No boat? No problem. Here's how to get on the water even if you don't own a boat.
Rhode Island, with 400 miles of coastline, is called the Ocean State, but getting on the water can be difficult, unless you own a boat, or have a good friend or relative who owns one.
Here are some tips for getting on the water without marrying into a family of boaters:
What's the best way to rent a boat in Rhode Island?
Wickford Boat Rentals has more than a dozen boats ranging from 19 to 36 feet, both power boats and sailboats. Daily and extended rentals are available.
The business requires renters to demonstrate they're qualified to handle a boat on their own. "We vet them pretty heavily," said owner David Fetherston.
Do you need training to drive a boat in RI?
For those who haven't had training, lessons are available through Wickford's In-Command Seamanship Training program. Wickford also offers charters with a "captain on board who will take you on a carefree excursion around Rhode Island’s beautiful coastline."
Rental costs vary depending on the size of the boat and the rental period. For example, smaller boats rent for about $295 for a half day and $395 for a full day. The larger boats rent for about $745 to $945. Repeat renters can get discounts by joining Wickford's Captain's Club.
Wickford Rentals also offers chartered trips aboard its Sabre 36 Express, Lorelei. The charter includes a captain and crew member and costs $1,550 plus gas for a half day, $2,250 plus gas for a full day.
Renting kayaks in Rhode Island
Kayaks require less training and boating knowledge than powerboats and sailboats. They may also provide the easiest and least expensive access to water.
Several businesses in Rhode Island offer kayak rentals. The Kayak Centre in Wickford rents several different types of kayaks, including pedal kayaks. A single recreational kayak rents for $37 for two hours and $53 for four hours. The business also rents out standup paddle boards, $42 for two hours, $58 for four hours.
The business rents kayaks out of two locations, Wickford and Charlestown. Reservations must be made in advance. The Kayak Centre also offers lessons, tours and kayak fishing.
Or, if you're in the Providence area, Providence Kayak rents single and tandem kayaks in the heart of downtown and in Lincoln Woods. Rentals start at $20 for 45 minutes.
What are boat clubs and how do you join one in RI?
Freedom Boat Club, which has six Rhode Island locations, offers an option between renting and owning. The club requires a down payment and monthly dues. The standard entry fee is $7,999, but the club often offers new-member promotions at a reduced joining fee. Monthly dues range from $349 to $429, according to Michelle Voss, a company spokeswoman.
In addition to its locations in Wakefield, North Kingstown, Warwick, Newport, Barrington and Portsmouth, Freedom Boat Club has more than 400 locations across North America, Europe and Australia.
"A major benefit to membership is that members not only have unlimited access to their home club fleet of boats, but reciprocal access to enjoy any of our locations worldwide," Voss said. "Many of our members plan their travel based on where we have locations."
Freedom requires members to pass a written exam and on-the-water training, which is covered by the membership cost.
More: With boating season on horizon, Coast Guard, boat captains urge training
Gondola rides in Providence offer unique sightseeing opportunities from the water
Probably the most famous and most romantic way to get on the water in Rhode Island is to take a gondola river ride with La Gondola Providence.
Owner Matthew "Marcello" Haynes has four gondolas available to take guests through downtown Providence on the Providence and Woonasquatucket rivers. Reservations aren't required but are advised, Haynes said.
La Gondola Providence offers a variety of trip types. The Sogni, the original and "still the most popular," costs $89 for two people on a 40-minute private ride. It "includes an ice bucket, glasses, and opener (BYOB), handmade Italian wine biscuits, and a little singing from your gondolier." Your gondolier would be happy to point out the sights and answer questions during the trip."
La Gondola Providence also offers half-hour trips during WaterFire that cost $299 for up to six guests.
A classic sailing cruise out of Newport is another great boating option
Another option that lets someone else do the piloting or sailing is a sightseeing trip out of Newport. Newport Classic Cruises offers rides on sailboats and a motor yacht called Rum Runner II.
The Rum Runner II was built during Prohibition for use in the rumrunner trade, according to Newport Classic Cruises. "Relive the speed and thrill of the chase of the smuggler boats from the days of Prohibition."
Trips on the Rum Runner II cost $45 for adults, $42 for seniors and $35 for children.
Newport Classic Cruises also offers charters on sailboats.
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Don't own a boat in RI? Here's how to get on the water
