The Best Boat Rentals in Fernandina Beach

Expect smaller powerboats and fishing boats to start around $100–$150 per hour, with half-day outings commonly $500–$800. Private sightseeing or sunset charters with a captain typically run $150–$300 per hour. Sailing charters are usually $200–$300 per hour, and larger yachts for celebrations can range from about $300 up to $900 per hour depending on size and amenities. Many listings include the captain, standard safety gear, and a cooler with ice and water; fuel, gratuity, and taxes or platform fees are often separate. Exact inclusions vary by boat, so check the listing details before you book.

You’ll find a mix tailored to our coastal waterways: comfortable pontoons for laid‑back cruising, center consoles for inshore fishing and quick sandbar hops, deck boats and bowriders for family outings, classic sailing yachts for breezy sunset sails, and midsize motor yachts for birthdays or bachelor/ette trips. There are also quiet electric launches for slow, scenic touring of the marshes. Choose the style that fits your group size, pace, and plan for the day.

Both are options. A captained trip is the easiest: your local captain handles tides, strong currents at inlets and river mouths, busy festival weekends, and routing across the Intracoastal Waterway and Cumberland Sound—so you can relax and enjoy wildlife and views. If you plan to operate the boat yourself, you must meet Florida’s education rules and be comfortable with tidal shallows and cross‑currents common near local ramps and sounds. For stress‑free planning, most trip coordinators choose a captained charter.

Common pickup points include the Fernandina Harbor Marina on the downtown riverfront (3 S. Front Street), Amelia Island Marina in the protected basin just south of the Shave Bridge, the Dee Dee Bartels/North End Boat Ramp on Pogey Place, and Goffinsville Nassau River Park & Boat Ramp on Goffinsville Road. Your captain will confirm the exact dock and parking instructions after you book.

Highlights include dolphin activity in the Amelia River and Cumberland Sound, seasonal manatee sightings, wide salt‑marsh panoramas, the brick walls of historic Fort Clinch at the island’s north tip, and the Amelia Island Lighthouse standing watch over the inlet. Many trips also skirt Cumberland Island National Seashore, where wild horses are often visible along the dunes and lawns near the ruins of Dungeness.

Florida doesn’t issue a “boating license,” but if you were born on or after January 1, 1988 and will operate a motorboat of 10 hp or more, you must complete an approved boating safety course and carry your Boating Safety Education ID Card with photo ID. Visitors without the card can obtain an FWC temporary certificate online; it’s quick to take and is typically valid for 90 days. If you book a captained charter, you don’t need these credentials.

Yes—family outings are common here. Every boat carries U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jackets, and most captains can provide child sizes if you share your kids’ ages and approximate weights in advance. Florida law requires children under 6 to wear a life jacket while underway on vessels under 26 feet, and captains will brief everyone on safety before departure.

On private charters, bringing snacks, catered platters, and beverages is usually welcome. Many boats have a cooler and ice; some have a small fridge. Alcohol is permitted for guests 21+ at the captain’s discretion. For everyone’s safety, choose cans or reusable bottles over glass, and let your captain know about any special setup needs.

Many private charters allow well‑behaved dogs with advance approval and a small cleaning fee. If you plan to step ashore at Cumberland Island National Seashore, pets are allowed when arriving by private boat but must stay leashed, are not permitted in campgrounds, and are restricted from the northern wilderness area; the public ferry does not carry pets. Always confirm your captain’s pet policy and bring water, shade, and a towel for your pup.

Summer can bring brief pop‑up showers, and the Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. Captains continually monitor conditions and will not go out if it isn’t safe. Weather-related changes follow the boat’s stated policy—most offer a reschedule or refund when conditions are unsafe, while light, safe conditions may still proceed. Check your listing’s cancellation terms and keep your phone handy for day‑of updates.

Absolutely. Private boats make hosting simple: you pick the duration, bring decorations and desserts if you like, and your captain can suggest swim or sandbar stops and scenic routes past Fort Clinch and the downtown waterfront. For groups, look for shade, a marine restroom, and comfortable seating. Book early for peak weekends and coordinate meeting points and payment in the app so your guests can just show up and celebrate.

Peak boating runs roughly March through October, with the calmest water and lighter winds often in the morning. Weekdays are quieter at docks and sandbars; weekends are livelier. Major boating holidays—Memorial Day, July 4, and Labor Day—book up well in advance, and signature local events add demand: The Amelia Concours d’Elegance in early March, the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival the first weekend of May, and July 4th fireworks over the downtown riverfront. If your dates fall near those, reserve early and plan extra time for parking and traffic.

Yes—the island sits just across the sound, and many charters include a scenic loop along its shoreline for wildlife viewing. Horses are often spotted near the Dungeness area, along with dolphins, shorebirds, and sometimes sea turtles in warm months. If you plan to land, follow National Park Service rules, including leashing pets and respecting closures in designated wilderness areas; your captain will advise on the best plan for the day’s tides and conditions.