How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Pontoon Boat in Destin?

Renting a pontoon boat in Destin costs $375 for a 4-hour half day and $575 for an 8-hour full day at Original Crab Island, and both boats seat up to 13 passengers. That rate includes a full tank of fuel, USCG life vests, a Bimini top for shade, a Bluetooth speaker, a cooler, and free parking. Across the wider market, a half-day pontoon rental runs roughly $300 to $650 and a full-day rental runs $500 to $1,200, so Original Crab Island sits at the affordable end with no hidden fees. You either self-drive the boat or add a captain for the day.

Key Takeaways

• Half-day (4 hours): $375 for up to 13 passengers.
• Full-day (8 hours): $575 for up to 13 passengers.
• A full tank of fuel, life vests, shade, a cooler, and a speaker come included, and parking is free.
• Optional extras stay simple: add a captain if you would rather not drive, or pick damage protection at checkout.
• Original Crab Island sits below the local average, and Crab Island is a 5-minute cruise from the dock.

I am Captain Mike Smith, and I have run boats out of Destin Harbor for 34 years. The question I hear more than any other is a simple one: how much does it cost to rent a pontoon boat in Destin? Families want a straight number before they book, not a vague “call for pricing” runaround. So here it is, plain and honest. At Original Crab Island, a pontoon boat rental costs $375 for a half day and $575 for a full day, and both boats seat up to 13 people. Below I break down what that number buys you, what can add to it, and how it stacks up against the market.

How much does it cost to rent a pontoon boat in Destin?

The base cost to rent a pontoon boat in Destin at Original Crab Island comes down to one thing: how long you want the boat. We keep two clean durations, and both hold up to 13 passengers, including babies and kids, who count toward that limit. For a full seasonal breakdown, see our Destin pontoon rental prices guide.

You pick your boat style at no change in base price. Single-deck pontoons stay simple and roomy. Double-deckers add a slide off the top deck that the kids fight over all afternoon. Both cost the same, so choose the one that fits your group. We also run sunset trips in season, so call for the current sunset rate if you want to catch the sky over Choctawhatchee Bay.

What is included in your Destin pontoon rental cost?

The price looks fair here because the number on the screen stays close to the number you actually pay. Your Destin pontoon rental already covers the gear other operators charge you for.

Every Crab Island pontoon rental includes a full tank of fuel, USCG-approved life vests for all passengers, a safety briefing, a Bimini top for shade, a Bluetooth speaker, a cooler, a boarding ladder, GPS, and floating mats for the sandbar. Parking is free, so you are not feeding a meter while you swim. That is a full day on the water with no line-item surprises.

What adds to the cost of a pontoon boat rental in Destin?

Most groups pay the base rate and nothing more. Still, honesty is the point of this guide, so here are the extras that can nudge a pontoon boat rental in Destin higher. None of them hide. You see them before you agree to anything.

Fuel deserves a special mention, because it is where a lot of operators get you. Original Crab Island includes your fuel in the base rate with no gas surcharge and no top-off fee at the dock. Plenty of Destin rental companies quote a low headline price and then bill you for gas at the end, so read the fine print when you compare. Here, the tank is on us.

How does Original Crab Island pricing compare to the market?

Shopping around is smart, so here is the honest lay of the land. The cost to rent a pontoon boat in Destin swings widely by operator, boat size, and season. Here is how we line up.

Original Crab Island lands at the affordable end of both ranges, and you are not trading down to get there. You still get a boat that seats 13, a full tank, and free parking. Our dock also puts you at Crab Island in about 5 minutes, so your money buys swim time instead of a long cruise. That short run is real value most price sheets never mention. Compare our Destin pontoon rentals and then plan your trip to Crab Island.

What affects the cost to rent a pontoon boat in Destin?

Four things move the final number on a Destin pontoon rental, and knowing them helps you plan.

Season is the big one. Destin peaks from May through August, when boats book out and demand runs high, so reserve early in summer. Duration is next, since a full day at $575 costs more than a half day at $375 but lowers your cost per hour, so it helps to compare a half day and a full day before you pick. A captain matters too, because self-driving keeps your rate lean. Group size adds no per-person fees here, since one flat rate covers everyone up to 13, which makes a pontoon a strong value for a big crew.

One note on self-driving. Anyone born on or after January 1, 1988 must pass the Florida Boater Safety Test to operate the boat, so review the pontoon rental requirements first. The test runs quick and online, and it affects who drives, not what you pay.

Captain Mike’s tips for the best value

After 34 years on this water, here is how you get the most boat for your dollar.

