F A Q
BOATING WITH FT LAUDERDALE BOAT RENTAL
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
Explore the Ft Lauderdale Boat Rental FAQ to help answer questions on boat rentals in Fort Lauderdale. Experience and plan an unforgettable boat ride in Fort Lauderdale.
RENTING A BOAT IN FORT LAUDERDALE
Most common renters questions
Explore the Ft Lauderdale Boat Rental experience and plan an unforgettable boat ride with us.
What’s included?
- We include a giant floating mat and inflatables for free
- The boat comes with a cooler
- Bluetooth Speakers
- All safety equipment
- Our kindness and smiles.
- Gas, Captain fee, and Taxes are included in the price you see on the front page.
If you want to reserve your Ft Lauderdale Boat Rental online, click here.
What can we bring?
- Food and drinks
- Towel
- Camera
- Sunglasses and a hat
- Bring comfortable clothes (no jeans!)
- Bathing suit and Sunblock (eco-responsible).
- Extra cash
Can I drive the boat?
For your own safety and from our experience, renting a boat without a captain increases the risk of injury and damage. Our boats must be operated by an approved captain. We’ll send you a list of approved experienced boat captains for you to choose from.
Suggested Itinerary
There is no set route you decide where to go, our captains’ favorites are:
– a trip North to the bests Fort Lauderdale Mansions, Downtown and a swim break to Whiskey Creek (usually on 4-5 hours
– or a trip south: Haulover Sandbar, Indian Creek, and Miami’s best sightseeing spots by Fort Lauderdale canals 🙂 perfect for 6/8 hours, our best sellers!
Feel free to take a break, dive into the water, and luxuriate on the floating mat whenever you please. Whether your preference is sightseeing or creating your own ambiance with your favorite music, unwinding in peaceful tranquility, or reveling in a lively party atmosphere, the choice is entirely yours. Your experience is all about personalization and enjoying every moment to the fullest. So go ahead, embrace the freedom to swim, relax, and set the tone for a truly delightful time on the water. 🌊🎶😊
Cancellation policy
Free cancellations until 7 days before the booking start date.
50% refund for cancellations between 3-7 days before the booking start date.
Cancellations within 3 days of the booking start date are non-refundable.
No show (15 minutes late) = no refund
Weather policy
The weather in Fort Lauderdale is unpredictable! We sail rain or shine but never if the weather is unsafe.
We offer a thrid party rain insurance that you can purchase up to 5 days before your booking date.
If 2 hours before the appointment, there is a 70% chance of rain for more than half of the trip, we’ll give you 3 options:
1- maintain the appointment
2- postpone for a few hours based on availability
3- get an in-house credit and reschedule for another day (not on a weekend), the captain must still be paid one hour as compensation.
Canceling will be at no cost only in case of thunderstorms, US Coast Guards advisory for small crafts, and winds over 20 mph.
If we advised you the weather will get better by the time of your appointment and you still decide to take a house credit and the weather actually is good at the time of your appointment, we reserve the right to charge a $150 rescheduling fee.
Ft Lauderdale Boat Rental reserves the right to make changes to the reservation in the event the reserved boat would become unavailable for any reason, or for unsafe weather.
If we have to downgrade because of a breakdown or any reason, the price will be reduced accordingly.
FAQ – Find answers to your questions about Ft Lauderdale fleet, services and more.
Explore routes across Fort Lauderdale canals and search our schedules to find a boat adventure that works for you.
What are the requirements to rent a boat?
It is mandatory to hire a captain, and we will present you with a list of options to choose from and assist you in booking the captain.
To complete the online contract, we require you to upload a valid card and a matching ID.
The minimum age requirement for renting the boat is 18 years.
Both the bareboat contract and bareboat summary need to be signed.
Payment for the captain’s services is separate and needs to be settled before departure through Cash App, Venmo, or in cash.
Do I need to wear a life jacket?
The boat is equipped with the necessary safety equipment as per the requirements of the U.S. Coast Guard to ensure your safety. While underway, passengers aged 6 years and older are not obligated to wear a life vest.
However, if you prefer to wear a life vest during your time on board, please feel free to do so. Your comfort and peace of mind are important to us.
If you are planning to bring more than one child under the age of 6, please inform us in advance so that we can make appropriate arrangements for the provision of life jackets.
