8 (32 bookings)

Explore The Bay With Our Fast, Fun Boston Whaler!

2 - 8 hours Captain optional
Up to 5 passengers
Rent a Mckinna motor yacht in Alameda, CA near me
$288+ /hour

Alameda, CA

5.0 (7 bookings)

Explore San Francisco Bay on a Private Luxury Yacht

2 - 8 hours Captained
Up to 6 passengers

How to rent a boat in San Francisco?

1

Find the perfect boat

Enter your desired location and date to explore our fleet of boat, San Francisco, CA, United Statess.

2

Select a captain

Choose to drive yourself or select a USCG licensed captain.

3

Book with ease

Connect with your boat owner and complete your booking online.

4

Set sail

Enjoy your day on the water with friends and family!


Rent a boat in San Francisco

To truly see San Francisco at its best, consider hopping off the cable cars and hopping on a boat to explore the San Francisco Bay. This city is tucked in the heart of northern California along the Pacific coastline and has a very rich maritime history.  Today, ‘San Fran’ is a top destination for travelers, and the best way to see some of its top attractions is by boat—can’t miss highlights include the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Pier 39 at Fisherman’s Wharf, and so much more.

What to Know 

When planning to hit the water in San Francisco, consider these popular boat rental styles: 

  • Sailboats rule the waterways in and around San Francisco. You’ll see everything from small sailing dinghies and daysailers, to large catamarans and schooners used for leisure and for adventure all throughout the bay area. Our fleet of sailboats is great for couples, large groups, and families.

  • Motor yachts, trawlers, and walkaround boats offer protection from the cool air and wind during any season, and are great for navigating the San Francisco bay. 

Safety Requirements:

  • Boating License/Education Rules: You must be 16 years of age or older and in possession of his/her California Boater Card to legally operate a vessel powered by a motor of 15 hp or more, including personal watercraft (PWCs). 

  • Persons 12 to 15 years of age may operate a vessel powered by a motor of 15 hp or more, including PWCs, if they are supervised on board by a person at least 18 years of age and in possession of his/her California Boater Card.

  • There is no age restriction for operating a sailboat under 30 ft. long (with wind as the main source of propulsion) or a dinghy used between a moored vessel and shore or between two moored vessels.

  • Life Jacket Requirements: Ages 13 and under must wear a PFD at all times on a moving vessel of any length. Children are not required to wear a life jacket when they are wearing a harness on a sailboat, when they are in an enclosed cabin, and when they are on a vessel during an emergency rescue. 


For more information, visit the California Department of Parks and Recreation

Where to dock your boat, or meet your rental:

  • The Marina at Pier 39

  • San Francisco Marina Yacht Harbor 

  • Pier 40

  • Oyster Point Marina

  • Marina Bay Yacht Harbor

 

Learn more in this Sailing Guide for San Francisco Bay.

Weather Conditions

San Francisco’s graceful weather gives boaters and thrillseekers the better part of the year to explore the bay (and beyond). Summer here is long and comfortable, with average highs staying in the upper 60’s and low 70’s.. While, winter is short, wet, and cold. The best time of year for water activities is from late June to early October. 

Avg. Temperature High: Peaks around 72°F in September

Avg. Temperature Low: Around 47°F during winter months, from December through February

Avg. Water Temperatures in and around San Francisco:

  • 58°F in the Spring (March, April, May)

  • 62°F in the Summer (June, July, August)

  • 60°F in Fall (September, October, November)

  • 52°F in Winter (December, January, February)

Search Boats
San Francisco Boat Rentals

Things to Do in San Francisco by Boat

Cruise Under the Golden Gate Bridge

Cruise Under the Golden Gate Bridge

The image of this iconic bridge is imprinted in most of America’s hearts and minds—including boaters. Whether you’re nostalgic for the ‘Full House’ intro and theme song, or you’ve dreamed of traveling to the west coast one day to see it in person, the Golden Gate Bridge is a destination you won’t want to miss while in San Francisco. Sure, seeing it by land is enchanting, but getting up close and personal to the bridge by water is spectacular and unforgettable. Stop at the discreet Kirkby Cove Beach for picturesque framing of the bridge, pack a couple of sandwiches, and make it a beach day. 

Pro Tip: Just beyond the Golden Gate Bridge is a prime spot for wild salmon fishing. Take a guided fishing charter to get to know the area and for pro fishing tips! 

