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Renting a boat in Marathon starts at $100 an hour for a small powerboat and goes up to $800 an hour for a luxury motor yacht.
Yacht rentals in Marathon start at around $250/hour and go up to over $1,000/hour depending on the vessel size, capacity, and special features.
To rent a boat in Marathon, you must be 18 years of age and have completed a boater safety education course. If you have a boating license from another state, this can apply to the requirements to rent a boat in Marathon. If you do not have boating experience but wnt to go fishing in Marathon, booking a fishing charter is a great way to get on a boat and make a great catch.
Great experience, perfect for the family. Was an easy and informative experience with the rental. So helpful at check in, great info and location info that we used throughout the day. Made themselves available via text or call all day that we thankfully didn’t need!
Great experience. Great communication throughout the process. The boat is as expected. A 25' pontoon boat with a reliable 4 stroke engine. The boat had GPS navigation on it which comes in handy boating in new to you water. The orientation provided before departure is excellent. They offer insight to the local water area including things to pay attention to for a safe trip, sand bar and restaurant locations. Would rent again.
Our family had a great experience with Todd. The rental was easy and efficient. Todd provided a thorough overview of the boat, cabin, and electronics. The cabin was great to have for the family. Our toddler took a two hour nap in the A/C in the cabin which allowed us to stay on the water all day. We had a great experience and will be renting with Todd again in the future.
Todd's boat was great for our lobster trip to the keys! Couldn't have asked for a better setup to accommodate everyone on board. The AC was definitely a nice feature to catch a small break from the sun as well! Thanks Todd and we'll definitely be back in touch when planning our next trip down!
Todd is a fantastic communicator! He was very patient and helpful. Very open and honest, he was flexible and helpful. I will definitely give him a call on our next trip to the Keys. If you are wondering whether or not you should rent well let me put you over the top, rent with Todd! Best deal and service in we have found!
I would definitly rebook with them. The staff was great! They fully went over the boat and where everything was located. The boat it self was clean and in great shape and with a full tank of gas. The marina itself was well taken care of and very clean.
Despite the name, Marathon, Florida is a place to go boating, not running. Leave your gym shoes and workout clothes at home — pack your boat shoes, swimsuit, and fishing gear instead! This lesser-known gem of the Florida Keys offers world-class fishing in a small neighborhood community, and here are GetMyBoat’s Top Picks for enjoying all the best of the boat life in Marathon.
Nestled into the middle of the gorgeous Florida Keys, the small city of Marathon is actually spread out across 13 little islands, with gorgeous beaches, barrier reefs, and boating opportunities across all of them. Explore around the shorelines on your boat day, and you might see loggerhead turtles near Coco Plum Beach, mature mangroves growing along the shoreline of Curry Hammock State Park, and, if you’re lucky, even wild dolphins. Looking to make a world-class catch? Head out into the gulf waters for a day of deep-sea fishing.
All-day rentals are the average duration for GetMyBoat bookings in Marathon. No surprise, given that there’s so much to explore in the Marathon area, in addition to its great access to the rest of the Florida Keys.
These two months are the most popular boat rental months in Marathon, accounting for 44% of the annual total, though there’s a fairly even spread the rest of the year thanks to the Keys’ year-round boating season.
It’s year-round! The consistently warm temperatures and ample sunshine make it possible to rent a boat at virtually any time of year. Hurricane season runs from June to November, but unless you see a hurricane in the forecast, chances are that it’s still a good time to rent a boat.
There’s never a bad time, really. The summer will have the most going on, of course, but the winter months are actually quite nice. Florida natives will consider it “cold” during that time, but if you’re visiting from a truly cold part of the country, the high 60º to low 70º temperatures will feel downright balmy, and you won’t have the sticky humidity of the summer months.
We like going between March and May, when you’ll get both warm temperatures and off-peak rates. Since the summer can be very hot and humid, be prepared to spend time in the water if you’re visiting between June and September.