Can I bring my own food and drinks?
Certainly! However, we kindly request that you refrain from bringing anything that could potentially cause stains on the seats. Please be aware that any stains found on the seats will incur additional charges. Specifically, we ask that you avoid bringing red wine on board.
What’s not included on Ft Lauderdale’ Boat Charters?
We provide the following amenities:
- Food and drinks
- Ice
- Towels
The prices shown on the front page already include the costs of gas, captain, and taxes.
When making an online reservation, you will be responsible for payment for the boat rental, a flat rate of $25 for gas, and applicable taxes.
Upon arrival at the marina, you will need to pay the captain fee, which starts at $40 per hour.
Once again, the price displayed on the front page is the final amount you will be charged.
While tips are not mandatory, they are greatly appreciated. They are left entirely to the discretion of our guests and are not included in the total price.
What are the best Fort Lauderdale sightseeing spots?
- Whiskey Creek
- Riverfront walk
- Downtown
- NewRiver
- Esplanade Park
- George English Park
- Sunrise Key
- Seven Isles
- Las Olas Isles
- Fort Lauderdale’s canals
- Haulover Sandbar
To explore all options, please visit: Boat Tour – possible routes.
Can I book over the phone?
You’re more than welcome to call us to make your reservation.
Our phone number is +1 786 636 1008.
We are also on WhatsApp.
How do I modify or cancel my booking?
Your cancelation or change in booking affects us more than big companies because we are a small business. Please don’t book until you are sure you come.
We also understand things happen, therefore if something comes up, you can email us at info@ftlauderdaleboatrental.com or call us at +1 786 636 1008, we will take care of the booking admendment.
What is online booking and how do I use it?
Discover the convenience of online booking for your boat rental experience through Ft Lauderdale Boat Rental website. With our user-friendly platform, you can easily:
- Select the ideal date and time for your boat rental.
- Choose the boat that best suits your preferences.
- Explore itineraries tailored to meet your journey expectations.
- Request and purchase rain insurance for added peace of mind.
- Make secure online payments using your credit or debit card via our trusted server. We also offer alternative payment methods where available.
To book your boat rental in Fort Lauderdale online, simply follow these steps:
- Select your desired boat and preferred dates.
- Choose a suitable itinerary.
- Confirm your personal details.
- Decide on your preferred payment method.
Don’t wait any longer – make your boat rental reservation online now and secure an unforgettable experience.
Can I check availability and fares without actually booking a boat?
No payment is necessary to check the availability and fares of our services. We only ask for your payment details if you decide to proceed with a booking.
Can I make a reservation online with my credit card if I am not attending?
To ensure security and prevent credit card fraud, it is standard practice at Ft Lauderdale Boat Rental for the person who booked the boat or experience to be one of the riders. As part of our commitment to combatting fraud, we require you to upload the credit card used for payment onto the online contract before attending your boat ride.
If you are making a booking on behalf of someone else, we kindly request that you still provide the credit card used for payment along with a valid form of identification that matches the name of the cardholder.
For your convenience and smooth sailing, we recommend designating a representative who will be present on the boat with you. This representative should also provide their identification for verification purposes.
Can I bring my baby / kids on the boat?
Rest assured, our activity is extremely safe and suitable for children of all ages. We happily welcome babies as young as one month old to join in on the experience. To ensure their safety, we provide life jackets specifically designed for our little passengers.
If you are planning to bring more than two kids on the boat ride, kindly inform us in advance. This way, we can make the necessary preparations and ensure we have an adequate supply of safety equipment for everyone on board. Your children’s safety is our priority, and we want to ensure they have a secure and enjoyable time.
Can I go to a restaurant by boat?
Several restaurants in the area offer docking facilities for your convenience. These include: 15th Street Fisheries, Boathouse, Coconuts, Rustic Inn Crabhouse, Shooters Waterfront, Southport Raw Bar, The Pirate Republic Seafood and Grill, and The Historic Downtowner.
To secure a spot for docking, we recommend calling ahead and making a reservation. It’s worth noting that some of these establishments may have landing fees, so it’s essential to inquire about any associated charges.
Remember, the charter time begins when we depart from the dock and concludes upon our return. It’s important to plan your outing accordingly, considering the number of hours you have booked.
For more information on restaurant options and hopping experiences, please visit our dedicated restaurant hopping page.