yacht charter usa

• Bowthruster
• Furling mainsail
• Fully battened mainsail
• Electric toilet

Need help? Call us:

USA Yacht charters

Rent a boat in usa / united states of america: 57 available, dufour 412 gl sailboat charter (2020).

Rent a boat Dufour 382 GL - 3 cab. (2017) in USA / United States

Sailboat Sun Odyssey 410 - 3 cab. (2022) for rent in USA / United States

Dufour 460 GL - 3 cab. sailboat charter (2017)

Rent a boat Sun Odyssey 509 - 3 cab. (2015) in USA / United States

Catamaran Fountaine Pajot Astrea 42 - 4 + 2 cab. (2020) for rent in USA / United States

Bali 4.1 - 4 + 2 cab. catamaran charter (2020)

Rent a boat Fountaine Pajot Astrea 42 - 4 + 2 cab. (2020) in USA / United States

Catamaran Bali 4.2 - 4 + 1 cab. (2021) for rent in USA / United States

Sun Odyssey 389 sailboat charter (2018)

Other popular destinations

• yacht rental italy
• bareboat charter grenada
• grenada yacht charter
• st martin yacht charter
• usvi bareboat charter
• usvi boat charters
• yacht charter croatia
• Pirovac yacht charters
• Trogir yacht charters
• Vodice yacht charters
• Lavrion yacht charters
• Mykonos yacht charters
• yacht charter thailand
• Nai han beach yacht charters

Frequently Asked Questions about yachting in USA / United States of America

How much does it cost to rent a yacht in usa / united states of america , how many boats are available for rent in usa / united states of america , what are the main yacht charter bases in usa / united states of america , what boats are available for charter in usa / united states of america .

• America Yacht Charter
• Inspiration

America Yacht Charter has 14 Photos

Related Locations

• Gulf of Mexico Yacht Charter

Featured Yachts in AMERICA

MALTESE FALCON | From US$ 490,000/wk

Latest america yachting news.

Ferretti Custom Line Navetta 30 series ...

• Yacht Charter Locations >

As a yacht charter vacation area The United States of America is as broad, diverse and varied as her people. The major charter boat locations in the USA include New England, Connecticut, New York, Florida, The Florida Keys, and Bahamas on the East Coast right across to the Pacific Northwest, Anacortes and Seattle and down to California, Santa Barbara and San Diego in the south west. Not to mention San Francisco Bay which hosted the America’s Cup Finals and the Louis Vuitton Cup, America's Cup Challenger Series, marking the first time the America’s Cup has been hosted in the United States since 1995.

SOLO | From EUR€ 595,000/wk

73m custom superyacht | from eur€ 553,000/wk, suerte | from eur€ 525,000/wk, 68m custom superyacht | from us$ 485,000/wk.

It's hardly surprising that in America you have the choice between private yacht charter vacations with incredible diversity, varied identity and character. The only thing that may not be so easy to come across, is a decision as to which area to experience on your charter boat vacation? Read on...

Some Key American Yacht Charter Hot Spots:

Launch your luxury yacht charter from a state that has long catered to the superyacht crowd and has plenty of amenities and entertainments to enhance your cruise. There is a plethora of beaches for some private relaxation or fun with the water toys, while not far inland your group can pack a day with a visit to the Earnest Hemingway Home and Museum, wildlife sanctuaries and reserves.

Florida yacht charters are not only in a beautiful and diverse yacht charter location but are also the door to a wonderland of cruising pleasure - the Florida Keys and the Bahamas. Some call Florida the king of yacht charter vacations. Indeed, Florida does have some of the largest gatherings of private super yachts worldwide, particularly around Miami and Fort Lauderdale. The State of Florida is synonymous with water - it has two coastal borders in the Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico and is home to some 30,000 lakes. Florida charter boat vacations follow the intercostal highway; with its myriad of secluded cove beaches, seaside towns, great anchorages and excellent marina facilities, for miles and miles.

Often considered America's Caribbean Islands, the Florida Keys including Key Largo and Key West, is a spectacular yacht charter location. You will often read references to a 'jade necklace' or a 'string of pearls' in descriptions of the many (800+) islands that stretch off into the sea. The Florida Keys feature plenty of energy ashore, but to get away into the quieter areas a charter yacht vacation is the only way to go.

