The Best Boat Rentals in Palm Beach

Expect small motorboats and pontoons to run roughly $80–$150 per hour, with easy half-day outings landing around $350–$700. Center consoles, deck boats, and inshore fishing trips commonly cost about $100–$250 per hour. Mid-size cruisers and smaller yachts (about 35–55 feet) are often $250–$600 per hour with multi-hour minimums, while larger luxury yachts can range from about $600 to $1,200+ per hour. Most listings include U.S. Coast Guard–required safety gear and basic amenities like a cooler with ice and bottled water; fuel, a professional captain, and gratuity may be included or itemized—always check the specific listing before you book. (getmyboat.com, hkcoastalboatrental.com)

You’ll find a wide mix for any plan: comfortable pontoons and deck boats for sandbar days, center consoles for cruising or nearshore fishing, classic sailboats for a relaxed afternoon, and motor yachts—including flybridge and catamaran options—for celebrations and sightseeing.

If you want a stress-free day with local route planning, docking, and safety handled for you, book a captained charter. If you prefer to drive, Florida requires anyone born on or after January 1, 1988 to complete an approved boating safety course and carry a Boating Safety Education ID card to operate a motorboat of 10 hp or more; many visitors opt for a temporary certificate. Captained trips don’t require you to hold this card since your licensed captain is at the helm.

Common departure points include the Town of Palm Beach Marina on the island, Palm Harbor Marina in downtown West Palm Beach, Sailfish Marina in Palm Beach Shores by the inlet, and Riviera Beach Marina Village near Peanut Island. Public ramps like Phil Foster Park in Riviera Beach are also popular, while the Currie Park boat ramps in West Palm Beach are closed for renovation until approximately spring 2027. Always confirm your exact meet-up point with your captain after booking. (townofpalmbeachmarina.com, palmharbor-marina.com, sailfishmarina.com, marinavillagepalmbeach.com, discover.pbcgov.org, wptv.com)

Most sightseeing routes cruise the calm Lake Worth Lagoon past Palm Beach’s waterfront estates, the Flagler Museum (Whitehall) on the island’s lagoon side, and the Royal Park and Southern Boulevard bridges, with optional runs to the Lake Worth (Palm Beach) Inlet for Atlantic views. Many itineraries include a stop or pass by Peanut Island for snorkeling and sandbar lounging, and in winter you may spot manatees near the warm-water outflows by Manatee Lagoon in Riviera Beach. Wildlife sightings can include dolphins, rays, and sea turtles. (flaglermuseum.us, sailfishmarina.com, discover.pbcgov.org, visitmanateelagoon.com)

Florida doesn’t issue a traditional “boating license,” but anyone born on or after January 1, 1988 must complete an approved safety course and carry a Florida Boating Safety Education ID card (or a NASBLA‑approved out‑of‑state equivalent) to operate a motorboat of 10 hp or more. Temporary certificates are available if you’re visiting. If you book a captained charter, your captain handles the operation and you won’t need this card.

Yes—family outings are common, and boats provide U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jackets for every passenger. Florida law requires children under age six to wear a life jacket while underway on vessels less than 26 feet. If you have infants or toddlers, tell your captain the ages and weights in advance so the right sizes are onboard.

Most private charters allow you to bring snacks, meals, and beverages, and many provide coolers with ice; glass containers are often discouraged. If you plan to go ashore at Peanut Island, note that alcohol is prohibited there by county park rules and shuttle operators enforce this, so keep any adult beverages aboard your private vessel. Always confirm food and beverage policies with your captain before departure.

Many captains welcome well‑behaved dogs—just confirm when you request your booking. If you’re stopping at Peanut Island, pets are allowed on leash in designated areas; bring water, shade, and waste bags, and follow posted park rules.

South Florida can see quick pop‑up showers and summer afternoon thunderstorms. Captains monitor marine forecasts and will advise if a delay or reschedule is needed. Weather‑related cancellations and refunds follow the individual owner’s policy on the platform; many offer a full refund or new date when conditions are unsafe, while light rain may not qualify.

Absolutely. Calm lagoon waters, easy sandbar stops at Peanut Island, and a wide range of yachts and catamarans make Palm Beach ideal for milestone celebrations. For spring trips, note that downtown hosts the Palm Beach International Boat Show along Flagler Drive, which can affect traffic and dock access—book early and coordinate your meetup spot with your captain. (thepalmbeaches.com, pbboatshow.com)

Boating is year‑round, but peak season is generally November through May for sunny, drier weather and calmer seas. Summer brings warm water and long days, though brief afternoon thunderstorms are common. Holiday weekends like Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day are the busiest on the water—book well in advance, aim for mornings when winds and boat traffic are lighter, and consider weekdays for easier docking and better rates. If you’ll be in town in March, the Palm Beach International Boat Show is a major waterfront event.

For hassle‑free meetups, captains frequently use the Town of Palm Beach Marina (on the island), Palm Harbor Marina (downtown West Palm Beach), Sailfish Marina (closest to the inlet on Palm Beach Shores), and Riviera Beach Marina Village (gateway to Peanut Island). Public access is available at Phil Foster Park’s 24‑hour boat ramps; Currie Park ramps are closed through a multi‑year renovation. Your confirmation will include the exact pickup point and parking details. (townofpalmbeachmarina.com, palmharbor-marina.com, sailfishmarina.com, marinavillagepalmbeach.com, discover.pbcgov.org, wptv.com)

Peanut Island is the signature stop for clear‑water snorkeling and an easygoing sandbar scene, especially near high tide. Farther north, Munyon Island in John D. MacArthur Beach State Park is a serene mangrove island with day‑use docks—great for picnics and a nature walk. In winter (roughly November 15 to March 31), manatees often gather near the warm‑water outflows by Manatee Lagoon in Riviera Beach, and you may spot them as you cruise the Lake Worth Lagoon. (floridarambler.com, macarthurbeach.org, visitmanateelagoon.com)