SScircle-White

Electric Boat Rentals in Washington DC

Locations | Washington DC | Electric Boat Rentals

Take an easy-to-drive electric boat out for a spin and view the Washington DC waterfront with our Electric Boat Rentals. Washington DC Electric Boat Rental. From family outings, birthday rentals, date nights, or picnics on the water, our boat tours and rentals consistently rank amongst DC’s best. Locals and out-of-towners alike enjoy unique experiences like our Cherry Blossom Boat Rentals, 4th of July Cruises, and even boat rides before a concert at The Anthem. Cruise down the Potomac River sharing laughs, food, and drinks with family and friends!

1 Hour

$200
  • 1 Hour Private Duffy Boat Rental

3 Hours

$500
  • 3 Hour Private Duffy Boat Rental
4.9
Based on 441 reviews
Dezmon King profile picture
Dezmon King
2 weeks ago
This was such a cool experience and honestly one of the most unique date ideas we’ve done. My girlfriend and I rented one of the retro boats for two hours to celebrate one year since we first met, and it ended up being the perfect way to spend the day.

Being able to cruise around by ourselves, take in the views, and just enjoy each other’s company while watching the World Cup was awesome! The boat was easy to operate, well maintained, and had a ton of character.

The staff made everything simple from the beginning and made sure we felt comfortable before heading out.

If you’re looking for something different to do with a significant other, I highly recommend this. It was relaxing, fun, and created a memory we’ll both remember for a long time. We’d absolutely do it again.
Tukasha Karim profile picture
Tukasha Karim
3 weeks ago
It’s amazing! We celebrated our 21st anniversary! Great for couple date and family fun!
Kirsten Smith profile picture
Kirsten Smith
1 month ago
Our company recently booked a Potomac Tiki Club cruise for a corporate team event, and it exceeded every expectation.

From the moment we stepped aboard, Tessa and Rich made us feel welcome and immediately became part of the experience. They were the perfect combination of professional, personable, and fun. Not only were they outstanding sailors who made everyone feel safe and comfortable on the water, but they were also fantastic bartenders and hosts who kept the atmosphere relaxed, engaging, and enjoyable throughout the entire cruise.

What truly stood out was their customer service. Tessa and Rich went above and beyond to ensure every member of our group had a great time. They were attentive, friendly, and genuinely invested in creating a memorable experience for our team. It felt less like we had hired a crew and more like we were spending the afternoon with friends who happened to be experts at what they do.

The boat itself was also in excellent condition—clean, well-maintained, comfortable, and exactly what we hoped for when planning a unique team outing on the Potomac.

The experience was such a success that our team has officially voted to make the Potomac Tiki Club cruise an annual company event for years to come. That's probably the highest compliment we can give.

If you're looking for a team-building event, corporate outing, celebration, or just a fun day on the water, I cannot recommend Potomac Tiki Club highly enough. Thank you, Tessa and Rich, for helping create an unforgettable experience for our team. We can't wait to sail with you again next year!
Kate Francis profile picture
Kate Francis
1 month ago
Our group 14 had such a good time on the boat with Malcolm and Captain Luke! It was the perfect way to spend a Saturday afternoon. Our cruise was BYOB and snacks, so we got to enjoy ourselves while seeing DC from the water, which was a first for us. Would highly recommend, and hope to do it again next year.
Micaela Pond profile picture
Micaela Pond
1 month ago
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

If you haven't cruised with Sea Suite Cruises / Potomac Paddle Club yet, let this be the review that convinces you.

From the very first interaction, the customer service was outstanding. When we needed to update our reservation, the team handled everything smoothly and quickly, with a genuinely helpful attitude. It made the whole experience stress-free before we even stepped on board.

And then we met Captain Matt and First Mate Malcolm — and honestly, they made the trip. Captain Matt ran a flawless cruise with warmth and professionalism, and Malcolm was attentive, friendly, and just a joy to have on board. Together they created an atmosphere that felt both polished and totally relaxed.

The Josephine herself was spotless — and yes, the restroom was clean and well-maintained, which anyone who's been on a boat cruise knows is worth calling out!

