Yes, but New York calls it a Safe Boating Certificate rather than a boating license. The state generally requires recreational operators of motorized vessels to complete a state-approved course and carry the original certificate, including for personal watercraft. Operators of other motorboats must be at least 10, while PWC operators must be at least 14. Renters age 18 or older may operate a livery motorboat without a certificate after receiving basic instruction and safety information; a rented PWC may be operated without one only within a marked area near the livery. Renters under 18 need a certificate, and no one under 16 may rent a PWC at all. Course graduates receive a temporary certificate valid for 90 days. Valid U.S. Coast Guard operator licensees are exempt. New York State Parks administers the program.

Source: New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (parks.ny.gov)

New York boaters should carry one U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket per person; children under 12 must wear one while underway on any boat 65 feet or less, including rowboats, canoes and kayaks, unless inside a fully enclosed cabin. Operating while impaired by alcohol or drugs is illegal, and a blood alcohol level of 0.08 percent or higher is intoxication. Mechanically propelled boats must be registered. Personal watercraft operators must be at least 14, complete a boating safety course, wear an approved life jacket, and operate only between sunrise and sunset. Statewide, boats and equipment must be Clean, Drain, Dry or treated before launching in public waters. New York State Parks oversees boating safety.

Source: New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (parks.ny.gov)

The best time to go boating in New York is June through September, with July and August as the core peak months. May and late September through mid-October are useful shoulder periods; New York’s Canal System generally operates from mid-May to mid-October, with longer hours at selected locks during peak navigation season.

Spring and fall can offer fine boating weather, but New York State Parks warns that cold water remains a serious risk. Wind can also build large waves, and the Department of Environmental Conservation advises heading to shore when thunder is heard.

Source: New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (canals.ny.gov)

New York’s best boating choices span several distinct water types: Long Island Sound for coastal water, the Peconic Bays for bay cruising on eastern Long Island, and the Hudson River for a tidal river trip through the Hudson Valley. Inland, Great Sacandaga Lake offers broad reservoir boating in the Adirondack foothills, while the Fulton Chain of Lakes provides connected lake boating in the central Adirondacks. Together, these waters offer saltwater, estuary, river, reservoir and linked lake settings for a day on the water.

Source: I LOVE NY (dec.ny.gov)

New York’s most popular boating destinations include Lake George, known for Adirondack mountain scenery, island camping and cruises; Alexandria Bay and Clayton, gateways to the Thousand Islands, St. Lawrence River fishing and island castles; Montauk, for its working harbor, ocean trips and whale watching; Sag Harbor, for its seafaring history and sailboat views across the bay; and New York City’s Hudson River waterfront, where paddlers and boaters can take in the Manhattan skyline.

Source: New York State Division of Tourism (iloveny.com)

Alongside the marinas on this page, New York has 43 boat rentals, 4 boat clubs and 2 boat dealers.