The Best Boat Rentals in Saint Petersburg

Most pontoons and deck boats in Saint Petersburg run about $60–$120 per hour, with half-day outings commonly $350–$600 and full days around $700–$1,200. Party tritoons and double-decker slide boats tend to be $100–$150 per hour. Center consoles and fishing boats are often $90–$160 per hour depending on size and gear. Sailboats and catamarans typically range from $250–$400 per hour, while motor yachts are usually $300–$600+ per hour and luxury yachts can exceed $1,000 per hour. Prices on Getmyboat usually include safety gear and basic equipment; captained charters often include ice, coolers, fuel allowances, and float mats, while self-operated rentals may charge separately for fuel. Taxes, cleaning, and captain gratuity are additional.

You’ll find an easy mix of comfortable pontoons and deck boats for sandbar days, center consoles for dolphin cruising and fishing, sailboats and catamarans for a relaxed sail on Tampa Bay, and a range of motor yachts for celebrations. Many boats are offered with a professional captain, and there are also plenty of straightforward, easy-to-drive options if you prefer to operate the boat yourself.

Both options are available. If you want a turnkey day—no navigation, no docking—book a captained charter and let a local pro handle the route and weather calls. Confident boaters can choose a self-operated rental; just make sure you meet Florida’s operator requirements and feel comfortable with local channels and sandbars. Many planners choose captained trips for groups and special occasions because it keeps the day effortless.

Popular pickup points include St. Petersburg Municipal Marina by the St. Pete Pier in the Central Yacht Basin, Harborage Marina at Bayboro near downtown, Maximo Marina in the Skyway Marina District, and Tierra Verde Marina Resort on the way to Fort De Soto. Some captains also stage trips from the Fort De Soto boat ramp or from nearby spots like John’s Pass for easy access to Boca Ciega Bay and the Gulf.

Expect skyline views of downtown and the St. Pete Pier, pods of playful dolphins in Tampa Bay, the sweeping arches of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, and sandy islands like Shell Key Preserve and Egmont Key’s historic lighthouse and fort remnants. Along Boca Ciega Bay you’ll find calm coves and sandbars perfect for swimming and floating.

Florida requires anyone born on or after January 1, 1988 to carry a Boating Safety Education ID Card (or a Florida-recognized temporary certificate) when operating a vessel with 10 horsepower or more. Many visitors quickly take the approved 90‑day temporary certificate online before their trip. If you book with a captain, you do not need to operate the boat yourself.

Yes—families are welcome. Every vessel carries U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jackets for all ages, and captains can supply child and infant sizes with a heads‑up during booking. Florida law requires children under six to wear a life jacket while underway on vessels under 26 feet, and your captain or owner will brief you on safe seating and swim-stop guidelines.

Most boats allow BYO snacks, picnic spreads, and beverages. Many captains provide coolers and ice; glass is often discouraged for safety. You can plan a dock-and-dine stop at the St. Pete Pier or other waterfront spots, and short-term courtesy docks near the Pier make restaurant breaks easy when space is available. Always confirm policies and any catering options with your host.

Many boats are dog-friendly with prior approval and a pet fee, especially for calm, well-behaved dogs. Note that pets are not permitted on Egmont Key or within Shell Key Preserve, while Fort De Soto has a designated dog beach area if you want a shoreside romp. Bring a non-slip mat, water bowl, and a canine life jacket if your pup is coming aboard.

Summer afternoons can bring quick thunderstorms, while winter fronts can create breezy conditions. Captains monitor radar and will adjust timing or routes for comfort and safety. Getmyboat listings each have a cancellation policy; many hosts will reschedule or refund for unsafe conditions, but light rain alone may not qualify. If severe weather or marine advisories are in effect, your captain will guide the plan and help you rebook.

Absolutely. Captained pontoons, double-decker party boats with slides, and mid-size yachts make group logistics simple. Captains can customize routes for sandbar time, a waterfront lunch, or a sunset cruise under the Skyway Bridge lights. Tell your host the occasion and headcount, and they can suggest the right boat, cooler setup, and timing to avoid crowds.

The prime boating window runs roughly March through September for warm water and long days, with afternoon sea breezes and occasional pop-up storms. Winter remains pleasant for sightseeing and dolphin watching but can be breezier. Major boating holidays—Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day—are bustling on the water and should be booked early. Local events like the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg in late February or early March and July 4th fireworks near the Pier can affect marina access and create spectacular viewing from the water. For smoother seas and easier parking, choose weekdays over weekends and aim for morning departures; sunsets are gorgeous but book up fast.

Two local favorites are Shell Key Preserve for clear water and sandbar swimming, and Egmont Key for pristine beaches, a historic lighthouse, and trails among old Fort Dade remnants—both are boat‑access only. Closer to downtown, a sunset run to the Sunshine Skyway Bridge is a showstopper, especially after dark when the bridge lighting comes alive. Your captain can tailor a loop that mixes wildlife spotting, island time, and a city-skyline cruise.