In a word: perfect. The water temperature is always comfortably warm, in a consistent range between 71ºF–79ºF (or 22ºC–26ºC), with July typically being the warmest month for the water.
Temperature
77 °FWater temp.
75 °FHumidity
74 %Pressure
1020 hPaWind
ENE 17.19 f/secVisibility
15 miCloudiness
19 %Marathon is a small town with fewer people relative to the rest of Florida, so the boat rental options in town are more limited simply due to population. You’ll primarily find fishing-ready power boats and pontoons on GetMyBoat in Marathon, though if you expand your search to a broader Florida Keys area, you’ll find everything from pontoons to luxury motor yachts, sailing catamarans, fishing boats, and jet skis. All are available to rent for enjoying Marathon on the water.
Here’s more information on the average prices for different types of boat rentals on GetMyBoat, and what you can expect to pay for boating experiences in Marathon.
Marathon has so much to offer — where to even begin planning your itinerary for when you’re in town? Here’s a start. We’ve pulled some of our favorite local spots for every aspect of a Marathon getaway, like boat-up restaurants to experience the “dock & dine” lifestyle. And that’s just the beginning of all the amazing boating destinations, spread all throughout the surrounding waters.
Are you visiting Marathon for a special occasion? Make the party planning easy and book a party boat for an unforgettable celebration. A captained boat charter makes a Marathon Booze Cruise much safer — so hire a professional to keep your group safe while having a ton of fun on the water.
Marathon, Florida is renowned as a fishing destination, and once you book a Marathon fishing charter, get out onto the water, and cast off, you’ll quickly see why. Whether you head north into the shores of the gulf, or out into the deep waters of the Atlantic, you’ll find that the waters around Marathon are bountiful with wildlife, including some very prized trophy fish.
A captain-included fishing charter is, in our opinion, the ideal experience if you’re new to the area or new to fishing in general, Most charters include all of the fishing equipment you need — ice, coolers, rod, reels, bait, safety equipment, licenses, and more — though be sure to check with your captain for the details of your booking ahead of time.
Of course, if you’re an experienced boater looking for the freedom to navigate your own vessel, a bareboat rental where you can be your own captain and spend the day fishing in the pristine waters of Marathon is an option too.
Wildlife spotting in the Florida Keys is a unique experience, since there are so many species here that you’re not likely to see anywhere else. So when you’re out on your boat, keep your eyes peeled for some incredible wildlife, both in the water and lurking around the shore. Some of the best wildlife-spotting areas in Marathon, Florida, are Fat Deer Key and Long Point Key.
A few things you might see: Iguanas, parrotfish, manatees, brown pelicans, ospreys, loggerhead sea turtles, stingrays, and more!
The Florida Keys are a fragile ecosystem, and wildlife conservation is of utmost importance for all boaters. 20 different endangered species live in the Florida Keys, and many of them are marine and susceptible to harm by irresponsible boaters. When boating in Marathon, make sure you pay attention to posted signs and local regulations, especially in shallow waters, to ensure you aren’t disturbing conservation efforts.
If you’re boating with a captain who’s already licensed, then no. Fishing charters are required to have an FWC charter captain or boat license to cover their passengers, who are not required to have a recreational fishing license themselves. But that means if you’re captaining your own boat, you do need to make sure you get yourself a license before you cast off.
A license allows you to fish for saltwater fish, crabs, clams, marine plants, or other saltwater organisms, but you do need a special additional permit to fish for snook, lobster, and tarpon.
To be eligible for a fishing license, you need to be at least 16 years old. Children under 16 years of age do not need a fishing license, but must abide by all fishing regulations.
You can buy a Florida fishing license ahead of your fishing charter in several places:
Or, any of the below marine and tackle shops will be able to help you get all set up with a license before you head off and cast out.
The Tackle Box
1901 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050
(305) 289-0540
Marathon Bait & Tackle
3740 Oversea Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050
(305) 289-2248
West Marine
2109 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050
(305) 289-1009
Seven Mile Fly Shop
1638 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050
(305) 440-3406
You’ve got a few options, and the USD costs vary accordingly.
