The Best Boat Rentals in Deerfield Beach

Expect self-operated pontoons and deck boats to start around $60–$100 per hour, with many trips running $250–$600 for a 3–6 hour outing. Center consoles for cruising or light fishing typically range $150–$300 per hour. Captained cruising yachts are commonly $250–$500 per hour, while larger luxury yachts can be $800–$1,200+ per hour. Sailboat charters often fall near $200–$400 per hour. Many listings include safety gear, a cooler with ice and bottled water, Bluetooth speakers, and basic fuel for bay/Intracoastal cruising; captained trips may bundle the captain’s fee and fuel, while others list them separately. Taxes, gratuity, marina/parking fees, and add-ons like float mats or snorkeling sets are usually extra. Prices vary by boat size, day of week, and season on Getmyboat’s Deerfield Beach page.

You’ll find a wide mix suited to the Intracoastal and nearby ocean: roomy pontoons and deck boats for sandbar days, center consoles for cruising and nearshore fishing, sailboats and sailing catamarans for a relaxed afternoon under sail, and motor yachts for birthdays and bachelorettes. Boats that are easy to board and have shade are popular for family groups headed to the sandbar or a lighthouse cruise.

If you want a hands-off, stress-free day—especially with a celebration or mixed-age group—a captained charter is the simplest option. A licensed local skipper manages bridges, no‑wake zones, tides, and changing weather, and can route you to highlights like the lighthouse and sandbars. Experienced boaters often choose self-operated pontoons or deck boats for calm Intracoastal cruising; if you plan to go offshore through the Hillsboro Inlet, a captain is strongly recommended due to currents and ocean conditions.

Common pickup points include the Pioneer Park Boat Ramp (city ramp on the Hillsboro Canal/Intracoastal), and the docks by Sullivan Park on the Intracoastal in Deerfield Beach. Nearby launch spots frequently used by captains include Alsdorf Park Boat Ramp on NE 14th Street Causeway in Pompano Beach, Silver Palm Park’s public boat ramp in Boca Raton on Palmetto Park Road, and Hillsboro Inlet Park/Marina by the lighthouse in Pompano Beach. Exact meeting points are coordinated in your Getmyboat messages based on your boat, bridges, and tides.

Intracoastal cruises deliver close-up views of the Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse, mansions along Hillsboro Mile (often called “Millionaires’ Mile”), and mangrove-fringed shores around Deerfield Island Park. Many trips stop at Lake Boca (Boca Lake) for shallow, clear sandbar water that’s perfect for swimming. On calmer days, you may see sea turtles offshore during nesting season and dolphins or manatees in the Intracoastal, along with a waterside perspective of the Deerfield Beach shoreline and pier area.

Florida requires anyone born on or after January 1, 1988 to complete an approved boater safety course and carry a Florida Boating Safety Education ID Card to operate a motorboat of 10 hp or more. Visitors who don’t have it can take a short online exam for a 90‑day temporary certificate before their rental. If you book a captained charter, no license is needed for guests—the captain operates the vessel.

Yes—most captains welcome families. U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jackets are provided for every passenger, and children under 6 must wear a life jacket at all times while underway on boats under 26 feet. Let your captain know the ages and approximate weights of children in advance so the right sizes are ready; infants and toddler vests are often available if requested early. Strollers and soft-sided diaper bags are fine on most boats.

BYO snacks and beverages are typically fine, and many boats include a cooler with ice. Most captains allow alcohol for adult passengers; the operator must remain sober, and the crew may limit glass containers for safety. If you’re meeting at a city park or ramp, remember that on‑shore rules differ (some parks prohibit alcohol or pets on land even if they’re allowed on the boat). Ask your captain about catering, restaurant dock-and-dine stops, and any restrictions like no red wine or glitter.

Pet policies vary by boat. Small, well‑behaved dogs are commonly allowed on private charters; check your listing and confirm ahead of time. Bring a leash, a towel, and a collapsible water bowl, and plan for shade. Note that some meeting spots on land restrict animals, even if your pet is welcome aboard, so you may need to load directly at the dock and avoid bringing pets ashore during the trip.

South Florida weather can change quickly—summer often brings brief afternoon thunderstorms and most of hurricane season runs June through November. Captains monitor conditions and will reschedule or cancel if it’s unsafe. On Getmyboat, cancellations (including for weather) follow the individual owner’s policy; many offer flexible rebooking or a refund if conditions are unsafe, but always review the policy in your offer and keep communication open with your captain the day before and morning of your trip.

Absolutely. Captained pontoons, deck boats, sailing catamarans, and motor yachts regularly host celebrations, with easy add‑ons like float mats, ice, and curated routes to the lighthouse or the sandbar. Most boats allow simple decorations and playlists; just confirm group size, footwear guidelines, and any cleanup or overtime fees in advance so your day stays effortless.

Boating is year‑round, but December through April brings the most comfortable temps and calmer seas overall. May through September offers warm water and lively sandbar scenes; mornings are usually smoother than afternoons in summer. Holidays like Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day are very busy on the water—book early and consider a morning start. Locally, the unsanctioned Boca Bash at Lake Boca (traditionally the last Sunday in April) draws heavy crowds, while December features the Pompano Beach–Lighthouse Point–Deerfield Beach Holiday Boat Parade along the Intracoastal. For fewer crowds and better rates, choose weekdays or early departures.

Favorites include a lighthouse cruise through the Hillsboro Inlet, a relaxed Intracoastal ride past “Millionaires’ Mile,” and a sandbar day at Lake Boca where you can anchor in knee- to waist‑deep water. Wildlife sightings—manatees in the cooler months and sea turtle activity along the beaches in nesting season—make morning trips especially rewarding. Your captain will tailor the route to your group’s vibe, the tides, and bridge openings for a smooth, fun day out.

Yes—Lake Boca (often called “Boca Lake”) is a classic South Florida sandbar with clear, shallow water ideal for floating and socializing. It’s a short Intracoastal cruise north from Deerfield Beach, with timing dependent on your pickup point, bridge schedules, and no‑wake zones. Weekdays and mornings are tranquil; weekends and spring events can be festive and crowded. Ask your captain to plan the best window for your group and to bring a float mat or two for easy lounging.