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Bradenton offers a variety of boat rental options including pontoon boats, center consoles, deck boats, jet skis, and captained yachts for private charters or group outings.
Boat rentals in Bradenton typically start around $250–$350 for a half-day on a pontoon or center console. Full-day rentals and captained charters can range from $500 to over $1,000 depending on the vessel type and season.
Yes, many boats in Bradenton are available with a licensed captain. This is ideal for those who want a stress-free experience or don’t have a boating license.
If you were born after January 1, 1988, Florida law requires you to complete a boater safety course to operate a motorized vessel. Alternatively, you can rent a boat with a captain and skip the license requirement.
Common launch points include Kingfish Boat Ramp, Warner’s Bayou Boat Ramp, and the public docks near De Soto National Memorial. Many captained charters depart from marinas in nearby Anna Maria Island or Palmetto.
Top boating destinations include the Manatee River, Palma Sola Bay, Egmont Key, Beer Can Island, and the Intracoastal Waterway around Anna Maria Island. Dolphins and manatees are often spotted in these areas.
Popular on-the-water activities include fishing, island hopping, dolphin watching, tubing, sunset cruising, and anchoring off sandbars for swimming and relaxing. Some rentals include gear for snorkeling or paddleboarding.
Yes, both half-day (usually 4 hours) and full-day (8 hours) rentals are available. Some captained tours also offer 2-hour sunset or sightseeing cruises.
Bradenton’s boating season runs year-round, but the best weather is from March through May and October through early December. Summer is also popular, but expect warmer temps and afternoon thunderstorms.
Yes, pontoon boats and captained tours are great options for families. Many rentals offer shade, swim ladders, Bluetooth speakers, and safety gear suitable for kids.