Boat Rentals in DestinCaptained & Family-Friendly

Book a private boat experience with local captains who know Destin's best spots. Family-friendly amenities, flexible scheduling, and easy online booking.

4.8(1,311 reviews)
Locally owned in Destin
Free reschedule for weather
Weekends sell out early
See Captained RentalsCrab Island TripsDolphin & Sunset Cruises
5 boats available
Boat Rental in Destin with up to 6 Guests

Boat Rental in Destin with up to 6 Guests

Private family-friendly boat with licensed captain, water toys, and flexible itinerary to Crab Island or dolphin spots.

5.0(1427 reviews)
Up to 6
3-8hr
Captain included
Private experience
  • Cooler & Ice
  • Bluetooth Audio
  • Floats & Toys
From$375per boat
Boat Rental in Destin with Slide up to 6 Guests

Boat Rental in Destin with Slide up to 6 Guests

Double decker for double the fun! Slide into the water and make a splash.

5.0(1427 reviews)
Up to 6
3-8hr
Captain included
Private experience
  • Cooler & Ice
  • Bluetooth Audio
  • Floats & Toys
From$425per boat
Private Catamaran Boat Rental in Destin with Restroom up to 10 Guests

Private Catamaran Boat Rental in Destin with Restroom up to 10 Guests

Luxury catamaran with restroom onboard - perfect for cruising or Crab Island

5.0(1427 reviews)
Up to 10
4-8hr
Private experience
  • Cooler & Ice
  • Bluetooth Audio
  • Floats & Toys
From$725per boat
Double Slide Boat Rental in Destin with Restroom up to 12 Guests

Double Slide Boat Rental in Destin with Restroom up to 12 Guests

Double the slides for double the fun

5.0(1427 reviews)
Up to 12
4-8hr
Private experience
  • Cooler & Ice
  • Bluetooth Audio
  • Floats & Toys
From$695per boat
Boat Rental in Destin with Restroom up to 20 Guests

Boat Rental in Destin with Restroom up to 20 Guests

Custom built boat rental perfect for large families

5.0(1427 reviews)
Up to 20
3-8hr
Captain included
Private experience
  • Cooler & Ice
  • Bluetooth Audio
  • Floats & Toys
From$900per boat

Boat rentals in Destin: what to know before you book

Captained vs. self-drive boat rentals

Choosing between a captained and self-drive rental comes down to your comfort level and how you want to spend your day. Captained rentals are ideal for families—especially those with young children—because you can focus entirely on relaxing and enjoying the water. Your captain knows Destin's waterways intimately, from the best dolphin-spotting areas to the calmest anchorages at Crab Island. Self-drive rentals work well for experienced boaters who want more flexibility and independence. No license is required in Florida, but you should be comfortable operating a boat and navigating shallow waters.

Best time to visit Crab Island

Crab Island is busiest on weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day, especially between 11am and 3pm. For a more peaceful experience, visit on a weekday morning or late afternoon. The sandbar is most enjoyable at low to mid tide when you can stand in waist-deep water. Weather matters too—calm days with light winds create the clearest water. Our captains check conditions daily and will recommend the best timing for your trip.

What to bring on your boat trip

Pack sunscreen (reef-safe is best for our marine ecosystem), towels, swimsuits, and polarized sunglasses. Bring a cooler with drinks and snacks—most rentals provide ice. Waterproof phone pouches protect your devices while still allowing photos. Water shoes help on the boat and at Crab Island's sandy bottom. Don't forget motion sickness remedies if anyone in your group is prone to seasickness, and bring layers for sunset cruises when temperatures drop.

Safety for kids on Destin boat rentals

All our boats carry Coast Guard-approved life jackets in sizes from infant to adult. Children under 6 must wear life jackets at all times when the boat is underway—this is Florida law. Our captained rentals are especially family-friendly because the captain can watch conditions while you watch your kids. We recommend shallow water stops at Crab Island where little ones can play safely. Always apply waterproof sunscreen before boarding and reapply every 2 hours.