Type of License | Rate |
---|---|
Resident Annual | $17.00 |
Resident 5-Year | $79.00 |
Non-Resident Annual | $47.00 |
Non-Resident 3-Day | $17.00 |
Non-Resident 7-Day | $30.00 |
3-day, 7- day, and annual saltwater fishing licenses are available for non-residents, and annual, and 5-year fishing licenses are available for Florida residents.
GetMyBoat is the world’s largest boat rental and water experience marketplace. We connect more people to boat rental services than any other company. Our mobile app available for iOS and Android makes it possible to find and book boating experiences right on your phone.
You can access thousands of professional boat captains and companies to help plan your perfect day on the water. GetMyBoat’s 24/7 customer service team is always available to help with any step in the booking process. We also enable you to read real user reviews and see photos added from past users, so you can book with confidence that you’re choosing a 5-star boat rental or water experience.
GetMyBoat is committed to taking the lowest booking fees in the industry to save the customer money in pursuit of their perfect day on the water.
A boat charter (vs. a boat rental) includes a professional captain to drive the boat. Frequently, it also includes crew members to provide services to the passengers, like food and beverage, as well as being there to assist the captain. The number of crew members working a boat charter will depend on the size of the vessel and the number of guests onboard.
A boat charter with a licensed, professional captain is the best option for inexperienced boaters or people unfamiliar with the waterways they wish to explore. A captain can provide an amazing experience on a private boat rental and help make the experience safer and more relaxing for boaters.
While half-day and full-day boat rentals are the most commonly booked trip durations on GetMyBoat, some boat owners and operators allow for multi-day or week-long rentals. Some owners and boat rental services offer discounted rates when you book for more than one day. Ask about weekly deals on rentals if you’re hoping to go boating for more than one day.
While it’s common to meet at a marina or public dock, boat captains and owners can often coordinate a drop off at a boat launch or ramp, or another spot if it’s more convenient. Get the exact directions to where you need to meet your boat owner/captain to determine where to pick up the vessel. Send your captain a message to clarify if you’re unsure where to go!
If you need to refuel your boat rental before you return to the dock, ask the boat rental service or owner where they recommend that you refuel. Most waterways will have several fuel stations to choose from, and often the docks that you meet at for your boat rental will also have them. Many captains and owners will take care of this for you, but it’s a good idea to ask what their specific policy is for fueling. Check out local marinas to see if they have a fuel dock.
Dogs are often welcome on boat rentals and charters — but be sure to ask first! Some boat captains do and some don’t allow pets to come along.
It’s also a good idea to do some research to make sure your pet will be okay with boating if they’ve never been before. Check out our guide for boating with your dog, and if you do decide to bring your dog along, make sure you have the appropriate lifejacket and other safety gear for them!
GetMyBoat’s mission is to make boating more accessible and affordable. To do this, we’re constantly growing our team of boat owners, captains, and operators around the world to offer a wider range of boat rentals and services at different price points. We want to provide the joys of boating to everyone - regardless of their budget.
Boat rental costs will vary depending on the size and type of boat you wish to rent. Other factors that impact the price of a boat rental include: trip duration, desired route, and itinerary. A boat rental usually costs between $50 and $150/hour but can range up to over $400/hour. Renting a boat for a few hours is usually less expensive than renting a boat for a whole day, but you can sometimes save money on the hourly rate by renting for longer - some owners and rental services offer discounted rates.
There’s no booking obligation at the inquiry stage with GetMyBoat - so you can send an inquiry message to a captain to get a price quote before you commit.
The cost of a boat rental will depend on the duration of your rental, the size of the boat, and the size of your group. Sometimes, specific itineraries (i.e., traveling far distances to get to a famous swimming spot) can add extra costs if they require additional fuel. Typically, a half-day boat rental is 4-hours, and a full-day is 8 hours. Depending on your specific needs, you can expect to pay anywhere from $250 to over $1000 for your boat rental.