This is a gem on the Potomac. Highly recommend for a surprise birthday party, a group outing, or anyone who just wants a beautiful, well-run experience on the water. We will absolutely be back!
Chris Peabody profile picture
Chris Peabody
1 month ago
It's our second time renting the Tiki Bar and touring the Potomac. Captain and his assitant are very attentive, we brought lunch which was fun to eat while cruising, and the drink selection was great.
Emery Hare profile picture
Emery Hare
2 months ago
Had the best time! The instructions to drive were straight forward and easy. The boat moves slow so it isn’t noisy or windy (which I appreciated). Really enjoyed our time! Will be doing it again.
Khyri Harris profile picture
Khyri Harris
2 months ago
I didn’t rent the boat myself, a family friend did for her birthday and we had a BLAST! We had Maggie and Luke and they were very nice and friendly. I’d definitely go back! 10/10!!
Michela Dorsett profile picture
Michela Dorsett
2 months ago
Awesome night! The captain and skipper were so friendly and made sure me and my friends had a great evening celebrating a bachelorette party!! There was a beautiful sunset and the captain gave us monuments as backdrops for pictures and positioned us to see planes fly overhead. Definitely recommend this as an activity. It was a hit in my group!
Malcolm was very accommodating and provided great insight prior to us leaving the dock. It was a nice, relaxing experience on our last day in DC.
Jordz profile picture
Jordz
3 months ago
Glenn did an amazing job following up and really painted the picture for us hours before the experience, which made everything feel smooth and exciting. Malcolm was a great deckhand—super helpful, attentive, and made sure we had a great time. Thank you both for such a memorable experience. Highly recommend Retro Boat DC!
Mekka Smith profile picture
Mekka Smith
3 months ago
This was a really great experience - went twice - once with friends and their young kids (who were mesmerized by the waves, ships, birds, etc.), and once with girlfriends celebrating a 40+ birthday. The crew is approachable and communication is seamless - a human responds relatively quickly to your queries via text. The location was easy to find, and the ride was as advertised. I'd recommend and would return again. Thank you for the excellent customer service and the upfront pricing. BYOB made it fun, we played our music, and everyone was super relaxed. P.S. crew said September is a great time to get out on the water.
Christopher Heizer profile picture
Christopher Heizer
3 months ago
I had a blast, captain Matt is quite the tour guide, Robin behind the bar was so sweet and Kemal kept us company. I hope you get the same crew when you go out! Will definitely be back
GL profile picture
GL
3 months ago
This was my second time cruising with PPC and there was 19 of us ladies. We BYOB/food and unwind with great scenery during the cruise. The crew is always fantastic, taking photos and hyping us up. Price point is totally reasonable. The weather was *perfect* and their energy was exactly what we needed. Highly recommend!!
R. Herman profile picture
R. Herman
3 months ago
My friends and I rented the retro boat for a birthday, and we had the best time! The range for distance is rather limited as is the speed. However, it is perfect to relax, chat, and snack. You bring on your own food and drinks. A Bluetooth speaker was provided, but we ended up using our own. I think we had trouble connecting or it was out of power. Suggest bringing your own as back up! Malcolm was the gentlemen who helped us get settled, and he was great! He provided clear instructions and was a pleasure to interact with. Thank you!
Words are not enough to describe the experience we had. My now fiancé proposed on the most beautiful vintage boat, and it was truly a dream come true. Everything about it felt magical and perfectly planned.

Glenn and Cam were amazing to work with throughout the entire planning process. They were incredibly helpful, responsive, and thoughtful, making sure every detail was perfectly arranged behind the scenes. You can tell they genuinely care about creating unforgettable moments.

The boat itself was stunning—elegant, charming, and the perfect setting for a proposal.

We are beyond grateful for this memory that we will cherish forever. If you’re looking for something truly special, I cannot recommend them enough.
Emm Mar profile picture
Emm Mar
9 months ago
I booked a rental for my mom’s bday. She had a ball! Boat was easy to drive for someone who’s never drove one. Just make sure you’re paying attention. Also Nick was great! Great experience overall 🙂
Monica Kandela profile picture
Monica Kandela
9 months ago
It was a great experience and the staff on the boat were incredibly kind and attended to our needs! Highly recommend this company and will definitely be back a third time?
Emily Beckham profile picture
Emily Beckham
9 months ago
We had an amazing time on the Potomac Paddle Boat! The captain and his deck hand were so accommodating and really brought the vibes! 10/10 recommend!!
Karen Irwin profile picture
Karen Irwin
9 months ago
The 50th birthday party I hosted on the Tiki Cruise was sheer perfection! The boat was comfortable, clean and we really appreciated having a bathroom on board. Josh and Matt were so hospitable and accommodating. Josh even maneuvered the boat to give us a Lincoln Memorial backdrop to our group photo. Potomac River ambiance, music, cocktails, sunset and good friends made it a night to remember. Highly recommend this as a unique DC experience.