From local farmers' markets to luxury boutiques, there is a shopping experience to attract everyone in the group, and art galleries such as the Allan S. Maltz Gallery and Old Road Gallery offer the chance to but a souvenir of your trip that will fit into your home perfectly.

Florida Keys

Pack everyday with adventure on a luxury yacht charter in Florida Keys, where turtles, porpoises and dolphins swim through the area. Kayaks through the mangroves, snorkel in the Dry Tortugas National Park or simply spend the day stretched out on one of the many pristine beaches soaking in the sunshine or watching the vibrant sunsets.

Florida Keys has a wealth of dive sites for all experience levels, where even beginners can encounter brilliant corals, manta rays, turtles and curious fish.

The Earnest Hemingway Home and Museum is a must-see for writers and lovers of all things maritime, then catch a play at the Waterfront Playhouse before taking in the sight of the San Pablo Catholic Church lit up beautifully at night.

The Bahamas

The Bahamas  is also one of the great places in America to enjoy a yacht charter vacation. The Bahamas are made up of more than 700 islands and countless (over 2400) cays to explore and is rimed by one of the world's great barrier reefs. This impressive reef system surrounds the reef-and-key sheltered waters, providing 100 miles of relaxed cruising in the relatively shallow safety of The Sea of Abaco. The Bahamian island chain begins with Bimini, just 45 miles from Miami, stretching all the way to the Turks, 500 miles to the southwest. The Bahamas is a brilliant charter location that has either excitement or serenity, depending on your mood, and is also within easy access for both American and European yacht charter vacations.

• New England

New England is an attractive destination throughout the year and luxury yacht charterers visit for its striking coastlines dotted with lighthouses, covered bridges and brightly coloured leaves in early autumn. The region has long drawn writers and artists, resulting in arts trails such as the Maine Art Museum Trail that make a perfect complement to the museums, wineries, pubs and restaurants that are to be found throughout the state.

Shoppers will have plenty of opportunity to spend their money on luxury goods in the big cities, and Freeport offers factory tours and tastings throughout the year.

The snow-covered scenery is just as breath-taking, and guests visiting can combine their coastal cruise with winter sports and a take part in the New England Maple Syrup Festival which takes place in early spring.

New England is sail boat territory with sailing centers such Mystic and Newport which are home to numerous sailboat yacht charter companies. You can begin your yacht charter vacation in Newport, RI, home to the famous challenging sailing yachts of the America's cup, and New England’s luxury sailboats and motor super yachts.

San Francisco Bay

There are few coastal destinations more evocative in modern memory that San Francisco, which has been the subject of dozens of songs and home to the mist-shrouded Golden Gate Bridge. As an island, the region is perfectly suited to exploration by superyacht and attractions such as Muir Woods and the wineries.

Take the time to explore on foot with numerous hiking opportunities: Sight-see at the infamous Alcatraz prison, take the trails at Land's End Lookout and wander through the labyrinth, and visit the Golden Gate Park for the de Young Fine Arts Museum and Beach Chalet Brewery and Restaurant.

Fit in the chance to stop off at Lombard Street to see the world's ‘crookedest’ street, nestled between Victorian houses, then enjoy plentiful shopping opportunities at Union Square.

Types of Yachts Available:

The types of yacht charter available in America of course include all the main types such as motor, sailing, corporate charter, skippered, crewed yachts, catamaran, power boat, sailboat, luxury yacht, superyacht charters and mega yacht charters.

The American Charter Vacation Season

The primary charter boat season for most of the Northern American cruising areas generally runs from May right through to October, when the summer warms the ocean breeze. In the South it runs from January to September, although there is generally always somewhere on the continent where it is a good time to charter a private luxury yacht.

Due to the scale and diversity of the different yacht charter areas of America we have covered the major charter locations individually. If there is a charter boat cruising area, not covered here that you are interested in, please contact us and we will provide you with that information personally.

