Boston's Best Places To Rent A Boat
Boston is a city surrounded by water, whether the Atlantic Ocean, Jamaica Pond or the Charles River. The various water activity venue choices offer an opportunity to rent a boat and enjoy the scenery or get a little exercise. There are sailboats, kayaks, canoes and more to rent all over the city. Here are some of the best places to rent a boat in Boston.
Boston Sailing Center
54 Lewis Wharf
North End
Boston, MA 02110
(617) 227-4198
www.bostonsailingcenter.com
This sailing center is housed on a Louisiana riverboat sitting on Lewis Wharf in the heart of Boston, a haven for boat renters. Boaters can rent vessels and sail themselves around the historic waterfront, harbor islands, Nantucket, Martha's Vineyard and the entirety of Cape Cod. There are also boat charters available. This venue has memberships with many associated social activities available and offers seminars, racing opportunities and navigation classes.
Rowes Wharf (behind Boston Harbor Hotel)
71 Commercial St., Suite 162
Boston MA 02109
(617) 720-0049
www.bostonharborsailing.com
This club offers boat rentals to the public when members are not using the more than 60 club-owned boats. They do require that renters be certified and/or experienced in operating the size boat that they choose to rent. Boats are also available for charter. The Boston Harbor Sailing Club offers sailing lessons to the public on weekends, as well as week-long classes.
Charles River Canoe And Kayak
132 Charles St.
Newton MA 02466
(617) 965-5110
www.paddleboston.com
The unique thing about Charles River Canoe and Kayak rentals is that the renter can take a one-way trip down the Charles River from one site and then return the boat to a site nine miles away. The spectacular historical sites passed by along the Charles River journey include the Esplanade, Harvard University, MIT, Boston University and a skyline view of the city including the Prudential Building and the gold dome atop the State House. The boater can start on Soldier's Field Road in Allston/Brighton and end up in Kendall Square in Cambridge.
Related: Best White Water Rafting Near Boston
Courageous Sailing
Jamaica Pond
507 Jamaicaway
Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
(617) 522-5061 (in season)
www.courageoussailing.org
Jamaica Pond is associated with the Boston Parks and Recreation Emerald Necklace. It is part of the Muddy River system, which feeds into the Charles River, and is the largest body of fresh water in Boston. The 68-acre pond serves as home to Courageous Sailing and its numerous rowboats, kayaks and sailboats. They offer sailing lessons and other boating programs for children and adults, as well as boat rentals.
Boating In Boston
Carson Beach
70 William J. Day Blvd.
South Boston, MA 02127
(617) 299-3392
www.boatinginboston.com
Carson Beach is located in South Boston on the Dorchester Bay. While the beach is almost in the heart of the city, it is a wonderful sandy respite. Boating in Boston offers kayak rentals for any length of time, up to a full day, to take in the scenery. The spectacular Boston skyline, Kennedy Library, Boston Harbor Islands and Fort Independence on Castle Island are a few of the popular venues. Boating in Boston is a full service rental location; each kayak rental includes the boat, life jackets, seat cushions and instruction about basic boating safety.
Nancy is a native Bostonian. She enjoys the sights, sounds and tastes of Boston while exploring the city by day or night. Nancy is also a school nurse at an independent middle/high school. Her work can be found on a variety of websites, including Examiner.com.
