Small Boats for Rent in San Diego, CA

The cost of small boats averages around $700 hire fee per hour. The final price will depend on location, size, amenities, and demand. Some venues also offer additional packages that include catering, AV equipment, or additional services. Take a look at the usual price ranges in San Diego, based on Tagvenue data:

Cheap small boats in San Diego start from $500 hire fee per hour or $1035 hire fee per event. Check out these budget-friendly spaces you can book through Tagvenue, as of October 2026:

• Express Luxury Sport Yacht at Pacifica Sailing Charters, from $500 hire fee per hour (up to 12 guests standing)
  Venue said: An extended swim platform has been added for snorkeling and swimming. Twin 340hp Mercury inboards cruise at 18 knots.

• 25 Bahia at Brothers Sport Fishing, from $1035 hire fee per event (up to 7 guests standing)
  Venue said: This boat accommodates up to seven people, offering a guided fishing experience led by the staff. It’s a great way to spend quality time with friends or family while enjoying the water.

• 🎉 Private Yacht (21 Guests) at Waterhorse Charters, from $550 hire fee per hour (up to 12 guests standing)
  Venue said: The covered cabin and aft deck offer bench seating and an open area that can be cleared for a small dance space or presentation. The vessel provides wide access routes and a wheelchair-accessible entry.

San Diego’s small boats tend to have minimum booking requirements, which usually start around 2 or 4 hours. Standard charters usually go up to 8 hours, but you can contact the venue manager to discuss the possibility of extending it. For some of the boats, you can even host events that take place over multiple days! 

You’ll find most of the small boats docked on Shelter Island, which is famous for its beautiful scenery and fantastic views of San Diego. Another good place to look is at Quivira Point near Mission Beach, where you can find some luxurious small yachts. If none of these locations work for you, you can also check out the slightly larger vessels in West Basin, close to the San Diego International Airport.

San Diego's beautiful coastline offers a unique and charming setting for various types of events:

• Small celebrations - Be it birthdays, anniversaries, engagements, or graduation parties, celebrate life's milestones on the tranquil waters. And if there’s no special occasion, just host a booze cruise and toast under the San Diego sky! 
• Business events - From corporate retreats and team-building exercises to client meetings or small-scale conferences, a boat setting can provide a refreshing change from the office, sparking both creativity and camaraderie.
• Wellness retreats - Host yoga classes, meditation sessions, or wellness workshops on one of the small boats on our platform. The peaceful ocean setting will help your attendees connect with their inner selves and promote a sense of tranquility!
• Entertainment events - Micro-concerts, poetry readings, book club meetings, or even movie nights - turn any regular gathering into a memorable event with a floating venue. Bonus points if it’s all sea-themed, too! 

With small boat rentals in San Diego, you're limited only by your own imagination!