An Overview of Prime Locations to Charter in America:

Florida Yacht Charter - Florida yacht charters are not only in a beautiful and diverse yacht charter location but are also the door to a wonderland of cruising pleasure - the Florida Keys and the Bahamas Miami Yacht Charter - Miami Beach has been referred to as the "American Riviera". Miami is multicultural, colourful and energetic and a top location to pick up your yacht charter. Florida Keys Yacht Charter - Often considered America's Caribbean Islands the Florida Keys is a spectacular yacht charter location. Bahamas Yacht Charter - The Bahamas is one of the great places for luxury yacht charters. Bahamas yacht charters are well known and well regarded around the world as the Islands offer lovely beaches, beautiful warm shallow waters as well as warm locals. Abacos Yacht Charter - The Abacos, and the Sea of Abacos, in the northeast Bahamas is the place for a yacht charter vacation if you like to experience the quieter side of things. New England Yacht Charter - As a yacht charter vacation location New England is as varied as her people. Squeeze six states into an area smaller than Arizona and it's hardly surprising that you end up with a place of incredible diversity, varied identity and individualism. New York Yacht Charter - A yacht charter vacation in New York is suitable for many occasions. From a luxury motor yacht to a sailboat schooner, charter yachts are aplenty around New York. Pacific Northwest Yacht Charter - A Pacific Northwest yacht charter covers some magnificent coastline and forms a perfectly protected playground for your yachting vacation.

Below is a selection of yachts available for charter in America, for a full list, go here

• St. Petersburg
• USA Fact File
• Florida Yacht Charter
• Miami Yacht Charter
• Hawaii Yacht Charter
• Nantucket Yacht Charter
• Browse AMERICA Charter Yachts
• Luxury Motor Yachts for Charter in AMERICA
• Luxury Sailing Yachts for Charter in AMERICA
• Luxury Catamarans for Charter in AMERICA
• AMERICA Luxury Yachting News

AMERICA Yacht Charter Enquiry

Dear Reia, We had a wonderful holliday on board off the Carrie Michelle. The yacht matched entirely our expectations and the service level off the crew was outstanding. I thank Charterworld for the professional organisation off our trip and wish you a Happy New Year. S.C chartered in Florida, Dec

Yachting Destinations close to AMERICA

Explore Location Guides for great destinations near AMERICA .

St Petersburg & Tampa

Chesapeake Bay

Gulf Islands

Yachts for charter in america, kismet | from eur€ 3,000,000/wk.

DREAM | From EUR€ 2,000,000/wk

92M FULLY CUSTOM SUPERYACHT | From US$ 1,500,000/wk

96m Custom Superyacht | From EUR€ 1,500,000/wk

93M FULLY-CUSTOM SUPERYACHT | From EUR€ 1,470,000/wk

95 meter CUSTOM | From EUR€ 1,200,000/wk

86M CUSTOM LUXURY YACHT | From EUR€ 1,200,000/wk

QUEEN MIRI | From EUR€ 1,125,000/wk

SAMSARA | From EUR€ 1,100,000/wk

SOLANDGE | From EUR€ 1,000,000/wk

PHOENIX 2 | From EUR€ 1,000,000/wk

O'PARI | From EUR€ 1,000,000/wk

America Luxury Yachting News

Florida charter yacht REAL SUMMERTIME ...

Discover summer in New England aboard a ...

Luxury 47m sailing catamaran ...

65m Benetti superyacht SILVER ANGEL ...

America yacht charter specials, sensational winter offer location: caribbean/bahamas.

TC | From US$ 149,900.00/wk

Charter yacht disclaimer.

This document is not contractual. The yacht charters and their particulars displayed in the results above are displayed in good faith and whilst believed to be correct are not guaranteed. CharterWorld Limited does not warrant or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information and/or images displayed. All information is subject to change without notice and is without warrantee. A professional CharterWorld yacht charter consultant will discuss each charter during your charter selection process. Starting prices are shown in a range of currencies for a one-week charter, unless otherwise marked. Exact pricing and other details will be confirmed on the particular charter contract. Just follow the "reserve this yacht charter" link for your chosen yacht charter or contact us and someone from the CharterWorld team will be in touch shortly.

Our mission is to create extraordinary yachting experiences by surpassing all expectations at every opportunity

Yachts For Sale

Yachts For Charter

Full Service Yacht Brokerage

The Northrop & Johnson Difference

Our yacht brokers sell faster, more efficiently and at the best price

Our management experts let you to enjoy yacht ownership as it should be: fun

Located in yachting hubs around the world, find the closest office to you

Stay informed on all things yachting and luxury lifestyle with Navigator

Looking for your next job or the ideal crew? Our experts are here to help

Luxury Yacht Sales

Buy or sell a superyacht.

