Boat Rentals in San Diego (Mission Bay & San Diego Bay)

San Diego’s sheltered waterfronts—Mission Bay and San Diego Bay—offer year‑round boating opportunities. Renting a boat is popular with tourists and locals because no private boat or yacht club membership is needed. This report summarizes the rules and regulations that apply to rental boats, outlines what renters need, compares different boat types and capacities, highlights reputable rental companies, and recommends harbor and sunset cruises.

Regulations and Safety Rules (not so fun)

General vessel speed – The City of San Diego prohibits operating a boat faster than 5 mph within 100 ft of swimmers or 200 ft of a beach used by swimmers
Oceanfront speed – Boats may not exceed 5 mph within 1,000 ft of the City’s oceanfront coastline
Mission Bay speed – Mission Bay has four activity zones. From sunset to sunrise the speed limit is 5 mph throughout the bay. During daylight, designated 5‑mph areas include near bridges, within 100 ft of shore, within 100 ft of another vessel and any area marked by 5‑mph buoys. Open‑speed areas (e.g., the eastern half of Fiesta Bay) allow faster travel but boaters must still follow the general speed rules and watch for posted signs.
Age restrictions – Children under 12 may not operate any motorized vessel over 15 hp; those 12–15 may operate such boats only with an adult 18+ on board.
Equipment requirements – All recreational vessels must carry a wearable flotation device for each person, one throwable flotation device, a marine fire extinguisher for closed‑hull boats, navigation lights if operating after sunset, a sound‑producing device, a visual distress signal, and registration cards and stickers.
Beaching and anchoring – Boats may be beached only in designated areas of Mission Bay; the north end of Fiesta Island is closed to beaching, and beaching along the oceanfront is prohibited except at the La Jolla Shores boat launch. Overnight anchoring is allowed only in Mariners Basin (72‑hr maximum).

California’s Boater Card law requires operators of motorized vessels to pass an approved safety course and carry a lifetime card. The law was phased in by age from 2018 to 2025—persons 20 or younger needed the card by Jan 1 2018; those 25 or younger by Jan 1 2019, 35 by 2020, 40 by 2021, 45 by 2022, 50 by 2023, 60 by 2024, and everyone by Jan 1 2025. Although boat operators must eventually obtain the card, the statute lists exemptions, including operators of rental vessels and persons operating under direct supervision of someone with a card. As a result, most rental companies do not require a boater card, but they provide mandatory safety briefings instead.

To obtain the card, individuals complete a state‑approved boating safety course (online or classroom). Courses take at least three hours, and the lifetime card costs $10. Boaters can register and find courses at californiaboatercard.com, and must carry the card when operating private (non‑rental) motorboats.

/operating under the influence & illegal charters

Operating a boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal. Guides warn that if you plan to drink on the water, you should hire a captained charter rather than drive the boat yourself; the responsibility of the crew rests on the driver. Boating guides also note that unlicensed or illegal charters operate in San Diego. Red flags include pick‑ups from public docks, unusually cheap prices, lack of a United States Coast Guard (USCG) captain’s license, and reliance solely on third‑party listing platforms. To avoid fines and cancellations, renters should use established companies with physical storefronts; the municipal code makes renting from unlicensed individuals illegal and can lead to citations or impoundment.

What you need to rent a boat (more fun)

Choose your boat type and location – Decide whether to cruise calm Mission Bay or the larger San Diego Bay. Common rental categories include pontoon and deck boats, powerboats, jet skis, electric Duffy boats, sailboats, and yacht charters. Group size, desired speed and amenities will determine the boat type (see §3 for capacities).
Make a reservation – Nearly all reputable companies require reservations, especially during summer and weekends. Many allow online booking with a deposit; same‑day walk‑ups are seldom available.
Bring a valid ID and payment method – Renters must be 18 or 21 depending on the company. A major credit card and matching government ID are required to secure the booking. For example, Adventure Water Sports requires the person signing the rental agreement to be at least 18 and to show a driver’s license with a $500 deposit hold, while SD Adventures places a $50 deposit and then holds a $500 credit‑card authorization during the rental.
Read and sign the rental contract/waiver – The agreement covers insurance, liability, return times and fuel policy. Some rentals require waivers for all passengers.
Check‑in early for safety briefing – Most companies request renters to arrive 30 minutes before departure to complete paperwork and attend a safety and operational check. Action Sports Rentals instructs guests to arrive early, fill out the waiver, and bring the credit card and matching ID.
Undergo orientation and equipment fitting – Staff demonstrate vessel operation, review local speed zones, and issue life jackets. For example, San Diego Boat Rentals provides hands‑on instruction and ensures that drivers are at least 21 with a valid driver’s license. Electric Duffy boat rentals include a full canopy, windows and a built‑in cooler for comfort.
Observe rules during the rental – Boats must stay within the permitted bay (Mission Bay or San Diego Bay). Companies generally prohibit beaching, docking or anchoring unless using a hired captain. Watersports such as tubing or wakeboarding may be forbidden due to insurance. For non‑motorized crafts like kayaks and SUPs, children may participate but must be accompanied by an adult.

