An ‘Airbnb of the Sea’ Rents Thousands of Boats. See Where You Can Sail

Summer travel plans are well into the developmental stage and will soon usher tourists in droves toward popular Western hot spots that continue to obliterate previous attendance records. If you’re among those searching for alternatives that offer a little more breathing room, why not avoid the sort of limitations offered by land-locked destinations and chart a course for open water?

Thanks to a boat-sharing company that bills itself as “the Airbnb of the sea,” tourists are able to indulge occasional nautical siren calls without the investment of becoming a full-time boat owner. Started a decade ago, Click&Boat operates out of some of the most sought-after marinas in more than 50 countries. It more recently spread to its current United States hub in Miami and is steadily making its way into some of the West’s more alluring seaside—and lakeside—locales.

Seattle, San Francisco, Lake Tahoe, Los Angeles, and San Diego, among many other locations, now showcase a blossoming network of vessels that range from fishing boats and catamarans to house boats and luxury yachts.

Following a framework similar to home- or car-sharing networks, Click&Boat connects boat owners, both the private and professional charter varieties, with interested travelers who want a temporary taste of life on the high seas.

Interested guests—the company currently boasts more than one million users—simply plug in a location of interest into the site’s search menu before narrowing down results by preferred category of vessel and price range. A wide range of perks and amenities, depending on the listing, may be available for additional charges.

Courtesy of Click&Boat

Have you ever dreamed of embarking on a luxury-style outing with your own onboard chef? That can be arranged. Perhaps you have your sights set on a first foray into the boating world but have approximately zero boating experience. Just reserve a boat that comes with a captain and away you go.

Visitors to the Pacific Northwest can enjoy a soothing sail with views of the Seattle skyline and Puget Sound on board a vintage 87-foot yacht or celebrate a special occasion from the deck of a 150-guest party boat. San Diego tourists can set sail on a 1938 rig or opt for modern flash with a 450-horsepower rocket that comes with everything you need to sharpen your wakeboarding skills. From a catamaran getaway in Mexico’s Baja California Sur to a romantic dinner on a Venetian Gondola in Marina del Ray, there are escapes ready to accommodate all manner of traveler.

Rental options range from a short day sail to a week-or-more course on open ocean. Of the 40,000-plus boats in its inventory, a total of 1,100 reside in the U.S., and that number is expected to double by the end of this year, according to a company representative.

Explore available booking options for your next water-bound adventure here.

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