Explore Bellingham Bay: Boat Rentals, Sailing Classes & Visitor Information
Community Boating Center (CBC) is a nonprofit boating and marine education facility at 555 Harris Avenue, Bellingham, WA 98225, near the Fairhaven waterfront. It offers kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, rowing, youth camps, adult lessons, guided experiences and community programs.
Visitors can rent human-powered boats or sailboats during the operating season. The organization does not require a general membership, although some vessels require a boating skills assessment.
Reviewed October 29, 2026. This guide covers the Bellingham, Washington organization, not similarly named boating centers in New Bedford or Providence.
Community Boating Center Hours & Seasonal Schedule
CBC operates primarily during the spring, summer and fall. Its public rental hours change with the season and available daylight.
| Season | Regular Published Hours |
|---|---|
| Spring: mid-April to summer solstice | Tuesday–Friday 4 PM–sunset; Saturday–Sunday 10 AM–sunset. |
| Summer: summer solstice to Labor Day | Monday–Friday 2 PM–8 PM; Saturday–Sunday 10 AM–8 PM. |
| Fall: Labor Day to mid-October | Tuesday–Friday 4 PM–sunset; Saturday–Sunday 10 AM–sunset. |
| Winter: mid-October to mid-April | Rentals closed; office access by appointment. |
| Current 2026–27 closure | On-water programs and boat rentals closed through April 2027. |
| Winter office appointments | Monday–Thursday 11 AM–2 PM. |
Winter assistance: Email info@boatingcenter.org to arrange an office visit, inquire about future classes or discuss spring 2027 programs.
Boat Rental Prices: Kayaks, Paddleboards & Sailboats
CBC publishes hourly prices for its rental fleet. These are the listed rates for the normal on-water season, not an indication that boats are currently available during the winter closure.
| Watercraft | Published Price |
|---|---|
| Single kayak or single paddleboard | $20 per hour |
| Tandem kayak | $30 per hour |
| Mega stand-up paddleboard | $50 per hour; 4–10 people |
| Fixed-seat rowboat | $30 per hour; sizes accommodating 1–6 people |
| Sliding-seat rowboat | $30 per hour; skills check required |
| Dinghy sailboat | $35 per hour; crew and skill requirements |
| Keelboat | $50 per hour; maximum 5 people |
Which Rental Is Right for You?
A sit-on-top kayak or stable paddleboard may be a suitable starting point. Ask staff about conditions and basic safety instruction.
A tandem kayak costs $30 per hour for the boat. Confirm that both participants can safely use it.
Fixed-seat rowboats and mega paddleboards offer group options with different passenger limits.
Sit-inside sea kayaks require a skill assessment before rental.
Dinghies and keelboats require a qualified skipper and the appropriate crew arrangements.
A season pass may cost less than repeated hourly rentals if you use the center frequently.
Check the official rental page and current equipment policies before making a reservation.
Season Passes & Discounts
CBC offers annual passes for people who intend to paddle or sail frequently. A pass holder must be on board the rented craft, and applicable skill tests still apply.
| Pass | Price & Access |
|---|---|
| Human Powered Pass | $250; paddling equipment, no sailboat access. |
| Dinghy Plus Pass | $300; dinghy sailboats and paddling equipment, not keelboats. |
| Keelboat Plus Pass | $600; all eligible rental equipment, subject to competency checks. |
A 50% season-pass discount is published for eligible families purchasing three or more passes, people with disabilities, students, active-duty military members and veterans.
Ask how passes are activated and what happens during seasonal closures before paying.
How to Rent a Boat at Community Boating Center
- Check the season: Confirm that on-water rentals are operating. The 2026 season has already ended.
- Select the watercraft: Choose a kayak, paddleboard, rowboat, dinghy or keelboat according to your experience.
- Check conditions: Review the local wind and tide forecast. Do not assume a sunny day means safe boating conditions.
- Review rental rules: Find out whether your boat requires a sailing or paddling skill assessment.
- Complete the waiver: CBC requires a signed waiver for participating in its programs and activities.
- Confirm availability: Contact the center or follow its official seasonal booking instructions.
- Arrive prepared: Bring weather-appropriate clothing and follow staff instructions for flotation equipment, operating boundaries and return time.
- Return within the approved period: Ask staff about late returns, changing conditions and the appropriate landing location.
Youth Camps, Sailing Lessons & After-School Programs
CBC operates youth programs for different ages and experience levels. Its published youth program range covers approximately ages 5–17, with separate teen leadership and internship opportunities.
Programs for children ages 8–12 featuring age-appropriate marine learning and water activities.
Sailing instruction, team development and on-water experiences for teens ages 13–17.
Organized sailing development for eligible younger participants.
Kayaking instruction for ages 6+, with a published example of $200 for 12 hours over four Thursdays.