Boat Types and Capacities

San Diego’s rental offerings range from small self‑driven crafts to large captained catamarans. Capacities are limited by U.S. Coast Guard certification and local regulations. The table below summarizes common boat types available in Mission Bay and San Diego Bay. (Capacities include passengers and the driver.)

Boat type	Typical capacity & requirements
Powerboat / deck boat	8–10 people. Renters must be 18–21+ with a valid driver’s license; no boating license required; must stay in the bay; no beaching or towing. Action Sports Rentals’ 18‑ft Hurricane powerboat holds 9 people (1,210 lb limit). San Diego Boat Rentals’ speed boat carries 10 passengers and requires drivers to be 21+.
Pontoon boat / party boat	10–12 people. Designed for relaxed cruising; easy to handle. San Diego Boat Rentals’ pontoon holds 10 passengers. Electric Duffy boats accommodate up to 10 adults and do not require a boater license.
Jet ski / personal watercraft	1–2 riders per craft. Drivers must typically be 18 with a driver’s license; 16–18 may operate under parental supervision. Life jackets provided; rental companies require security deposits and prohibit intoxicated operation.
Sailboat	2–6 people (small crafts). Renters must be 18+ and demonstrate sailing experience. Seaforth requires a sailing résumé and prior experience for sailboat rentals. Mission Bay Sportcenter offers two‑hour sunset sail tours on a Capri 22 sailboat for couples or small groups.
Electric Duffy boat	Up to 10 people. Quiet, eco‑friendly boats with full canopies and built‑in coolers; great for slow cruises.
Yacht charter / luxury catamaran	6–12 passengers (small yachts); up to 100 passengers on large catamarans. Requires a USCG‑licensed captain and crew. Malarky Charters’ 47‑ft catamaran holds 12 guests; Triton Charters’ 75‑ft catamaran is Coast Guard certified for up to 100 passengers and features a bar, dance floor and water slide.

Notes on capacities

Capacity limits are strictly enforced and include adults and children. Exceeding capacity is both unsafe and illegal.
The U.S. Coast Guard’s “Twelve‑passenger rule” means that most uninspected vessels may carry no more than 12 passengers; larger charters require special certification (which is why most rental boats top out at 12 passengers unless chartered from a passenger vessel company).
When booking, confirm whether a captain is included or if you must hire one separately. Larger catamarans like Triton and Malarky come with a captain and crew; small electric boats and pontoons are self‑drive.

Recommended Rental Companies

Triton Charters

Locations: Both depart from Shelter Island in San Diego Bay.

Offerings: large catamarans ideal for parties, corporate events and weddings.

Highlights: Triton Charters operates a 75‑ft catamaran that is Coast Guard certified for up to 100 passengers; it includes a bar, dance floor and waterslide. Malarky Charters operates a 47‑ft catamaran designed for private groups of up to 12 guests and allows BYOB. Both charters include a licensed captain and crew. Pricing is hourly and typically higher than self‑drive rentals.

Malarky Charters

Locations: The Malarky catamaran departs from Shelter Island in San Diego Bay; the office and vessel are located at 2700 Shelter Island Dr. on the commercial dock behind Ketch Kitchen and Taps

Offerings: Malarky Charters operates a 47‑ft performance catamaran with four bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a large indoor lounge finished in modern décor. Optional add‑ons include paddle boards, lily pads, kayaks, tower pads and a waterslide. The unique bow trampoline and aft deck provide plenty of seating and space for wildlife watching

Highlights: The vessel is Coast Guard certified for up to 12 guests and charters include a licensed captain and crew. Guests may bring their own food and drinks—including alcohol—with a few restrictions (no red wine or glass containers)Rentals require a minimum of two hours, though 3–4 hours is recommended to enjoy the full experience

Aquata Charters

Locations: Aquata departs from the Shelter Island marina in San Diego Bay. The address is 2700 Shelter Island Drive, and a confirmation email provides detailed parking and walking instructions to reach the dock

Offerings: Aquata is a 2022 37‑ft Axopar Cross‑Cabin Cruiser that blends racing‑boat speed with the comforts of a small yacht. It has a salon‑style bedroom, private restroom and spacious forward and aft lounges. Innovative features include a gullwing door for seamless cabin access, sociable seating areas with a table on the foredeck, a sun‑deck, and a large sliding canvas roof and doors that open the cabin to the elements. The boat is Coast Guard certified for up to 11 passengers.

Highlights: Billed as San Diego’s fastest luxury speed boat, Aquata can cruise at up to 55 mph but may also be used for slower sightseeing tours. Guests may bring their own food and drinks, including alcohol, though red wine and glass containers are prohibited. Optional add‑ons include paddle boards, lily pads, water trampolines, kayaks and other toys. Rentals have a minimum duration of two hours (three to four hours recommended), and a captain is not included; customers must choose a captain at the time of booking and pay the captain’s fee (about $50 per hour) directly on arrival

Offerings: Aquata is a 2022 37‑ft Axopar Cross‑Cabin Cruiser that blends racing‑boat speed with the comforts of a small yacht. It has a salon‑style bedroom, private restroom and spacious forward and aft lounge. Innovative features include a gullwing door for seamless cabin access, sociable seating areas with a table on the foredeck, a sun‑deck, and a large sliding canvas roof and doors that open the cabin to the element. The boat is Coast Guard certified for up to 11 passengers.