The Best Boat Rentals in Naples

Expect most motorboat rentals in Naples to run about $100 to $200 per hour for pontoons, deck boats, and small center consoles, with many half-day options around $450 to $700 and full days around $800 to $1,200. Private sightseeing or sunset trips with a captain often fall between $150 and $300 per hour, while larger yachts commonly range from roughly $350 to $700 per hour with minimum charter times. Shared, per-person sightseeing cruises usually cost about $40 to $60. Inclusions vary by listing, but you can usually count on U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jackets, basic safety gear, a cooler or iced water, and local route tips; fuel, taxes, cleaning, and captain’s gratuity are often extra.

Naples offers a wide mix of boats to match your group and plans: spacious pontoons and tritoons for relaxed cruising and sandbar stops, deck boats and bowriders for family-friendly day trips, center consoles for fishing and island-hopping, sailing catamarans for smooth sunset sails, and motor yachts for upscale celebrations. Many come captained, and plenty of bareboat options are available for qualified renters.

You can choose either. Captained charters are stress‑free and popular for celebrations or when you want a local expert to handle navigation and docking. If you prefer to operate the boat, most hosts allow qualified renters to go bareboat on pontoons, deck boats, or center consoles; operators born on or after January 1, 1988 must carry Florida’s Boating Safety Education ID Card and a photo ID. Rental partners may set minimum ages (often 21 to 26) and boundaries—some require you to stay inside Naples Bay and the backwaters rather than in the open Gulf—so review the listing details before you book.

Common pickup points include Tin City Waterfront along 5th Avenue South near the Gordon River, Naples City Dock at Crayton Cove by historic Old Naples, Bayview Park boat ramp on Danford Street with quick access to Naples Bay, Port O’Call/Port O’Call Way near Kelly’s Fish House, and Cocohatchee River Park in North Naples for easy runs through Wiggins Pass. Your confirmation will list the exact meeting spot and parking guidance.

A typical cruise takes you through the Gordon River and Naples Bay past the Port Royal canals and waterfront homes, out toward Gordon Pass for Gulf views, and on to sandy shores like Keewaydin Island for beach time and shelling. Wildlife is a highlight—dolphins are common, manatees show in calm, warm backwaters, and the mangrove estuaries around Rookery Bay and the Ten Thousand Islands are rich with birdlife.

Florida doesn’t issue a traditional “license,” but state law requires anyone born on or after January 1, 1988 to complete an approved boater safety course and carry the Florida Boating Safety Education ID Card (or a valid NASBLA‑approved equivalent for visitors) when operating a vessel of 10 horsepower or more. Temporary certificates are available online if you need one quickly. Even if you’re exempt by age, the primary renter must meet the host’s age and experience rules.

Yes—Naples is very family‑friendly on the water. Every vessel must have properly sized U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jackets for all passengers, and Florida requires children under 6 to wear a life jacket at all times on boats under 26 feet while underway. Many hosts stock child sizes; if you’re bringing infants or toddlers, confirm sizing in advance. Larger boats may offer shade canopies, enclosed salons, and restrooms to make family outings easier.

Most boats welcome BYO snacks, picnic lunches, and beverages, and many provide a cooler with ice. Glass is often discouraged and red wine can stain upholstery, so swap for cans or reusable bottles when you can. Passengers of legal age may drink alcohol, but the operator must remain sober—Florida treats boating under the influence like driving under the influence, with a 0.08% BAC limit and serious penalties—so plan a designated captain or book a captained charter.

Pet policies are host‑specific, but many captains and owners allow well‑behaved dogs with prior approval and a small cleaning fee. If you’re hoping for beach time, Keewaydin Island is a popular, boat‑accessible spot where leashed dogs are permitted; pack fresh water, waste bags, and a canine life jacket if your pup isn’t a strong swimmer.

Summer in Southwest Florida brings a predictable rainy season from roughly mid‑May to mid‑October, with quick‑hitting afternoon thunderstorms and more stable mornings. Captains and owners monitor marine forecasts closely and will reschedule or refund if unsafe conditions arise. During Atlantic hurricane season (June 1 to November 30), operators follow official advisories. If your dates fall in the stormy months, morning departures and flexible plans are your best bet.

Absolutely. Boats in Naples routinely host celebrations—from casual pontoon picnics and sandbar days to sunset yacht cruises with catering. Tell the host your headcount and vibe, and they’ll recommend boats that fit your group size and amenities. Many allow simple decorations and custom playlists, and captained trips make it easy to relax while someone else handles docking and routes.

Boating is year‑round, but the driest, most comfortable months are typically November through April. Spring breaks and holidays book up fastest, and summer brings hot temps plus afternoon thunderstorms. Major boating holidays—Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day—sell out early and waters get busy. For calmer seas, easier parking, and better wildlife viewing, choose weekday mornings; sunsets are gorgeous too, but evening trips can be in higher demand.

Yes—Keewaydin is a quintessential Naples day trip. It’s an undeveloped barrier island accessible only by boat, known for clear shallows, great shelling, occasional food boats, and long sandy stretches to anchor off for swimming. Many rentals and captained trips build Keewaydin into their routes; just bring sun protection, water, and leave no trace so this wild beach stays pristine.