Be Your Own Captain on our Family-friendly Electric Duffy Boats

No captain’s license needed, these electric boats are safe and easy to drive. Our Duffy boats fit groups of up to 10 and our Retro boats fit groups of up to 4. All electric boat rentals are BYOB, so bring your favorite beer, wine, champagne, or hard seltzer. These cruises are also BYO Food, so bring along your favorite snacks, takeout or homemade treats for a picnic on the water. Our Duffy boats offer coolers and built-in Bluetooth speakers for playing your preferred tunes.

Bring Family & Friends

21′ Duffy Sun Cruiser | Groups of up to 10 People

No Experience Necessary

No Captain’s License Needed | 6 kts Max Speed

Speakers On Board

Bluetooth Speakers |Quiet, eco-friendly Electric Motor

FAQ: What to know before your Private Cruise

Are there boundaries to where I can take the boat?

Yes, we do place certain boundaries on the waterway. This is ultimately for the safety of patrons. We hand out a detailed map (see below) during our safety and instructional guidance prior to leaving the dock.

Do I need boating experience?

You just need to be able to prove that you are 21 years old with a valid photo ID! Our knowledgeable dock attendants will provide you with information to keep you safe while enjoying a day on the scenic Washington Channel from the Wharf.  It’s comparable to driving a golf cart with a forward and reverse throttle.  All boats are electric with a maximum speed of 4.5 miles per hour.  Boats are equipped with life jackets, anchor, paddles, and a blow horn.

Which payment methods do you accept? Do you offer gift cards?

We accept all major credit cards and offer gift cards so you can share this experience with a friend or family!

Do you provide life jackets?

Having an ample number of life jackets available for each passenger is a requirement on each boat and each boat is outfitted with life jackets accordingly. Anyone over the age of 13 is not required to wear a life jacket, but all passengers are more than welcome to wear them for their safety and comfort. All children under age 13 are required to wear a life jacket while on the boat.

Are kids allowed? Is there an age limit?

As long as parents are on the boat with the children and feel comfortable taking them, we allow children of all ages. We do require children age 13 and under to wear life jackets and have sizes specifically for infants, youth, and children, in addition to adult life jackets.

Are dogs allowed on the boat?

We do not currently have a dog friendly boat option available.

Do you sell drinks?

We do not sell drinks but we encourage you to bring your own beverages. Beer, wine, seltzers, and champagne are all fine to bring aboard as long as they are being consumed responsibly and the driver of the vessel is not drinking at any time. We do not allow hard liquor (i.e. bottles of tequila, vodka, etc.). You are also welcome to bring any non-alcoholic beverages and food to enjoy during your time on the water!

What is the longest time I can be on the water?

Please refer to the online booking Fare Harbor for hours of availability. Our standard rental times are 90 minutes.

What should I bring with me?

There are a few things we highly recommend taking with you. While we provide complimentary speakers, we do recommend you bring sunscreen, water, or whatever you feel will best prepare you for the outdoor elements. Cruising down the Washington Channel provides a lot of opportunities for amazing pictures of the Wharf and adjacent scenery such as the Washington Monument, 14th Street Bridge, War College, and East Potomac Park.

What are the options for parking?

The Wharf has three parking garages, but parking is pricey and availability is limited. Guests are encouraged to find parking in advance of checking in for rentals.

How fast do the boats go?

The boats cruise at approximately 4 MPH. Retro Boats abide by wake and speed protocols on the Washington Channel.

What activities are prohibited while riding the boat?

The following activities are prohibited on all Retro Boat Rentals: 

  • All swimming and fishing off the boat is prohibited.
  • Docking anywhere other than the dock where you initially disembark from 
  • Smoking (electronic smoking devices are okay, but nothing with open flames)
  • The driver is prohibited from drinking

DC Harbor Patrol headquarters are located on the Washington Channel, so the rules of engagement are monitored and strictly enforced. We also have other charter boats operating along this route, and our captains and crew are trained to monitor and enforce the rules for Retro Boat Rentals. 

Boating should be a fun and relaxing activity, so the rules we have in place are enforced to ensure that it is a pleasant, safe experience for our guests and other boaters in the channel!

Can we rent more than one boat?

This depends on availability and scheduled launch times of the boats. If you would like to book more than 1 boat, we do have additional guidelines and safety measures that need to be followed. The guideline for any group rental is below:

Mandatory boat insurance ($20 / boat – this can be purchased through the booking platform)

A $200 safety deposit hold. We place an additional hold of $200 per boat on the card(s) you book with at the time of the rental until the boats are returned in good condition and then we release the hold on the card.

We recommend emailing us in advance at support@seasuitecruises.com to make sure that there are no conflicts with renting multiple boats.

Book your Electric Boat Ride Today!

Drive your own boat and tour DC from the water with family and friends.

Get Together, Get Away!