New England is full of quaint historic beach towns, and if you don’t get out on the water while visiting, you’re doing yourself a disservice. Fishing and sailing are deeply integrated into the Northeastern culture, but more modern activities like kitesurfing and white water rafting are also hugely popular. Discover some of the best boating and water experiences this region has to offer.
Take A Fishing Charter
Fishing in New England is a treasured pastime with deep historical roots. Many beach towns and lake towns were established on the basis of the lucrative fishing industry. The northern Atlantic waters, bountiful with sea life, provided both food and jobs for early settlers, and the tradition holds firm today.
GetMyBoat offers an abundance of fishing charters throughout the New England area. captained by seasoned fisherman, promising a memorable day on the water. Check out some of our favorite picks below.
Bass Boat Fishing Charter
Location: Sidney, Maine
Capacity: Up to 2 people
Rates:
- Half Day – $200
- Six Hour Trip – $250
- Full Day – $300
This Bass Boat fishing charter cruises the lakes and ponds in Sidney, Maine. It is perfect for a couple looking for a private excursion with tailored instruction. The captain is a Master Maine Guide with over 35 years of sporting experience in the state. The boat is equipped with top-of-the-line equipment to ensure a successful trip. He offers both fly-fishing and casting, depending on the type of fish your party is hoping to snag. As a bonus, this captain also offers gunning and jump shooting during the fall bird season.
Nightjack Fishing Charter
Location: Branford, CT
Capacity: Up to 6 people
Rates:
- Half Day (5 hour trip): $650
- Quick Trip (3 hour trip ): $450
- Full Day (8 Hour): $850
- Full Day (10 Hour ): $1,500
The Nightjack fishing charter departs near Branford, Connecticut, and, depending on the length of the fishing trip, sails through Long Island Sound, Block Island Sound, and the Atlantic Ocean. The expert captain promises to find the fish for you; therefore each trip may be a bit different depending on the season. The shorter day trips focus on finding bottom species on nearby reefs, and the 5- and 8-hour trips promise plentiful striped bass, bluefish, black sea bass, fluke, and scup. For the truly adventurous, we recommend reserving the full-day trip where the captain will assist you in using live bait to lure sharks, including mako, thresher, and blue sharks. This charter includes all the necessary fishing equipment for your group to have a memorable day on the water.
Go Sailing
Classic Sloop Sailboat Charter
Location: Rockland, Maine
Capacity: Up to 6 people
Rate: $150/hour (3-hour minimum)
Set sail aboard the Olive, a classic sloop, through Penobscot Bay, Maine! Your personal captain will guide your group on this beautiful boat to showcase the best the bay has to offer. Guests are invited to bring their own food and refreshments on the cruise, or the captain can recommend prepped local food nearby. If you’re looking for an authentic New England experience (especially if you’ve never been sailing), or to celebrate a special occasion, the Olive is the ideal setting to make some lifelong memories.
Monohull Sailboat Charter
Location: Newport, Rhode Island
Capacity: Up to 6 people
Rates:
- Charter (3-hour minimum): $225 per hour
- Sunset Sails (2 hours): $230 per hour
The Affinity sailboat charter sails around beautiful Newport, Rhode Island. It most comfortably holds 4 people but can fit up to 6. Depending on your group’s preference, it is available for daytime trips, including picnicking and swimming, or picturesque sunset sails. The captain is included but welcomes you to be hands-on in learning how to sail or just relax and enjoy the experience.
Relax On A Mega Yacht
Trilogy Power Mega Yacht Charter
Location: Boston, Massachusetts
Capacity: Up to 12 people
Rate: $870/hour (minimum 4 hours)
This Trilogy Power Mega Yacht provides the complete ultra-luxury package for your group around the waters of Boston. This dominant 103-foot vessel is available for daily (4-hour minimum) and overnight excursions and includes a full crew ready to pamper you. This yacht has a large sundeck, hot tub, multiple dining areas, fully-furnished master stateroom, wet bars, and plenty of entertainment options. Celebrate your next monumental occasion by cruising the Boston Harbor at sunset or to the nearby Nantasket Beach or George’s Island feeling like absolute royalty.
Lagoon Sailing Catamaran
Location: Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts
Capacity: Up to 12 people
Rates:
- 3 Hour Tours: $125 per person
- Children 12 and under: $100
- Children under 5: free
The Dream Catcher, a 41-foot catamaran charter, comfortably fits up to 12 people for a unique luxury experience on the water. The charter comes with a crew and (optional) fully catered meals. Riding on a catamaran is unlike any other boat above, as the deck area is covered in webbing that allows for guests to lounge directly above the water rushing beneath. Whether your group wants to spend the day swimming and exploring the island’s coast or simply relaxing viewing the gorgeous sunsets, the captain will work with you in advance to plan the perfect private trip.
Get Adventurous
For those looking for a little bit more action on the water, New England offers plenty of thrills and watersports. Even if someone in your group is a bit hesitant to dive in, booking an excursion with an expert guide ensures safety and fun. We promise you’ll go home with plenty of stories to tell after trying one of the below activities.
White Water Rafting
Location: Kennebec River, Maine
Rates:
- Cheap Thrills Trip: $44 per person
- Lower Kennebec Float Trips: $125 per person
- Magic Rivers Multi-Gorge Adventure: $99-$150 per person
- Weekend Overnight Upper Gorge Adventure: $150 per person
Experience Maine’s best rapids hands-on by rafting the Kennebec and Dead Rivers near West Forks. The company offers multiple types of trips to suit both families with younger children and adventure-seekers. For a weekend of fun, you can also book a weekend of rafting and camping. An experienced guide will be with your group to teach everyone the best way to navigate the surging rivers. The charter includes the safety equipment needed (lifejacket, helmet, and paddle), plus a post-excursion barbeque to relive the exciting trip!
Learn How To Kitesurf
Location: Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Rates:
- $100 for 1 hour of private instruction
- $250 for 3 hours of private instruction
- $350 for 3 hours of instruction with 2 students
Although kiteboarding isn’t a longstanding tradition in New England, it is actually a great place to try it thanks to the steady winds. Why not try your hand (and balance) at this fast-growing water sport in Cape Cod? The Fun Seekers’ private instructors will work with you to teach the art of controlling the kite while balancing and guiding the board. They warn that kitesurfing has a steep learning curve, but once you’re gliding through the water, it’s well worth the effort. If you’re looking for a rewarding new challenge — and workout — kiteboarding lessons should be on your list!
