The Best Boat Rentals in Bradenton

Most trip planners budget around $300–$600 for a half‑day pontoon or deck boat and $500–$900 for a full day, depending on the size of the boat and season. Center consoles for cruising and light fishing often run $400–$800 for a half day and $700–$1,200 for a full day. Captained sightseeing cruises commonly range from about $100–$250 per hour with two‑to‑four‑hour minimums, while larger yachts and catamarans usually start around $300–$600 per hour plus fuel and gratuity. Your booking will always include required U.S. Coast Guard safety gear and basic orientation; many boats also include a cooler, Bluetooth sound, shade, and bottled water. Fuel, captain’s fee, taxes, and cleaning or service charges may be separate—your Getmyboat offer will spell out exactly what’s included before you pay.

You’ll find easygoing pontoons and deck boats for sandbar days, center consoles and bowriders for island‑hopping and dolphin spotting, spacious cruising yachts and catamarans for celebrations, and classic sailboats and sightseeing boats for relaxing sunset runs. Choose captained or self‑operated options to match your comfort level and group size.

If you want a stress‑free day—especially with a group—book a captained charter. Local captains handle navigation, anchoring, and tides and know how to time spots like Longboat Pass, the Jewfish Key sandbar, Egmont Key, and the Intracoastal Waterway. Confident boaters can rent a self‑operated vessel; just remember shallow flats and shifting sandbars are common here, so follow marked channels and posted slow‑speed zones. If you’re celebrating or juggling logistics, a captain usually makes the day easier.

Common departure points include downtown’s Twin Dolphin Marina along the Bradenton Riverwalk and Safe Harbor Regatta Pointe in Palmetto on the north bank of the Manatee River. Many charters also meet at Bradenton Beach Marina by Bridge Street, Kingfish Boat Ramp in Holmes Beach, and the Coquina Bayside North and South public ramps near Longboat Pass. West Bradenton’s Warner’s Bayou Boat Ramp is another frequent pickup. Your captain will confirm the exact dock and parking details in your booking thread.

On the Manatee River you’ll cruise past the Bradenton Riverwalk skyline before opening into Palma Sola Bay, Sarasota Bay, and lower Tampa Bay. Expect frequent dolphin sightings and, in the right seasons and areas, gentle manatees. Many trips take in Anna Maria Island’s beaches, the working waterfront of the historic Cortez Fishing Village, Longboat Pass and the Jewfish Key sandbar’s clear, shallow water, and—on longer outings—Egmont Key’s lighthouse and old Fort Dade ruins with distant views of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. Note that Passage Key is a protected wildlife refuge; boats often anchor off the sandbar, but landing on the island itself is not permitted.

Florida requires anyone born on or after January 1, 1988 to have a Boating Safety Education I.D. Card or a temporary certificate to operate a motorized vessel of 10 hp or more. Bring a government photo I.D. with your card or temporary certificate. If you book a captained charter, you don’t need any license—the captain runs the boat.

Yes—most boats welcome families. Every vessel carries U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jackets for each passenger, and many hosts can supply child sizes if you request them in advance. Florida law requires children under 6 to wear a life jacket while underway on vessels under 26 feet. For infants and toddlers, confirm sizing ahead of time, bring sunscreen and hats, and consider boats with shade and a marine restroom for comfort.

BYO is common. Most captains are happy for you to bring snacks, picnic meals, and canned beverages; many provide a cooler with ice or drinking water. Alcohol is typically allowed for adult passengers, but the operator must remain sober—boating under the influence is illegal. To keep decks safe and clean, glass and red wine are often discouraged, and smoking or vaping is usually limited or not permitted. Pack out all trash and recyclables after your trip.

Many private charters allow well‑behaved dogs; always ask first and include your pet’s size and breed when you inquire. Bring a leash, a towel, fresh water and bowl, and protect paws from hot decks. Do note that most area beaches do not allow dogs, and wildlife areas such as refuges and rookeries require extra distance—your captain will advise where pets are appropriate.

Summer brings quick pop‑up thunderstorms and brisk sea breezes, so morning departures are often calmest. Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30; captains monitor conditions and will reschedule or cancel if it’s unsafe. Getmyboat bookings follow each owner’s cancellation policy, and weather calls are made with safety in mind—your host will outline options to reschedule or refund per their policy. Red tide can be patchy and changes by location; captains check current reports and adjust routes to find clear water and good air quality whenever possible.

Absolutely. Captained pontoons, deck boats, and mid‑size yachts are popular for groups, with easy sandbar stops, swim ladders, and great sound systems. Share your headcount, preferred vibe (chill cruise, wildlife‑spotting, or party playlist), and any décor requests in your inquiry so your captain can recommend the right vessel and pickup spot. Many boats can accommodate 6 to 13 passengers, and some larger vessels host even bigger groups.

Boating happens year‑round here. The most popular months are March through August, with warm water and long days. September and October bring fewer crowds and pleasant temps, while late fall into early December is a sweet, less‑busy window. Expect high demand on major boating holidays—Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day—and during the Bradenton Area River Regatta weekend in February. For the smoothest experience, choose weekday or morning departures and consider sunset cruises for cooler breezes and golden‑hour views.

Locals love anchoring at the Jewfish Key sandbar near Longboat Pass for clear, waist‑deep water and a social scene, then cruising by Beer Can Island (Greer Island) for photos and shelling when conditions allow. Longer charters often add Egmont Key State Park for lighthouse views, quiet beaches, and history. Captains will brief you on currents, safe anchoring, and protected areas; Passage Key is a wildlife refuge where landing is off‑limits, but you can often anchor nearby in clean, shallow water for a swim when tides are favorable.