Our Guide for Your Pontoon Boat Rental – Orlando, FL
Pontoon Boat Rental Orlando, FL: Your Ultimate Guide
Did you know that Orlando is the most visited city in the US? In 2019, over 75 million people visited The City Beautiful. It’s easy to see why; incredible weather year-round, world-class theme parks, and a lot more make it the perfect vacation destination. Are you planning a visit to the area? You’re probably going to stay for at least a few days. What should you do once you’ve explored all the theme parks? Making your way over to the beach is top choice for most. And what’s the best thing to do once you’ve found a sunny spot to visit? You should rent a pontoon boat! Everything you need to know about pontoon boat rentals in Orlando FL is covered below. So if you are looking for ways to maximize your vacation or are a local looking for a relaxing escape from the city, keep reading for inspiration and information about renting a pontoon boat for some weekend fun.
Why Rent a Pontoon Boat
There are dozens of different types of boats you can rent. This is especially true in Florida, where we have the Atlantic Ocean, many beautiful freshwater lakes, and countless winding rivers and streams to explore. So why choose a pontoon?
Pontoon Boats Are Family-Friendly
Pontoon boats are the perfect family boat. Whether you have newborns or teenagers (or anything in between), the whole family will enjoy your pontoon rental. They are generally slower-moving boats, making them an easy, relaxing choice for families. Plus, they are large. You can sit up to 8 or more passengers on board. If you are traveling with another family, you can possibly fit both families and split the pontoon rental cost. Other boats are often too small for family trips, and many groups have to split up and rent more than one boat if they don’t choose a pontoon boat. Plus, our boats come equipped with a Bimini Top, providing shade and all-day comfort for kids and adults alike. You can’t beat that!
Perfect for Picnics
Since pontoons are so spacious, they make for a great place to have a picnic on the water. Renting a full day on a pontoon boat means making sure you have plenty of supplies while exploring the water. Even with a full boat, you’ll have tons of space for coolers, packed lunches, and more. Bring along some lunch or dinner, find a nice calm spot in the water, and enjoy an incredible ocean view. It’s hard to beat a sunset while out on the water with your family.
Easy Fishing
Florida is the world’s favorite fishing destination. Anglers come from all over the world to fish the Sunshine State’s waters. Popular species such as Redfish, Tarpon, Snapper, Wahoo, Sea Trout, and much more can be found in the waters surrounding Cocoa Beach, the nearest beach to Orlando. A pontoon boat rental ensures that you have room for your bait, rod, and other supplies, as well as food and water. In addition, pontoon boats offer a super-steady platform to fish from without being restricted to the shoreline. If you’re an expert or casual fisherman, you’ll love renting a pontoon boat for a day of relaxing fishing!
Explore Local Waterways
You’ve already spent days exploring the magic of Orlando’s theme parks, right? Now introduce your family to the magic of Florida’s incredible ecosystem. Cruise around the Banana River Lagoon on the west side of Cocoa Beach, exploring mangrove forests. Float through the Banana River Aquatic Reserve for your chance to see manatees, dolphin, alligators, exotic birds, and other native wildlife. Our location is one of the most important for Florida’s east coast manatees, and large numbers use it year-round. Seeing a dolphin, stingray, or manatee in the water is far more magical than someone in a giant mouse costume, right?
Pontoon Boat Rental Orlando FL
Orlando isn’t located on the coast, but it isn’t far away. The closest beach to Orlando is Cocoa Beach. This is the perfect family-friendly beach town allowing for all types of watersports. An easy, scenic 1-hour drive from Orlando is all it takes to add ocean adventures to your vacation bucket list! If you’re looking for Florida pontoon rentals, Cocoa Beach is the perfect spot. We always have boats on the water, right off the calm west coast of Cocoa Beach in the Banana River Lagoon. Simply reserve your boat, show up, hop aboard, and head out. We make it super easy to enjoy a day on the water with your family.
What to Know About Florida Boat Rentals
Have questions about renting a boat in Florida for the first time? There are quite a few rules and regulations regarding boating in this beautiful state. Here’s what you need to know.
Do I Need a License to Rent a Boat?
If you were born after January 1, 1988, and are interested in Florida boat rentals, you’ll have to get a Boating Safety Education Identification Card. To get this, you need to complete a boating safety course. If you are a regular boater in your home state, you likely already have a boater safety certification. If you do, then you are ready to rent a boat in Florida! If not, then you can take your state’s boating certification course before you can rent a boat. If you aren’t able to take a course before you want to rent a boat, you can easily get a Florida temporary rental boating license online. Boating is great fun and provides ample opportunity for adventure and relaxation, but it’s important to be confident in your boating skills and understand the maritime laws in Florida. So, make sure you’re properly licensed for your trip! (Don’t worry, it won’t take very long.)
Do I Need to Reserve in Advance?
Because we have multiple boats available, advanced reservations are not required. However, if you have a specific date in mind, it’s best to reserve ahead of time just to be safe. Boating is a super popular, fun activity that both visitors and locals enjoy, so some days are booked out weeks in advance. This is especially important during peak boating season and on weekends, when more people are renting boats. If you’re renting during the spring or summer, be sure to reserve ahead of time to secure your day on the water! At Wildlife Watersports, we have half-day and full-day pontoon rentals available.
Is Fishing Gear Provided?
Interested in catching some of Florida’s great fish species while on the water? The only thing that could make a day on the water better is the satisfaction of a fresh-caught fish. We recommend bringing your own fishing gear aboard, since most boat rental locations do not have fishing equipment available for rental.
And make sure to have the appropriate Florida fishing license as well, whether you plan to keep or release your catch. Fishing licenses are an easy and cheap way of making sure you’re abiding by the law on your trip. Nonresidents can easily purchase a 3-day, 7-day, or annual Florida fishing license. License sales support Florida’s waterways and wildlife, preserving our incredible ecosystems for future generations!
What Else Can We Do in Cocoa Beach?
After a day spent on the water, you’ll be begging for more. The Florida waterways and islands of the Thousand Islands in the Banana River Lagoon are captivating! A pontoon boat rental is perfect for enjoying a day outside. If you’re looking for more fun in the sun, there are plenty more ways to explore the mangroves. We also offer standup paddleboard, kayak, and jet ski rentals. Take a kayak or paddleboard out on the water or spend an afternoon relaxing in our pool or private beach!
Are you a night owl? We also offer seasonal nighttime lighted kayak tours and bioluminescent boat tours from our Cocoa Beach location. No reasons to go to bed early on vacation!
Rent a Pontoon Orlando, Florida
Orlando will continue being a major vacation destination. But don’t limit your trip to theme parks. Take the short drive over to the coast to visit one of Florida’s most exciting beaches.
Searching for pontoon boat rentals in Orlando FL? Get ready to book yours! Reserve your boat today for the perfect adventure on pristine waters with Wildlife Watersports!
