The Best Boat Rentals in Pompano Beach

Expect smaller powerboats like deck boats, bowriders, and pontoons to run roughly $60–$150 per hour, depending on size, season, and day of the week. Captained cruising yachts commonly range from about $200–$500 per hour, while larger luxury yachts can be $600–$1,200+ per hour. Half-day outings on smaller boats often land around $600–$1,200 total; full-day private charters on bigger yachts can be $1,500–$3,000+ before extras. Many captained trips include the captain, basic safety gear, and a cooler with ice and water; some also include fuel. Taxes, marina or cleaning fees, premium beverages, and gratuity are typically separate. Always check your specific listing for what’s included so there are no surprises on the dock.

You’ll find an easy mix to match your plan: pontoons and deck boats for casual sandbar time, center consoles and sportfish boats for nearshore and offshore runs, sleek bowriders for Intracoastal cruising, sailing boats and catamarans for relaxed wind-powered days, and motor yachts for celebrations with indoor cabins, shade, and spacious decks. If you want a low-stress experience, choose a captained charter; confident boaters can book self-operated options where available.

Florida doesn’t issue a traditional “boating license,” but if you were born on or after January 1, 1988 and plan to operate a motorboat of 10 hp or more, you’ll need to complete an approved boating safety course and carry your Florida Boating Safety Education ID Card (or a recognized equivalent). Visitors can also take a temporary certificate exam for short trips. If you book a captained charter, the captain operates the vessel and you won’t need to meet the operator requirement.

Common meet-up points include Sands Harbor Resort & Marina on North Riverside Drive, the Alsdorf Park/14th Street Causeway public boat ramps, Hillsboro Inlet Fishing Center/Marina near the Hillsboro Inlet Bridge, and Aquamarina Hidden Harbour off NE 15th Street. Your captain will confirm exact pickup details and any parking guidance after you book.

Intracoastal cruises glide past waterfront homes in Lighthouse Point, under drawbridges like the 14th Street Causeway and Atlantic Boulevard, and by the Fisher Family Pier and the Pompano Beach Fishing Village. Many trips also pass the Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse, one of South Florida’s most iconic beacons. On calm ocean days you might run out the inlet for coastal views or skirt the nearshore reef line; keep an eye out for dolphins, seasonal manatees in winter, sea turtles, rays, and diving birds.

A captained charter comes with a licensed local captain who handles navigation, docking, and routing so your group can relax. It’s the most popular choice for celebrations, first-timers, and visitors unfamiliar with bridges, tides, and local boating patterns. Self-operated (bareboat) rentals are available on some smaller boats if you want to drive yourself and meet the operator requirements; they’re best for experienced boaters who know the waterways and are comfortable with traffic and bridge openings.

Yes—families are welcome. Every vessel supplies U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jackets for all passengers, with child sizes available when requested in advance. In Florida, children under 6 must wear a life jacket while underway on vessels under 26 feet, and it’s a good idea to have kids wear them anytime on deck. Let your captain know the ages and sizes of children so the right gear is ready, and consider shade, snacks, and sunscreen for comfort.

Most charters are BYO for food and beverages, and many provide a cooler with ice and bottled water. Cans and plastic are preferred over glass; if glass is allowed, keep it secured and avoid breakables on deck. Some captains can arrange catering or restaurant dock-and-dine stops. If you plan to celebrate with wine or cocktails, sip responsibly and confirm onboard rules at booking—policies vary by vessel and marina.

Plenty of boats welcome well-behaved dogs with advance notice, though size limits and cleaning fees may apply, and some luxury yachts keep a no-pet policy. If your pup is joining, bring a canine life jacket, a nonslip mat, fresh water, and a leash for docks. Tell your captain about pets when you inquire so they can recommend the right boat and pickup location.

Pompano Beach enjoys year-round boating. Summer (roughly mid-May to mid-October) brings hot temps and pop-up afternoon thunderstorms, and hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30. Captains monitor marine forecasts and will postpone or cancel if conditions are unsafe; most offer rescheduling or weather-based refunds per the listing’s policy. If you’re boating in summer, mornings and sunset trips are typically smoother and cooler.

For the calmest weather, November through April is the sweet spot, with warm days and lower rain chances. Summer is great for warm water and sandbar time but expect more afternoon storms. Holiday weekends—Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day—sell out early, as do dates around the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show in late October/early November. December’s Greater Pompano Beach Holiday Boat Parade draws big crowds and involves bridge openings along the Intracoastal, so plan around that evening if you need to cross. Weekdays are less crowded, mornings are usually smoother, and sunset cruises are a local favorite year-round.

Absolutely. Pompano Beach is set up for easy celebrations—choose a captained yacht or spacious pontoon, bring your playlist, and let your captain handle the route. Popular plans include scenic Intracoastal cruises, a photo stop by the Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse, and anchoring at a sandbar for swimming. Keep décor simple and eco-friendly (no confetti or loose glitter), confirm max passenger counts when you book, and ask about ice, coolers, floating mats, and Bluetooth speakers so everything’s ready on arrival.

Yes. Many captained trips head to the Lake Boca sandbar for shallow, clear water and a lively social scene on weekends, with quieter vibes midweek. Closer to the inlet, you’ll cruise by the Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse—a classic photo spot. Divers and snorkelers know Pompano for Shipwreck Park and its art-adorned wrecks offshore; even if you’re not diving, your captain can cruise the coastline for a look at the area that makes Pompano a South Florida favorite.