Renting a Boat in Fort Myers Beach: What to Do and Where to Go

Renting a boat in Fort Myers Beach could be the cherry on top of your already delectable vacation to Southwest Florida. Here’s everything you need to know to sweeten the deal.

The Best Way to Enjoy Fort Myers Beach

There’s just something about Fort Myers that makes it one of our favorite places to visit in the state of Florida. In fact, we regularly make the trip over from our home in the Fort Lauderdale/Miami area because we love it that much!

Maybe it’s the small, beach town vibe; the turquoise blue water; or the natural backdrop of Estero Bay. One thing’s for sure though, the natural beauty of Fort Myers, and Southwest Florida in general, is simply stunning.

The best way to enjoy this slice of nature?

Renting a boat!

Renting a Boat in Fort Myers

After multiple day trips to Southwest Florida, countless visits to Lovers Key, and one overnight camping trip to Cayo Costa State Park, we still needed to explore more of natural Fort Myers. All of those adventures were amazing, but we knew we were still missing worthwhile experiences.

After all, we’d driven over the bridges and spotted the scores of boats below enjoying the sandbars, secluded beaches and open ocean air. A fun-filled tropical paradise we were excluded from. The FOMO (fear of missing out) was real.

We needed to get in on the action. Fortunately, on our latest trip to Southwest Florida, we were able to do just that by renting a boat!

DISCLAIMER: this article is not a substitute for proper boat operation training and should not be treated as such.

Where to Rent a Boat in Fort Myers?

You have a lot of options when it comes to renting a boat in Fort Myers – boating in the area is an extremely popular activity. Here a few of the nicest boat rentals we saw out on the water:

• Bonita Boat Rentals: If you’re launching from Bonita Springs or want to explore the waterways to the south of Estero Bay, we recommend renting from here.
• Snook Bight Marina: Pristine looking boats and the cheapest prices I found for a 4 hour pontoon rental. Obviously, prices subject to vary.
• Salty Sam’s Boat Rentals: we rented a center console from here and loved every minute of it. Pontoons are popular, but if you want some REAL fun, we recommend renting a center console from Salty Sam’s Marina.

How much does a boat rental cost in Fort Myers, Florida?

Prices vary from marina to marina and are entirely dependent on the type of boat, maximum amount of passengers, time of year and how long you rent the boat for.

As a rough estimate, we found boat rentals in Fort Myers cost…

• Between $200 and $300 for a half-day (4 to 6 hours) on a pontoon.
• Around $230 to $300 for a half-day on a center console.

Again, these may vary and do not include gas and tax.

Is a boating license required to rent a boat in Fort Myers, Florida?

Yes and no. In the state of Florida you can be eligible to rent a boat by meeting one of four criteria:

1. Born before 1988 with a valid driver’s license.
2. You’re a USCG licensed Captain.
3. In possession of a boater education certificate.
4. You possess a temporary rental boater certificate.

For the last two, if you don’t have one yet, don’t sweat it. You can receive one very quickly via the FWC. Here’s how:

• For a complete boater education course and certificate, select an in-person or online class from the approved providers by the FWC. The cost runs between $15 and $30. The classes take approximately 6 hours.
• For $10, take a 1 – 2 hour online class to receive a temporary boater education certificate specifically for renters. This is the easiest and cheapest option.

Where to Go and What to Do While Boating Around Fort Myers Beach

Now that you’ve rented the boat, it’s time for you to plan your route! You should have been given a little map but here are some points of interest to consider visiting!

Cruise the intracoastal

The intracoastal is the waterway between the barrier island of Fort Myers Beach and the mainland of Florida. The marina you leave from will likely be somewhere along this channel.

Most of the area of the intracoastal is a no wake zone as it’s a hot bed for manatees, amongst other wildlife. Be sure to keep your head on a swivel – you’d hate to miss all the beautiful sailboats, mansions, and mangrove forests lining the banks.

Visit Mound Key Archaeological State Park

Only accessible by boat, Mound Key is an ancient Native American site used by a tribe known as the Calusa. Prior to the early 1500s, the Calusa dominated Southwest Florida for 2,000 years before the Spanish began colonizing the area.

You can explore the park by entering a narrow mangrove channel and docking your boat.

For more on the State Park: Mound Key State Park Information

Enjoy the marine and wildlife

Manatees, sea turtles, and dolphins make frequent appearances in Southwest Florida. Additionally, keep your eyes on the tree line, rare birds such as bald eagles and osprey like to say hello from time to time.

READ MORE: 13 Tips on How to Respect Marine Life

Visit Sanibel Lighthouse

Just across the bay from the northern tip of Fort Myers Beach, you can find the southern point of Sanibel Island with a stunning beacon of light donning its shores.

First lit in 1884, Sanibel lighthouse is a great place to enjoy some maritime history as you explore the sandy shores of the historic island.

Visit the lighthouse website to learn more.

Head north to Captiva Island

Although we never did make it this far north, Captiva Island is a worthy destination for your boating adventures. Secluded shores filled with immaculate shells and sand dollars await you upon arrival.

Go bar hopping!

Yup. You read that right. Bar hopping is a thing for boaters with many restaurants having dockage for thirsty sailors. Just be careful not to spend all of your rental time at the bar! Or at the very least, make sure the Captain doesn’t!

Dock and Beach at Lovers Key State Park

On the north end of Lovers Key State Park (south end of Fort Myers Beach), you’ll find Big Carlos Pass. In the pass, you’ll find beaches lining the north end of Lovers Key serving as an ideal stop for boaters looking to get their feet sandy!

Additionally, on the south end of Lovers Key, you’ll find New Pass. The sandy shores of this channel are an equally as great pitstop during your boating adventures!

Cruise the open ocean

If you were shaky on cranking up that engine in the intracoastal, heading to the open ocean could satisfy that need for speed.

After passing through a channel, it’s time for you and your crew to go full throttle and feel that open ocean air!

Renting a Boat in Fort Myers: What to Bring

Here is a handy list of items to consider bringing with you:

• Food. Lunch, snacks, candy and everything in between. Something about that Florida sun that makes everyone hungry!
• Beer, wine, and alcohol! Please boat responsibly!
• Beach towels. You won’t want to be wet all day.
• Rain jacket and pants. It is Florida, after all.
• Dry bags! Here is your warning: everything will get wet. We carry a dry bag backpack everywhere we go. Here’s one on Amazon we can recommend.
• Sun protection. Protect yourself from the powerful Florida sun. How? We use reef safe sunscreen, long sleeve shirts, hats and shades!

Useful Links

Renting a Boat in Fort Myers: Final Thoughts

No vacation to the beach is complete without a boat trip. It’s the best way to enjoy the ocean in the best possible way. Plus, you’ll be able to see a side of Southwest Florida you never knew existed.

So pack your towels, snacks, sunscreen and dry bags! Your vacation is about to begin! Happy exploring!