  • LocationGoogle Maps Link

  • Closest marinas or docks to Golden Gate Bridge: Presidio Yacht Club, Travis Marina, Captain Zorah   

  • Lat/Long: 37.8199° N, 122.4783° W


Sightsee at Point Bonita Lighthouse

Sightsee at Point Bonita Lighthouse

Point Bonita Lighthouse is a historic West Coast jewel. Built in 1855 to guide ships through the Golden Gate straits, today this lighthouse is a popular destination for maritime aficionados and tourists to catch epic views of the sunset at the entrance of San Francisco Bay. Book a boat with a local, licensed captain to learn more about this iconic landmark and tour the coastlines of Bonita Cove and Sausalito, which is located less than a 30-minute boat ride north of downtown.

Pro Tip: Northwest of Point Bonita Lighthouse is Seal Rock, a sandstone rock formation that used to be the rest stop for California sea lions. Book a full-day boat rental so you’ll have ample time to explore the area before cruising back towards downtown.

  • LocationGoogle Maps Link

  • Closest marinas to Downtown: Travis Marina, Boat Ramp (Sommerville Rd), Golden Gate Yacht Club

  • Lat/Long: 37.8156° N, 122.5295° W

Sailing in San Francisco Bay

Sailing in San Francisco Bay

Sailing is where you’ll find San Francisco’s past and present. While you’ll see sailboats everywhere on the Bay, each one is special and unique in its own way. There’s no place like San Francisco to go sailing, and there’s no better fleet of sailboats to access than Boatsetter’s. You can sail with a local, licensed captain to learn the basics or for more experienced sailors, book your own bareboat charter. In any case, make sure you go in the afternoon for best experience, as the wind patterns pick up around 12pm local time.

Pro Tip: If you're prone to seasickness, prepare in advance to limit your discomfort onboard, as sailing in the bay can sometimes be a little rocky (especially on smaller boats). Keep in mind that larger sailboats will offer more comfort and a smoother ride.

  • Location: Google Maps Link

  • Closest marinas to Downtown: Travis Marina, Boat Ramp (Sommerville Rd), Golden Gate Yacht Club

  • Lat/Long: 37.8272° N, 122.2913° W

Explore

Where to Go Boating in San Francisco

San Francisco Bay & San Pablo Bay

San Francisco Bay & San Pablo Bay

Boaters love this dynamic duo—between these two iconic northern bays you and your crew have 4,600 square miles of water surrounded by sand beaches, ancient rock formations, and precious nature preserves. We’ve already mentioned a few of the San Francisco Bay’s offerings by name above, but it’s important to note that the San Pablo Bay— located north—is an extension of this waterway that provides access to China Camp State Park, Point Pinole Regional Shoreline, Mare Island, and the Benicia State Recreation Area.

  • Moorage: Popular marinas on the southern side include: West Point Harbor or The South Bay Yacht Club. Marinas in the central part of the bay include Pier 40, Bay View Boat Club, and Safe Harbor Ballena Isle. While marinas in San Pablo Bay are Marina Bay Yacht Harbor, Point San Pablo Yacht Club, or Schoonmaker Point Marina. 

  • Wake zone: Yes - also keep an eye out for navigational buoys directing marine traffic.

  • Pro Tips: If you plan on taking the helm, make sure to brush up on the boating basics before. 

  • Seasonality: To avoid ‘Karl the Fog’ and catch San Francisco’s gorgeous blue skies and kind temperatures, we recommend boating in late summer and early fall—especially if you’re looking for a less crowded bay.

  • Lat/Long: 38.0440° N, 122.4014° W


Google Maps Link

Alcatraz Island

Alcatraz Island

Take your boat rental around this infamous island prison for a one of a kind cruise. For those interested in spooky ghost tales and stories of escape attempts, book with a local, licensed captain and get ready for accounts of fascinating history and true crime. Originally the home of pelicans, Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary housed our nation’s most notorious criminals, such Al Capone, the “Last Great American Train Robber,” George “Machine Gun” Kelly and others.

  • Nearby Marinas & Launches: Pier 39 Marina, Hyde Street Harbor, Gashouse Cove Marina

  • Wake zone: Yes - be extra conscious of your surroundings on the waters near Alcatraz Island as the official island ferry frequently embarks and disembarks from the island’s docks.

