Blue Water Boat Rental Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

If you are born prior to January 1, 1988, you are not required to have a boating license, just a form of State or Federal ID with you birthdate on your person at time of rental. If you are born after January 1st 1988 you are required to have a boating license approved by NASBLA according to Florida state law. Having a boating license does not exclude you from being required to meet the QUALIFIED OPERATOR/ADEQUATE EXPERIENCE requirement as described above.

Yes they certainly do. The seating capacity includes people of any age.

All well-behaved pups are welcome.
🐾 Bring Your Best Friend Aboard! 🐾

At Blue Water Boat Rental, we know adventures are better with your pup by your side. That’s why well-behaved dogs are always welcome on board! 🐶☀️🚤

Whether you’re cruising to Peanut Island or anchoring at a local sandbar, your furry first mate is invited to join the fun. 📍

🌊 Your boat day starts here — tail wags included.

If you have more than 6 people in your party and are in need of a Captain, we are happy to provide you with some names and contact information of licensed Captains we know. You will have to contact them and coordinate payment etc. without our assistance. Coast Guard regulations restrict us from scheduling Captains for more than 6 passengers on your behalf.

Customers can receive a rental deposit refund or reschedule for reservations canceled at least 24 hours prior to the reserved time. Customers will receive a store credit only if they do not call or email to cancel a reservation at least 24 hours prior to the reserved time. Cancellations after 5:00 pm EST the day before your reservation will forfeit the deposit. We recommend checking the weather forecast by the afternoon the day before to avoid the forfeiture of your deposit due to canceling after the cut-off. Arriving for your rental and being unable to demonstrate that you are a qualified operator will also be grounds for the forfeiture of your reservation deposit.

Yes, taxes and gas used in addition to the rental rate. You depart from our dock with a full tank and we top it off when you return. Barring any damage or late fees, you will receive your security deposit back minus the cost of gas used.

Please be sure that the primary renter brings their ID, credit card, and boating license if required. Otherwise, all required boat safety equipment, including life jackets for young children, are provided by us. We provide complimentary coolers, and ice is available for purchase on-premises. You are welcome to bring any provisions you would like. Snorkel gear is also available for rent on-premises and we have complimentary dive flags. We do not sell food or drinks from our office, however, there is a full-service restaurant on property and a marina ship store that sells beverages, snacks, and frozen bait. We do not rent or provide fishing supplies, but close by on Blue Heron Boulevard we recommend the Rod Room for fishing gear, and Seven Seas Bait and Tackle for live shrimp and frozen bait.

Insurance restrictions do not allow for towable watersports such as tubes, skis, wakeboards, etc. to be used with our rental boats. Other local businesses can provide Captained watersports charters for up to 6 passengers.

No, joining the waitlist is completely free. You’ll only be charged if and when you confirm a booking.

We’ll send you a text and/or email notification as soon as your desired time slot becomes available. Be sure to act fast—availability is on a first-come, first-served basis!

Unfortunately, no. While we’ll do our best to notify you if a slot opens, we can’t guarantee availability. We recommend keeping an eye on our schedule or selecting alternate times if you’re flexible.

es! If you’re flexible, feel free to join multiple waitlists for different time slots or boats. This increases your chances of getting on the water.