Boat Rentals

Kayaks, Sailboats, Rowboats, and Paddle boards

group of 5 kayaks on calm waters smiling at each other while paddling with sailboats moored in the background

Season Passes

an adult kneeling on a stand up paddle board with a small dog standing on the tip of the board at sunset with some large rocks emerging from calm waters and the San Juan islands in the sun

Hourly Rentals

*Some craft types require a skill test. Learn all about those here!

Discounts & Scholarships

50% discount on Season Passes:

Families (3+ passes) • folks with disabilities • students • active-duty military & veterans.

Click here for Scholarship opportunities

We don’t want green to be a barrier to the beautiful blue!

Scholarships can be used for Camps, Community Sessions, Classes, Tours, and some Events.

Wind Policy

Safety and education are top priorities at the Community Boating Center, and we take our wind policy seriously. Conditions can change quickly on Bellingham Bay and planning ahead is one of the best tools to stay safe on the water. 

Please refer to the wind policy below for classes and rentals. Information and links for current conditions on the Bay can be found below.

Green Status - Up to 5 kts

  • All equipment can be rented and boundaries are unrestricted.

    • All boaters must understand the boundaries for their craft 

    • All boaters must understand CBC towing policy and Sailors must carry paddles.

  • Sailing dinghies, SUPs and Kayaks are wetsuit optional if air temperature is above 50 F

  • Sea Kayaks can go without spray skirts. 

  • All rowing sculls must stay within 100 yards of shore at all times.

Yellow Status - 5 to 10 kts 

  • All sea kayakers must use spray skirts and must not leave Bellingham Bay without Manager permission.

  • Sailing dinghies must use wetsuits and stay in sight unless the float plan has Manager approval.

Orange Status - 10 to 15 kts 

  • No paddle craft on the water without Manager approval; Manager decides necessary equipment.

  • Sailors consider reefing sails.

  • Wetsuits required on all boats except Keelboats.

  • If wind direction is West or North, no one is allowed out on the water.

Red Status - 15 to 20 kts

  • Sails must be reefed unless given Manager permission.

  • No paddle craft on the water without Manager approval.

  • If wind direction is West or North, no one is allowed out on the water.

Purple Status - 20 to 25 kts

  • No one is allowed out on the water without Manager approval.

  • CBC closes for all rentals.

If the wind status changes, renters already on the water may be asked to return to shore and be escorted back by CBC staff.

Youth Rentals

Participants under the age of 18 must have an adult or guardian present to participate in Open Boating, and the adult or guardian must be either on the same watercraft as the child or a different watercraft on the water.

Useful Forecast & Conditions Links