  • Pro Tips: Book a boat rental for the day, after your adventurous cruise around Alcatraz Island dock at Pier 39, where you can recharge with great seafood and live music all while taking in the fresh seaside airs. 

  • Lat/Long: 37.8270° N, 122.4230° W


Google Maps Link

Pier 39

Pier 39

Pier 39 is a charming seaside attraction, filled with countless restaurants and shops that lure in tourists and visitors from all around the world. Come here by boat to Pier 39 Marina, which offers 300 slips for long-term rentals, day-docking, and overnight moorage. One of our favorite things about Pier 39 is—you guessed it— the sea lions! For even more marine life viewing, check out the Aquarium of the Bay nearby, home of 20,000 majestic sea creatures. Bring a romantic date to Pier 39 by boat and take a cute picture in front of the “Open Heart” sculpture located at Level 1 at the picturesque Bay End of PIER 39. This is also a great place for families to bond over fun arcade games and amusement park rides. 

  • Moorage: Pier 39 Marina, where West Yacht harbor can accommodate boats up to 60-feet, and East Yacht harbor can accommodate boats up to 85-feet.

  • Wake zone:  Yes - expect no wake zones as you enter and exit the marina

  • Pro Tips: Pier 39 is one of the most popular places to meet your Boatsetter sailboat rental, as well as your charter if you’ve planned to go whale watching for local gray and humpback whales.

  • Lat/Long: 37.8087° N, 122.4098° W


Google Maps Link


Dock-and-Dine at San Francisco Waterfront Restaurants

Eat fresh seafood or find all of your favorite dishes at the following dockside restaurants along San Francisco Bay. Experience for yourself how much tastier food is when you have a beautiful vista to view.

Frankie's Pier 43


Crab House at Pier 39


La Mar Cebicheria Peruana


Check Out Additional San Francisco Boating Guides




Got questions?

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to rent a boat in San Francisco?

Boat rentals in San Francisco start at $38/hour. Boats can be rented with or without a captain.

How much does it cost to rent a yacht in SF?

Yacht rentals in SF start at $275/hour. Yachts can be rented with or without a crew and captain.


Top boat rental reviews in San Francisco, CA

Verified full
262,976
Customers Reviews
4.95
Avg. Rating

  • This was such an amazing experience all around, above and beyond all of our expectations for a perfect celebration of...

    dan

    Oct 2024
  • 5/5 stars

    Wonderful day on the bay! Beautiful boat, and Drew is the best captain and a wealth of knowledge. Made our Fleet Week!!

    Meredith

    Oct 2024
  • 5/5 stars

    We had a wonderful time with Captain Tom and his First Mate Pat! These guys were super knowledgeable, friendly and...

    Kelly

    Oct 2024

  • Absolutely gorgeous boat. Plenty of space to enjoy in the back, front and inside of the boat. Felt very safe and...

    Laura

    Sep 2024
  • 5/5 stars

    Amazing experience from start to finish! I took my family here including my 5-year-old son and my 2-year-old niece,...

    Audrey Sue

    Sep 2024

  • Super pro service. Boat was great. Sam really had to deal with a group of us and handled it like a champ. Def...

    josey

    Sep 2024

  • We had an amazing time on Sam’s boat. Daniel helped us with boarding the boat and gave us a quick lesson on how to...

    Raghav

    Sep 2024
  • 5/5 stars

    Our group of 3 couples had a really fantastic and memorable time cruising the S.F. bay in luxury aboard Captain...

    Rob

    Sep 2024
  • 5/5 stars

    We had so much fun, the captain was super lovely. Will go back again

    Lesly

    Sep 2024

  • This was a lovely experience with beautiful views of the Bay! Would absolutely do this again and recommend the...

    Carly

    Aug 2024

  • Sam and Daniel were great. Sam was responsive and Daniel was helpful getting us set up. The 20ft boat was great for 7...

    Roxanne

    Aug 2024
  • 5/5 stars

    It was such a lovely experience to rent the beautiful Yacht and we had a great time! Thomas was very prompt in...

    Satish

    Aug 2024

Boat rentals in San Francisco, CA



Boat Owner with Boatsetter

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.

List Your Boat

Need assistance?

Get in touch with one of our success experts.


Boatsetter mobile app
Get the best out
of Boatsetter
Book faster with
App exclusive features