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)