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Florida State law requires anyone born on or after January 1, 1988, to successfully complete an approved boating safety course and
Florida State law requires anyone born on or after January 1, 1988, must complete an approved boating safety course and test before operating the boat. Once complete, you carry a physical or digital FWC-issued Boating Safety Education ID Card to operate a rented vessel. You will be asked to show us your certificate of completion. If you need to take the online test, please click the link below.
Guests born before that date are also welcome to take the test for a refresher or added confidence. The test typically takes 20–30 minutes to complete.
Click to take Boaters Safety Course and get your temporary 90 day certificate
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No – To operate the boat yourself, we require a minimum of 2 years of prior boating experience. To ensure everyone’s safety on the water, you will be asked during checkout to detail your experience level. This includes your years of boating, types of vessels operated, familiar locations and bodies of water, docking and anchoring proficiency, engine knowledge, navigation skills, and local knowledge of the Intracoastal Waterways. (Note: State law also requires an FWC-issued Boating Safety ID for operators born on or after Jan 1, 1988).
However, you do not need experience to simply rent a boat! If you are renting but cannot drive, you have two options:
- Designate a Guest Operator: A guest in your party can operate the vessel, provided they meet our 2-year experience requirement and successfully complete the same vetting process and experience questionnaire to be approved by Off the Hook Boating.
- Hire a Captain: You can rent the vessel and hire a qualified professional to drive it. We are happy to provide you with contact information for trusted, 3rd-party local captains for hire so your whole group can kick back, relax, and safely enjoy Sarasota’s waters.
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You must be at least 21 years old with a valid driver’s license to rent a boat from Off the Hook Boating. Please remember that any operator born on or after January 1, 1988, must also possess their FWC Boating Safety Education ID Card.
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Yes, Florida law requires all residents and visitors aged 16 or older to carry a valid saltwater fishing license while fishing. You can purchase your license online ahead of time at gooutdoorsflorida.com
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Absolutely! If you do not meet our 2-year experience requirement, or if you simply want to relax and let a local expert navigate the waterways, you can hire a 3rd-party captain. While we operate as a bareboat rental company and do not employ captains directly, we are happy to provide a list of highly rated, U.S. Coast Guard-credentialed local captains you can hire separately for your trip.
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Every Sarasota boat rental comes fully equipped with everything you need for a safe and worry free day on the water::
- All U.S. Coast Guard-approved safety equipment (including appropriately fitted life jackets)
- Emergency Contacts and Safety folder
- Throwable and first aid kit
- GPS / Chart plotter with depth finder
- GPS vessel tracker
- Bluetooth stereo system
- Two anchors, dock lines, and fenders
- Bimini top for shade
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Yes! Navigating Sarasota’s waters is easy with our onboard technology. Every boat is equipped with an electronic GPS Chartplotter that displays real-time navigation charts, water depths, and channel markers. We also provide a thorough safety and route orientation before you leave the dock to ensure you feel 100% confident navigating the Intracoastal Waterway or Gulf. Each boat has a packet with a printed and laminated map as well as names of popular sandbars, beaches, or dockside restaurants to explore. Click to view our boat fleet
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We have storage beneath the seats or ice coolers on each boat for your ice, food and drinks! If you want to bring extra or a portable one, please feel free.
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No – there are no bathrooms on the boats. We highly recommend using the public restrooms at Centennial Park prior to departure. While exploring the Intracoastal Waterway, you can easily pull up to one of Sarasota’s many dock-friendly waterfront restaurants or marinas to use their facilities.
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Sorry! No, we do not rent fishing rods or gear, but you are more than welcome to bring your own! Please note that if you are planning to fish, our Mako Center Console is the premier choice, as it is the only boat in our fleet currently equipped with fishing pole holders.
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Yes, advance reservations are required to guarantee availability. We highly recommend booking your boat at least 2 to 3 days in advance, especially during summer months, holidays, and weekends. You can book directly online or call us at (941) 404-7900.
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Yes – We launch from Centennial Park (1059 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota), where you can park your vehicle and board the vessel.
For our multi-day, long-term boat rentals only, we offer boat delivery/pickup options directly to your waterfront property! Delivery is exclusively available for multi-day and long-term rentals only. You must have either a private dock, slip, or boat lift to safely store the vessel. Delivery fees may apply depending on the location and distance, so please ask our team for a custom quote when booking your trip!
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There is limited paid ($5/day) public parking is available at Centennial Park (1059 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota) along the north end. Do not park in any of the trailered parking spots or you will get a parking ticket.
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We believe in transparent pricing. In addition to your rental rate and the $1,000 refundable damage deposit, here is a breakdown of potential charges:
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Taxes & Fees: A standard 7% Florida sales tax and a 6% merchant processing fee.
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Fuel Usage: Your boat comes with a full tank of gas. Upon your return, we will refuel the boat at $6.50/gallon.
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Renter’s Insurance (Optional): You have the option to purchase renter’s insurance once your booking is complete.
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Incidental Damages: You will only be charged additional fees if there is damage to the vessel or if any equipment (like life jackets, anchors, or electronics) is returned damaged or missing.