Yacht Buying Guide

Shipyards & Builders

Our Sales Record

Featured yachts for sale.

Luxury Yacht Charter

Charter a superyacht for the ultimate vacation.

Search Yachts for Charter

Extraordinary Destinations

Yacht Charter Itineraries

Featured yachts for charter, owner services, charter marketing, decades of yacht charter success.

The most successful charter yachts are not always the biggest, newest or most expensive – they are the yachts that are expertly managed and marketed. Our charter marketing team has years of yacht charter expertise. N&J’s charter managers create bespoke marketing plans for each yacht in order to ensure consistent media attention, charter inquiries and charter bookings.

Build a Yacht

Work with pedigreed build experts.

Building a yacht is an intensive process. From deciding what type of yacht best suits your needs to choosing a shipyard, naval architect, and designer to outfitting the yacht, there are many decisions to be made. Our professional yacht brokers have years of experience in building new construction yachts and have relationships with all of the top yards, naval architects and designers, which will help you when making an informed decision.

Yacht Management

Enjoy your investment.

Our superyacht management team is dedicated to providing services for private ownership, from financial planning and customized yacht design to thorough destination research and itinerary curation. Our commitment to maintenance, safety and regulation compliance allows you to relax and enjoy your most prized asset. Our knowledgeable and experienced consultants ensure every facet of your yachting lifestyle is seamless.

Crew Placement

Your team & yachting essentials.

The right captain and crew can make or break a superyacht experience. Our crew services experts offer a personal approach to placing crew. Striving to go above and beyond to ensure success, our crew services professionals provide career advice to crewmembers and work with captains and owners to help place the right crewmember aboard each yacht to create a winning team.

Superyacht News

Proud to be part of the MarineMax family

© 2024 Northrop & Johnson

Please use a modern browser to view this website. Some elements might not work as expected when using Internet Explorer.

• Why Charter Homepage
• Luxury Yacht Vacation Types
• Corporate Yacht Charter
• Tailor Made Vacations
• Luxury Exploration Vacations
• ALL 3,566 Yachts For Charter
• Motor Yachts
• Sailing Yachts
• Classic Yachts
• Catamaran Yachts
• Special Offers
• by Destination

Yacht Reviews

• Destination Guides
• Inspiration & Features
• Mediterranean Charter Yachts
• France Charter Yachts
• Italy Charter Yachts
• Croatia Charter Yachts
• Greece Charter Yachts
• Turkey Charter Yachts
• Bahamas Charter Yachts
• Caribbean Charter Yachts
• Australia Charter Yachts
• Thailand Charter Yachts
• Dubai Charter Yachts
• Destination News
• New To Fleet
• Charter Fleet Updates
• Industry News
• Yacht Shows
• Corporate Charter
• Charter Advice
• Why Use a Yacht Broker
• Charter Costs Explained
• Add my yacht

• Yacht Charter Fleet
• Luxury Charter Yachts
• Yacht Features

What are the rules for chartering a yacht in the USA?

By Editorial Team |   10 March 2022 2022-03-10

• Share this on Facebook
• Share this on X
• Share via Email

The USA boasts some of the most diverse cruising grounds in the world, attracting superyachts from far and wide to its glittering shores. If you are keen to discover more about what this amazing country can offer for a yacht charter , there are some important factors to bear in mind first.

In this article:

Types of charters in the US

Crewed charters, bareboat charters, bareboat charter agreements, tax implications for the charterer, need more advice.

There are certain legal fundamentals of chartering a yacht in US waters which you may not be aware of. So, before you go ahead and book your superyacht rental in the United States, here’s what you need to know.

Without getting too bogged down in the legal minutae, simply put, yacht brokers operate two main types of charter agreements in the US; time/voyage (aka crewed or commercial) charter agreements and bareboat/demise charter agreements.

This type of charter agreement is operated for a specific  time or voyage . In general, the following applies;

• The yacht is deemed as being operated commercially
• The owner is considered to be carrying passengers for hire 
• The owner maintains primary possession of the yacht
• One contract agreement 

To legally operate crewed charters in US waters, the yacht must be; 

• US flagged, and
• Hold a coastwise endorsement 

To be eligible for a Coastwise endorsement, the yacht must either have been: 

• Built in the US, or if foreign built;
• Must be granted with a MURAD Waiver.

