Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common boat rental questions, from requirements and delivery to fuel and fishing. Jump to a topic below, or call (239) 758-9512 and ask us directly.
General
General Questions
Do I need a boating license to rent a boat in Florida?
Florida doesn't issue a boating license, but anyone born on or after January 1, 1988 needs a Florida Boating Safety Education ID card, or an accepted alternative such as a temporary certificate, to operate a boat of 10 HP or more. See our rental requirements for the details.
Are life jackets free?
Yes. Life jackets are free and included with every boat rental, for adults and children. Infant and toddler life jackets are available on request at no charge, so ask when you book.
What's included with every rental?
Every boat comes with GPS navigation, a swim ladder, a Bluetooth stereo, nautical charts and the Coast Guard required safety gear, including a fire extinguisher and life jackets, which are always free. Pontoons and deck boats also have a Bimini top for shade, and each boat's page lists its own equipment. Boats leave the dock with a full tank, and a licensed captain gives you an orientation first.
Can I pick up at your marina or do you deliver?
Both. Pick up at our private Cape Coral marina, or for a fee a captain delivers the boat by water to your vacation rental. Read how delivery works.
Are your boats pet-friendly?
Yes. Pets are welcome on our boats for $35 per day, per pet, and each pet must weigh less than 50 lbs.
What are your hours?
We're open 9am to 5pm, seven days a week. Pickup starts at 9am, and boats are due back by 5pm on the rental day.
Do you offer half-day rentals?
Yes, half-day rentals are available by phone. Call (239) 758-9512 to reserve one.
Can I keep the boat overnight on a multi-day rental?
Yes. On a multi-day rental you can keep the boat at your vacation home's dock, or leave it at our marina and come and go as you please. You can also leave your car at the marina overnight.
Renting a Boat
Boat Rental Questions
Why rent from a marina instead of a delivery-only company?
We have a physical marina, we own and maintain our fleet, and licensed captains run every orientation. You can stop in, see the boats and meet the people who look after them.
Which boat is right for my group?
Pontoons and deck boats suit families and groups who want room to relax. Center consoles suit fishing and longer runs, and pontoons stay on the river, canals and back bays. Tell us your group size and plans when you call and we'll help you pick, depending on passenger and gear weight.
Do you rent boats for a week or a month?
Yes. We rent by the day, the week or the month, and plenty of our guests are snowbirds and month-long visitors who keep a boat for their whole stay.
What happens if my boat has a problem?
We keep backup boats, so if a boat breaks down we can get you back on the water in another one. Call us and we'll sort it out.
Where can I go with a rental boat from Cape Coral?
The Caloosahatchee River, the canals, San Carlos Bay and Pine Island Sound are all open to you, and Gulf-approved boats can head out to the island beaches. Your captain goes over the GPS and a paper map with spots to stop and where not to go.
How do I book a specific boat?
Open the boat you want from the grid above and use its Book button, or call us and ask for that boat by name. Each boat has its own page with photos and details, so you can see the exact boat before you book.
Are boat rental prices per person or per boat?
Rates are per boat, not per person. Where a boat shows a rate, it's the boat's rate before tax. Call for current half-day, weekly and monthly rates.
What's the difference between a pontoon, a Tritoon and a deck boat?
A pontoon rides on two tubes and has a flat, open deck. A Tritoon adds a third tube for more stability and buoyancy. A deck boat has a hull like a runabout, with open seating up front. Our pontoons stay on inside waters; each boat's page shows whether it's approved for the Gulf.
Can I take a pontoon into the Gulf?
No. Our pontoons are not approved for the Gulf. They're for the canals, the river and the back bays. If the Gulf is part of your plan, look at a deck boat or center console instead.
How many people fit on a pontoon?
Our standard 22' pontoon seats 8 to 10 adults, depending on passenger and gear weight. Call us if you're not sure your group fits.
Is a pontoon good for kids?
Yes. The deck is flat and steady, and boarding is easy. Life jackets are free with every rental, and infant and toddler sizes are available on request, so ask when you book.
Can I fish from a pontoon?
Yes, as long as the boat you book allows fishing. The pontoon has a depth finder, and you can add the Fishing Package, plus extra poles if you need them. Fishing gear is an add-on, not included.
Can we stop at a sandbar or beach?
Yes, on the inside waters. Your captain marks good places to stop on the map, along with spots to stay away from and the tides that matter in the shallows.
Tritoon vs pontoon: what's the difference?
A pontoon floats on two tubes and a Tritoon floats on three. The third tube adds stability and buoyancy, so a Tritoon feels steadier, especially when the water is choppy.
