What to know about renting a boat in Clearwater

Sitting right on the shores of the beautiful blue Gulf, there are endless options for boat rentals and charters in Clearwater. Dolphin tours, catamaran rentals, jet ski tours, pontoon cruises and powerboats are wonderful options for spending a day out on the water. Fishing charters, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards are available for sporty travelers looking to make the most of their vacation.

For families traveling with children, a dolphin tour in Clearwater is an absolute must. Most boat charters offer the option of enjoying the sunset from a boat, a Clearwater favorite. For larger groups, pontoon rentals provide the space needed for a day of meandering through the Gulf.

Another popular choice of watercraft for visitors to Clearwater is the jetski. Renting a jet ski is an excellent way to cover a lot of ground, see lots of wildlife including manatees, dolphins, and birds. While jet-skiing is more popular with young adults, the trained professionals at jetski rental companies will provide safety instruction for families traveling with younger children.

While there is a lot of emphasis on power boats and other motorized watercraft in Clearwater, traveling by wind is a great alternative. Sailboats are plentiful and offer excellent water experiences. Book an evening trip to see the orange skies ignite over the Gulf as the sun goes down. Check out the catamaran and sailing yacht options in Clearwater for your wind-powered boat trip.

Deep sea fishing charters are a popular option for travelers looking to reel in a big one during their stay in Clearwater. The fishing captains are well versed in the best spots for great fishing action. Mackerel and barracuda are the popular catches of Clearwater, and charters will take care of all the dirty work for you.

For the athletic traveler, Clearwater, Florida is an excellent destination to experience stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, windsurfing, parasailing, kiteboarding and many more watersports. Rent a kayak for a day and spend it paddling in one of the many nature reserves and state parks. Caladesi State Park, Fort De Soto Park, and Honeymoon Island State Park are all great places to start.

The warm weather and calm winds of Clearwater Florida make it a perfect water sports destination.

Events in Clearwater to Attend on Your Rental Boat

The Clearwater Super Boat National Championship and Seafood Festival is by far the most popular boating event in the city. Bringing in 180,000 visitors in September, it’s one of the biggest boat races in Florida. The event features boat races of the top of the line powerboats that hit speeds up to 180 mph during the races.

Other Things To Do in Clearwater

While you’re on land, consider a visit to Clearwater Beach. You can enjoy a day of sunbathing, trying out beachfront restaurants, and playing in the soft white sand. Some of the best restaurants worthy of trying while on the beach include SHOR American Seafood Grill, Island Way Grill, and Clear Sky Cafe.

While wandering the beach, be sure to take a walk down Pier 60 to see various vendors, street performers, shops and watch the sunset over the water.

For nature lovers looking to escape the beach crowds, pay a visit to the Moccasin Lake Nature Park. You’ll experience a gorgeous walk through lush greenery, see countless species of birds, alligators, a butterfly garden, turtles and much more. There are guides and the trails are all on boardwalks. Best part - it’s free to enter the park!

Marinas in Clearwater for Great Boat Rentals

There are several marinas to choose from for a boat rental in Clearwater. Clearwater Beach Marina is a modern facility with great shops and restaurants. Cove Cay Marina is a good choice for kayak rentals. Freedom Boat Club Clearwater is known for excellent customer service and for full-service boat charters. During the busy season, it’s recommended to book in advance, as charters, boat rentals, and water sports reservations can get booked up.

About Clearwater

Clearwater is a city in Florida located northwest of Tampa and St. Petersburg. Sitting on the Gulf of Mexico, it’s a family-friendly vacation destination. Clearwater sees far smaller crowds than the spring break destinations of Miami or Daytona. It doesn't have the cheesy, artificial entertainment of Orlando, making it a fantastic choice for old-fashioned Florida.

The best time to visit Clearwater is January-March and September-November. This is also the busiest and more expensive time of the year to visit. Summers can be hot and humid with more rainfall than in winter, but are a good option if you’re looking to avoid high prices.

There are two primary airports that will give you access to Clearwater. St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport, and Tampa Bay International Airport have the best fares. If you plan on exploring Clearwater beyond what is accessible by boat, a car rental is essential as public transport is rather limited.