To be eligible for this waiver, a yacht must be more than 3 years old and owned by a US citizen or US entity (dependant on how it is structured)

Rules for crewed charters

• Can only carry a maximum of 12 passengers
• May not conduct commercial fishing, towing, salvage, or carry cargo for hire

The obvious benefit to crewed charters is that the owner is wholly responsible for the yacht throughout the duration of the charter.

These types of charters are similar to those you would undertake, say in the Mediterranean or Caribbean , in that you are renting a yacht with crew for a specific voyage or length of time.

All yachts that do not qualify under the commercial charter rules and wish to cruise in US waters are considered bareboat (aka demise) charters. 

This type of charter operates as follows;

• Applies to all foreign-flagged or foreign-built yachts not entitled to a MURAD Waiver
• Permitted to conduct charters in US waters, and between US ports
• The yacht is not legally considered as being used for commercial purposes

Rules for bareboat charters

• The charterer takes over the entire yacht without crew, therefore deemed to be operating as the owner for the duration of the charter
• The charterer is also responsible for the hiring of crew, in which the yacht's owner must have no involvement
• Two separate contracts are drawn up: one for hiring the yacht and one for the crew

In essence, a bareboat charter agreement’s main characteristic is that it places possession of the vessel in the hands of the charter party at the time the charter starts. In legal terms, this means the owner relinquishes “possession, command and navigation of the vessel” as to be “tantamount to, although just short of, an outright transfer of ownership.” 

The owner must also have no involvement in the crew selection, nor any ties to any company selecting the crew, which could be construed as enacting a measure of control over the yacht and thus contravene the rules of this type of charter.

The charterer in effect assumes all responsibility for the vessel and its activities – including an obligation to maintain or repair the yacht and return it in the same condition as it was at the beginning of their charter period. 

They are also responsible for crew selection and their remuneration for the duration of the charter.

Tax may also be due depending on the type of charter. For example, a yacht undertaking a crewed charter originating in Palm Beach, Florida will have no additional tax to pay. However, for a bareboat charter, tax will be liable at 7% of the value of the charter.

There may be other potential duties payable, which can vary from state to state. 

Overall, there are distinct benefits for chartering a US-flagged, or eligible, vessel. However, charterers with their heart set on a foreign-flagged yacht can still enjoy cruising the various destinations in the US, they simply need to understand the laws and what's at stake beforehand.

Planning ahead is key. This is where a good charter broker comes in, especially one with in-depth knowledge of the legal aspects of chartering foreign-flagged yachts in US waters.

If you need any further advice regarding booking a superyacht rental in US waters, then please reach out to a recommended yacht charter broker  who will be more than happy to help.

To compare the complete market, take a look at all luxury yachts available for charter in the USA . 

Book with Ease - Speak with a Charter Expert

Our yacht charter experts will:

• Discuss your vacation plans
• Check availability & shortlist suitable yachts
• Negotiate booking & prepare your itinerary

Enquire now for yacht availability & free consultation.

RELATED AREA GUIDES

View destinations guides, photo galleries & itineraries for areas related to this news article

Latest News

26 March 2024

25 March 2024

22 March 2024

• See All News

Charter Yacht of the week

• See All Reviews

Featured Luxury Yachts for Charter

This is a small selection of the global luxury yacht charter fleet, with 3566 motor yachts, sail yachts, explorer yachts and catamarans to choose from including superyachts and megayachts, the world is your oyster. Why search for your ideal yacht charter vacation anywhere else?

136m | Lurssen

from $4,335,000 p/week ♦︎

115m | Lurssen

from $2,818,000 p/week ♦︎

85m | Golden Yachts

from $978,000 p/week ♦︎

88m | Golden Yachts

from $1,195,000 p/week ♦︎

84m | Feadship

from $1,084,000 p/week ♦︎

93m | Feadship

from $1,517,000 p/week ♦︎

Maltese Falcon

88m | Perini Navi

from $490,000 p/week

122m | Lurssen

from $3,000,000 p/week

As Featured In

The YachtCharterFleet Difference

YachtCharterFleet makes it easy to find the yacht charter vacation that is right for you. We combine thousands of yacht listings with local destination information, sample itineraries and experiences to deliver the world's most comprehensive yacht charter website.

