Boat Rental FAQ
Pre-Booking Inquiries
No, you must have prior boating experience before you can rent a boat from us. It’s for your own safety.
Must be 21 years of age to rent a boat from us.
In Florida, anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1988, must have a Boating Safety Education Identification Card to legally operate a boat in Florida.
In Florida, anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1988, must have a Boating Safety Education Identification Card to legally operate a boat in Florida.
To obtain a Boating Safety Education Identification Card, you can choose one of the following options:
Option 1: Boating Safety Courses (Lifetime, does not expire)
BoatU.S. Foundation offers a Boating Safety Course (FREE)
Online | 4-8 hours to complete | 60 questions | 80% to pass.
Option 2: Temporary Certificate (TC) (Valid for 90 days)
BoatU.S. Foundation offers a Temporary Certificate ($8.99)
Online | 30 minutes to complete | 25 questions | 76% to pass
A boating license from another state is valid in Florida if it's approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA).
To obtain a Boating Safety Education Identification Card, you can choose one of the following options:
Option 1: Boating Safety Courses (Lifetime, does not expire)
BoatU.S. Foundation offers a Boating Safety Course (FREE)
Online | 4-8 hours to complete | 60 questions | 80% to pass.
Option 2: Temporary Certificate (TC) (Valid for 90 days)
BoatU.S. Foundation offers a Temporary Certificate ($8.99)
Online | 30 minutes to complete | 25 questions | 76% to pass
Keep in mind that in Florida, anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1988, must have a Boating Safety Education Identification Card to legally operate a boat in Florida. However, we recommend that every boater take a boating safety course, regardless of age.
Yes, a boating license from another state is valid in Florida if it's approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA).
Renters must be 21 years of age or older to book a boat with us.
Online reservations require at least 3 hours' advance notice, while phone bookings need 2 hours' notice. For holiday rentals, please book well in advance.
You can reserve a boat online or by phone at (941) 267-1524.
Booking with us is a breeze! You have two convenient options:
Online Booking:
Visit our booking page or go to the home page at www.BoatRentalSeekers.com.
Click on the 'BOOK A BOAT ONLINE' button.
Select your desired boat, date, and time.
Choose the rental duration (we offer both daily and weekly options).
Complete the required form fields, checkmark as needed.
Enter your card information and click the booking button.
You'll receive a confirmation email, and you're all set!
Phone Booking:
Call us at (941) 267-1524, and we'll be happy to assist you and handle everything over the phone.
Our prices vary depending on the season and time of the week. Both pontoons and deck boats have the same pricing structure. Please visit our booking page to find out more.
Bimini Top.
Fishfinder/Depth Finder.
Swim Ladder.
Life Jackets (Children & Adult Size).
Anchor.
First Aid Kit.
Flares.
Fire Extinguisher.
Certainly. Please visit our booking page to view our current prices. Additionally, feel free to give us a call to inquire about any ongoing promotions.
Boats must remain inshore during the rental period. Our boats are not permitted to travel offshore.
Yes, absolutely! You can bring food and drinks on board.
At Boat Rental Seekers, we prioritize the safety and enjoyment of our customers. To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience, we have several safety measures in place:
Thorough Boat Safety Checklist: Before each rental, our crew members guide customers through a comprehensive boat safety checklist to familiarize them with the equipment and safety procedures.
Experienced Crew: Our crew members are highly trained and experienced in boating operations. They provide thorough instructions on operating the boat and navigating waterways safely.
Life Jackets: We provide properly fitted life jackets for all passengers, and wearing them while on board is mandatory.
Weather Monitoring: We closely monitor weather conditions to ensure safe boating conditions. In the event of inclement weather, we advise customers accordingly and may reschedule or cancel rentals to prioritize safety.
On-board Amenities: Each rental boat comes equipped with essential amenities for a safe and enjoyable experience, including a first aid kit, informational flares, anchor, map of the area, and depth finder.
Emergency Procedures: We are members of BoatUS, a towing service. In the event of any mishaps while you're on the water, BoatUS will be promptly notified and dispatched to provide assistance.
We provide USCG-approved adult and children’s Type II & Type III life jackets. Each boat is equipped with life jackets for its rated capacity, conveniently stored within the seats or other storage compartments.