How many people can ride on a Tritoon?
Capacity is listed on each boat's page, and it always depends on passenger and gear weight. Call us and we'll match a boat to your group.
Can a Tritoon go into the Gulf?
It depends on the boat. Each boat's page shows whether it's approved for the Gulf, and your captain will go over where you can go before you leave the dock.
Is a Tritoon easy to drive?
A licensed captain walks you through the boat, the GPS and the map at the dock, and you'll watch a short safety video first.
Can I bring my dog on a Tritoon?
Yes. Our Tritoons are pet-friendly, like the rest of our boats. Pets must weigh less than 50 lbs, and the pet fee is $35 per day, per pet.
Do you have Hurricane deck boats?
We rent Starcraft deck boats. Many people use Hurricane as the name for any deck boat, and a Starcraft gives you the same open bow layout and room for a group.
What's the difference between the 21' and 23' deck boats?
Both have 200 HP and a live well. The 21' seats 8 to 10 adults and the 23' seats 10 to 12 adults, depending on passenger and gear weight.
Deck boat vs pontoon: which should I pick?
Pick a pontoon for slow days on the canals, river and back bays. Pick a deck boat if you want open bow seating, more open-water ability or a trip to the Gulf.
Can I take a deck boat into the Gulf?
Each boat's page shows whether it's approved for the Gulf. Your captain will go over where to go and where not to go before you leave.
Can I fish from a deck boat?
Some of our deck boats allow fishing and have a live well. Some newer ones are no-fishing boats to protect the upholstery, so check the boat's page or ask when you book.
Can I take a center console offshore?
Center consoles are built for more open water. Each boat's page shows whether it's approved for the Gulf, and your captain will go over where you can go and where not to go.
Is a center console best for fishing?
It's a great fishing boat, with a live well, a depth finder and room to cast all the way around. Center consoles are popular for beaches and restaurants too.
What's the difference between the 21' and 24' consoles?
The 24' gives you more length and deck space. Both are Key West center consoles with 200 to 250 HP. Each boat's page lists its exact HP and capacity.
Does the center console have a live well?
Yes. Our Key West center consoles have a live well, so you can keep bait or your catch fresh.
Do I need a fishing license to fish from a rental boat?
Most anglers need a Florida saltwater fishing license, though children under 16 and Florida residents 65 and older with proof of age and residency are exempt. FWC sells licenses online, so check before you go.
What's in the Fishing Package?
Two adult poles, a tackle box loaded with tackle, a net and bait. It's an add-on you can choose when you book, at $60 each, per day.
Can I buy bait at the marina?
Yes. Our Ships Store sells frozen shrimp bait and ice in person at the marina.
Which boats allow fishing?
Our center consoles and the deck boats marked for fishing. Some newer deck boats are no-fishing boats, so check the boat's page or ask us.
Where are good fishing spots near Cape Coral?
The river, the back bays, the mangrove shorelines and Pine Island Sound are all close to the marina. Your captain marks the map and goes over the tides before you leave.
How do I add accessories to my rental?
Add them when you book online, or ask when you call or check in at the dock.
Do I have to pay for life jackets?
No. Life jackets are free and included with every boat rental, for adults and children.
Do you have child life jackets?
Yes, and they're free too. We have life jackets for children and adults, and infant and toddler sizes on request.
Is fishing gear included with the boat?
No. The Fishing Package and any additional poles are add-ons, so choose them when you book.
How does the boat club work?
You join, then use your membership days on boats from our fleet. Book a day, pick up at our marina and return by 5pm.
Can members keep a boat for more than one day?
Yes. Members can book a boat for several days in a row and keep it at their house or vacation home for the whole stretch.
Which boats can members use?
Members can use boats from our rental fleet, including pontoons, deck boats and center consoles, and switch between them.
Is a boat club cheaper than owning a boat?
Members skip the purchase, insurance, maintenance, storage and depreciation that come with owning. Call us for current membership details so you can compare.
Do I need a boating card to be a member?
Members follow the same Florida rule as renters: anyone born on or after January 1, 1988 needs a Boating Safety Education ID card or an accepted alternative to operate the boat.
How do I join the boat club?
Fill out the form on our Join Now page or call us, and we'll go over membership options.
Delivery
Boat Delivery FAQ
How much is boat rental delivery?
It depends on where your rental is. Call (239) 758-9512 with your address and dates and we'll give you a quote.
Which towns do you deliver to?
We deliver to vacation rentals around Southwest Florida, from the Cape Coral and Fort Myers area out to the islands, with more places on request. See the list above, or call and tell us where you're staying.
Can you deliver a boat to an island with no bridge?
