The Best Boat Rentals in Tampa Bay

Expect small powerboats and pontoons to run about $60–$150 per hour, with half-day totals commonly $300–$700 and full days $600–$1,000. Mid-size cruisers and sailboats are often $200–$350 per hour, while larger or luxury yachts typically range from $400 to $1,200+ per hour depending on size, season, and crew. Captained charters usually include a licensed captain, standard safety gear, a Bluetooth sound system, and often a cooler with ice; many also include fuel for typical sightseeing routes. Taxes, marina fees, add-on toys, and gratuity are usually extra, and exact inclusions are listed on each Getmyboat listing.

You’ll find roomy pontoons and tritoons for casual sandbar days, deck boats and jet boats for quick hops along the Riverwalk and out to the bay, center consoles for fishing and island-hopping, sailing monohulls and catamarans for laid-back cruises, and motor yachts for upscale celebrations. Choose the boat type based on your group size, desired speed and comfort, and whether you want shade, a head (bathroom), or a swim platform.

Captained trips are the most hands-off and popular for groups and celebrations—they handle routing, docking, and safety so you can relax. If you prefer to operate the boat yourself, many listings allow experienced renters to do so; you’ll need to meet the owner’s age and experience requirements and comply with Florida boater education rules. For visitors or first-time bay boaters, a captain is a stress-free way to navigate local channels, sandbars, and afternoon winds.

Common meet-up spots include the Tampa Convention Center docks on Seddon Channel along the Riverwalk, the Davis Islands Boat Ramp and nearby Marjorie Park Yacht Basin, the “Salty” Sol Fleishman (Gandy) Boat Ramp for quick access to central Tampa Bay, and the St. Petersburg Municipal Marina and St. Pete Pier courtesy docks on the west side of the bay. In south St. Pete, Maximo Park’s 24/7 boat ramps are another frequent launch for trips toward the Sunshine Skyway, Shell Key, and Egmont Key.

Typical routes showcase the downtown Tampa skyline and Riverwalk, Harbour and Davis Islands, Sparkman Wharf and Garrison Channel, then out toward the open bay for views of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. On the St. Pete side you can cruise past the St. Pete Pier, the Municipal Marina, and the historic waterfront. If conditions allow, longer trips may visit Fort De Soto’s beaches, Shell Key Preserve, or Egmont Key’s lighthouse area. Dolphins are spotted year‑round, and manatees are more common near warm-water refuges in the cooler months; your captain will keep respectful distances.

Florida doesn’t issue a traditional “boating license,” but state law requires anyone born on or after January 1, 1988 to carry a Florida Boating Safety Education ID Card or a temporary certificate to operate a boat of 10 horsepower or more. A government photo ID is also required. If you book a captained charter, you don’t need a card because you won’t be operating the vessel. Many owners also set minimum ages or experience for self-operated rentals, so check your listing’s requirements.

Yes—most charters welcome families. Every boat must carry U.S. Coast Guard‑approved life jackets sized for each passenger, and Florida law requires children under 6 to wear a life jacket while underway on vessels under 26 feet. Let your captain know the ages and sizes of kids in advance so they can load the right gear, and bring sun protection and snacks to keep little ones comfortable.

Most Tampa Bay charters are BYO for snacks and beverages, and many provide a cooler with ice. Glass is often discouraged; cans and reusable bottles are best. If you’d like to step ashore, boats can often stop where space allows near the Tampa Convention Center docks for The Sail, up the river at Rick’s on the River, or at Armature Works’ public docks. Ask your captain about timing and availability, since slips are first‑come and busy on weekends.

Many captains allow well‑behaved dogs with advance approval. Bring a leash, a towel, and a water bowl, and plan for a rinse after swimming. Note that some island stops prohibit pets ashore to protect wildlife—Egmont Key and Shell Key Preserve do not allow pets—so your captain will steer you to pet‑friendly sandbars or waterfront stops if you’re bringing a pup.

From late May into early October, Tampa Bay sees frequent afternoon thunderstorms; mornings are often calmer. Hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30, with peak activity from mid‑August to early October. If weather threatens, your captain will monitor conditions and may adjust timing, route, or reschedule. On Getmyboat, each listing’s cancellation and weather policy applies; many owners offer a reschedule or refund if conditions are unsafe, while light rain alone may not qualify. Review the policy on your listing and message the owner with any concerns before departure.

Absolutely. Pontoons and tritoons work well for casual celebrations and sandbar swims, while larger cruisers and motor yachts add space and amenities for milestone events. Share your headcount, music preferences, and any décor plans with the owner in advance—most allow light decorations but prohibit glitter or confetti. If your event falls on peak weekends or major holidays, or near Gasparilla in late January when docks and channels are very busy, lock in your boat and time slot early.

For the smoothest water and comfortable temps, October through May is ideal. Summer brings warm water and long days, but expect midday heat and pop‑up storms—morning departures are your friend. The busiest boating holidays are Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day, and late January’s Gasparilla Pirate Festival creates heavy marine traffic and limited downtown dock space. If you prefer easier parking, lighter traffic, and better selection, book weekdays and morning starts.

Two favorites are Shell Key Preserve and Egmont Key State Park, both reachable only by water. Shell Key offers clear water and quiet beaches but no facilities, and alcohol and pets are prohibited ashore. Egmont Key features an 1858 lighthouse, historic ruins, and excellent snorkeling on calm days; parts of the island close seasonally for nesting birds and there’s no fresh water on the island, so pack accordingly. En route, keep an eye out for wild dolphins, seasonal manatee sightings in cooler months, and photogenic passes near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.