How to Rent a Boat on Marco Island

A couple rides a speedboat on the ocean at sunset.

Guided boat tours are a wonderful way to discover the natural beauty of Florida’s Paradise Coast. But for some of us, the best kind of boat trip is one we captain ourselves. For us, the marinas and boat-shares of Marco Island are the perfect place to start our self-guided adventure on the water!

A woman and a man jump into the ocean from a boat.

The calm, turquoise waters and endless blue skies of Florida’s Paradise Coast make it a boater’s dream. Whether you’re looking for a few hours of sun and fun or a multi-day excursion into the water wilderness of the Everglades, you can find what you need on Marco Island.

Looking to rent a boat that’s people-powered instead? There are many options for exploring Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades by kayak or paddleboard.

A smiling woman rides in a speedboat in the ocean.

What You Need To Rent A Boat On Marco Island

Before you hit the water in your rental boat, there are a few things you should know:

  • You’ll need to be 25 or older to rent a boat. If you were born after January 1, 1988, you’ll need to take a Florida Boating Safety course online to be qualified to operate any boat over 10 horsepower.
  • The tides can make or break your day on the water. Things can change quickly, especially in the shallow waters around Marco Island and amid the maze of mangrove forests in the Ten Thousand Islands section of the Everglades. Keep track of the tides and weather to ensure smooth sailing.
  • You’ll also want to make sure your boat rental includes a nautical chart showing the depth of the water in channels and along shelves. As the tides shift, the chart will help your keep your boat afloat. Life may be a beach, but being stuck on a sandbar all day is less than fun! You can use an online chart or order your own paper chart ahead of time.
  • Planning to fish? If you’re older than 16, you’ll need a Florida saltwater fishing license before you can wet a line during your boat trip. Florida has licenses for residents and visitors.
A fishing boat is pictured in the middle of the oc

Where To Rent A Boat On Marco Island

Now, with all that out of the way, you can load up the snacks, swim gear and fishing tackle for your DIY day on the water. Here are some of Marco Island’s top places to rent your way to adventure:

Dolphin Cove Marina
1135 Bald Eagle Drive

Offers pontoon boats, fishing boats, deck boats and a new fun deck that combines the best of pontoons and deck boats. Half-day, full-day and multi-day rentals are available.

Gator Boat Rentals
909 Collier Court

You can rent your boat on-site or they’ll deliver it to your waterfront home or rental on Marco Island. They offer pontoon boats that hold up to a dozen people and smaller 4-person Carolina skiffs. They are the closest rental location to the famous dome houses of Cape Romano.

Rose Marina
951 Bald Eagle Drive

Half-day (4 hours) or full-day (7 hours) rentals are available, with pontoon boats big enough for either 7 or 10 passengers along with 6-passenger deck boats and 6-passenger off-shore boats.

With a little planning, Marco Island is the perfect place to captain your own adventure. It’s time to weigh anchor and launch your personal voyage of discovery in Paradise!

 

Explore More of Paradise Coast

View All Articles