San Francisco

• Like us on Facebook
• Follow us on X
• Follow us on Instagram
• Find us on LinkedIn
• Add My Yacht
• Affiliates & Partners

Popular Destinations & Events

• St Tropez Yacht Charter
• Monaco Yacht Charter
• St Barts Yacht Charter
• Greece Yacht Charter
• Mykonos Yacht Charter
• Caribbean Yacht Charter

Featured Charter Yachts

• Maltese Falcon Yacht Charter
• Wheels Yacht Charter
• Victorious Yacht Charter
• Andrea Yacht Charter
• Titania Yacht Charter
• Ahpo Yacht Charter

Receive our latest offers, trends and stories direct to your inbox.

Please enter a valid e-mail.

Thanks for subscribing.

Search for Yachts, Destinations, Events, News... everything related to Luxury Yachts for Charter.

Yachts in your shortlist

Call us 

703-989-2265

Experience the DMV the way it was meant to be experienced.   On The Water

FUN AND ADVENTURE AWAITS !! 

Join us on the water 7 days a week.

AFFORDABLE YACHT CHARTERS

VIP Yacht Charters offers you the opportunity to join us for a relaxing day cruising along the Potomac.  Whether you want to cruise, celebrate a special event, and dine– you’ve come to the right place

THE VIP EXPERIENCE

VIP YACHT CHARTERS USA Offers you the opportunity to join us for a relaxing day cruising along the Potomac. Whether you want to cruise, celebrate a special event, and dine- you've come to the right place. 

Open Cockpit

Full Galley

Dual Zone Air Conditioning System

Two Bathrooms with Showers

Two State Rooms

3000-Watt Sound System with Bluetooth capabilities

QUALITY SERVICES

VIP Yacht Charters USA has put together many affordable charters for your cruising adventure. We specialize in day yacht charters.  Most of our guests are looking for the opportunity to get out on the water aboard a private luxury yacht. Whether you are looking to celebrate  

·       Birthdays

·       Anniversaries

·       Bachelor or Bachelorette Parties

·       TV commercials

·       Music Video Shoots

·       Sunset Cruises

·       Marriage Proposal or Renew Vows

·       Corporate Cruises

We can help you arrange all of the details for a stress-free event.

WHITE GLOVE SERVICE

Our quality assurance check ups are performed on all yachts prior to any booking. Our team is dedicated to provide you with a 5 Star experience and to treat our valued guests as royalty. Our Captain is a highly trained professional who leads a staff full of charisma that keeps clients coming back.

Good things can come ​from​ combining luxury and passion.

Call us now to book an experience of a lifetime:

WHY VIP CHARTERS USA?

A different approach to the VIP Treatment!

Experience DC Unforgettably

VIP Yacht Charters USA  

Washington, DC

[email protected]

VIPYachtChartersUSA.com

Sign up to receive exclusive offers and updates.

Thanks for submitting!

THE 10 BEST Moscow Boat Rides & Cruises

Boat rides & cruises in moscow.

• Boat Rentals
• Scuba & Snorkeling
• Fishing Charters & Tours
• Water Sports
• Stand-Up Paddleboarding
• Surfing, Windsurfing & Kitesurfing
• Kayaking & Canoeing
• Waterskiing & Jetskiing
• Parasailing & Paragliding
• River Rafting & Tubing
• Dolphin & Whale Watching
• Speed Boats Tours
• Submarine Tours
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3rd Transport Ring (TTK)
• District Central (TsAO)
• Garden Ring
• District Northern (SAO)
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Couples
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Kids
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Adventurous
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Flotilla Radisson Royal