For islands like North Captiva and Cayo Costa, your boat is ready at the nearest mainland public dock, and you take it across to the island from there.
What happens when the captain drops off the boat?
The captain walks you through the boat and the safety gear, goes over the GPS and the backup map, points out tides and places to avoid, then gets a couple of signatures. You'll have watched the safety video before the boat arrives.
Who refuels a delivered boat?
We do. The boat leaves full. If we pick it up, we top it off at our marina and charge the card on file. If you return it to us yourself, we top it off when you arrive.
Can I visit the islands on a pontoon?
Pontoons are not approved for the Gulf, but the inside waters are fine: the river, San Carlos Bay and Pine Island Sound. Many island beaches face those inside waters. For Gulf runs, ask about a deck boat or center console.
Will you show me where to go?
Yes. At orientation a licensed captain goes over the GPS and a paper map with spots to stop, eat and relax, where not to go, and how the tides work.
What should I pack for a day on the boat?
Sunscreen, hats, water, snacks and a cooler of ice go a long way. Our marina store sells ice, sunblock and hats, and you can add beach chairs, umbrellas and other gear from our accessories list.
Where do dolphins show up near Cape Coral?
For dolphin watching in Cape Coral, try the Caloosahatchee River, San Carlos Bay, Pine Island Sound and the canals. Your captain marks good areas on your map at pickup.
How close can we get to the dolphins?
NOAA Fisheries asks boaters to stay at least 50 yards away. If dolphins approach your boat on their own, slow down, keep a steady course and let them go on their way.
Can we swim with or feed the dolphins?
No. Feeding wild dolphins is illegal, and NOAA asks people not to swim with them. Watch from the boat and enjoy them from a distance.
Which boat is good for dolphin watching?
A pontoon is roomy and calm for families on the inside waters. A deck boat or center console gives you more options for a longer day.
Where is good shelling by boat?
Sanibel shelling is well known, and Captiva is right next door, and the boat-only islands, Cayo Costa and North Captiva, add quieter beaches. Your captain marks spots on your map.
Can I keep a shell with something living in it?
No. Lee County bans collecting live shells. Keep empty shells only and put anything living back in the water.
Does the tide matter for shelling?
Yes. Tides change where you can beach the boat and how much sand is showing. Your captain goes over the tides at orientation, and the depth finder helps you stay off the shallows.
What should I bring shelling?
A mesh bag, water shoes, sunscreen and plenty of water. Shelling tools are sold at our marina store.
Which restaurants can we reach by boat?
Cabbage Key in Pine Island Sound is reachable only by boat and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner every day. There are also waterfront restaurants in Cape Coral and around Fort Myers with docks for boaters. Your captain can point some out on the map.
Is there a place to tie up the boat?
Waterfront restaurants that welcome boaters have docks, but space and rules vary. Call ahead and ask, and follow the dock staff's directions when you arrive.
Can the person driving the boat drink?
No. In Florida, an operator at 0.08 blood or breath alcohol is presumed under the influence. Choose a designated captain before you leave the dock.
What time does the boat need to be back?
Boats go out from 9am and are due back by 5pm on the rental day. Plan lunch so you have plenty of time for the trip back.
What safety gear comes on the boat?
Every boat carries the Coast Guard required equipment, including free life jackets and a fire extinguisher, plus GPS and nautical charts. Your captain shows you where it all is.
What should we do if the weather turns?
Head back toward the marina or your dock early, before the storm arrives, and slow down in rough water. If you're unsure, call us.
Are there manatee zones near Cape Coral?
Yes. Manatee protection zones are posted with signs on the water. Follow the posted speed, slow down and keep a lookout.
Can young kids come on the boat?
Yes. Children under 6 must wear a life jacket while the boat is underway. Children's life jackets are free with every rental, and infant and toddler sizes are on request.
Requirements
Rental Requirements FAQ
How old to rent a boat with you?
The minimum age to rent a boat with us is 25.
Is there a security deposit?
Yes. It's $500 for every boat, payable by credit card when you pick up the boat.
What ID should I bring?
Bring a photo ID. If you were born on or after January 1, 1988, also carry your Florida Boating Safety Education ID card or temporary certificate while you drive.
Do I need boating experience to rent?
No. A licensed captain gives you a thorough orientation, and you'll watch a short safety video before you leave.
Book Now
Still Have Questions?
Paradise Boat Rentals is happy to help you plan your trip. We serve guests staying in Cape Coral, on Sanibel or Captiva, boating to North Captiva or coming from Burnt Store Marina. Book Now online, call (239) 758-9512, or send us a message.
Open daily 9am–5pm