The Best Boat Rentals in Venice

Most small motorboats and pontoons in Venice start around $60–$120 per hour, with full-day rates commonly between $350 and $650 depending on size and season. Captained sightseeing or fishing trips often run $100–$200+ per hour, and small yachts generally range from about $350–$500 per hour with multi-hour minimums. Prices usually include standard safety gear and a cooler; some hosts include ice, bottled water, or basic snorkel/float items, while fuel and cleaning fees may be extra. Always check the listing for what’s included, any security deposit, and whether gratuity or taxes are separate.

You’ll find comfortable pontoons and deck boats for easy cruising, center consoles and bowriders for fishing or faster runs to the Gulf, and a handful of captained yachts for special occasions. Many hosts also offer dedicated boat tours if you’d rather just show up and relax while a local captain handles the route and docking.

If you’re new to the area, a captained trip is the most relaxed option—local captains know the Venice Inlet, the jetties, tides, and sandbars like Snake Island, and they’ll handle docking and navigation so you can focus on your group. If you’re an experienced boater, self-operated rentals are available; just plan your route on the Intracoastal Waterway for calmer conditions and keep an eye on afternoon sea breezes and summer storms.

Common pickup points include Fisherman’s Wharf Marina near the Venice Avenue Bridge and the Crow’s Nest Marina by the Venice Inlet. Public launches used for meetups include Marina Park and Boat Ramp (301 E. Venice Ave.) on the Intracoastal Waterway and Higel Marine Park (1330 Tarpon Center Dr.) close to the jetties. Your exact meeting spot will be confirmed after you book.

Typical routes cruise the Intracoastal past downtown Venice and under the city bridges, out toward the Venice Inlet and the North/South Jetties, with views of Casey Key, Snake Island, and the Gulf. Southbound trips can reach Lemon Bay and Manasota Key, while coastal cruises offer sunset views and frequent dolphin sightings; manatees are more common in cooler months in the bays and canals.

Florida doesn’t issue a traditional “boating license,” but anyone born on or after January 1, 1988 must complete a state-approved boater safety course or obtain a temporary certificate before operating a motorboat of 10 horsepower or more. Bring your boater card or temporary certificate plus a photo ID. If you book a captained charter, your captain handles the operation and no boater card is needed for you.

Yes—families are welcome. Every boat includes U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jackets sized to the passenger count, and Florida law requires children under age 6 to wear a life jacket while underway on vessels under 26 feet. If you need infant or youth sizes, tell the owner your children’s ages and weights in advance to ensure the right fit. Most captains offer a safety briefing before departure.

Most rentals allow you to bring snacks, picnic items, and beverages, and many boats have a cooler onboard; some hosts include ice. Alcohol is typically allowed for adult passengers, though captains may limit glass or hard liquor for safety. Pack out all trash, and consider easy, no-mess options if you plan to anchor at Snake Island or beach along Casey Key.

Many owners are pet-friendly, especially for small to medium dogs, but policies vary by boat. Ask about pet fees, cleaning rules, and deck protection. Bring a towel, a leash for shore stops, fresh water, and a well-fitted pet life jacket if your dog will swim.

Summer brings pop-up thunderstorms and afternoon chop on the Gulf, while mornings and the Intracoastal are usually calmer. During hurricane season (June–November), trips may be rescheduled if conditions are unsafe. Most hosts offer weather-safe cancellation or flexible rebooking when the forecast calls for small craft advisories, lightning, or heavy rain. If your plans are firm, choose a morning start or an Intracoastal route to maximize comfort.

Absolutely. Boats that seat 6–12 are common for celebrations, and captained pontoons or small yachts make hosting simple. Share your headcount, desired vibe (chill cruise, sandbar hang, or sunset), and any extras like decorations, a cake, or a swim stop. Captains can time your cruise for golden hour, plan a sandbar toast at Snake Island, or suggest a waterfront lunch stop.

For smooth water and cooler temps, October through May is ideal, with very popular spring weeks around March and April. Warm-water swimming peaks from late May through September, but book early for major boating holidays like Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day. Locally, the Venice Christmas Boat Parade is held the first Saturday in December and draws extra boat traffic on the Intracoastal, and nearby Englewood Beach Waterfest brings offshore race excitement in October. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends, and in summer, morning departures are best to beat heat and afternoon storms.

Captained charters minimize planning—you just bring your crew and refreshments and the captain handles navigation, anchoring, and docking. If you’re running the boat yourself, study the Venice Inlet and jetty area, stick to marked channels, watch the tides and afternoon winds, and pick calm-weather windows for Gulf runs. For a laid-back day with kids or multi-generational groups, cruising the Intracoastal with a sandbar stop is the simplest plan.

Snake Island sits just inside the Venice Inlet and is a favorite local sandbar stop with shallow, clear water for swimming. On calm days, many groups anchor for a picnic or a quick swim before a sunset cruise past the jetties. Arrive early on weekends, avoid glass, keep music considerate, and pack out everything you bring. Your captain can time the stop around tides and find a good spot to set the hook.