Half-day and full-day opportunities combining boating, shoreline education and marine activities.
Seasonal training and leadership opportunities for eligible teenagers interested in instructing and marine recreation.
Camp Hours & What to Bring
| Camp Session | Published Times |
|---|---|
| Morning Half-Day | 9:30 AM–12:30 PM |
| Afternoon Half-Day | 1:30 PM–4:30 PM |
| Full Day | 9:30 AM–4:30 PM |
Parents should prepare a water bottle, food and snacks, towel, swimsuit, sunscreen, hat, secure water-friendly footwear and dry clothes. CBC supplies activity-specific safety gear, including life jackets, wetsuits and neoprene booties.
How to Enroll Your Child
- Open the official youth programs page.
- Select the age-appropriate camp or class.
- Check program dates, duration, price and whether places remain.
- Join the waitlist for a full session if offered.
- Complete registration, guardian information, emergency contacts and the waiver.
- Ask about scholarship assistance before making payment if needed.
- Confirm arrival, pickup, medication and accessibility arrangements.
The youth program has a specific late-pickup policy. The published schedule lists a $5 charge for the first 15 minutes late and $5 for each additional five-minute period. Confirm current terms before enrollment.
Adult Sailing, Kayaking & Private Lessons
Adult programs include introductory and more advanced sailing instruction, sea kayaking, rowing, paddling and guided experiences. Choose the program based on your current ability rather than the type of boat you ultimately want to rent.
| Activity | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Adult Sailing | Boat handling, sailing fundamentals, safety and progression to more independent use. |
| Sea Kayaking | Kayak skills, handling, safety and coastal paddling instruction. |
| Rowing & Paddling | Instruction with human-powered watercraft. |
| Private Lessons | Individualized coaching subject to instructor availability. |
| Guided Experiences | Organized paddling and sailing outings, including selected evening trips. |
How to Choose an Adult Program
- Identify your experience: beginner, occasional paddler or experienced sailor.
- Open the official adult program catalog.
- Choose sailing, kayaking, rowing or private instruction.
- Confirm dates, class prerequisites, price and equipment included.
- Check whether your intended activity qualifies for a scholarship.
- Register through the center’s approved booking process.
Scholarships & Accessible Boating Opportunities
CBC offers need-based scholarships that may cover up to 100% of eligible program costs. Scholarships are available for youth and adult activities, including certain camps, classes, guided tours, community sessions and events.
- Apply before paying; scholarships are discounts, not reimbursements for completed purchases.
- For eligible youth camps or guided tours, the center generally limits support to one qualifying scholarship per person per season.
- Awards depend on application review and available funding.
- Ask about disability accommodations and required planning time before a program begins.
The youth program requests that families needing accommodations contact staff at least two weeks before the activity to arrange discussion or a site visit.
How to Request Financial Assistance
- Choose the program and preferred dates.
- Open CBC’s scholarship page.
- Review the available scholarship application and eligibility guidance.
- Submit the requested information before registration payment.
- Wait for the center’s response and follow its enrollment instructions.
Community Sessions & Group Experiences
CBC provides community-focused boating sessions, including programming for veterans, older adults, people with disabilities and other participant groups. Availability depends on the specific session and community partnerships.
Private and group boating experiences can include kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, birthdays, family outings and corporate activities.
Published Group Rates
| Participant | Group Rate |
|---|---|
| Adult | $45 per hour |
| Child | $20 per hour |
| Minimum Booking | 2 hours |
| Minimum Group Size | 4 participants |
| Suggested Gratuity | 20% |
For example, a two-hour outing for four adults at the published base rate totals $360 before any optional gratuity or additional charges.
How to Request a Group Booking
- Choose sailing, kayaking, paddleboarding or another supported experience.
- Estimate group size and participant ages.
- Select your preferred date, start time and alternative date.
- Ask whether instructors, equipment, safety gear and other services are included.
- Request a full quote and cancellation terms.
- Complete the official inquiry and wait for written confirmation.
Official Group Activities & Rental Inquiry
If you are comparing group-event booking procedures with conventional indoor community spaces, the community center rental fees and reservation guide explains deposits, capacity, booking terms and common additional charges.
Wind Rules, Safety & Rental Restrictions
Bellingham Bay conditions can change quickly. CBC applies wind-based restrictions that affect which boats may leave the center and where they can operate.
| Wind Condition | General CBC Policy |
|---|---|
| Green: up to 10 mph | Boating generally permitted within designated craft-specific rental areas, subject to other conditions. |
| Yellow: 10–15 mph | Additional restrictions apply. Paddleboards, sit-on-top kayaks and rowboats need manager permission. |
| Red: 15–20 mph | Only appropriately qualified sailors may be permitted on suitable sailboats. |
| Unfavorable west or north winds | Wave conditions can trigger stricter restrictions or a full shutdown. |
Renters must follow designated operating boundaries and staff instructions. Children under 18 require an adult or guardian present during open boating, with the supervising adult on the same craft or another craft on the water.
