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FLORIDA BOAT RENTALS
Discovering Florida by Water: A Visitor's Guide to Renting a Boat in the Sunshine State
With more than 8,000 miles of coastline, lakes, rivers, and waterways, Florida is the perfect destination for boating enthusiasts.
The best part? You don’t need to own a boat to experience it all.
Whether you're dreaming of renting a yacht, setting sail on a sailboat, planning a family fishing trip, or celebrating on a party boat, here’s everything you need to know to enjoy Florida’s waterways to the fullest.
Yachts
For those looking for the luxurious experience of being on a yacht, there’s no shortage of rentals in South Florida. Perfect for celebrating special occasions and water activities, yacht rentals can come with or without a captain, depending on your preferences, and whether you have the necessary experience, training, and boating license. There’s also the option of chartering a yacht with a full crew, including a captain, deckhands, and a chef, where everything is included (food, drinks, water toys, fuel). Yacht charters tend to be for superyachts, which focus on comfort and come at a higher cost than renting your own yacht.
The best places to yacht in Florida: Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Naples, Palm Beach, Tampa Bay, and the Florida Keys.
Costs: Prices vary widely based on the size and condition of the yacht, the duration of rental, and additional services provided. For “bareboat” yacht rentals (meaning a rental without a crew, captain or provisions), you can expect to pay between $110 and $300 per hour for a small yacht (30-50 feet) and between $300 to $750+ per hour for a mid-sized yacht (50-70 feet). Chartered yachts with a full crew can cost between $5,000 and $70,000 per day, with additional costs like provisions and gratuities.
Tips: If you’re piloting yourself, plan your route ahead of time, especially if you’re heading to popular destinations like Miami or the Florida Keys. And for both rentals and charters, make sure you know what’s included in the price (fuel, docking fees, insurance, provisioning and gratuity are likely extra).
Fishing Boats, Charters
Often referred to as the “Fishing Capital of the World,” Florida is known for its abundant and diverse fishing opportunities. Whether you’re looking for saltwater or freshwater fishing, trophy fishing or catch-and-release, you’ll find what you’re looking for in Florida.
The best places to go fishing in Florida: While you can find fishing opportunities most anywhere across the Sunshine State, The Florida Keys are famous for deep-sea fishing, where you can find more than 200 species of fish, like mahi-mahi, sailfish, swordfish and tuna. Destin is another popular deep-sea fishing spot, known as “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village,” and its charters focus on catching snapper, grouper, and amberjack. On the Atlantic side of the state, Stuart is known as the “Sailfish Capital of the World,” and Jacksonville hosts the world’s largest wahoo tournament each year. If you’re interested in tarpon fishing, or catching redfish or snook, Tampa Bay is an excellent destination. And finally, for fresh water fishing, Lake Okeechobee is known for its bass fishing tournaments.
Cost: The cost of renting a fishing boat depends on the location, boat size, and whether you plan to go inshore or offshore fishing. Boatsetter shows prices from approximately $50/hour without a captain to over $400/hour with a captain. Charter prices also vary, with inshore charters starting around $300 for a half-day to over $1,000 for a half-day deep-sea fishing expedition.
Tips: If you want to rent your own fishing boat, make sure you have a valid Florida fishing license, which is required for both residents and non-residents over 16. Licenses can be bought online for various types of fishing (saltwater, freshwater, and types of fish). Additionally, you will need your Florida boater’s license and a Boating Safety Education Identification Card if you were born after 1988.
Power Boating
Whether you’re looking for the thrill of a speedboat experience in open waters, wanting to cruise leisurely through idyllic canals, or hoping to rent a pontoon boat for the family, you’ll find plenty of power boating experiences all across Florida.
The best places for speed boating: High-speed tours of Miami’s Biscayne Bay are a popular way to learn about the city while enjoying the skyline from the turquoise lagoon. Destin also has many speed boat outfitters, providing opportunities to see dolphins and hanging out at the lively Crab Island sandbar.
The best places for leisure power boat cruising: In addition to speed boating, you’ll find plenty of slower-paced power boat charters in Miami and south Florida. Fort Lauderdale’s Intracoastal Waterway, nicknamed “the Venice of America,” is part of a popular 300-mile stretch of coastal channels, which you can explore by sightseeing power boat cruises, and even rent your own mini 2-person powerboat. Another section of the Florida Intracoastal Waterway is in St. Augustine, where you can view historic landmarks from your power boat rental or on a charter or cruise.
The best places for pontoon boats: Florida not only has beautiful oceans and intracoastal waterways, but also large, freshwater lakes—perfect for pontoon boats. The charming town of Mount Dora in Central Florida boasts a chain of lakes and several companies offering pontoon rentals and pontoon boat tours. Additionally, for bass fishing enthusiasts, there are nearly a dozen lakes that are great for catching bass, or just cruising on a pontoon boat.
