Boat rental companies in Los Angeles operate from three main areas

Los Angeles has boat rentals spread across the harbor and coastal areas rather than concentrated in one place. The largest cluster is in Long Beach, where multiple operators work from the waterfront near the Queen Mary and Shoreline Village. Marina del Rey, just north of Manhattan Beach, has a second concentration of rental companies. A third group operates from smaller docks in San Pedro and along the Santa Monica Pier area.

Each location serves different boat types and trip lengths. Long Beach operators tend to focus on larger vessels for day trips and overnight charters. Marina del Rey companies rent smaller boats — sailboats, fishing boats, and jet skis — by the hour or half-day. San Pedro and Santa Monica have a mix, with some specializing in fishing trips and others in casual harbor cruises.

Key Takeaways

  • Long Beach, Marina del Rey, and San Pedro each have different rental operators, so your choice of location depends on what type of boat and trip length you want.
  • Hourly rentals for small boats (sailboats, fishing boats) typically cost $75 to $200 per hour, while day charters for larger vessels run $500 to $2,000 depending on size and duration.
  • You will need a valid driver's license and, for some boats, proof of boating experience or a captain's license; many companies offer a brief orientation instead.
  • Rental companies require a security deposit (usually $500 to $2,000) and may charge fuel fees, damage waivers, and captain fees if you do not operate the boat yourself.
  • Booking directly through the rental company's website or phone line is faster than third-party platforms and lets you ask about current availability and any seasonal closures.

What boat types are available and what they cost

Sailboats and small motorboats dominate the hourly rental market in Marina del Rey. A 20- to 25-foot sailboat rents for roughly $75 to $150 per hour, with a two-hour minimum. Small motorboats and fishing boats run $100 to $200 per hour. Jet skis are typically $150 to $250 per hour. These prices do not include fuel, which the renter pays separately or reimburses at the end.

Day charters and overnight trips use larger vessels — 35- to 60-foot cabin cruisers and sport fishing boats. A full-day charter (six to eight hours) costs between $800 and $2,000 depending on the boat size and whether a captain is included. Overnight charters run $1,500 to $4,000 or more. Many companies bundle fuel into the charter price, but confirm this before booking.

Prices vary by season. Summer (June through August) and holiday weekends are peak, and rates can jump 20 to 40 percent. Winter rates are lower, though some operators reduce hours or close certain boats during slower months. Weekday rentals are often cheaper than weekends.

What documents and experience you need to bring

A valid driver's license is required by every rental company. Some also ask for a second form of ID. If you plan to operate the boat yourself, the company will ask whether you have boating experience. Many do not require a formal captain's license for smaller boats under 26 feet, but they will conduct a brief orientation (usually 15 to 30 minutes) to confirm you understand the controls and safety rules.

For larger vessels or overnight charters, some companies require proof of boating experience or a U.S. Coast Guard captain's license. If you do not have either, you can hire the company's captain to operate the boat — this adds $150 to $400 to the cost depending on trip length. A few companies offer a one-day boating course that satisfies their experience requirement; ask when you call.

Renters under 25 may face age surcharges or restrictions on which boats they can rent. Some companies will not rent to anyone under 21. Call ahead if you are in this range.

Security deposits, insurance, and hidden fees

Expect a security deposit of $500 to $2,000, held on your credit card at the time of booking. This is released after the rental if the boat is returned undamaged and on time. If you cause damage, the company deducts repair costs from the deposit.

Damage waivers are optional but common. A waiver typically costs $50 to $150 per rental and reduces your liability for accidental damage — you pay a smaller deductible (often $250 to $500) instead of the full repair bill. Without a waiver, you are responsible for all damage costs, which can reach thousands of dollars for hull damage or engine problems.

Fuel is usually charged separately. Some companies include a full tank in the rental price and charge you for what you use; others charge a flat fuel fee. Ask whether the boat is returned full or empty. Late return fees are standard — typically $50 to $100 per 30 minutes. Captain fees (if you hire one) run $150 to $400 depending on trip length. Parking at the marina may also cost $10 to $20 if you drive your own car.

How to book and what to ask before you commit

Call the rental company directly or visit their website. Direct booking is faster than third-party platforms like GetMyBoat or Boatsetter, and the company can when ready tell you which boats are available on your preferred date. Many companies require a deposit to hold the reservation — usually 25 to 50 percent of the rental cost.

Before booking, ask these questions: Is fuel included in the price, or do I pay separately? What is the cancellation policy if weather forces a closure? Are there any seasonal closures or maintenance periods? Do you require a captain's license, or will an orientation suffice? What is included in the damage waiver, and what is the deductible? Is parking included, or do I pay separately?

Check the company's cancellation and weather policy in writing. Many will not refund if you cancel within 48 hours, and some will not refund if bad weather closes the harbor — though they may offer a credit toward a future rental. Confirm the exact pickup time and location, as some companies have multiple docks.

Long Beach rental operators and what they specialize in

Long Beach has the largest concentration of rental companies. Pierpoint Landing and Shoreline Village are the main hubs. Companies here tend to focus on larger day-trip vessels and overnight charters rather than hourly rentals. Some specialize in fishing trips, others in sightseeing cruises or private events. A few rent sailboats for experienced sailors.

Long Beach operators often include a captain in the rental price for larger boats, which simplifies the experience if you have no boating background. Day trips typically depart in the morning and return by early evening. Overnight trips usually leave in the afternoon and return the next morning. Parking is available at or near the rental docks, though fees vary.

Marina del Rey and Santa Monica options for shorter trips

Marina del Rey is the best choice if you want a short rental — one to four hours — and do not need a large boat. Multiple companies rent sailboats, small motorboats, and fishing boats by the hour. The marina is close to Santa Monica and Malibu, so you can reach open water quickly. Parking is available in the marina lots, usually for $5 to $10.

Santa Monica Pier has a few rental operators focused on casual harbor cruises and fishing trips. These are typically smaller boats and shorter outings than Long Beach charters. Parking near the pier is limited and expensive (often $10 to $15 for two hours), so consider public transit or rideshare if you are renting from this location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boating license to rent a boat in Los Angeles?

Most rental companies do not require a formal license for boats under 26 feet. They will give you a brief orientation on how to operate the boat safely. Larger vessels and overnight charters may require proof of boating experience or a captain's license, or you can hire the company's captain to operate the boat instead.

What happens if the weather is bad on my rental day?

Most companies will not rent if the harbor is closed due to high winds or rough seas — your safety is the priority. Check the company's cancellation policy before booking. Some offer a full refund, others offer a credit toward a future date. A few charge a cancellation fee if you cancel within 48 hours, but weather closures initiated by the company are usually refunded or credited.

Can I rent a boat for an overnight trip?

Yes. Long Beach operators specialize in overnight charters with cabin cruisers. These typically cost $1,500 to $4,000 depending on boat size and whether a captain is included. You will need to provide a security deposit and proof of boating experience or hire a captain. Overnight trips usually depart in the afternoon and return the next morning.

What is the cheapest way to rent a boat in Los Angeles?

Hourly rentals of small boats in Marina del Rey are the most affordable option, starting around $75 to $100 per hour for a sailboat or small motorboat. Weekday rentals are cheaper than weekends, and winter rates are lower than summer. A two-hour rental on a weekday might cost $150 to $250 total, plus fuel.

Can I rent a boat if I have never been boating before?

Yes. Rental companies expect first-time renters and will provide an orientation covering basic operation, safety, and navigation. For larger boats or overnight trips, some companies offer a one-day boating course that satisfies their experience requirement. Alternatively, you can hire the company's captain to operate the boat while you enjoy the experience.