The Best Boat Rentals in Key Largo

Most small powerboats and deck boats in Key Largo run about $75–$150 per hour, with half-days commonly $350–$600 and full days $700–$1,200. Captained private charters usually range from about $125–$250 per hour depending on boat size and itinerary, while premium vessels and special-event yachts are higher. Prices often include required safety gear and basic cleaning; captained reef trips frequently include snorkel gear, coolers, and ice, while fuel, taxes, captain’s gratuity, and reef or marina fees may be separate. Always check the listing for exactly what’s included so you can plan food, drinks, and extras with no surprises.

In Key Largo you’ll find center consoles for reef-hopping and fishing, deck boats and pontoons for relaxed cruising and sandbar time, sailboats and catamarans for quiet afternoons and sunset sails, and larger sportfishing boats or motor yachts for offshore or special occasions. Choose the style that matches your group size and plan—fast and versatile for reef stops, wide and comfortable for lounging, or captained and spacious for celebrations.

If you want a hands-off day where a local expert handles navigation, anchoring, mooring buoys at the reefs, and timing around tides and weather, a captained charter is the easiest choice. Confident boaters who know charts and shallow-water navigation can self-operate, but remember that local waters include flats, channels, and regulated reef areas. If anyone in your group was born on or after January 1, 1988 and plans to operate the boat, they must have a Florida Boating Safety Education ID Card or a 90‑day temporary certificate; with a captain, you won’t need to worry about that requirement.

Common launch points include John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park’s marina at Mile Marker 102.5 for quick access to the reefs, Marina Del Mar/Key Largo Marina near Mile Marker 100 on the ocean side, Pilot House Marina off Seagate Boulevard on Largo Sound, and Garden Cove Marina around Mile Marker 106.5 near Jewfish Creek. Some trips also meet at the Caribbean Club ramp on Blackwater Sound or Gilbert’s Resort Marina by the bridge, so confirm your pickup spot when you book.

Key Largo sits beside Florida’s only living coral barrier reef, so boat days often include stops at shallow reef sites like Molasses Reef and the Dry Rocks area, home to the photogenic Christ of the Abyss statue. You can also cruise Florida Bay’s mangrove shorelines, watch for dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, rays, and seabirds, and pass landmarks like the Jewfish Creek Bridge and Largo Sound. On calm days, clear water and patch reefs make snorkeling a highlight.

Florida does not issue a “boating license,” but anyone born on or after January 1, 1988 who will operate a motorized boat of 10 horsepower or more must carry a Florida Boating Safety Education ID Card or a 90‑day temporary certificate with photo ID. If you book a captained charter, your captain handles the operation and you do not need the card.

Yes, families are welcome. Every vessel must have U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jackets for each person on board, and in Florida children under age 6 must wear a life jacket while underway on boats under 26 feet. Most charters stock a range of sizes, but if you have infants or toddlers, consider bringing a properly fitted jacket they’re used to wearing. Many reef charters provide snorkel vests and basic instruction as well.

Most boats allow you to bring a small cooler with snacks and drinks, and many captains will provide ice or a cooler on request. Passengers of legal drinking age may consume alcohol; however, operators must remain sober as boating under the influence carries the same 0.08 BAC limit as driving. To protect decks and the reef environment, avoid glass containers where possible and choose reef-safe sunscreen and easy, pack-in/pack-out picnic items.

Pet policies vary by boat. Some captains welcome well-behaved dogs and will advise where it’s comfortable for them to ride and swim, while others do not allow pets due to upholstery, safety, or snorkeling-focused itineraries. Note that pets are not permitted on many protected islands and beaches, including certain backcountry keys within the national park, so even if your dog can come aboard, they may need to remain on the boat during sandbar or island stops.

Morning trips are usually calmer with better visibility; summer brings quick afternoon thunderstorms, and winter cold fronts can create choppy seas despite sunny skies. Captains monitor marine forecasts and may recommend rescheduling for safety or comfort. Hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30, so flexible plans are wise in late summer and early fall. Cancellation terms are set by the host, but most will offer a weather reschedule or refund if conditions are unsafe—confirm the policy before you book.

Absolutely. Many captained boats are perfect for small celebrations and can tailor routes for reef snorkeling, cruising, sandbar time, and sunset photos. Most charters are limited to six guests by Coast Guard rules; for larger groups, look for inspected vessels or ask about coordinating multi‑boat flotillas. To keep the day smooth, share your headcount, preferred music, decorations, and any must‑see stops with the captain in advance.

December through April is peak season with warm, dry weather and the most boat availability; April and May often deliver great conditions with fewer crowds. Memorial Day, July 4, and Labor Day weekends book up early, and the two‑day spiny lobster sport season at the end of July brings very heavy boating traffic (in 2025 it falls on July 30–31). Summer offers warm water and excellent snorkeling but plan for early departures to avoid afternoon storms, and consider weekday outings for easier parking and quieter reefs.

Popular local favorites include the shallow flats by Rodriguez Key on the ocean side and the backcountry sandbar experience near Nest Key out in Florida Bay. On calm days, captains often pair a sandbar swim with a reef snorkel for a balanced itinerary. If you’re up for a slightly longer run south, the Islamorada sandbar off Whale Harbor is a classic weekend scene; just ask your captain about conditions and timing.