The Best Boat Rentals in Cocoa Beach

Most Cocoa Beach rentals fall between about $100 and $200 per hour for standard boats such as pontoons, deck boats, and center consoles, with private wildlife or sunset cruises often around $150 to $300 per hour. Small motor yachts and catamarans commonly run $350 to $600+ per hour depending on size and crew, while full-day charters typically range from $700 to $1,500+ based on the vessel, season, and itinerary. Rates usually include safety gear, fuel for slow cruising or a set allowance, and basic amenities like a cooler and ice; captained trips include a licensed skipper, and taxes or gratuity are usually extra. Pricing is higher on weekends, holidays, and during peak months, so booking early helps lock in better deals.

You’ll find easygoing pontoons for sandbar hopping, deck boats and bowriders for family cruising, center consoles for inshore or nearshore fishing, sailing catamarans for relaxed days under sail, and motor yachts for parties and special occasions. Many tours use covered, comfortable passenger boats designed for wildlife viewing on the Banana River and Indian River Lagoon, while larger yachts are available for milestone celebrations and longer itineraries.

It depends on your experience and the day you’re planning. Captained charters are effortless—your local skipper handles navigation, docking, wildlife-friendly routes in the Thousand Islands, and timing around tides, wind, and afternoon storms. If you want to operate the boat yourself, you’ll need to meet Florida’s boater education rules and feel confident reading shallow lagoon waters and channels. Many trip planners choose a captain for multi‑group outings so they can focus on guests, photos, and snacks while the pro runs the boat.

Common pickup points include Island Time Marina on the Cocoa Beach Causeway for Banana River access, the public ramps at Rodney S. Ketcham Park and Freddie Patrick Park in Port Canaveral for easy ocean and Intracoastal access, Kelly Park East on Merritt Island for Banana River departures, and Ramp Road Park right in Cocoa Beach near the Thousand Islands. Some captains can also arrange private dock pickups around Merritt Island and Cocoa Village—just confirm when you book.

Expect calm lagoon cruising through the Thousand Islands and Banana River with frequent sightings of bottlenose dolphins, gentle manatees in warmer months, ospreys and pelicans year‑round, and occasional bald eagles. You’ll get views of Cocoa Beach’s skyline and the historic pier from the ocean side, cruise ships transiting Port Canaveral, and on clear days you may spot NASA and Space Force launch complexes to the north. In summer, some operators offer evening cruises to look for bioluminescence in the Indian River Lagoon system on dark, moonless nights.

Florida does not have a “boating license,” but anyone born on or after January 1, 1988 must carry a Boating Safety Education ID Card or a Florida 90‑day Temporary Certificate to operate a motorboat of 10 hp or more. Visitors can take the quick temporary exam online before their trip. If you book a captained charter—and you’re only riding as a passenger—you don’t need any boater card.

Yes. Family‑friendly boats are common, and every vessel carries U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jackets in a range of sizes. Florida requires children under 6 to wear a life jacket while underway on boats under 26 feet; your captain or owner will size and fit one properly before departure. If you want extra shade, a restroom, or space for strollers and bags, choose a pontoon, covered tour boat, or larger yacht and note those needs in your booking request.

Most captains welcome BYO snacks, water, and beverages, and many provide a cooler with ice. Cans and reusable bottles are preferred over glass, especially at marinas and sandbars. Passengers of legal age may consume alcohol, but the operator must remain sober; your captain will handle this on crewed trips. If you’re planning a celebration, ask about catering drop‑offs, dockside pickup, or restaurant stops in Port Canaveral’s Cove.

Many private charters allow well‑behaved dogs, particularly on roomy pontoons and tour boats with shade. Policies vary by owner and by park or marina, so mention your pet’s size and bring a leash for dock areas and a pet life jacket if you have one. Some public launch parks around the Banana River allow leashed pets only between the vehicle and the boat and may restrict dogs in picnic or swimming zones—your captain will advise on the best plan.

From late spring through early fall, mornings are typically calmer with a higher chance of quick afternoon thunderstorms. Captains continuously monitor marine forecasts and radar and will recommend earlier departures or route changes for comfort. If unsafe weather is likely, most operators offer a no‑penalty reschedule or refund per their policy. Keep in mind that June through November is hurricane season; flexible dates are wise if you’re planning far in advance.

Start with your headcount and vibe—sunset cruise, swim stop and sandbar, wildlife tour, or dock‑and‑dine—then choose a boat with the right layout, shade, sound system, and restroom. Share your playlist and any décor or cake plans, and ask about ice, coolers, and recommended photo spots. Weekdays and morning slots are easiest for coordinating multiple families and carpools, and captained trips remove the stress of navigation so you can stay present with your group.

Peak boating runs March through August, with the busiest weekends around Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day. Thunder on Cocoa Beach, the offshore powerboat races each May, also draws big crowds and creates special marine traffic patterns along the beach. For the smoothest water and best wildlife viewing, book weekday mornings. Summer evenings are great for sunset cruises and, on dark nights, bioluminescence viewing. Shoulder months like September, October, and early December can offer calmer marinas and value pricing, weather permitting.

Yes—watching a launch from the water is a Space Coast bucket‑list experience. Book early near popular launch windows, plan extra travel time, and expect temporary safety zones and restricted areas around Port Canaveral and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Professional captains monitor Coast Guard broadcasts on VHF 16 and follow Space Launch Delta advisories, so they’ll position safely with clear sightlines while avoiding closures. Launch schedules can shift the same day due to weather or range constraints, so flexible timing is essential.