The Best Boat Rentals in St. Augustine

Most small motorboats and pontoons around St Augustine run about $70–$120 per hour, with half-day outings commonly $300–$600, while private captained cruises and larger vessels often range from about $150–$300+ per hour depending on size, duration, and day of week. Premium sail or yacht experiences can be higher, especially for sunset or weekend slots. Inclusions vary by listing, but typically cover U.S. Coast Guard–required safety gear and basic orientation, with captained trips including the professional crew; some tours include soft drinks or snacks, while others are BYO. Always review your Getmyboat offer for fuel, captain, and cleaning details. (getmyboat.com, summerwindadventures.com, captainexperiences.com)

You’ll find a wide mix suited to the Intracoastal Waterway and Matanzas/Tolomato Rivers: pontoons and tritoons for laid‑back cruising, center consoles and deck boats for sandbar hopping and sightseeing, classic sailboats and catamarans for sunset sails, and larger cabin cruisers or small yachts for private celebrations. Availability and pricing depend on season and day, so it’s smart to browse a few dates for options.

Both are doable. Captained charters are the most hands‑off—your crew handles navigation, tides, and bridge timing so you can relax. If you want to self‑operate, Florida requires anyone born on or after January 1, 1988, operating 10 hp or more to have a Boating Safety Education ID Card or a 90‑day temporary certificate; many visitors quickly take the approved online exam. Also note that local waterways include shifting sandbars and strong currents near inlets, so first‑timers often prefer a captain. (myfwc.com, northfloridaboatingclub.com)

Common launch points include the St. Augustine Municipal Marina downtown beside the Bridge of Lions, Camachee Cove Yacht Harbor just north of the inlet, the Conch House Marina on Salt Run, and public ramps like the Vilano Boat Ramp and the Lighthouse Park Boat Ramp on Salt Run. Your exact meeting spot will be listed in your Getmyboat booking. (visitstaugustine.com, camacheeisland.com, conchhousemarinaresort.com, sjcfl.us)

Expect postcard views of the historic bayfront, including the Castillo de San Marcos, the Bridge of Lions, and the St. Augustine Lighthouse, along with salt‑marsh landscapes and frequent dolphin sightings in the Intracoastal. Depending on your route, you may cruise past Anastasia State Park’s dunes or down toward Fort Matanzas. Wildlife like bottlenose dolphins is commonly spotted year‑round. (en.wikipedia.org, citystaug.com, floridawatertour.com)

Florida doesn’t issue a traditional “license,” but if you were born on or after January 1, 1988 and will operate a motorboat of 10 hp or more, you must carry proof of completing an approved boater education course or have a 90‑day temporary certificate with your photo ID. Many renters take the quick online exam before their trip. Captained charters don’t require you to meet this operator requirement.

Yes—family boat days are popular here. Every boat must carry a wearable U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jacket for each person, sized appropriately. In Florida, children under 6 must wear a life jacket while underway on vessels under 26 feet. Most hosts carry child sizes, but it helps to share ages and approximate weights in your booking so the right gear is ready.

Most private charters are happy with BYO snacks and beverages, often asking guests to avoid glass. Some tour boats instead sell drinks on board and may not allow outside alcohol, while others expressly welcome BYO. Check your listing’s house rules; if in doubt, ask about coolers, ice, and glass policies when you book. (floridawatertour.com, furystaugustine.com, cruisintikisstaugustine.com)

Many private boats are dog‑friendly at the captain’s discretion; confirm during booking and bring a pet PFD if you have one. If you plan to step off at parks, know that some areas have restrictions: for example, pets are not allowed on the Fort Matanzas ferry or at the fort, and Anastasia State Park prohibits pets on the beach, though leashed pets are allowed in certain park areas. (nps.gov, anastasiastatepark.com)

Florida’s summer pattern can bring pop‑up afternoon storms and brisk sea‑breeze conditions, while tropical systems are possible during hurricane season from June 1 to November 30. If the forecast looks iffy, most owners will reschedule or refund per their stated cancellation policy; weather calls are typically made close to departure for safety. On Getmyboat, refunds follow the owner’s chosen policy (Flexible, Moderate, or Strict) and weather cancellations are handled through that policy unless authorities restrict boating. (kamala.cod.edu, foxweather.com, getmyboat.com, getmyboat.zendesk.com)

Absolutely. Many captains offer private charters tailored to celebrations—with options for sunset cruises past the lit‑up bayfront, sandbar stops, or dolphin‑spotting cruises. Share your headcount, preferred vibe, and any food or decor plans in the inquiry so the captain can suggest the best boat, timing, and route.

For smooth water and easier parking, aim for weekday mornings. Spring and fall bring comfortable temps and lighter winds; summer is busiest with warm water and frequent late‑day thunderstorms; winter is cooler but fantastic for holiday light cruises. Major boating holidays like Memorial Day, July 4 (with “Fireworks Over the Matanzas” over the bay), and Labor Day book up early, and the city’s Nights of Lights from mid‑November into January is peak season for evening cruises. (weather.gov, ndbc.noaa.gov, citystaug.com)

Typical routes cruise the Intracoastal and Matanzas Bay between Vilano and Anastasia Island, with views of the fort, lighthouse, and historic bayfront. If your itinerary involves passing the Bridge of Lions, know that the draw opens on the hour and half‑hour from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. (with a few exceptions on weekdays), which your captain will plan around. Conditions near inlet sandbars can shift, so local knowledge really helps. (citystaug.com, northfloridaboatingclub.com)

Yes—seeing millions of white lights reflecting off Matanzas Bay is a signature St Augustine experience. The season is scheduled for November 15, 2025 through January 11, 2026, and weekend evenings fill up fast; book ahead for prime dates or choose a weekday to avoid crowds. (citystaug.com, floridashistoriccoast.com)