The Best Boat Rentals in Sanibel Island

Expect small center consoles and deck boats to run about $300–$600 for a full day, with half‑day options often $200–$400. Pontoons and tritoons commonly fall in a similar $300–$500 per day range. Captained sightseeing or dolphin cruises typically start around $120–$250 per hour depending on group size and boat, while larger yachts and sailing catamarans can range from roughly $300–$800+ per hour. Most rentals include required U.S. Coast Guard safety gear, a Bimini shade, and basic navigation; many also provide a cooler and sometimes ice. Taxes, fuel, and captain’s gratuity (for captained trips) are usually extra.

You’ll find an easy mix to fit your day: comfortable pontoons and tritoons for relaxed cruising and sandbar stops, versatile deck boats for families, center consoles for fishing and island‑hopping, sailing catamarans for smooth sunset sails, and motor yachts for celebrations. Listings are available both bareboat and captained, with most private charters customizable by route and duration.

Florida doesn’t issue a traditional “boating license,” but anyone born on or after January 1, 1988 must carry either a Florida Boating Safety Education ID Card or a 90‑day temporary boating safety certificate to operate a vessel of 10 hp or more. Visitors can take an approved 25‑question online exam and receive the temporary certificate immediately. Bring a photo ID with your proof of completion. If you book a captained charter, you’re a passenger—no course or card is required.

Pick a captained charter if you want a stress‑free day with a local expert handling routes, sandbar anchoring, tides, and navigating the shoals and markers of Pine Island Sound. It’s ideal for celebrations and larger groups. Choose a self‑operated rental if you’re comfortable at the helm and want maximum flexibility. If you’re on the fence, consider a half‑day captained tour first; many captains will tailor the itinerary and even suggest dock‑and‑dine stops.

Common departure points include Sanibel Marina on N. Yachtsman Drive on the island’s east end, Port Sanibel Marina just across the causeway in Fort Myers, and two Captiva options—’Tween Waters Marina and McCarthy’s Marina in Captiva Village—for trips into Pine Island Sound and up toward Cayo Costa. The Punta Rassa Boat Ramp at the base of the causeway has reopened with limited amenities, so some operators and delivery rentals may meet you there as well.

Typical outings cruise San Carlos Bay and Pine Island Sound past the Sanibel Lighthouse and causeway, with frequent dolphin sightings and seasonal manatees in the calmer back‑bay waters. Many charters add shelling stops on remote beaches and sandbars, or island‑hop to places like Cayo Costa’s undeveloped shoreline and the classic “Old Florida” outpost of Cabbage Key for lunch.

Yes. Reputable rentals and charters supply U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jackets sized for children and adults, plus required safety equipment. Florida law requires that children under 6 wear a life jacket while a vessel under 26 feet is underway, and every boat must carry a properly fitting life jacket for each person on board. Tell your captain the ages and approximate weights of children so they bring the best sizes.

Most private charters are BYO for snacks and beverages, and many boats include a cooler with ice. If you’d like to dock‑and‑dine, popular options include the Lighthouse Waterfront Restaurant at Port Sanibel for views over the bay or a classic lunch run to Cabbage Key. Check your specific listing for any glass or red‑wine restrictions, and pack reef‑safe sunscreen and plenty of water.

Pet policies vary by boat. Many private charters welcome well‑behaved dogs, sometimes with a small cleaning fee or weight limit, while others are pet‑free. If you plan to bring a pup, filter for pet‑friendly listings, confirm in advance, and bring a non‑slip mat, water bowl, and an appropriately sized pet life jacket.

Summer in Southwest Florida can bring brief afternoon thunderstorms and breezy sea‑breezes; mornings are typically calmer. If a captain determines conditions are unsafe, trips are usually rescheduled or refunded per the listing’s policy. Each Getmyboat listing sets its own cancellation terms, so review them before you book and keep an eye on the forecast. Building in flexibility (earlier departures or weekday dates) helps you pivot around pop‑up showers.

Absolutely. Captains here regularly host birthdays, bachelorette groups, family reunions, and small corporate outings. Smaller private boats typically carry up to 6 guests, while inspected vessels can take up to 12 or more. Share your headcount, desired vibe (chill cruise, swim stops, or sandbar party), and any décor or catering ideas when you inquire, and book early for holiday weekends.

The peak boating season runs roughly December through April with warm, drier weather and lower rain chances. May through September brings hotter temps and daily pop‑up storms, so morning departures shine. The busiest boating holidays are Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day; expect heavier traffic on the water and around launch points, and reserve well ahead. Notable local events include the Sanibel Shell Festival in early March and city fireworks on July 4th, often viewed from the causeway and surrounding bays—great reasons to plan a special cruise. Weekdays are usually less crowded than weekends, and mornings are typically the smoothest rides.

Yes. Favorite routes include shelling on Cayo Costa’s wild Gulf‑side beaches (accessed by private boat), lunch at Cabbage Key, and a chill stop at Picnic Island near the causeway for swimming and sandbar time. Along the way, you’ll often spot dolphins surfing the wake and ospreys working the mangroves. Your captain can time tides and winds to make each stop easy and unrushed.