It's important to let us know your child's size so we can provide the proper life jackets:
Infant: 0 to 30 lbs
Child: 30 to 50 lbs
Youth: 50 to 90 lbs
Over 90 lbs
Please watch this video made by The BoatUS Foundation to learn 'how to make sure your child's life jacket fits properly'.
In accordance with Florida regulations, children under the age of 6 must wear an approved Type I, II, or III life jacket while the vessel is underway.
We also provide a first aid kit, flares, and our boats are equipped with a depth finder, GPS tracker, and an anchor.
*Safety Note: Life vests should fit snugly and not rise to impede vision or hearing when arms are raised.
Find out more at: http://www.boatus.org/life-jackets/
Yes, absolutely! Decorations are allowed, and we encourage you to have fun with your reservation, creating new memories and celebrating your time on the boat!
Please keep in mind:
No confetti, silly string, duct tape or other strong adhesives.
Nothing offensive will be tolerated.
You will need to remove everything when you are done.
Post-Booking Inquiries
If you chose regular Delivery:
Head to the address of the selected boat ramp provided in your confirmation email.
Park your car in the free parking lot at the boat ramp location.
It's a short walk (approximately 2 minutes or 384 feet) to the boat ramp.
Optionally, bring your car closer to the boat ramp for unloading, but you must return it to the parking lot.
If you're having trouble finding the location, please don't hesitate to contact us at (941) 267-1524. We'll be more than happy to provide you with directions, and we can also send you a map with detailed instructions on where to drive, park, and find the exact location of the boat. Your convenience is our priority!
If you chose Private Home Delivery, the boat will be delivered to the address you provided during booking. We'll pick up the boat from the same address after your rental period.
You don't need to worry about the person who delivers the boat to your house. One of our team members will pick him up.
When you arrive at the boat ramp, the boat will be in the water, already docked and fueled up.
Our staff on site will be waiting by the boat. They will guide you through the boat safety checklist, explaining how to operate all the functions, discuss fuel details, and address any of your boating questions.
Afterward, we'll need a few signatures, including confirmation of your booking receipt and the waiver, and you're off to go! :)
When returning from your trip, dock the boat near its original location. If that spot is occupied, feel free to dock it in another available spot.
No need to wait for us—we have a tracker on the boat and can monitor its location. Simply ensure the boat is securely docked, shut it down, put the keys in the ignition, and turn off the battery. You don't have to wait; we'll take care of the rest. Feel free to call us if you have any questions or concerns.
If you picked home delivery, we'll pick up the boat from the same address where it was delivered.
Please remove all of your belongings from the boat when you leave.
You aren’t expected to clean the boat. Cleaning is included in the price of your rental.
It's important to plan your trip for optimal enjoyment. Explore the scenic beauty of the Charlotte Harbor area, including the Peace River, Myakka River, and charming islands like Boca Grande, Cayo Costa, and Cabbage Key. Discover waterfront restaurants with boat docks. You can also anchor the boat for activities like swimming, snorkeling, or heading to the sandbars. Request a map from us, and we'll provide recommendations for your journey.
In the event of a life-threatening emergency, please call the coast guard or dial 911.
In case of any non-life-threatening issues with your rented boat during the rental period, please contact us immediately. A towing service will come to your rescue.
Please have your phone with you at all times during your time on the water!
Speed limits are only in designated areas. Look for Manty zones.
Our Policies
Cancellations need to be made 24 hours prior to your rental or you will not receive a full refund.
If you cancel your reservation last minute you will receive no refund. So please be sure of your dates. We have a very short rental season and cannot afford to have last-minute cancellations.
Cancellations need to be made by phone call to (941) 267-1524. We can not receive text or email cancellations.
There is one exception to our policy. If the National Weather Service issues a small craft advisory for our area, we will not allow any rental boats to launch. In this case, you will receive a full refund and you will not be charged any cancellation fee.
All boats will be fully fueled at the beginning of your rental period.
Renters are responsible for the fuel they use during the rental, and fuel costs will be charged to the card on file.
Cost per gallon is market price.
Please note that this is separate from the boat rental cost, and you will be charged for the fuel used on your trip upon return.
