The Best Boat Rentals in Palm Coast

Most Palm Coast rentals run on clear hourly or half-day/day rates. Expect pontoons and deck boats to average about $75–$150 per hour, with half-days from roughly $300–$600 and full days around $500–$900. Inshore fishing boats and center consoles commonly run $100–$175 per hour, with half-days around $450–$700 and full days $800–$1,200. Private small-yacht charters typically start near $250–$400 per hour, with half-days around $1,200–$2,500 depending on size and crew. Rates often include safety gear and basic equipment; captained trips usually include the captain’s time and route planning, while fuel, taxes, cleaning, and gratuity may be extra unless stated otherwise. Always review the specific listing details before you book.

On the Intracoastal Waterway here, the most popular choices are comfortable pontoons and deck boats for cruising and sandbar stops, center consoles for inshore fishing, and small yachts for private celebrations and sunset cruises. You’ll also find sightseeing tours and wildlife cruises departing nearby, plus options to start in Palm Coast and cruise north toward St. Augustine or south toward the Tomoka–Ormond area when conditions and schedules allow.

Florida requires anyone born on or after January 1, 1988 to carry a Boating Safety Education ID Card (or a valid temporary certificate) when operating a motorboat of 10 horsepower or more. If you choose a captained charter, you don’t need this—your licensed captain handles the driving so you can focus on your day. If you plan to drive yourself, bring your photo ID and boater card or temporary certificate to avoid delays at pickup.

Common meeting points include Bings Landing on the Intracoastal in the Hammock, Herschel King Park’s boat ramp along Colbert Lane, Palm Coast Marina near European Village on the main canal just off the ICW, and Marineland Marina at the north end of the county near the Matanzas River. Your exact pickup will be confirmed in your booking message thread.

You’ll cruise the Matanzas River section of the Intracoastal Waterway past salt marsh, mangrove edges, and quiet residential canals, with frequent dolphin and seasonal manatee sightings and excellent birdlife. Many trips pass Princess Place Preserve and Pellicer Creek for a “Old Florida” feel, and some go north toward Fort Matanzas National Monument to view the historic inlet area from the water. In winter, right whales calve offshore along Northeast Florida—captains monitor advisories and keep a safe, legal distance if any are reported in the area.

Yes—Palm Coast is a family-friendly boating area. Boats carry U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jackets for every passenger, with child sizes available when requested in advance. Florida law requires children under 6 to wear a life jacket at all times on vessels under 26 feet while underway, and the Coast Guard recommends life jackets for everyone whenever the boat is moving. Let your captain or owner know your children’s ages and approximate weights so the right sizes are ready.

Most crews welcome BYO snacks, picnic lunches, and canned or boxed beverages; many boats have coolers and Bluetooth speakers. Glass is commonly discouraged, and hard liquor is often restricted—ask your captain about specifics. Alcohol is only for guests 21+, and the operator must stay sober. If you’d rather not pack, ask about docking for a quick bite along the ICW or arranging simple catering in advance.

Many captains allow well-behaved dogs with prior approval, especially on roomy pontoons. Plan to bring a leash, a towel, water bowl, and consider a dog life jacket. A small pet cleaning fee may apply, and some owners restrict pets on premium upholstery—confirm your plan in your booking messages.

Summer brings warm mornings and the possibility of pop-up afternoon thunderstorms; late summer and fall are within Atlantic hurricane season (June 1–November 30). Captains continuously monitor radar, tides, and wind. If a captain deems conditions unsafe, trips are typically rescheduled or refunded according to the listing’s policy. If conditions are safe but less sunny than hoped, standard owner cancellation policies apply. Check your listing’s policy before booking and aim for morning departures if you prefer calmer water.

Absolutely. Pontoons and small yachts are ideal for relaxed celebrations, sunset cruises, and sandbar stops. Share your headcount, vibe, and any special touches—like light decorations, a playlist, or a cake—so your captain can suggest the best route, timing, and docking options. Just keep group size within the vessel’s certified capacity for safety and comfort.

Peak boating runs spring through early fall, with the liveliest weekends around Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day. Weekdays and mornings offer the smoothest water and easiest parking. Late fall and winter still see pleasant cruising days; demand often spikes around holiday events such as St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights (mid-November to mid-January) and the dazzling Palm Coast Holiday Boat Parade in mid-December, so book early for those dates.

If you want a stress-free day with route guidance, local wildlife insights, and hands-off docking, book a captained trip. If you’re an experienced boater with the required Florida boater card (if applicable) and are comfortable with tides, ICW traffic, and bridges, a self-operated rental can be a great value. Inlet areas such as Matanzas are dynamic and best left to captains with local knowledge—most leisure cruises stay in the protected Intracoastal for comfort.

Yes. Many captains plan relaxed sandbar days around the Matanzas River, anchor for swims in clear, shallow water at low tide, or cruise north for views of Fort Matanzas from the water. In the holiday season, St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights is spectacular from a boat, and Palm Coast’s own Holiday Boat Parade lights up the Intracoastal with dozens of decorated vessels—both are local favorites that book up fast.