Safety Checklist
- Complete the participant waiver before the activity.
- Use a properly fitted life jacket.
- Confirm the current operating area and wind restrictions.
- Wear clothing suitable for cold Pacific Northwest water.
- Check local tides and marine weather.
- Do not exceed the permitted passenger count.
- Return immediately if instructed by staff.
- Call 911 for emergencies requiring immediate rescue or medical assistance.
Location, Parking & Bellingham Bay Map
Community Boating Center is at 555 Harris Avenue, Bellingham, WA 98225, beside the public boat launch in the Fairhaven waterfront area, near Bellingham’s Amtrak and ferry transportation hub.
Getting to the Launch Area
- Navigate to 555 Harris Avenue rather than another similarly named boating center.
- Approach the Fairhaven waterfront and public boat launch area.
- Look for Community Boating Center signs near the waterfront facilities.
- Follow parking and loading restrictions posted at the launch.
- Check in with CBC staff before moving equipment or entering the water.
Parking-space availability and specific accessible parking assignments were not established from the center’s current public information. Call ahead if you need vehicle, mobility or equipment-loading assistance.
Other Useful Recreation & Community Guides
Community Boating Center specializes in waterfront recreation. For different activity and family-program planning needs, these published community-center.org guides provide useful comparisons:
- Our community recreation center schedules, fees and program guide explains how to confirm activity registration, eligibility and facility-specific hours.
- For planning water-based recreation and understanding aquatic scheduling, see the Southwest Community Center swimming pool and lessons guide, covering a separate Portland facility.
- If you are comparing organized youth programs and seasonal camps, read the Yes We Can Community Center summer camp and youth enrichment guide for another operator’s registration considerations.
Quick Checklist Before You Visit
- Confirm the current season and reopening information.
- Check the correct rental or program schedule.
- Choose an activity appropriate for your skill level.
- Review rental costs and pass eligibility.
- Complete the participation waiver.
- Confirm whether a boating skill test is required.
- Check wind, weather and tide conditions.
- Bring appropriate clothing and personal essentials.
- Ask about scholarships before paying for eligible programs.
- For winter visits, arrange an appointment with the office.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where is Community Boating Center located?
The Community Boating Center covered here is at 555 Harris Avenue, Bellingham, WA 98225, near the Fairhaven waterfront and public boat launch.
2. What is the Community Boating Center phone number?
The Bellingham Community Boating Center phone number is 360-714-8891. Its general email address is info@boatingcenter.org.
3. Is Community Boating Center open in winter 2026?
Boat rentals and on-water programs are closed through April 2027. Winter office assistance is available by appointment Monday through Thursday from 11 AM to 2 PM.
4. What are Community Boating Center’s summer hours?
During the normal summer season, from the summer solstice to Labor Day, rental hours are Monday–Friday 2 PM–8 PM and weekends 10 AM–8 PM, subject to conditions and seasonal changes.
5. How much does kayak rental cost?
The published price is $20 per hour for a single kayak and $30 per hour for a tandem kayak. Some sea kayaks require a skill assessment.
6. How much does it cost to rent a sailboat?
The published hourly rental rates are $35 for a dinghy sailboat and $50 for a keelboat. Sailing skill checks and crew requirements apply.
7. Does Community Boating Center offer youth camps?
Yes. CBC provides seasonal youth sailing, kayaking, marine education, after-school activities and summer camps. Programs have age, registration and safety requirements.
8. Does a child have to know how to swim to attend camp?
Prior swimming ability is not required for CBC summer camp, but participants must complete a flotation test using appropriate safety equipment.
9. Are scholarships available for sailing and kayaking?
Yes. CBC offers qualifying youth and adult program scholarships covering up to 100% of eligible costs. Applications should be completed before program payment.
10. Can I book Community Boating Center for a group event?
Yes. CBC provides group kayaking, paddleboarding and sailing experiences. Published group pricing starts at $45 per adult per hour and $20 per child per hour, with a two-hour minimum and at least four participants.
Official Sources & Final Booking Resources
- Community Boating Center — Official Website & Seasonal Updates
- Boat Rental Prices, Passes & Wind Policies
- Youth Camps, Safety Rules & Registration
- Adult Sailing & Kayaking Programs
- Scholarship Eligibility & Applications
- Community & Adaptive Boating Sessions
- Group Events & Custom Boating Activities
- Contact, Address & Office Arrangements
Independent visitor information, not operated by Community Boating Center. Prices, programs, operating hours and safety policies can change. Contact the official organization before booking, traveling or making payment.