2. Moscow River Boat Tours

3. Sup-Club

4. Akvanavt Diving Centre

5. Diving Center Crocus City Oceanarium

6. CheapRussia Tours

7. Kite School Kiteclass

8. SUP Center

9. Erwin. Reka

11. Easy Russia Tour Guide

12. Lovely Russia Tours

13. Capital River Boat Tours - Moscow Centre

14. Alfa Centr

15. Diving Club Divers

16. Sup Outdoor

17. MORE MOSCOW

19. Soho Sailing Style

20. Mosparokhodstvo

21. Diving Center Crocodile

22. Dive-Project

24. Kosinskiy Children Marine Club

25. Kayak Moscow

26. DIVECLUB CHE

27. FLOW Moscow

28. Moswake

29. Morskiye Volki

30. S-cruises

What travelers are saying

• CheapRussia Tours
• Easy Russia Tour Guide
• Lovely Russia Tours
• MORE MOSCOW
• Insider Moscow Tours
• Flotilla Radisson Royal
• Moscow River Boat Tours
• Capital River Boat Tours - Moscow Centre
• Diving Center Crocus City Oceanarium

• Bahasa Indonesia
• Slovenščina
• Science & Tech
• Russian Kitchen

Cruising the Moskva River: A short guide to boat trips in Russia’s capital

There’s hardly a better way to absorb Moscow’s atmosphere than on a ship sailing up and down the Moskva River. While complicated ticketing, loud music and chilling winds might dampen the anticipated fun, this checklist will help you to enjoy the scenic views and not fall into common tourist traps.

How to find the right boat?

There are plenty of boats and selecting the right one might be challenging. The size of the boat should be your main criteria.

Plenty of small boats cruise the Moskva River, and the most vivid one is this yellow Lay’s-branded boat. Everyone who has ever visited Moscow probably has seen it.

This option might leave a passenger disembarking partially deaf as the merciless Russian pop music blasts onboard. A free spirit, however, will find partying on such a vessel to be an unforgettable and authentic experience that’s almost a metaphor for life in modern Russia: too loud, and sometimes too welcoming. Tickets start at $13 (800 rubles) per person.

Bigger boats offer smoother sailing and tend to attract foreign visitors because of their distinct Soviet aura. Indeed, many of the older vessels must have seen better days. They are still afloat, however, and getting aboard is a unique ‘cultural’ experience. Sometimes the crew might offer lunch or dinner to passengers, but this option must be purchased with the ticket. Here is one such  option  offering dinner for $24 (1,490 rubles).

If you want to travel in style, consider Flotilla Radisson. These large, modern vessels are quite posh, with a cozy restaurant and an attentive crew at your service. Even though the selection of wines and food is modest, these vessels are still much better than other boats.

Surprisingly, the luxurious boats are priced rather modestly, and a single ticket goes for $17-$32 (1,100-2,000 rubles); also expect a reasonable restaurant bill on top.

How to buy tickets?

Women holding photos of ships promise huge discounts to “the young and beautiful,” and give personal invitations for river tours. They sound and look nice, but there’s a small catch: their ticket prices are usually more than those purchased online.

“We bought tickets from street hawkers for 900 rubles each, only to later discover that the other passengers bought their tickets twice as cheap!”  wrote  (in Russian) a disappointed Rostislav on a travel company website.

Nevertheless, buying from street hawkers has one considerable advantage: they personally escort you to the vessel so that you don’t waste time looking for the boat on your own.

Prices start at $13 (800 rubles) for one ride, and for an additional $6.5 (400 rubles) you can purchase an unlimited number of tours on the same boat on any given day.

Flotilla Radisson has official ticket offices at Gorky Park and Hotel Ukraine, but they’re often sold out.

Buying online is an option that might save some cash. Websites such as  this   offer considerable discounts for tickets sold online. On a busy Friday night an online purchase might be the only chance to get a ticket on a Flotilla Radisson boat.

This  website  (in Russian) offers multiple options for short river cruises in and around the city center, including offbeat options such as ‘disco cruises’ and ‘children cruises.’ This other  website  sells tickets online, but doesn’t have an English version. The interface is intuitive, however.

Buying tickets online has its bad points, however. The most common is confusing which pier you should go to and missing your river tour.

“I once bought tickets online to save with the discount that the website offered,” said Igor Shvarkin from Moscow. “The pier was initially marked as ‘Park Kultury,’ but when I arrived it wasn’t easy to find my boat because there were too many there. My guests had to walk a considerable distance before I finally found the vessel that accepted my tickets purchased online,” said the man.

There are two main boarding piers in the city center:  Hotel Ukraine  and  Park Kultury . Always take note of your particular berth when buying tickets online.

Where to sit onboard?

