The Best Boat Rentals in Jacksonville

In Jacksonville, most pontoon and deck boats run about $60–$120 per hour, with common half-day totals around $300–$600 and full days from roughly $600–$900+. Captained center consoles and fishing boats often range $150–$250 per hour, while small yachts and party-style cruisers tend to start around $250–$400 per hour with 2–3 hour minimums. Prices usually include safety gear and basic orientation; fuel, captain’s fee, taxes, or cleaning may be extra depending on the listing. Holiday weekends and sunset cruises can price higher, so booking early helps lock in the best rates.

You’ll find a wide mix suited to the St. Johns River, Intracoastal Waterway, and nearshore coastline: roomy pontoon and tritoon boats for relaxed cruising, deck boats for sightseeing and sandbar stops, center consoles for fishing and dolphin-spotting, plus sailboats and small yachts for private cruises and celebrations. If you want a totally hands-off day, choose a captained charter; if you’re comfortable at the helm and meet Florida’s operating rules, plenty of self-operated options are available.

Both are available. If you’d like a stress-free outing, a captained trip is the easiest—your skipper handles navigation, docking, tides, and traffic. If you prefer to operate the boat, you can book self-operated rentals as long as you meet Florida’s boater education rules and feel comfortable with local conditions. Jacksonville’s waterways include strong tidal currents near Mayport and shifting shoals around inlets and sandbars, so newer boaters often choose a captain on their first trip.

Common pickup and launch points include Jim King Park and Boat Ramp at Sisters Creek (great access to the Intracoastal Waterway), the Michael B. Scanlan Mayport Boat Ramp near the St. Johns River mouth, and Metropolitan Park Marina by the stadium for downtown river cruises. You’ll also see departures from Beach Marine on the Intracoastal in Jacksonville Beach and marinas along the Ortega River for westside access. Your confirmation will list the exact meeting spot and parking details.

Downtown cruises showcase the city skyline, the blue Main Street Bridge and Acosta Bridge, Friendship Fountain on the Southbank, TIAA Bank Field’s riverfront area, and the USS Orleck museum ship. East of town you’ll pass the Dames Point (Napoleon Bonaparte Broward) Bridge, shipyards, and marsh creeks leading toward Mayport and the Atlantic. Keep your camera ready for dolphins in the St. Johns River and Intracoastal year-round, plus seasonal manatee sightings in warmer months.

Florida doesn’t issue a traditional “boating license,” but anyone born on or after January 1, 1988 must have a Florida Boating Safety Education ID card (or an approved equivalent from another state) to operate a boat of 10 horsepower or more. Many visitors use an approved temporary certificate after a brief course. If you book a captained charter, the captain operates the boat and you don’t need to meet this requirement.

Yes—families are welcome. Every boat carries U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jackets for all ages. Florida law requires children under 6 to wear a life jacket while underway on boats under 26 feet, and many captains ask for your child’s age and approximate weight so they can stage the right sizes. Standard safety items like throwable devices and fire extinguishers are onboard; let your captain or host know about any special needs before departure.

Most charters allow BYO snacks and beverages, and many provide a cooler with ice. Glass is often discouraged on deck for safety; cans and resealable containers are preferred. Passengers of legal drinking age may enjoy alcohol, but the operator must remain sober—boating under the influence is illegal. If you’re celebrating, ask your captain about recommended caterers or waterfront pickup options.

Pet policies vary by boat, but many hosts welcome well-behaved dogs with advance notice. Bring a leash, a towel, and fresh water, and plan shade breaks. If you intend to beach the boat, know that some local shores have restrictions; for example, Huguenot Memorial Park does not allow day-use visitors to bring dogs onto the shoreline. Your captain can suggest pet-friendly routes and sandbar stops.

Summer in North Florida brings quick afternoon thunderstorms and occasional small-craft advisories, while June–November is hurricane season. If conditions are unsafe, captains will reschedule or cancel; most listings offer flexible weather policies with a refund or credit when the captain calls it off. For the calmest water and best wildlife viewing, morning departures are ideal, especially in summer.

Absolutely. Boats here regularly host birthdays, proposals, bachelor and bachelorette cruises, and corporate groups. Share your headcount and vibe—chill sightseeing, music-forward sandbar time, or a sunset skyline cruise—so the captain can recommend the right vessel and route. Group-friendly boats often cap at 6, 10, 12, or more depending on the vessel; booking early ensures you get the size and time slot you want.

Peak boating runs spring through fall. March–May and September–November bring mild temperatures and great cruising conditions; June–August has warm water and busy sandbars but also pop-up storms, so earlier start times are smart. Major boating holidays—Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day—book up well in advance. Highlights on the water include the downtown Fourth of July fireworks over the St. Johns River and the Jacksonville Light Boat Parade on Thanksgiving weekend. Jacksonville Beach’s Sea and Sky Air Show (next scheduled for late October 2025) also draws heavy on-water viewing; plan ahead for those dates. For fewer crowds and smoother pricing, choose weekdays and morning or sunset windows.

Fort George Inlet’s sandbars are a classic for wading and relaxing at low tide, with easy detours to see Kingsley Plantation from the water. Exchange Club Island near downtown is a small, boat-only park with docks and picnic shelters for a quiet break. On longer river days, boaters head south toward Pineapple Point or Bayard Point sandbars. Ask your captain about tides and currents—these spots shift with the sand and are best timed around mid to low tide for comfortable anchoring.