Gear up for some fun in the sun and underwater if you love snorkeling and want to watch some exotic marine life under the sea. Going on a boating trip off Ft. Walton Beach may be a dream come true for you, with affordable rentals and rates on offer.
What better way to have a relaxing day out with family and friends than a boating trip to Crab Island and some exciting water sports amidst stunning marine scenery? Choose to be captain of your boat and decide where you want to go and what you want to do. If you plan to go surfing while at Crab Island, make sure you get the Crab Island Surf report and forecast before leaving Ft. Walton Beach.
All you need is an ID card showing that you have completed a National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) approved boating course if you were born after January 1, 1988.
What’s the Rental Cost for a Pontoon Boat for a Day?
Now that you have decided to go on a boating trip, you’ll be curious to know the cost of renting a pontoon boat for a day. Remember that the rentals vary depending on the location. If you plan a boating trip during a holiday or a weekend, the rates are bound to be higher because of increased demand. Check the Destin pontoon boats, rentals and rates with the local boat renting company to get the best deals.
You can select hourly, half-day, or full-day trips. If you plan an overnight stay, there may be additional charges. Some rental locations offer pontoon boats for as low as $220, with free parking.
The rates may vary, depending on the size of the vessel and the model you prefer. The standard amenities include Bluetooth stereo, a cooler for storing drinks, lifejackets and other safety gear, and free fuel.
Is A License Required To Hire A Boat?
The essential requirement is that you should be above 21 years of age to rent a powered boat. Some smaller boats can be rented by 18-year olds, though it is advisable to check with the boat rental companies.
If you plan to steer the boat, you need to have the NASBLA certificate, as mentioned earlier. While a temporary Boater Safety Card is accepted, you have to carry the ID card along with a photo ID.
Is It Necessary To Book A Boat In Advance?
It depends on the popularity of the location, season, and demand on a particular day. It is advisable to book your boat at least a couple of days in advance for weekdays, and if you plan a trip on a holiday or weekend, you may have to book at least a week in advance.
Remember that weekends and holidays are the busiest, and all pontoon boat rental locations will have their order books full, and booking as early as you can help avoid disappointment.
Are the Advance Deposits Refundable?
The very idea of charging deposits is to ensure the parties turn up on the scheduled date. And no bookings are accepted without advance deposits. However, occasionally, the weather plays spoilsport, which is no fault of yours. In such cases where you are at the mercy of the weather, the deposits are returned without any questions.
However, if you fail to turn up on the booked date, you will likely lose a part of the entire deposit amount. However, cancellations do have a notice period of 48 hours when your deposits are returned. It is better to check with the rental location you plan to rent the boat from and look at the fine print to get an idea.
What If The Weather Turns Bad Midway?
As mentioned earlier, it is advisable to check the surf and weather forecasts before setting sail. If you get caught in a storm midway, it is better to call the rental location and follow their instructions. Pontoon boats do not get affected by lightning, and storms don’t last for long. Hence, it depends on your luck.
However, if you are delayed by a couple of hours due to a storm, you may not be charged for the extra time. The rental location always inspects the boats on return, for damages, and safety being paramount for all, it is better to check the weather forecast before setting out.
Is The Fuel Included In The Rental?
Most rental locations offer free fuel. However, some may charge extra based on the fuel you have used up on the trip. Most boats are well-maintained and are not gas guzzlers, and the total fuel cost may not exceed $30 to $40, on average.
Summing it Up
Boat rentals vary from location to location and will largely depend on the demand on a particular day. It is advisable to book your boats in advance to ensure that you don’t have to change your plans.
