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Rental FAQ & Important Information

Planning a day on beautiful St. Joseph Bay? We’ve got answers!

Whether you’re visiting Port St. Joe, Cape San Blas, Mexico Beach, or anywhere along Florida’s Forgotten Coast, we want to make planning your boating adventure as easy as possible.

Here are answers to some of our most frequently asked questions about pontoon rentals, luxury tritoons, double-decker slide boats, Carolina Skiffs, jet skis, and exploring St. Joseph Bay.

What types of boats are available for rental at Bayou Boat Rentals?

We offer one of the largest selections of rental boats in Gulf County, with over 20 vessels in our fleet!

Our rentals include classic pontoon boats, Leisure Kraft pontoons, luxury tritoons, double-decker twin-slide tritoons, Carolina Skiff fishing boats, and Yamaha jet skis.

Whether you’re planning a family outing, fishing trip, snorkeling adventure, or relaxing day on the water, we’ve got something for just about everyone!

What equipment is included with the boat rentals?

Each of our rental boats comes equipped with a bimini top, all safety equipment required by Florida law, life jackets for every passenger, a dive flag, and a swim ladder. Infant, child, and youth life jackets are available upon request. Fuel is included in your rental, and every boat leaves the dock with a full tank, so you’re ready for a full day of fun on St. Joseph Bay.

What activities can I enjoy with a rental boat?

Our boats are perfect for fishing, snorkeling, scalloping, shelling, dolphin watching, picnics, and spending quality time with family and friends. Explore the beautiful waters and seagrass beds of St. Joseph Bay, discover local marine life, and take in the peaceful scenery surrounding Cape San Blas and Port St. Joe. Whether you’re looking for adventure or a relaxing day on the water, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Do I need a boating license to rent a boat?

If you were born on or after January 1, 1988, Florida law requires you to complete an approved boater safety course and carry proof of completion while operating a boat.
If you already have a valid boater safety certificate or card issued by another state that meets NASBLA requirements, it may satisfy Florida’s boater safety education requirement.

A temporary 90 day online exam boaters exam certificate is available at Take My Boat Test

What should I bring for my day on the water?

We recommend bringing sunscreen, towels, snacks and refreshments, plenty of water, and a Bluetooth speaker if you’d like some music on the water. If you plan to fish, be sure to purchase your Florida saltwater fishing license before your rental. Saltwater fishing licenses can be purchased in advance at local tackle shops or online through Florida’s Go Outdoors licensing system. license.gooutdoorsflorida.com.

Can I bring my pet on board?

Absolutely! We’re pet-friendly, so your furry family members are welcome to come along and enjoy a day on the water with you! 🐾

Please keep in mind that T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park does not allow pets on its beaches or natural shoreline. If you’re bringing your pup, be sure to plan your stops accordingly. 🐾

For current pet rules and permitted areas, please visit the official T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park website 🐾

Is fishing allowed on the rental boats?

Absolutely! St. Joseph Bay offers excellent fishing opportunities. 🎣 If you plan to fish during your rental, be sure to purchase your Florida saltwater fishing license before arriving at the dock. Licenses can be purchased in advance at local tackle shops or online through Florida’s Go Outdoors licensing system.

How do I reserve a boat, and should I book in advance?

We strongly recommend reserving your boat in advance, especially during weekends, holidays, and peak season, to ensure availability. You can easily reserve online through our Boat Rentals tab, or give us a call at (850) 441-9343 for questions or assistance with your reservation.

Where is Bayou Boat Rentals located?

You can find us at 1989 State Rd 30A, Port St Joe, Gulf County, FL 32456.

Are children allowed on the boats?

Absolutely! Our boats are family-friendly and enjoyed by guests of all ages, from babies to grandparents.
Florida law requires children under six years old to wear a life jacket at all times while the boat is underway. We provide infant, child, and youth life jackets at no additional charge and keep a variety of sizes available at the dock. Just let us know which sizes you need when you arrive!

How old do I have to be to rent a jet ski?

You must be at least 21 years old to rent a jet ski.
Jet ski operators must be at least 18 years old and present a valid driver’s license.
Anyone born on or after January 1, 1988, must also have a valid Florida Boating Safety Education ID Card or other approved proof of boater safety education (from your state) before operating a jet ski.

My 15 year old has their driver’s permit & Boaters license, can they operate a jet ski?

No.
Jet ski operators must be at least 18 years old and present a valid driver’s license.
Anyone born on or after January 1, 1988, must also have a valid Florida Boating Safety Education ID Card or other approved proof of boater safety education (from your state) before operating a jet ski. A temporary boaters license can be obtained from Take My Boat Test

What is provided with a jet ski rental?

Each of our jet ski rentals comes equipped with all required safety gear per Florida law, life jackets for all riders (with child and youth sizes available upon request), and an anchor. Fuel is included, and every jet ski is sent out with plenty of fuel for your rental, whether you’re riding for 1 hour or 4 hours.