Payment Inquiries
Yes, a credit card is required for renting from us. While we accept cash, we still need credit card information for security deposit and fuel charges.
Yes, we require a damage deposit of up to $600. Your card will only be charged if there are damages to the boat, and deductions will be determined based on the extent of the damages.
Yes! You will be charged:
7% sales tax on your price of your rental, and
Fuel costs. You will begin your rental period with a full tank of fuel, and we will fill the tank for you when you return (fuel costs charged to your card on file). You will be responsible for any additional fuel costs you incur during your rental period.
1. Go to the booking page. Click here.
2. Choose the boat or service you wish to book by clicking on the blue 'Book' button.
3. Select the date and time.
4. When you're on the booking page, choose the duration.
5. Finally, scroll down (on mobile) or check the right column (on the computer) where it displays the Subtotal/Taxes & Fees/Total. Below that, you'll find the option to 'Apply a gift card.' Click on it and enter the code.
Fishing/Wildlife
Absolutely! We provide a Fishing Package that includes 3 Rods, 1 Tackle Box, 4 dozen Shrimp (with bait bucket), and 2 Landing Nets. Be sure to check mark the Fishing Package during your online booking, or you can request it over the phone at (941) 267-1524.
Florida residents and visitors are required to possess a Florida hunting, freshwater fishing or saltwater fishing license when engaged in fishing and hunting activities.
A license is required to attempt to take fish. If you cast a line or catch and release, you need a fishing license.
Who is exempt from Florida fishing license?
Although youth under 16 and seniors over 65, or anglers fishing in their county of residence with a cane pole do not need licenses, by buying one they contribute to conservation, and help the state recover more of your Federal tax money for sport fish restoration.
Get an Florida Fishing License
For more information, please visit the MYFWC site.
"Fish on!" you have the option to either bring your own fishing equipment or rent it from us. Please ensure that you follow the state regulations and requirements for fishing.
This area is a popular destination for many anglers trying to catch the big one. Boca Grande Pass, in particular, is well known for its tarpon fishing. In addition, there are many fishing tournaments held in the area; some are part of regional or national fishing tours.
Anglers can hope to catch a variety of fish species in the area. Inshore species include snook, spotted seatrout, red drum (redfish), sheepshead, tarpon, and pompano. Some popular offshore species are king mackerel (kingfish); red, black, and gag grouper; red snapper and greater amberjack. It is easy to say that there is something swimming for everyone to catch.
**Cleaning fish is NOT allowed on our boats.**
Fish images © Diane Rome Peebles. Illustration provided for viewing purposes only.
Below is a small list of the popular sport fish caught in the Charlotte Harbor estuary.
Fish Identification: Identifying sport fish that look similar may be difficult for some anglers. Because the regulations may be different for each species, the sheets below were developed and contain simple tips that will help anglers identify similar species. These sheets can be printed using a desktop printer and taken out on the next fishing trip.
Flounder: Inshore on sandy or mud bottoms, often ranging into tidal creeks, occassionlly caught nearshore rocky reefs.
Red Drum (Redfish): Inshore species until approximately 30 inches in length, where they migrate to join the nearshore population; spawning occurs from August to November in nearshore waters.
Red Drum (Redfish): Inshore species until approximately 30 inches in length, where they migrate to join the nearshore population; spawning occurs from August to November in nearshore waters.
Spotted Seatrout (Speckled Seatrout): Inshore over grass beds, sand, and sandy/mud bottoms; deeper water during warmest and coolest months.
Tarpon: Commonly found, mostly inshore near bridges, pilings, rock walls, harbors, around structures, and on flats. Also found offshore along beaches and in passes.
Spanish Mackerel: Inshore, nearshore, and offshore over grass beds and reefs.
King Mackerel (Kingfish): Nearshore and offshore; occasionally taken from piers running into deep water.
Red Grouper: Bottom dwelling fish associated with hardbottom; juveniles offshore along with adults greater than six years old; nearshore reefs.
Black Grouper: Offshore species; adults associated with rocky bottoms, reef, and drop-off walls in water over 60 feet deep; young may occur inshore in shallow water.
Gag (Gag Grouper): Adults offshore over rocks and reefs; juveniles occur in seagrass beds inshore.