Weather and cancellation policies

Destin's weather can change quickly, especially in summer when afternoon thunderstorms are common. Most operators offer free cancellation or rescheduling for weather-related issues. Our captained rentals include full refunds if we cancel for safety reasons. We recommend booking morning trips during summer months to avoid afternoon storms. Always check the forecast, but trust your captain's judgment—they'll prioritize your safety over keeping to a schedule.

Frequently asked questions about Destin boat rentals

No license is required for most boat rentals in Florida. For self-drive rentals, you'll receive a brief orientation before departing. Captained boats include a licensed captain who handles all navigation.
No license is required for most boat rentals in Florida. For self-drive rentals, you'll receive a brief orientation before departing. Captained boats include a licensed captain who handles all navigation.
We recommend our captained boat rentals for families with children under 10. The captain handles everything while you relax, and we provide life jackets for all ages including infants. Our 6-guest captained boat is our most popular family option.
We recommend our captained boat rentals for families with children under 10. The captain handles everything while you relax, and we provide life jackets for all ages including infants. Our 6-guest captained boat is our most popular family option.
During peak season (June-August), we recommend booking 2-4 weeks in advance, especially for weekends. Shoulder season (April-May, September-October) typically has more availability with 1 week notice.
During peak season (June-August), we recommend booking 2-4 weeks in advance, especially for weekends. Shoulder season (April-May, September-October) typically has more availability with 1 week notice.
Safety comes first. If we cancel due to weather, you'll receive a full refund or can reschedule at no charge. We monitor conditions closely and will contact you if there's any concern about your trip.
Safety comes first. If we cancel due to weather, you'll receive a full refund or can reschedule at no charge. We monitor conditions closely and will contact you if there's any concern about your trip.
Captained rentals include a licensed captain who navigates, knows the best spots, and handles the boat so you can relax. Self-drive rentals give you full control—perfect if you have boating experience or want more independence.
Captained rentals include a licensed captain who navigates, knows the best spots, and handles the boat so you can relax. Self-drive rentals give you full control—perfect if you have boating experience or want more independence.
Yes! Most boats allow you to bring your own cooler with food and drinks. Adults 21+ can bring beer, wine, or seltzers (no glass containers). We provide ice in our coolers. Some party boats include drinks in the price.
Yes! Most boats allow you to bring your own cooler with food and drinks. Adults 21+ can bring beer, wine, or seltzers (no glass containers). We provide ice in our coolers. Some party boats include drinks in the price.
Crab Island is only accessible by boat—there's no bridge or road. It's located in the shallow waters of Choctawhatchee Bay, about 10-15 minutes from Destin Harbor. All our Crab Island trips include transportation there and back.
Crab Island is only accessible by boat—there's no bridge or road. It's located in the shallow waters of Choctawhatchee Bay, about 10-15 minutes from Destin Harbor. All our Crab Island trips include transportation there and back.
Sunscreen, towels, swimsuits, sunglasses, and any snacks or drinks you'd like. We recommend waterproof phone pouches and reef-safe sunscreen. Most boats provide life jackets, coolers with ice, and basic water toys.
Sunscreen, towels, swimsuits, sunglasses, and any snacks or drinks you'd like. We recommend waterproof phone pouches and reef-safe sunscreen. Most boats provide life jackets, coolers with ice, and basic water toys.

Explore more Destin experiences

Discover other family-friendly activities in and around Destin.

Complete Guide to Crab Island

Complete Guide to Crab Island

Everything you need to know about Destin's famous sandbar

Learn more
Dolphin Cruises in Destin

Dolphin Cruises in Destin

Best times and tours for dolphin sightings

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Sunset Cruises

Sunset Cruises

Romantic evening cruises on the Emerald Coast

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Things to Do with Kids in Destin

Things to Do with Kids in Destin

Family-friendly activities beyond the beach

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