You’re welcome to bring your own mask and snorkel if you plan to stop and swim or snorkel during your rental. Please note that dive flags are NOT provided with jet ski rentals. If you plan to enter the water and a dive flag is required, you are responsible for bringing and properly displaying your own dive flag in accordance with Florida law.

Can I hire a Captain to drive our rental?

Yes! If you’re not comfortable operating the boat yourself, you’re welcome to hire a qualified captain for your day on St. Joseph Bay. You will rent the boat directly from Bayou Boat Rentals and arrange and pay for your captain separately.

Hiring a captain is also a great option for bachelorette and bachelor parties, family excursions, group outings, celebrations, or anyone who simply wants to sit back, relax, and enjoy the bay without having to drive the boat.

Not sure who to call? We recommend Captain Brittany at (850) 630-2721 or Captain Bryan at (850) 247-8529. Both have extensive boating experience and are very familiar with the beautiful waters of St. Joseph Bay.

Captain availability and pricing are separate from your Bayou Boat Rentals reservation, so we recommend contacting your preferred captain in advance.

Do you offer sunset charters?

Yes! Captain Bryan offers private sunset charters upon request and based on schedule availability. Sunset charters are typically 2 hours, with departure times varying throughout the year based on the daily sunset time.

Sit back, relax, and enjoy the beautiful colors of St. Joseph Bay while your captain handles the driving. You’re welcome to bring your own food, drinks, snacks, and refreshments to enjoy during your cruise. Sunset charters are perfect for couples, families, friends, celebrations, date nights, and special occasions.

To request a sunset charter and check availability, call or text Bayou Boat Rentals at (850) 441-9343. We recommend scheduling in advance. 🌅🚤

Do you offer Trip Protection or Cancellation Protection?

Plans change, and we’re here to make booking your adventure a little easier!

Our optional Trip Protection gives you added flexibility when reserving your day on St. Joseph Bay. For just 10% of your rental price, you can cancel your reservation for ANY reason up to 1 hour before your scheduled departure and receive a refund of eligible reservation charges.

Activity Details

  • Cost: 10% of your rental price.
  • Cancel for Any Reason: Cancel up to 1 hour before your scheduled departure.
  • Refund: Receive a refund of eligible reservation charges, excluding the nonrefundable Trip Protection fee.
  • No Documentation Required: No explanation or documentation is necessary for an eligible cancellation.
  • Purchase Requirement: Trip Protection must be purchased when making your reservation.
  • No-Shows: Trip Protection does not cover no-shows or cancellations made less than 1 hour before departure.

Weather-Related Cancellations

Your safety is always our top priority!

If Bayou Boat Rentals determines that weather or water conditions are unsafe and cancels your reservation, you will receive a full refund, minus the nonrefundable Trip Protection fee if purchased.

You do NOT need to purchase Trip Protection to qualify for a weather-related refund when Bayou Boat Rentals cancels your rental.

If you prefer, we will also be happy to help reschedule your reservation for another available date.

Please remember that weather-related cancellations are determined by Bayou Boat Rentals. Rain in the forecast or unfavorable weather alone does not automatically qualify a reservation for a weather-related cancellation.

Additional Information

  • Trip Protection fees are nonrefundable.
  • Trip Protection does not cover no-shows or rentals that have already begun.
  • All rental reservations operate on Eastern Time (ET).
  • Gift certificates cannot be redeemed for cash. Eligible gift certificate balances remain available for future reservations.

Need to Cancel or Reschedule?

Call or text Bayou Boat Rentals at (850) 441-9343 before your cancellation deadline.

Trip Protection is an optional cancellation-fee waiver, not travel insurance.

Do you offer Boat Rental or Equipment Protection?

Enjoy added peace of mind during your day on St. Joseph Bay!

Our optional Boat Damage Protection Plan helps limit your financial responsibility for qualifying accidental damage to your rented pontoon, tritoon, double-decker slide boat, or Carolina Skiff and its included equipment.

Important Information

  • Protection applies only to the specific boat for which it is purchased.
  • Each rental boat requires its own Damage Protection Plan.
  • Protection covers qualifying accidental damage to the rental boat, motor, and included equipment, subject to the protection agreement.
  • Damage exceeding the protection limit remains the renter’s responsibility.
  • Protection does not cover personal injury, third-party property, or other vessels.
  • Intentional damage, reckless operation, and violations of the rental agreement are excluded.
  • The protection fee is nonrefundable once the rental begins.

Jet Ski Rentals: This Boat Damage Protection Plan does not cover jet skis. A separate Jet Ski Damage Protection Plan will be available for eligible jet ski rentals.

Damage Protection is an optional damage waiver, not an insurance policy. Coverage limits, exclusions, and pricing must be approved before this plan is offered.

What are your boat rental hours?

