Cost to Rent a Boat in San Diego
Depending on the type of boat, the average cost for a boat rental for up to 8 people is $175/hr. The average cost to rent a yacht in San Diego is $1,100 per hour. And the average cost to rent a sailboat is around $50 per hour (does not include a captain).
Below is what each kind of boat actually costs by the hour, how many people it carries, and what you give up to get the lower number. Six boats, six budgets.
Pontoon Boat
1–12 passengers · from $175/hr
A pontoon boat rental is the most popular boat rental in the United States. Having the ability to have 1-12 passengers, it’s one of the best ways to have a fun day on the water with friends and family. Don’t worry about getting sea-sick on a pontoon boat in Mission Bay or San Diego Bay, you’re in for a calm, relaxing day on the bay. Starting price is $175/hr.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Has Motor
- Easy to Drive
Cons
- Calm Waters Only
- Only 12 Passengers
Sailboats
1–10 passengers · from $50/hr
There’s nothing more relaxing than a day on the bay with the wind in your sails and a fresh ocean breeze. Sailboats offer an inexpensive and fun way to learn a skill and cruise the bay without an engine. If you’re looking to rent a boat in San Diego, this is a great adventure. Great for 1-6 passengers with a price around $50/hr.
Pros
- Learn a new skill
- No Gas
- Adventurous
Cons
- Limited Capacity
- Not the most comfortable
- No Motor
Powerboat
1–8 passengers · from $175/hr
Hey thrill seekers, if you like going fast, this is the boat for you. Power boats are a great choice for friends and family that not only want to enjoy the bay, but also want to put the boat in gear and press down the throttle! Passengers are from 6-8 and prices start at $175/hr.
Pros
- Fast
- Has Motor
- Easy to Drive
Cons
- No Ocean
- Only 6-8 Passengers
- Lacks space
Jetskis
1–3 passengers · from $105/hr
Who wants some real adventure? If you mix the fresh air from a sailboat and the speed of a powerboat in a compact vessel, you have a jetski. Jetskis are for the true adventure seekers that want speed, fresh air, and adventure all in one vessel. Passengers are 1-3 and the average cost is $105/hr. For more ways to get wet, see our guide to San Diego water sports.
Pros
- Very Fast
- Really Fun
- Adventurous
Cons
- Only 1-3 Passenger
- Bay Speed Zones
- Very Limited Space
Private Yacht
2–12 passengers · from $550/hr
If you’re looking to sit back and relax with up to 12 of your friends and family, check out this catamaran yacht charter in San Diego. Malarky Charters includes a Captain and Crew and it’s BYOB! Cruise San Diego Bay under sail. This boat rental in San Diego costs about $550/hr.
Pros
- Includes Captain and Crew
- Ocean Sailing
- Huge interior and exterior
Cons
- Doesn’t include drinks
- Doesn’t include food.
- You pay for luxury
Yacht
10–100 passengers · from $825/hr in 2026 · $1,120/hr in 2027
This is more than just a boat rental – it’s a yacht experience for large groups to enjoy San Diego Bay in a spacious and luxurious way. This includes a captain, crew, bartender, dance floor, bar, and waterslide! This San Diego yacht rental is perfect for birthday parties, special events, corporate events, and more. Pricing starts at $825/hr on 2026 weekdays and $1,120/hr in 2027, and it holds up to 100 passengers.
Not chartering the whole boat? The same catamaran runs ticketed San Diego harbor cruises, which start at $55 a seat.
Pros
- Huge Capacity
- Includes Captain and Crew
- Full Bar, Dance Floor, and Slide
Cons
- Requires higher budget
- 2-Hour Minimum
Where to Rent a Boat in San Diego
Mission Bay Sportcenter: Mission Bay Sportcenter has been offering boat rentals in San Diego for 40 years and is locally owned. They have Pontoon Boat Rentals, Powerboat Rentals, Jetski Rentals, and Sailboat Rentals. This is your one-stop-shop if you want to rent a boat in San Diego.
Malarky Charters: Malarky Charters is great for customers who have a group ranging from 4-12 guests. It’s a 47′ Luxury Yacht Rental on San Diego Bay, departing from Shelter Island, with an indoor lounge, a covered aft deck and a bow trampoline. Charters are private, BYOB, and stay on San Diego Bay.
Triton Charters: If you need a larger yacht, Triton Charters is a catamaran yacht rental in San Diego, sprawling 75 feet in length with the ability to have up to 105 passengers. The Triton includes modern decor, a state-of-the-art 13 seat bar, and a dynamic layout. Triton offers a built-in running water slide, a massive dance floor, and an advanced sound system. Triton also offers ticketed charters for smaller groups!
Looking to get away from San Diego? Big Bear boat rentals are another great way to get on the water and are close to San Diego!
For the full rundown on each of these companies, read our comparison of the best boat rentals in San Diego. To learn even more about renting a yacht in San Diego, visit our yacht rental articles.