The Best Boat Rentals in Panama City Beach

Most pontoon and small powerboat rentals in Panama City Beach run about $250–$450 for a half day and $300–$600 for a full day, depending on season and boat size. Private captained sightseeing or dolphin cruises typically start around $300–$600 for 2–3 hours, while split (per person) dolphin trips are often $50–$75 per rider. Nearshore fishing charters commonly range from $600–$1,200 for a half day and go higher offshore; larger premium boats and small yachts can start around $1,000+ for a short private cruise. Your rental or charter generally includes U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jackets, safety gear, a briefing, and basic navigation help; many pontoons include fuel, an anchor, a ladder, a bimini shade, and a cooler with ice, while captained trips include the captain and fuel. Taxes, gratuity, and add‑ons like snorkel sets or water toys are usually extra.

You’ll find easygoing pontoons for Shell Island days, center consoles and deck boats for cruising and light fishing, small cabin cruisers and yachts for private celebrations, and sailing or power catamarans for group trips and sunset cruises. Most listings offer either private charters with a captain or self‑operated pontoons and runabouts designed for first‑timers after a quick safety briefing.

If you want a stress‑free day with local know‑how, book a captained charter—great for dolphin watching, sunset cruises, and special events. If you prefer to be the skipper, self‑operated pontoons are popular and beginner‑friendly in the calm waters of St. Andrew Bay and Grand Lagoon. Florida requires anyone born on or after January 1, 1988 to complete approved boater education (or pass the quick temporary certificate exam) to operate a motorboat of 10 hp or more, so plan that step if you’ll be driving.

Common launch points include the Grand Lagoon marina cluster on the east end of the beach: Treasure Island Marina on Thomas Drive, Lighthouse Marina on North Lagoon Drive, Pirate’s Cove Marina on Thomas Drive, and Point South Marina at Bay Point near the pass. During peak season, some Shell Island shuttles and tours also stage from the St. Andrews State Park marina area. Your booking confirmation will list the exact pickup dock and parking notes.

Plan on emerald‑green water, white‑sand shoreline, and frequent bottlenose dolphin sightings in St. Andrew Bay and near the jetties. Many trips cruise past Shell Island’s undeveloped dunes and the pass to the Gulf, with chances to spot rays and sea turtles in clear conditions. You may also see the Hathaway Bridge, the Grand Lagoon waterfront, and the Panama City Beach skyline—sunsets over the Gulf are a highlight.

Florida doesn’t issue a “license,” but state law requires anyone born on or after January 1, 1988 to carry a Florida Boating Safety Education ID Card or a temporary certificate when operating a motorized vessel of 10 hp or more. Visitors can take the approved online temporary exam the same day; it’s valid for 90 days. Bring a photo ID, and keep your card or temporary certificate with you on the water. If you book with a captain, no boater card is needed.

Yes—family trips are the norm here. Operators provide U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jackets for all sizes, including infants. By Florida law, children under 6 must wear a life jacket while a vessel under 26 feet is underway. Your captain or dock staff will fit everyone with the right size and review safety basics before departure.

Absolutely. Most boats welcome coolers with snacks, water, and your favorite beverages; many provide a cooler with ice. For safety, avoid glass containers and opt for cans or reusable bottles. If alcohol is allowed on your boat, keep it moderate, and remember the captain has final say on safety. Consider pre‑ordering platters from restaurants near the marinas to make boarding easy.

Many private pontoon rentals and some charters allow well‑behaved dogs—always check your listing for pet rules and cleaning fees. Ferry services to Shell Island often do not permit pets, and dogs are restricted on most sandy beaches in the city except the designated Dog Beach by Russell‑Fields City Pier. If you plan to bring a pet on a private boat day, pack fresh water, a leash, and dog booties for hot sand, and respect posted wildlife zones.

Summer brings quick pop‑up showers and afternoon thunderstorms, while mornings are typically smoother. Captains watch marine forecasts and will adjust routes or reschedule if winds, lightning, or rough Gulf conditions make it unsafe. Most operators offer a free reschedule or refund if the captain cancels for weather; standard change or no‑show fees still apply for personal schedule changes. On beach‑day add‑ons, follow the local flag system: double red flags close Gulf swimming, even if bay waters are calm.

Yes—this is one of the easiest places on the Gulf Coast to celebrate on the water. Choose a private pontoon for a casual Shell Island beach day, a captained cruise for sunset photos and music, or a larger inspected vessel if you have more than six guests. Share your headcount, vibe, and any must‑haves (playlists, decorations, cake, or catering) and your captain can tailor the route and stops.

Peak boating season runs March through August, with the hottest, busiest weeks in June and July. Major boating holidays—Memorial Day weekend, July 4th, and Labor Day—sell out far in advance. Notable local events can affect marina activity and parking, especially the Bay Point Billfish Open in late June at Point South Marina and the Thunder Beach Motorcycle Rally in spring and fall. For lighter crowds and calmer water, book weekdays and morning departures; September and October often deliver warm water and great visibility with fewer boats.

Most self‑operated trips cruise Grand Lagoon to Shell Island for swimming, shelling, and sandbar time, with dolphin scouting near the jetties. Captained tours often combine dolphin watching, a Shell Island stop, and a sunset pass along the Gulf when conditions allow. Fishing charters run inside St. Andrew Bay for trout and redfish or head offshore for seasonal pelagics.

Book a pontoon from the Grand Lagoon marinas for the shortest hop to Shell Island. Bring plenty of water, sun protection, snacks, and a trash bag—there are no restrooms or concessions on the island. Your dockhand will provide a route map and advise where to beach the bow in the calm bay side. Give wildlife nesting areas space, use your anchor properly, and pack out everything you bring. It’s the simplest, most loved day trip here—and the reason pontoons are so popular in Panama City Beach.