All Bayou Boat Rentals rental times are Eastern Time (ET). Please keep this in mind when visiting from areas operating on Central Time.

Full-Day Boat Rentals:
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Summer Season Half-Day Rentals:

  • Morning: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
  • Afternoon: 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Winter Season Half-Day Rentals:

  • Morning: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
  • Afternoon: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Please arrive 20–30 minutes before your scheduled rental to complete check-in, paperwork, and your boating safety orientation.

Our phone hours are 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM Eastern Time.

Is fuel included in my boat or jet ski rental?

Yes! Fuel is included in all Bayou Boat Rentals boat and jet ski rentals!

We believe in keeping rental pricing simple and transparent, with no unexpected fuel charges when you return.

Our boats leave the dock with a full tank, so you can focus on exploring St. Joseph Bay and enjoying your time on the water.

How many passengers can ride on a rental boat?

Passenger capacity depends on the specific boat you choose.

Our largest pontoons and tritoons accommodate up to 12 passengers, including children and infants.

Our smaller Carolina Skiffs are designed for smaller groups, with our 17-foot skiff accommodating up to three passengers and our 21-foot Flounder accommodating up to five.

Each rental listing includes its maximum passenger capacity. For everyone’s safety, these limits cannot be exceeded.

Where can I take my rental boat or jet ski?

All Bayou Boat Rentals vessels must remain within our approved operating area on St. Joseph Bay.

Our rental boats and jet skis are not permitted to enter the Gulf or travel outside the designated rental boundaries.

Before departure, our team will review the permitted operating area, navigation guidelines, and important safety information with you.

St. Joseph Bay offers plenty of beautiful scenery, wildlife, fishing, snorkeling, and relaxing places to explore without leaving the bay!

Do you have a map of St. Joseph Bay?

Yes! Our interactive map shows our location and key areas of St. Joseph Bay to help you plan your day on the water.

You can also find the map, along with our boating safety videos, on our Safety page.

Do you offer rental add-ons, water toys, or snorkeling equipment?

Yes! We offer several fun extras to make your day on St. Joseph Bay even better.

Our rental add-ons include:

  • Adult mask and snorkel sets
  • Youth mask and snorkel sets
  • Lily pads and floating water mats
  • Aqua Shots basketball goals that attach to compatible boats

Mask and snorkel sets do not include fins.

We also sell Bayou Boat Rentals T-shirts and Dri-FIT performance shirts!

Rental extras are subject to availability and compatibility with your selected boat. Browse available options when making your reservation.

Can we go scalloping in St. Joseph Bay?

Scalloping is a popular seasonal activity in St. Joseph Bay, but recreational harvest dates and regulations are established by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).

The 2026 Gulf County recreational scallop season, including St. Joseph Bay, was closed by FWC due to low scallop abundance.

Future seasons and harvesting regulations will depend on FWC announcements.

Even when scallop harvesting is closed, you can still enjoy other permitted activities such as boating, fishing, swimming, snorkeling, and exploring the bay.

Before planning a scalloping trip, please check current FWC regulations.

Are you located near Cape San Blas?

Yes! Bayou Boat Rentals is conveniently located along State Road 30-A in Simmons Bayou, making us a great option for visitors staying on Cape San Blas and in Port St. Joe.

Our rental boats and jet skis depart from our waterfront dock on beautiful St. Joseph Bay.

Whether you’re looking for a family pontoon rental, luxury tritoon, double-decker slide boat, fishing skiff, or jet ski, we offer convenient access to a memorable day on the water.

Our Address:
1989 State Road 30-A
Port St. Joe, FL 32456

We’re located next to Hunt’s Oyster Bar on St. Joe Bay.

What happens if the weather is bad on the day of my rental?

Your safety is always our top priority!

Because boating conditions on St. Joseph Bay can change quickly, there may be times when we must cancel or adjust rentals due to high winds, thunderstorms, or unsafe water conditions.

If Bayou Boat Rentals determines that conditions are unsafe, we’ll contact affected customers directly to explain the available options for rescheduling or refunds under their reservation terms.

We always want our guests to enjoy a fun, safe day on the water!

What if our group is too large for one boat?

No problem! With over 20 vessels in our fleet, Bayou Boat Rentals makes it easy for larger families and groups to enjoy a day together on beautiful St. Joseph Bay!

If your group exceeds the maximum capacity of a single boat, you can reserve two or more boats directly through our online booking system. Simply select the boats you’d like, check availability, and complete your reservations!

Remember, every person aboard counts toward the boat’s maximum occupancy, regardless of age. This includes adults, teenagers, children, toddlers, and infants. Be sure to count everyone in your group when selecting your boats and booking your reservations.

Planning a family reunion, birthday celebration, or large group outing? You’re always welcome to call us at 850-441-9343! We’re happy to help you choose the best combination of boats to accommodate everyone.