Renting a boat in Marathon starts at $100 an hour for a small powerboat and goes up to $800 an hour for a luxury motor yacht.
Yacht rentals in Marathon start at around $250/hour and go up to over $1,000/hour depending on the size of the vessel, capacity, and special features.
When a captain and crew provide excellent service on the water, leaving a gratuity as a show of appreciation is a common custom. In many places, 10-20% of the rental cost is standard, but this can vary depending on where you are using boat rental services. GetMyBoat does not handle tips or gratuity payments, so please bring cash with you to tip, or many boat captains also have the option of CashApp or Venmo for leaving a tip after your boat charter.
Sometimes the boat owner/captain you are renting from will include fuel costs in the total fee charged, while others will charge on a usage basis - so depending on how much you use on your boat day. Inquire with the boat owner/captain about the typical fuel costs for your boat rental duration.
Costs for your boat rental will vary from owner to owner, so be sure to inquire about any extra costs that might not be covered in the listed price - like fuel, captain’s fees, or additional charges for unique itineraries. Your captain will let you know what to expect if there is any deviation from the price on the boat listing.
You must be at least 18 years old to rent with GetMyBoat. To operate a boat without a captain, you will need to ensure you meet the correct boating safety requirements. Boat owners and operators on GetMyBoat sometimes have their own individual age requirements for renting, so inquire with them on their minimum age when you send a booking inquiry.
To rent a jet ski independently, you have to be at least 18 years old. Often 16 & 17 year olds can operate a jet ski rental if they have a guardian present to sign a waiver for them. No one under the age of 16 should operate a jet ski without being in direct supervision of a parent or guardian.
The boat's capacity will vary depending on the captain’s licensing rules, size of the boat, style of the boat, and the location you’re renting in. Every boat listing on GetMyBoat indicates the maximum number of people allowed on the boat, so you’ll know before inquiring if it will suit your group’s size.
Whether or not you rent a boat with a captain will depend on many factors. If you do not have boating experience - it is recommended that you book a boat rental with a captain service for safety. Some locations require that renters have a licensed captain onboard operating the boat at all times. If you do have boating experience and want to rent a boat without a captain, in most locations you are able to rent it bareboat to go on your own. Ask the boat rental service provider for information on renting a boat without a captain and let them know information about your boating experience.
When you rent a boat, it’s a great idea to do some research on your own or ask the boat owner/company for recommendations if you’re not from the area. With a boat rental, popular places to venture to include sandbars, islands, beaches, coves, and waterfront restaurants. It’s a good idea to inquire with the boat owner for recommendations on what to do and advice on navigating there safely.
You do not need your own insurance to rent a boat.
Most boat owners and boat rental services will include all lifejackets and safety equipment within the price of your listing. It’s always a good idea to ask where the equipment is located onboard before you leave the dock. Your captain or the owner should give you a briefing at the beginning of your rental experience, so you’re aware of all safety features and equipment on the boat.
To rent a boat in Marathon you must be 18 years of age and have completed a boater safety education course. If you have a boating license from another state, this can apply to the requirements to rent a boat in Marathon.
Many boat safety courses are offered online and you can earn a certificate that will qualify you to rent a boat on your own. You can also often take in-person boating lessons which will teach you the necessary hands-on skills to operate a boat independently. Check out BoatEd for more information on local boating safety requirements and courses. You can also check out our Top Boating Safety Tips resources.
Boat license rules depend on your age. If you were born after 1988 you will need to complete a boat safety education course and receive a safety identification card. Check out BoatEd for more information on earning a boat safety card so you can rent a boat in Marathon. For more information please check out our Boating Laws and Regulations by State Guide and download our Boating Safety Checklist.
A Boater Education Card will cost anywhere from $0-$50 depending on the type of test you take and if you want your ID card professionally printed.
A Boating Safety Education Identification Card has no expiration date, however, the temporary safety course certificate (proof of online course completion that you can print out and use before the ID card comes) expires after 90 days.
GetMyBoat has 13 listings for boating experiences in Marathon with 21 reviews.
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