Cobia: Both inshore and nearshore inhabiting inlets, bays and among mangroves; frequently seen around buoys, pilings, and wrecks.
Crevalle Jack (Jack Crevalle): Common to both inshore waters and the open sea.
Florida Pompano: Inshore and nearshore waters, especially along sandy beaches, along oyster bars, and over grassbeds, often in turbid water; may be found in water as deep as 130 feet.
Gray (Mangrove) Snapper: Juveniles inshore in tidal creeks, mangroves, and grass beds; adults generally nearshore or offshore on coral or rocky reefs.
Sheepshead: Inshore around oyster bars, seawalls, and in tidal creeks; moves nearshore in late winter and early spring for spawning, gathering over rocks, artificial reefs, and around navigation markers.
Our local waterways are rich with marine life, offering the chance to witness dolphins at play, manatees gliding beneath the surface, and even the occasional sighting of a stingray. Along your journey, you may encounter various fascinating creatures in their natural habitat, providing a unique opportunity to observe sea life beyond the confines of an aquarium.
For bird enthusiasts, the coastal area is a haven for exotic species. Keep your eyes peeled for favorites such as the Great Blue Heron or Roseate Spoonbill, gracefully navigating the shallows or perching in the mangroves and tropical vegetation along the route.
A summary of recreational fishing regulations for Florida waters can be found by visiting FWC's Recreational Regulations Saltwater Fishing Web page. A summary of fishing regulations for federal waters can be found on NOAA's Fisheries Service, Southeast Regional Office, Web site.
Fish Measurement: Many of the fish caught in Charlotte Harbor have a minimum length required before they can be kept; some have a maximum length, too. Fish Fish size limit regulations use either fork length or length. Not sure how to measure a fish's length? View Saltwater Fish Measurement Guidelines, developed by the FWC's Division of Marine Fisheries Management.
Harvester: Regardless of what species you are fishing for, bag limits are only for properly licensed individuals and those people exempt from licensing requirements who are actively harvesting. People harvesting may not exceed the individual bag limit and take someone else's bag limit. That is, people (including children) who are not actively harvesting or are not properly licensed (if license is required) may NOT be counted for the purpose of bag limits.
Florida Boating Rules & Regulations
According to Florida state law, "For anyone born on or after January 1st, 1988, who will be operating a boat in Florida waters with an engine of ten (10) horsepower or more, the law requires them to complete an approved boating safety course and obtain a Florida Boating Safety ID Card."
To obtain a Boating Safety Education Identification Card, you can choose one of the following options:
Obtain a Temporary Certificate (TC) for $9.99. (Estimated time: 15min; lasts for 90 days) For more details, please refer to the FWC website.
Acquire a Boating Safety Education Identification Card by completing one of the FWC-listed boating safety courses. (Estimated time: 2-4 hours; lasts for life) Many of these courses are affordable and can be completed online. Upon successful completion, you will be issued an FWC Boating Safety Education Identification Card.
Yes, in Florida, anyone born on or after January 1, 1988, must carry an FWC-issued Boating Safety Education ID Card.
How to Obtain Your Boater Education ID Card:
Option 1: Lifetime Boating Safety ID Card (Permanent)
BoatU.S. Foundation offers a Boating Safety Course: FREE (Online)
Details: Valid for Lifetime | 4-8 hours to complete | 6 lessons (10 questions each) | 60 questions in final exam | 80% to pass.
Link: https://courses.boatus.org/course/id/BTUS100S
Option 2: Temporary Certificate (TC) (Valid for 90 days)
BoatU.S. Foundation offers a Temporary Certificate: $8.99 (Online)
Details: Valid for 90 days | 30 minutes to complete | 25 questions | 76% to pass
Link: https://courses.boatus.org/course/id/FWC
For more information about Boater Education, please visit the FWC website. You can also visit https://myfwc.com/boating/regulations/ to learn about the Boating Rules & Regulations provided by the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Yes, Florida law requires individual fishing licenses for both residents and visitors 16 years of age or older. You are required to carry your license with you while fishing. You can obtain a fishing license online at gooutdoorsflorida.com
Also, visit https://myfwc.com/fishing/freshwater/regulations/ to learn more about Fishing Rules & Regulations listed by the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission.