Where the concierge points people first
- Central Park Boathouse — Rowboats on the Lake in Central Park, the gentlest way onto the water in New York and no license involved. Rentals run in the warmer months and depend on the weather, so check before you walk over. (40.7753, -73.9687)
- Hudson River Community Sailing — A non-profit sailing program based at the Pier 66 boathouse in Chelsea, teaching adults to sail on the Hudson. The route for anyone who wants to learn properly rather than ride along. (40.8684, -73.9319)
- North Cove Sailing — A sailing school and club at North Cove Marina in Battery Park City, with Lady Liberty and the harbor as the classroom. Courses and club sailing, rather than casual hourly rentals. (40.7147, -74.0168)
The rest of the boat rental in New York — every one we hold
- Art Boat NYC (40.7353, -73.9739)
- Big Apple Charters (40.7451, -74.0098)
- Brooklyn Yacht Club (40.6964, -73.9884)
- Calypso Charter Cruises (40.7469, -74.0083)
- Cloud 9 Charters (40.7354, -73.9743)
- Empire Cruises (40.7354, -73.9743)
- Freedom Luxury (40.7089, -74.0174)
- Jacana Cruise (40.7354, -73.9742)
- Let's Cruise (40.7353, -73.9744)
- Metro Yacht Charters of New York (40.7475, -74.0083)
- New York Waterway (40.8285, -73.9716)
- Ny Boat Charter (40.7767, -73.9798)
- NY Boat Charter (40.7482, -74.0085)
- Ocean Independence (40.7593, -73.9781)
- Pangaea (40.7354, -73.9748)
- Prestige Yacht Charters (40.7354, -73.9742)
- Sailawayny (40.7494, -74.0084)
- Ultra Marine Yacht Charters (40.7810, -73.9520)
- Yacht Owners Association of New York (40.7454, -74.0087)
- Yachtsmarter (40.8250, -73.9480)
New York now wants a certificate from every motorboat driver
Under New York State's Brianna's Law, since 1 January 2025 anyone operating a motorised boat or personal watercraft, whatever their age, must carry a boating safety certificate from an approved course. The harbor is also a working port with ferries, tugs and strong tidal currents, so most visitors who want a motorboat day take a charter with a licensed captain — you are a passenger, and the certificate rule is the captain's concern. Rowboats in the park and lessons with an instructor need nothing from you but closed shoes and a willingness to get splashed.
Questions people ask
Where can I rent a boat in New York?
For a casual row, the Central Park Boathouse in the warmer months. To learn to sail, Hudson River Community Sailing at Pier 66 or North Cove Sailing in Battery Park City. For a motorboat, most visitors choose a skippered charter.
Do you need a license to drive a boat in New York?
Since 1 January 2025, every operator of a motorised boat or jet ski in New York State needs a boating safety certificate under Brianna's Law. Rowboats and skippered charters do not require one from you.
How many boat rental companies are there in New York?
Num's directory maps 24 boat rental, charter and sailing-school outfits in New York, most of them skippered yacht charters.
Ask Num for a boat you can take out in New York
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