Squamish Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat Rental

Recently, we’ve come across a boat rental experience in Squamish that promises an exciting way to see one of British Columbia’s most breathtaking coastal areas. While we haven’t personally taken this tour, the glowing reviews and detailed descriptions suggest it offers a fun, flexible, and highly scenic adventure on the water. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a family seeking dry, comfortable fun, or a solo traveler craving independence, this rental could be just what you need to make the most of your time in Squamish.

What really stands out about this experience is the combination of comfort and accessibility—these Coast Guard-style inflatable boats are stable, easy to handle, and come equipped with safety gear. Plus, the opportunity to navigate Howe Sound at your own pace means you’ll craft a personalized adventure, capturing the stunning views, spotting wildlife, or simply cruising with the wind in your hair. The one possible consideration is the requirement for a boat license, but the rental includes a quick training video and test, making it straightforward for first-timers with a valid license or those willing to get one.

This tour suits active travelers, families, or groups who want to explore at their own pace without the constraints of guided tours. It’s an excellent way to experience Squamish’s rugged landscape and tranquil coves in a relaxed, family-friendly setting that keeps you mostly dry and comfortable.

Good To Know

• Flexible self-guided exploration of Howe Sound with your own rented inflatable boat.
• Comfortable, stable Coast Guard-style boats designed for easy handling.
• Includes safety gear, gas, and a temporary license for a worry-free adventure.
• Suitable for families and groups up to five people, with space for essentials.
• Stunning views and wildlife spotting opportunities in a scenic coastal environment.
• Free cancellation available if plans change or the weather turns unfavorable.

A Closer Look at the Boat Rental Experience

The Essence of the Tour: Freedom on the Water

This rental offers a chance to explore Howe Sound at your own pace, departing from a marina in Squamish. The boats are large, inflatable, and built with stability in mind, thanks to their Coast Guard-style design. They comfortably seat up to five people, making them perfect for families or small groups eager to enjoy a day on the water without the noise and structure of a guided tour.

Each rental includes the first tank of gas, safety gear, and a temporary boat license—all bundled for convenience. You’ll find up to five life vests suitable for children and youth, along with oars and a bailer, so you’re prepared for various situations. The simplicity of the setup means you can focus on the fun, soaking in views, and perhaps catching sight of local wildlife like seals or waterfowl.

The Itinerary: Self-Directed Scenic Adventure

Since this is a self-guided rental, there’s no fixed itinerary, giving you the freedom to chart your own course. You could cruise along Howe Sound’s rugged coastline, explore nearby islands, or float in a warm cove for a break. The boats are easy to operate—a quick safety briefing and a video, plus a test, prepare you to handle the vessel confidently.

A typical four-hour rental allows plenty of time to cover significant distance, explore hidden spots, or simply relax on the water. The marina is conveniently located at 38124 Loggers Lane, Squamish, with opening hours from 8 am to 8 pm, ensuring flexibility for morning or late afternoon outings.

What Makes This Experience Stand Out?

According to a recent review, one traveler described their experience as “a wonderful adventure, thanks to Captain Will”, who guided them initially and helped set the tone for a memorable day. While the guide isn’t necessarily guiding you during your entire trip, the safety measures and briefings are thorough, giving you confidence to navigate independently.

The stunning views of the surrounding mountains and islands are a highlight, and many guests appreciate the chance to see wildlife and enjoy the tranquility of Howe Sound without the crowds. The boats’ stability and dry ride make it accessible for families, even those with younger children, and the equipment provided—life vests, bailers, oars—ensures safety is prioritized.

Practical Details: What Travelers Need to Know

• Pricing: $315.47 per group (up to 5) for approximately four hours. This cost includes a full tank of gas, safety equipment, and a temporary license, making it a fair value for a personalized day on the water.
• Reservations: You need to arrive one hour before your scheduled time to check in and prepare.
• Deposit: A $1000 hold on your card is required; this safeguards against damages or issues during the rental.
• Weather: The experience is weather-dependent, with cancellations offered if conditions are poor, ensuring safety remains paramount.
• Accessibility: The marina is near public transportation, and service animals are allowed, which broadens the accessibility.

Authentic Experiences and User Insights

One reviewer shared that their mother and grandmother, both first-time boaters, loved the experience, highlighting its family-friendly nature. They appreciated the guidance from Captain Will, which helped first-timers feel at ease amid the vastness of Howe Sound.

Another aspect travelers often mention is the stunning scenery—the mountains, islands, and distant glaciers—are truly picture-perfect. Since the boat is mostly dry, you can comfortably take photos and enjoy the scenery without worrying about getting soaked, which adds to the overall value.

Who Should Consider This Rental?

This experience is ideal for families with children, small groups, or solo travelers who want to explore at their own pace without feeling constrained by a guided tour. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a bit of adventure, want to see the natural beauty of Howe Sound up close, and appreciate a relaxed, flexible approach to their day on the water.

If you’re looking for a cost-effective way to experience Squamish’s waterfront and islands, this rental offers great value—especially since it includes safety gear, gas, and licensing. It’s also suitable for travelers who prefer to skip large crowds and enjoy a more intimate connection with nature.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

This inflatable boat rental provides a unique opportunity to explore Howe Sound on your own terms, which is a rare find for visitors wanting to enjoy the area’s natural beauty. The stability and comfort of the boats, combined with the scenic surroundings and wildlife viewing, make this a truly memorable experience for those prepared to handle a boat and keen to discover Squamish’s coastal gems.

The price point reflects the personalized, flexible nature of the adventure, and the included safety gear and licensing simplify the process. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful cruise, wildlife sightings, or just a fun day on the water, this rental delivers in spades.

This experience is best suited for adventurous families, small groups, or solo explorers who value independence and spectacular scenery. If you’re comfortable handling a boat and want a dry, relaxed way to enjoy Howe Sound, this rental could very well be the highlight of your trip.

FAQ

Do I need a boat license?
Yes, a boat license is required. The rental includes a quick instructional video and test to help you obtain a temporary license.

What is included in the rental?
The rental includes the boat, safety equipment (life vests for all ages), a full tank of gas, oars, bailer, and a temporary license.

Can I bring extra people?
The price is based on a maximum of five people. Additional participants are not included in this price.

Is the rental suitable for children?
Yes, with provided life vests, families with children can comfortably enjoy the experience.

What if the weather is bad?
The activity can be canceled if weather conditions are poor, with the option to reschedule or receive a full refund.

How early do I need to arrive?
You should arrive at the marina one hour before your rental time for check-in and safety briefing.

Can I operate the boat without prior experience?
Yes, once you’ve watched the safety video and passed the test, you’ll be equipped to handle the boat confidently.

To sum it up, renting a rigid hull inflatable boat in Squamish offers a fantastic way to see Howe Sound on your own terms, with stunning scenery, flexibility, and a family-friendly setup. It’s an adventure that combines comfort with the thrill of independence, making it a memorable addition to any Squamish itinerary.