Book the half day if Crab Island is your goal, since we are 5 minutes out and 4 hours is plenty of sandbar time. Go early, because mornings run calmer and less crowded than the midday rush. Fill the boat, since splitting one flat rate across 13 people beats paying per head. Pack your own food and drinks in the included cooler, and remember grilling onboard is not allowed. Then reserve online in about 60 seconds to lock your date, because peak summer slots vanish fast.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to rent a pontoon boat in Destin?

A pontoon boat rental in Destin costs $375 for a 4-hour half day and $575 for an 8-hour full day at Original Crab Island. Both boats seat up to 13 passengers and include fuel, life vests, shade, and free parking, so those rates sit at the affordable end of the market.

What is the cheapest way to rent a pontoon boat in Destin?

Book a 4-hour half day, self-drive instead of adding a captain, and split the $375 flat rate across your group. At Original Crab Island that flat pricing means one low per-person cost, so a full boat of 13 gives you the best value on the water.

How many people fit on a Destin pontoon rental?

An Original Crab Island pontoon holds up to 13 passengers, and the flat rate stays the same whether you bring 4 people or 13. Babies and children count toward the limit, so plan your headcount with everyone included. One price for the whole crew keeps it affordable for large families.

Is fuel included in the pontoon rental cost?

Yes, fuel is fully included in every Original Crab Island pontoon rental with no gas surcharge and no top-off fee. Many Destin operators quote a low base price and then charge you for gas at return, so this is a real saving. The price you book is the price you pay for fuel.

Do I need a boating license to rent a pontoon in Destin?

You do not need a full license, but Florida law requires anyone born on or after January 1, 1988 to pass the Florida Boater Safety Test to drive. The test is short and online. Bring a driver’s license and confirmation number, or add a captain and skip it.

What is the difference between a single and double-decker pontoon?

A single-deck pontoon stays simple and open, while a double-decker adds an upper deck with a water slide. Both boats rent for the same base price at Original Crab Island and seat up to 13, so the choice comes down to your group. Families with kids usually love the slide.

Are there hidden fees on a Destin pontoon rental?

No, Original Crab Island lists every cost upfront with no hidden fees. Your rate covers fuel, life vests, a Bimini top, a cooler, a speaker, and free parking. Optional extras like a captain appear clearly before you book.

How much does a captain add to the cost?

A captain is an optional add-on, so self-driving keeps your pontoon rental cost at the base $375 or $575. If you would rather let a pro handle the boat, ask for the current captain rate when you book. A 15% to 20% gratuity is customary.

Is parking free at Original Crab Island?

Yes, parking is free when you rent a pontoon boat from Original Crab Island, so you are not feeding a meter while you spend the day on the water. We launch from 385 Harbor Blvd in HarborWalk Village, and free parking keeps your all-in cost low.

How far is Crab Island from the dock?

Crab Island sits about 5 minutes from the Original Crab Island dock, one of the shortest runs in Destin. That short cruise means you spend your hours swimming at the sandbar instead of motoring back and forth.

What is included with the rental?

Every trip includes a full tank of fuel, USCG life vests, a safety briefing, a Bimini top, a Bluetooth speaker, a cooler, a boarding ladder, GPS, floating mats, and free parking. That bundle is why the cost to rent a pontoon boat in Destin here stretches further than it looks.

Can I bring my own food and drinks?

Yes, you are welcome to bring your own food and drinks, and every boat comes with a cooler to keep them cold. Packing your own holds down the total cost of your day. Grilling onboard is not allowed, so bring ready-to-eat food.

What happens if the weather is bad?

If Original Crab Island cancels for weather, you get a full refund or a free reschedule. If weather cuts your trip short after launch, we prorate the price for the time you had. Trip protection lets you reschedule up to 1 hour before launch.

Do kids count toward the passenger limit?

Yes, babies and children count toward the 13-passenger limit on a Destin pontoon rental, so include them in your headcount. Florida law requires kids under 6 to wear a life vest while the boat is moving, and we provide those free.

How do I book a pontoon boat rental in Destin?

Book your pontoon boat rental online in about 60 seconds with real-time availability and no account needed, or call us at (850) 783-0556. Reserve early for summer, since peak-season slots from May through August fill fast. Check in 30 minutes before departure.

Ready to Book?

Lock in your rate today. Reserve your Original Crab Island pontoon boat rental online in about 60 seconds at book your day on the water, or call us at (850) 783-0556. We launch from 385 Harbor Blvd in HarborWalk Village, Destin, and Crab Island is a 5-minute cruise away. Bring your crew and your cooler, and we handle the rest.