Cost: You can find high-speed boat tours in Miami for as little as $45, mini power boat rentals for $99/hour in Fort Lauderdale, and one-hour power boat tours in St. Augustine from $27. Private power boat rentals range in price, but a 5-hour weekday pontoon rental in Mount Dora will cost you about $325
Tips: Power boating is a broad term for many types of engine-powered boats, and there are many different options and experiences around Florida. Decide what type of experience you’re looking for and whether you prefer ocean, intracoastal waterways or lakes, and go from there. And again, make sure to have your Florida boater’s license and a Boating Safety Education Identification Card (if you were born after 1988).
Sailing
Sailing in Florida is an exciting experience for everyone, from seasoned sailors seeking regattas to vacationers wanting to learn the ropes at sailing schools. Whether you're looking for adventure, relaxation, or the thrill of competition, you'll find the perfect charter or rental on Florida’s coasts.
The best places to sail in Florida: Sailors flock to South Florida every year for Miami Sail Week, which takes place in beautiful Biscayne Bay. This location is popular year-round for sailing, but this world-class regatta is a special event for sailing aficionados. Other renowned sailing destinations include the Tampa Bay area, Sarasota, Sanibel & Captiva, St. Augustine, and of course, the Florida Keys—all of which have multiple outfitters, offering a variety of sailboat rental and charter options. For people wanting to learn to sail in Florida, some of the most popular schools include St. Augustine Sailing, Coconut Grove Sailing School, MidBay Sailing in Niceville, Sarasota Sailing Squadron, Blue Water Sailing School in Fort Lauderdale, and the Veteran Sailing Association in the Florida Keys.
Cost: Private sailboat rentals (on Boatsetter) range from around $40/hour for a small sailboat in Hudson (1 hour north of Tampa) to $450/hour for a captained 80-foot schooner. Sailing charter prices depend on whether they’re private or with a group, the size of the boat, and where it’s located. Sailing school prices also vary, from $160 per person for a two hour session in Sarasota, to over $3,000 for a live-aboard certification experience in Fort Lauderdale.
Tips: If you’re planning to sail on your own boat, make sure you have your boating license and Boating Safety Education Identification Card. Also keep in mind that Florida’s weather can be unpredictable, especially during the summer with afternoon thunderstorms. Make sure to check the weather forecasts before setting sail.
Canoes and Kayaks
Florida’s waterways offer some of the best canoeing and kayaking experiences in the country, from paddling in crystal-clear spring-fed rivers to gliding through lush mangroves. It’s one of the easiest and cheapest ways to get out on the water all throughout the state, and a chance to get up close to Florida’s wildlife.
The best places to canoe and kayak in Florida: There are so many places to have amazing kayaking and canoeing experiences, but some that are not-to-be-missed are Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Suwannee River Wilderness Trail, Silver Springs State Park, and the Everglades National Park. Weeki Wachee and Silver Springs are both renowned for their glass-like waters, vibrant ecosystems, and scenic landscapes, and kayak and canoe rentals are plentiful. They are great day trips for families and for people who love nature (you might see manatees in Weeki Wachee and monkeys in Silver Springs). The Suwannee River Trail is Florida’s first long-distance paddling trail, following the historic Suwannee River for more than 170 miles. River camps are located along the trail, making it an epic adventure for experienced kayakers/canoers. And the famous Everglades National Park, full of alligators and native birds, provides a unique kayaking or canoeing experience through mangrove tunnels. Guided tours are available and so are daily rentals.
Cost: Rentals usually cost between $35 to $100 per day, depending on location and duration.
Tips: Depending on the season, kayak and canoe outfitters can be quite busy, so it’s recommended to make a reservation ahead of time. Check to see if they offer a shuttle service to make your experience easier/more enjoyable; and if they don’t, keep in mind that however far you paddle in one direction, you’ll have to paddle the same amount to get back. And don’t forget to bring a dry bag for valuables and be careful around wildlife.
Party Boats
For those looking to cut loose while on a boat, look no further than one of Florida’s many party boat cruises. These boat trips give you the opportunity to either join a bunch of like-minded party-goers or gather your friends for a couple hours of drinking and dancing on Florida’s waters.
The most popular party boat cruises: The most popular shared party boat experience by far is the three-hour Miami Experience Party Boat. Here, you’ll join about 100 other party-goers on a covered boat, with unlimited drinks, a live DJ, light snacks and even a twerking contest. Top-rated party boat outfitters that offer public and private experiences include St. Augustine’s 90-minute, BYOB Old Town Party Boat cruise, and the BYOB Staying Afloat Party Boats in Tampa and Fort Lauderdale. Private Totally Tiki Tours in Tampa and St. Petersburg includes a 13-person “tiki” boat (think thatched roof) that is kid-friendly and outfitted with bluetooth speakers, coolers with ice (it’s BYOB), plastic cups and pool toys. Other popular private party boat options include captained Boat Party Fort Lauderdale pontoon or mini yacht rentals, or renting your own on a site like Boatsetter, GetMyBoat, or Sailo.