Even on a warm day, the headwind might be chilly for passengers on deck. Make sure you have warm clothes, or that the crew has blankets ready upon request.

The glass-encased hold makes the tour much more comfortable, but not at the expense of having an enjoyable experience.

Getting off the boat requires preparation as well. Ideally, you should be able to disembark on any pier along the way. In reality, passengers never know where the boat’s captain will make the next stop. Street hawkers often tell passengers in advance where they’ll be able to disembark. If you buy tickets online then you’ll have to research it yourself.

There’s a chance that the captain won’t make any stops at all and will take you back to where the tour began, which is the case with Flotilla Radisson. The safest option is to automatically expect that you’ll return to the pier where you started.

If using any of Russia Beyond's content, partly or in full, always provide an active hyperlink to the original material.

to our newsletter!

Get the week's best stories straight to your inbox

• What to do in Moscow City, if you’re not mega-rich
• Moscow after dusk: 10 places to drink, dance, and groove
• 5 things you must do in Moscow in 2018 between football matches (or without them)
• Sandwiched between Moscow and St. Petersburg: How to spend a perfect weekend in Tver 
• 24 or 48 hours in Moscow: Where to go and what to do in 2019

This website uses cookies. Click here to find out more.

An official website of the United States government

Here’s how you know

The .gov means it’s official.

Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

The site is secure.

The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Russia-related Designations and Designation Update; Central African Republic Designations; Transnational Criminal Organizations Designation; Global Magnitsky Designations; Issuance of Global Magnitsky General Licenses and Frequently Asked Questions

The Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is issuing Global Magnitsky General License 5 , "Authorizing Certain Transactions Related to Frigorifico Chajha S.A.E." and General License 6 , "Authorizing the Wind Down of Transactions Involving Bebidas USA Inc., Tabacos USA Inc., Frigorifico Chajha S.A.E., Dominicana Acquisition S.A., or Certain Blocked Entities Owned by Horacio Manuel Cartes Jara." OFAC is also issuing two Frequently Asked Questions ( 1111 and 1112 ). 

The following additions and changes have been made to OFAC's list of Specially Designated Nationals:

The following vessels have been added to OFAC's SDN List: 

ADDICTION (9HA4571) Yacht Malta flag; Vessel Year of Build 2010; Vessel Registration Identification IMO 1010193; MMSI 248233000 (vessel) [RUSSIA-EO14024] (Linked To: ADONEV, Sergei Nikolaevich).    ANATTA (ZGB15) Yacht Cayman Islands flag; Vessel Year of Build 2011; Vessel Registration Identification IMO 1011159; MMSI 319025900 (vessel) [RUSSIA-EO14024] (Linked To: ADONEV, Sergei Nikolaevich). 

The following aircraft have been added to OFAC's SDN List: 

RA-76502; Aircraft Manufacture Date 1990; Aircraft Model IL-76TD; Aircraft Manufacturer's Serial Number (MSN) 1003401004; Aircraft Tail Number RA-76502 (aircraft) [RUSSIA-EO14024] (Linked To: JSC AVIACON ZITOTRANS).    RA-76842; Aircraft Manufacture Date 1993; Aircraft Model IL-76TD; Aircraft Manufacturer's Serial Number (MSN) 1033418616; Aircraft Tail Number RA-76842 (aircraft) [RUSSIA-EO14024] (Linked To: JSC AVIACON ZITOTRANS).    RA-76846; Aircraft Manufacture Date 28 Dec 1989; Aircraft Model IL-76TD; Aircraft Manufacturer's Serial Number (MSN) 93497936; Aircraft Tail Number RA-76846 (aircraft) [RUSSIA-EO14024] (Linked To: JSC AVIACON ZITOTRANS).    RA-78765; Aircraft Manufacture Date 30 Jun 1988; Aircraft Model IL-76TD; Aircraft Manufacturer's Serial Number (MSN) 83486590; Aircraft Tail Number RA-78765 (aircraft) [RUSSIA-EO14024] (Linked To: JSC AVIACON ZITOTRANS).    S5-SAD; Aircraft Manufacture Date 2013; Aircraft Model Bombardier Global 6000; Aircraft Manufacturer's Serial Number (MSN) 9553 (aircraft) [RUSSIA-EO14024] (Linked To: ADONEV, Sergei Nikolaevich).