Small-Boat sightseeing and charter tours

Tourists, visiting families, couples, small groups and locals booking an outing or celebration.

Per-passenger tickets for set departures, or a flat price for a private group booking by the hour or by the trip. Add-ons like photos, snacks or longer routes raise the average booking.

• Safe boat handling and navigation
• Friendly guiding and storytelling
• Knowing local waters, sights and wildlife
• Handling bookings and weather changes

• A Coast Guard captain's license and a vessel that meets passenger-carrying rules, check current requirements with the Coast Guard
• Commercial marine liability and hull insurance, as standard boat policies often exclude paying passengers
• State, county or city permits, dock or harbor fees, and any park or port rules for operating tours, check locally
• Drug testing, safety equipment and inspection requirements that may apply
• Seasonal demand and weather cancellations affecting income
• Fuel, maintenance and storage costs eating into margins

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $15,000 to $75,000, depending on the boat you buy or lease, safety equipment, insurance and licensing. Fuel, maintenance and storage costs also affect your margins.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on your season, number of trips, group sizes and pricing. Seasonal demand and weather cancellations can make income uneven.

Check current Coast Guard requirements for a captain's license and a vessel that meets passenger-carrying rules. Also check commercial marine insurance, state, county or city permits, dock or harbor fees, and any drug testing or inspection rules.