Sarasota, Florida, offers gorgeous beaches and amazing boating in its bays and waterways. Cruise Little Sarasota Bay, explore Anna Maria Island, Siesta Key, Manasota Key, or Longboat Key with ease on a boat rental from Sarasota. Snorkel in the calm blue waters, bring your kids with and maybe get lucky and spot some dolphins!

Here are GetMyBoat’s top picks for things to do with a boat rental in Sarasota:

Sarasota Boat Rentals & Charters

Visiting Sarasota for a vacation, or are you a local looking to get on the water? Choose from dozens of boat rentals available here for your next day on the water. Go swimming off your boat in the calm waters of Little Sarasota Bay or cruise over to Anna Maria Island for a fantastic day trip. Admire luxurious waterfront homes, remarkable architecture, and boat docks from the comfort of your own personal charter. You can either enjoy fishing off your boat rental or book a full-service deep-sea fishing charter with a local guide and captain.

Beautiful weather and calm water make Sarasota one of the top boating destinations in the United States. With apps like GetMyBoat, boating is more accessible and affordable than many people think. In fact, in Sarasota powerboat and pontoon rentals start as low as $75/hour, so you can get out on the water without breaking the bank.

Stopping at a sandbar is one of the most popular activities for boaters cruising along the Florida coast. Anchor in shallow water, cool off from the heat and relax with family and friends. Some of the sandbars allow pets, so you can bring your furry friend along for a fun-filled day on the water. Here’s a list of our favorite sandbars in Sarasota!

• Sharker’s Island
• Big Pass
• Sand Dollar Island
• Jewfish Key Sandbar

Looking for a unique water experience in Sarasota? Why not try snorkeling through a seagrass meadow? These meadows are filled with flowering plants that have adapted to live undersea and support marine animals. If you’re lucky, you may see a manatee or sea turtle feeding on the seagrass! Don’t miss your chance to see this fascinating underwater ecosystem up close and personal.

Sarasota Fishing Charters

A fishing charter in Sarasota is the perfect way to spend your day on the water. You can sit back and relax while expert crew members take care of the navigation and logistics of the trip. Most charters include all of the fishing equipment you need, such as coolers, ice, fishing rods, rod holders, bait, tackle, etc. You can expect to catch fish like trout, snook, redfish, sheepshead, flounder, Spanish mackerel, bluefish, ladyfish, and more!

If you plan on fishing in Sarasota Bay, the Middle Grounds is the spot to be. The Middle Grounds spread over a large area of the channel leading to New Pass.

Sarasota Jet Ski Rentals

Want to have an adrenaline-filled adventure in Sarasota? Rent a jet-ski for a thrilling ride through the waves, stopping at beaches and sandbars along the way. The first step to making unforgettable memories on the water in Sarasota is to rent a pair of Yamaha jet skis for you and your travel companions.

Sarasota Weather & Seasons

The best time of year to visit Sarasota is from March to May and September to November when you’ll have warm weather, but skip the peak season crowds and prices.

Boat Launches & Docks in Sarasota

Centennial Park

This dog-friendly park has a 3 double lane boat launch and parking for boaters. Launch here and cruise out into Sarasota Bay.

Address: 1059 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236

Ken Thompson Park

This is a six-lane, concrete boat launch with four docks. There are 50 parking spaces and no launch fee.

Address: 1700 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota, FL 34236

Turtle Beach

This spot sits on the south side of Siesta Key and has two ramps. One is a bit steep, it’s a popular kayak launch spot. The park is open from 6 AM to 10 PM, and the launch is free to use. It will give boaters access to Little Sarasota Bay.

Address: 8701 Blind Pass Rd, Sarasota, FL 34242

Blackburn Point Park

This park and boat launch point is in Osprey on the south side of Little Sarasota Bay. It’s a newer boat ramp. It also offers a canoe launch, fishing pier, hiking trails, a pet-friendly park, and restrooms.

Address: 491-799 Blackburn Point Rd, Osprey, FL 34229

Coquina Beach

This launch is located in Bradenton Beach, just north of Longboat Pass. It offers ample parking and a large ramp to launch boats. There are great fishing spots in the North Sarasota Bay and Jewfish Key right by the launch.

Address: 1465 Gulf Dr. S, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217

Places of Interest Near Sarasota

Turtle Beach

This lovely beach is located on the south end of Siesta Key and is home to a sea turtle nesting habitat. Turtle Beach has one of the largest populations of loggerhead turtles along with a good number of green turtles too. Turtle Beach is beloved by many because it’s quiet and less crowded than the other beaches on Siesta Keys. Be sure to add this stop to your travel itinerary for Sarasota.

