The Best Boat Rentals in Jupiter

For most day boats in Jupiter, expect around $100–$175 per hour for pontoons, bowriders, or center consoles, with minimums of 2–4 hours. Private sightseeing or sandbar cruises with a captain commonly run about $150–$250 per hour depending on group size and boat style. Larger yachts for celebrations typically start around $350–$600 per hour and increase with size, crew, and amenities. Prices often include basic safety gear and insurance; captained trips include the captain’s time, and many boats provide a cooler with ice and bottled water. Fuel, gratuity, and add‑ons like snorkeling gear or float mats may be extra. Always review the listing to see exactly what’s included before you book.

You’ll find a wide mix suited to local waters: pontoons and deck boats for sandbar hopping and relaxed cruising, bowriders and center consoles for nearshore runs and snorkeling stops, sportfishing boats for reef and offshore trips, and midsize to luxury yachts for birthdays and special occasions. Sailboats are also available for mellow Intracoastal cruises when wind and tide cooperate.

Florida doesn’t issue a traditional “boating license,” but operators born on or after January 1, 1988 must carry a Florida Boating Safety Education ID Card or a valid temporary certificate when running a motorboat of 10 horsepower or more. If you’d rather skip the paperwork or you’re new to the area, book a captained rental—your pro handles the driving while you enjoy the day.

If you’re unfamiliar with local tides, channels, and the Jupiter Inlet, a captained trip is the most relaxed option. Captains manage route planning, docking, and shifting weather, and they know the best times for sandbars and scenic spots. Confident boaters with the proper safety card and recent local experience can choose a self‑operated rental and stay inside the Intracoastal Waterway and Loxahatchee River if ocean conditions look bumpy.

Common meeting points include the public ramps and docks at Burt Reynolds Park along U.S. Highway 1, the slips at Harbourside Place along the Riverwalk, marina docks near the Jupiter Inlet such as Jupiter Yacht Club area slips and the public marina by the inlet, and upriver facilities around Jupiter/Tequesta. Your confirmation will specify the exact pickup dock and parking options.

Highlights include close‑up views of the red‑brick Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse, the clear turquoise waters of the Intracoastal Waterway, and the mangrove‑lined Loxahatchee River—one of Florida’s National Wild & Scenic Rivers. Depending on the day, you might spot manatees, rays, sea turtles, ospreys, or tarpon. Many cruises also pass the Jupiter Island shoreline and, in calm ocean conditions, cruise by near‑shore reefs and the dramatic rock outcrops by Blowing Rocks Preserve.

Yes. Boats carry U.S. Coast Guard‑approved life jackets for all guests, and Florida law requires children under 6 to wear a life jacket while underway on vessels under 26 feet. Let your captain or owner know the ages and sizes of children so properly fitted vests are ready at boarding. Most family‑friendly charters can also suggest smoother routes and calmer times of day.

Most private charters welcome BYO snacks, picnic fare, and canned beverages. Many provide a cooler with ice and bottled water. Glass containers and red wine are often discouraged to avoid spills and breakage, and some boats may limit hard alcohol. If you’d like to cater, ask about dockside pickup from restaurants near the departure marina.

Pet policies vary by boat. Some captains welcome well‑behaved dogs, especially on roomy pontoons headed to the sandbar, while others restrict pets to keep upholstery and decks pristine. If pets are allowed, bring a non‑slip mat, a canine life jacket, fresh water, and plan shade breaks.

Summer and early fall can bring brief afternoon thunderstorms and pop‑up showers, while winter and spring are typically drier and breezier. Captains monitor radar and may adjust routes or departure times for comfort and safety. If conditions are unsafe, most operators offer a weather reschedule or refund per their policy. Keep in mind the Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30, with activity most likely from mid‑August to early October, so flexible planning helps during those months.

Absolutely. Private boats are ideal for small to mid‑size groups. Hosts often choose a half‑day with a swim stop at a sandbar, a lighthouse photo cruise, or a sunset run with music and snacks. Share your headcount, vibe, and any décor or catering ideas when booking so the crew can recommend the right boat and itinerary.

For the calmest water and easiest parking, weekday mornings are excellent year‑round. Peak local boating season stretches roughly November through April thanks to warm, dry weather. Summer brings hotter temps and higher chances of afternoon showers, so earlier departures are best then. Major boating holidays—Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day—book up quickly and waterways get busy; reserve well in advance and plan extra time at the dock. Jupiter also hosts popular events like the Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade in early December and the Palm Beach International Boat Show in March, which can add festive energy—and demand—to nearby marinas.

Many renters cruise the Intracoastal from the Jupiter Inlet to the Loxahatchee River for smooth water, sandbar time, and lighthouse views. Calm‑day ocean runs might add a quick offshore loop to look for dolphins or to sightsee the coastline. Your captain will tailor the route to tides, wind, and your group’s preferences.

Yes. The Jupiter Sandbar and shallow flats near Cato’s Bridge are classic local hangouts at lower tides, and a slow cruise up the Loxahatchee showcases clear water, mangroves, and wildlife. Your captain will time the tide for the sandbar, bring proper ground tackle, and advise on local etiquette so you can anchor safely and enjoy the scene without rushing.