Cost: Prices depend on whether you want a shared or private experience, with BYOB shared party boat cruises starting around $42 and booze-included costing $109. Private party boats start at $175/hour and go up depending on the size, location, duration, and whether or not it’s captained.
Tips: Before choosing the right party boat experience, decide if you want it shared or private, how many people you’ll be, and the rental duration. Always double check things like insurance and bring cash for tipping crew members.
Sunset Cruises
In a state renowned for its sunsets, it's no wonder that Florida offers a multitude of options to toast the day's end while out on the water. From family-friendly pontoon boats to a romantic private sunset sail for two, going on a sunset cruise should definitely be on your Florida to-do list.
Some of the state’s best sunset cruises: Similar to the party boat options, you can find shared sunset boating options or opt for a private booking. Popular shared sunset cruises include Fury’s 1.5-hour Key West Champagne Sunset Cruise on a 45-ft power catamaran; Florida Water Tour’s 90-minute adults only and family friendly sunset pontoon cruises; Sweet Liberty’s hour-long sunset cruise on a 53-foot sailing catamaran; and Island Time Sailing’s 2-hour dolphin sunset cruise in Panama City Beach. For private sunset cruises, Danger Charters in Key West offers 2-hour private sunset charters aboard their sailboat that accommodates 30 guests. The trip includes wine, beer, hors d’oeuvres, and non-alcoholic beverages. Another outfitter in Key West, Sunset Sail, offers smaller private charters for up to six people. It’s also two hours long but doesn’t include alcoholic beverages or food (although you’re welcome to bring your own.)
Cost: Shared sunset cruises are very reasonable, starting at $39 per person. Private sunset charters start at $595 for a 2-hour cruise for six people.
Tips: Pay attention to what time of year you’re booking, as the sunset time varies. It could be any time between 5:30pm and 8:15pm. When booking, clarify whether food and drinks are included or if you’re able to bring your own.
Jet Skis, WaveRunners
At almost every beach across Florida, you’re likely to see families racing across the waves on personal watercrafts (usually Jet Skis and WaveRunners). Rental companies are set up on most beaches and even at rivers and lakes, and both Jets Skis (a brand name from Kawasaki) and WaveRunners (a brand name from Yamaha) are available by the hour.
The most popular places to rent Jet Skis & WaveRunners: At most public beaches you’ll find outfitters, but some of the top-rated companies include DESTINy Water Adventures in Fort Walton Beach, Lagoon Pontoons in Panama City Beach, Woody’s Watersports in Madeira Beach, Bonita Jet Ski & Parasail in Bonita Springs, Jet Ski Fort Lauderdale, Miami Beach Jet Ski, Salty’s Water Sports in Fort Pierce, Island Vibez Watersport Rentals in Orlando, and Jax Jet Ski Rentals in Jacksonville.You’ll find options to rent personal watercrafts for as little as 30 minutes to a full 8-hour day, and also options to join guided Jet Ski tours (like Amelia Island Jet Ski Tours) to see dolphins, local wildlife, and explore islands.
Cost: Companies charge anywhere from $59 for 30-minute rides to $150 for an hour ride for two people. Two-hour tours start at $150 for a triple-occupancy Jet Ski.
Tips: Drivers need to be at least 18 years old and have a Boater Safety Card. To ride on the back of a Jet Ski or WaveRunner, you must be at least eight years old. Pay attention to local regulations and speed limits and drive safely.
Houseboats
Renting a houseboat in Florida is a unique way to explore the state’s rivers and lakes while being immersed in the beautiful scenery and wildlife. There are options to rent stationary, floating cottages or cruising houseboats, and both typically come with beds, a bathroom, a small kitchen, a lounge area, and a deck (if it’s stationary).
The best places to rent houseboats in Florida: For cruising houseboats, Holly Bluff Marina in Deland is one of the most desired options. Located along the 300-mile St. John’s River, Houseboating.org offers a variety of houseboat rentals to take you and your crew down the slowly-flowing river, while you enjoy nature and fish for largemouth bass. Farther north is another great houseboating destination: the Suwannee River. In Suwanee town, where the famous river meets the Gulf of Mexico, you can rent 44-ft houseboats from the Gateway Marina to cruise along the historic channel. Another popular place to rent houseboats is Key West, where you’ll find dozens of houseboat options (floating cottages and cruising houseboats) on sites like Airbnb. KeySea Houseboats is also a well-reviewed company, providing houseboats that are equipped with kayaks, snorkel and fishing gear, in Key Largo.
Cost: Houseboat prices range from approximately $970 for two nights in Key Largo to $1,600 per week at St. John’s River. Prices will depend on how long you’re renting and what time of year you arrive.
Tips: Summer (between Memorial Day and Labor Day) seems to be the most popular season for houseboating, so you’re likely to find a better deal outside of this time frame. Most houseboat agreements require the driver to be at least 25 years old, and have a valid driver’s license and a Boater Safety Card.
WHERE TO RENT YOUR BOAT
STRATEGIC ALLIANCE PARTNERS