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Yes. A $1,000 refundable damage deposit is required for all boat rentals. This hold is placed on your credit card on file. As long as the vessel is returned on time and free of any damage or missing equipment, we release the hold the same day of your trip’s completion.
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Yes, a major credit card is required to book your reservation and must be kept on file. This card will be used for your $1,000 refundable damage deposit, end-of-trip fuel usage, and any incidental damages incurred during your rental period. You may call us to request to use a separate credit card on file.
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Yes, we do! We deeply appreciate our military, law enforcement, and firefighters for their service to our communities. Please ask our team about our special discounted rates when booking your boat rental.
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We offer a full refund for any cancellations made at least 48 hours prior to your scheduled departure time. Cancellations made within 48 hours of the trip are non-refundable.
Weather Policy: Your safety is our top priority. If the National Weather Service issues a “Small Craft Advisory” or severe weather alert for our area on the day of your rental, we will ground the fleet. In this event, you will receive a full refund or the opportunity to reschedule your trip.
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Florida weather can be unpredictable! If there are unforeseen severe weather events (like thunderstorms or high wind alerts) prior to your launch, we will allow you to reschedule your reservation. Please stay in contact with our staff on the day of your rental we monitor advanced radar and will make the final call.
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All our rentals are meticulously maintained and include U.S. Coast Guard-approved safety gear. Additionally, before every rental, we provide a safety and boat orientation instructions.
However, for any non-life-threatening mechanical issues during your rental, call us immediately at (941) 404-7900. In the event of a life-threatening emergency, you would call the Coast Guard or dial 911 immediately.
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Yes. While in the Intracoastal Waterway, the speed limit is 25 mph inside marked channels and strictly “Idle Speed/No Wake” outside of marked channels. Please pay close attention to all posted signage to protect local wildlife, respect other boaters, and avoid fines from marine patrol.
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Yes, you may bring alcoholic beverages on your boat rental. However, in strict compliance with Florida boating laws, the designated operator of the vessel must remain completely sober at all times. Boating Under the Influence (BUI) laws are strictly enforced on the water. For the safety of everyone on board, do not bring any glass bottles or containers.
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When your rental period is over, simply return to the exact same dock at Centennial Park where you launched. Please ensure you arrive on time. Our crew will greet you, do a post inspection, and handle refueling and cleaning the boat. Just remember to double-check that you have collected all of your personal belongings and trash before you step off the boat.
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Sarasota offers incredible destinations! You can explore the Intracoastal Waterway up to 20 miles north or south of Centennial Park. Popular sandbars and beaches include Big Sarasota Pass, Sand Dollar Island, and Jewfish Key. You can also dock and dine at waterfront restaurants like Marina Jack, Old Salty Dog, and Dry Dock Waterfront Grill. (Check our blog for more).
Popular boating destinations from Centennial Park (tap a name to open it in Google Maps):
- Big Sarasota Pass 27.2973° N, 82.5643° W
- Sand Dollar Island 27.2918° N, 82.5627° W
- Jewfish Key 27.4417° N, 82.6793° W
- Beer Can Island 27.4379° N, 82.6880° W
- North Lido Beach 27.3206° N, 82.5869° W
- South Lido Beach 27.2992° N, 82.5670° W
- Egmont Key 27.5891° N, 82.7628° W (a long run; not for the pontoon)
- Passage Key: view it from the water only. The refuge is closed year-round to all public use (U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service).
Restaurants with boat docks (check out our blog posts for more details):
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You are welcome to explore the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) up to 20 miles north or south of our boat launch, Centennial Park. If you are renting a center console or bowrider, you are also permitted to take the boat into the Gulf of Mexico!
However, for your safety, our pontoon boats are strictly prohibited from entering the open ocean (Gulf of Mexico).
Please note that regardless of which boat you rent or where you navigate, all vessels must remain within 5 miles of the shore at all times.
Every boat is equipped with a real-time GPS tracker, and exceeding these designated geo-zone boundaries will result in the forfeiture of your security deposit.
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The Gulf Coast and Intracoastal Waterways are world-renowned for incredible fishing! Depending on the season and where you drop your line, you might catch Tarpon, Sea Trout, Redfish, Snook, Ladyfish, Cobia, Flounder, Sheepshead, Jack Crevalle, or Mangrove Snapper.
We include a handy informational packet on every boat to help you identify the different types of fish you might reel in. (Please remember: Anyone 16 or older must purchase a valid Florida saltwater fishing license online prior to your trip!)
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Sarasota’s waterways are teeming with incredible marine life! It is very common to spot bottlenose dolphins playing in the wake, gentle Florida manatees grazing in the shallows (especially in the warmer months), and various rays gliding beneath the surface. Bird watchers will also love spotting Great Blue Herons, Ospreys, and Roseate Spoonbills in the mangroves. This is the perfect opportunity to see wildlife in their natural habitat!
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As much as we love our furry friends, for the safety of the animals and to maintain the upholstery condition of our fleet, pets are not allowed on any of our rental boats.