If you’re planning to stay in Siesta Keys overnight you should consider camping at Turtle Beach Campground, just steps away from the beach! The campground has 39 RV and tent sites with full hookups, free wifi, restrooms, and hot showers. Online reservations are available and encouraged.

Siesta Keys Beach

Siesta Keys Beach is just a short 20-minute drive away from Sarasota and a popular destination along the Gulf Coast. This unique public beach is filled with quartz crystal powdery white sand and is perfect for sunbathing, building sandcastles, swimming, and more! Be sure to check out the tide pools or try snorkeling while you’re visiting.

Sarasota Bay

Sarasota Bay is a lagoon located off the central west coast of Florida. The bay is the perfect destination to unwind and relax in nature. The outdoor activities are endless - visit a sandbar, snorkel in a seagrass meadow, relax on an isolated beach, or go fishing. If you’re looking for an eco-friendly tour, you can kayak through shady mangroves, searching for manatees.

South Lido Nature Park

Popular amongst tourists, South Lido Nature Park is known for its white-sand beaches and crystal clear waters. Enjoy a beach day with your loved ones, adventure out on the water via kayak, paddleboard, or canoe, or take a stroll through one of the natural trails in the park.

Dock & Dine in Sarasota - Waterfront Restaurants for Boaters

Marina Jacks

This restaurant has it all! Enjoy delicious seafood, an outdoor raw bar, and a piano bar indoors for live music. Indulge in a stuffed Maine Lobster or a sip a cocktail and watch the sunset. Pull up in your boat and eat a meal at Marina Jacks when visiting Sarasota.

Address: 2 Marina Plaza, Sarasota, FL 34236

The Boatyard Waterfront Bar and Grill

For a casual but vibrant and fun dining experience, visit the Boatyard. It’s a pierside restaurant offering seafood & cocktails right on a marina. Listen to the live music while overlooking the boats cruising on the waterfront, enjoy some peel-and-eat shrimp or fish tacos while drinking a tropical cocktail. Every seat has a great view at the Boatyard Waterfront Bar and Grill.

Address: 1500 Stickney Point Rd, Sarasota, FL 34231

O’Leary’s Tiki Bar & Grill

Drink a beer and eat some fried shrimp while enjoying beachfront views and seating. O’Learys offers a variety of both seafood and American cuisine, a full bar, and live music. You can enjoy your meal right on the beach with their outdoor seating options.

Address: 5 Bayfront Dr, Sarasota, FL 34236

Marinas, Gas Stations & Services in Sarasota

Safe Harbor Siesta Key

One-stop shop for all of your boating needs in Sarasota. Safe Harbor offers dry storage, marine services, a fuel dock, ship store, and waterside restaurant, Spearfish Grill, attached to the marina. Safe Harbor can help boaters of all experiences and needs in Sarasota.

Address: 1265 Old Stickney Point Rd, Sarasota, FL 34242

Hidden Harbor Marina

This small marina is in a convenient location and offers both indoor and outdoor dry storage, concierge service, and fuel service of ValvTect gasoline for marine engines.

Address: 7700 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34231

Sara Bay Marina

This is a full-service facility with wet slips and dry storage. Sara Bay offers boat maintenance services and a full parts department, as well as boat sales.

Address: 7040 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34243

Top Destinations Nearby Sarasota

Venice

Just a 35-minute drive away from Sarasota is Venice, Florida. Spend a relaxing day at Venice Beach, go snorkeling or diving at the off-shore coral reef, or visit Caspersen Beach, where you can find an abundance of shark teeth. Catch an iconic sunset at Venice Fishing Pier for the perfect way to close out the day.

Bradenton Beach

Bradenton Beach is the southernmost city on Anna Maria Island and is well-known for its historic fishing piers, fresh seafood, and sugary sand beaches. Embark on a fishing charter, dine at a waterfront restaurant, or spend the day cruising along the Gulf Coast on a boat rental.

Sarasota Boat Rental FAQs

How much does it cost to rent a boat in Sarasota?

Boat rentals in Sarasota cost between $65/hour for a budget powerboat and can go up in price to $2,000/day for a luxury sportfishing charter.

How is the fishing in Sarasota?

Fishing is a great activity to try in Sarasota. Fishing charters and fishing boat rentals cost between $200 and $2000 per day, with lots of different options depending on the fishing experience you’re looking for in Sarasota.