Is SWFLboatrental.com licensed insured and permited?

YES! We are fully licensed, insured and permitted by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and adhere to Florida state livery laws.

Can i pay cash?

Yes, we accept cash as payment.  This does not eliminate the need for a credit card for your deposit.

why do you need a credit card?

Your card will be copied with the ID’s of all of the drivers.  Your card is responsible for any and all damages, loss of property, late returns, fuel, and search & rescue efforts.

When will i get my SECURITY deposit back?

Security deposit refunds are processed within 2 business days of your boat rental. It usually takes 2-7 business days for the refund to be credited back to your account. To check your final receipt and refund status, please click on the text message receipt you received when you picked up and paid for the boat.

weather conditions, cancelations and refunds

Reservations are required for all boat rentals. Cancellations made at least 7 days before the scheduled rental time are eligible for a full refund. If you do not cancel at least 7 days before your booking, your payment will be non-refundable. If hazardous weather conditions prevent us from allowing the boat out, you will not be charged for the reservation. Decisions regarding weather conditions will be made on the same day as the scheduled rental. Please contact us to confirm.

Can i bring my dog?

Yes! There will be an extra $50 per/pet charge added to your bill.

how far ahead do i have to reserve the boat?

We recommend as soon as you know for sure what day and time you want to go, to call for a reservation or reserve online. Holidays and weekends usually book up 2 weeks ahead, weekdays 3 to 7 days ahead in season.

Gift card redemption

The addressee of the gift card can call 941-564-9399 to book a boat for a certain date and time and provide the gift card number for payment. Or they can book online, prepay and enter the gift card number in the “additional request and comments section” on the booking information page (not in the promo code box), and they will be refunded after booking is confirmed.

how do i reserve the boat?

Our Reserve Online page shows you what boats are available and their cost, book it yourself online!

Call us at 941-564-9399 and we will book it for you.

what are the geographical limits?

Our limits are Saint Armands Bridge to the north and Boca Grande bridge to the South. The boats are NOT ALLOWED TO GO OUT IN TO THE GULF OF MEXICO. NO GULF ACCEESS ALLOWED (Boats are tracked with GPS and if you violate this policy you will be charged a $300 fee).

Operators are responsible for knowing their own limitations based on experience.

If you do not have a on the water towing membership and we must dispatch assistance there will be an additional charge at an hourly rate of $350 per hour.

Please use this map for reference and boundaries.

is the gas included?

The rental price does not include fuel. All of the boats have fuel efficient engines. You can refill at any marina with marine grade non ethanol gas. We have to refuel the boat for you, you will be charged a refuel rate of $9.78 per gallon.

How does your Best price guarantee work?

Tell us where you saw a lower price FULL DAY boat rental on the same type of boat. We will beat their price by 5$. Valid in Charlotte County, Sarasota County. 

Do i need to bring a cooler?

Yes, there is no cooler on board. 

can i fish from the boat?

Yes you can fish on any of our boats. You are required to have a FL saltwater fishing license. All licenses can be purchased at local bait shops or online at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com There is also a link to the typical fish you might be interested in while fishing in FL, view fish guide. Please keep in mind some boats have plush carpet installed on or boats. So please place caught fish in buckets and try not to splash fish blood and guts on the carpet. A cleaning fee may apply if the carpet is stained. 

can we drink alchohol on the boat?

Everyone on the boat can drink except the driver, zero tolerance, you can lose your automobile driver’s license and face all consequences from the FWC.

What do i need to bring to my boat rental?

Photo ID for all drivers and Credit Card of responsible party.  Waterproof bags, reading glasses, cell phones, USB charger cord, shoes, sunblock, coolers, plenty of water. Recommended 1 gal. per person.  

how early do i have to arrive to my rental?

Everyone should arrive at their scheduled time and no later than 30 minutes after the scheduled rental ready for orientation. You have a reservation time set specifically for your party. If you arrive more than 30 minutes late and do not notify us at least an hour in advance of your reserved time you will be charged the full rental plus tax.

how long is the orientation? 

Orientation is typically 15-20 minutes depending on prior boating knowledge. Rentals will be denied if we feel you are disregarding safety procedures being given.

what does orientation cover?

Orientation will cover everything from rules of the road, basic boat operation, how to navigate our waterways, liability waivers and rental agreements.

am i responsible for damages?

You are solely responsible for any and all damages of all equipment while it is in your possession. Inspecting the equipment is your responsibility before leaving.

I am back with the rental what should i do?

Call us when you are about an hour from returning if you are returning early. Otherwise an attendant will be at the dock at your scheduled return time. If for some reason we are not there, tie the bow line and stern line to the dock where you picked up the boat (allow for water movement, etc) and we will be there shortly to load and take the boat.

i came back and the dock attendant noticed damage. what happens next?

You are responsible for any and all damages to our equipment. Your damage will be assessed and charged upon return. Fiberglass damage is not cheap so keeping a safe distance from everyone and everything while aboard our equipment is important. If you would not bump up against a buddies truck with your truck to talk, don’t do it with my boat. Plain and simple “You break it, you pay for it”. If there is ANY damage, please wait until we are onsite so we can discuss damages together to avoid later issues. The Agreement is very clear about your responsibility.

delivery restrictions

Please note that delivery availability and the selected time is not guaranteed and depending on the day of the week is subject to availability and change. The adjusted launch time is within 1 or 2 hours of your selected time. 95% of launches are at the selected time. And you will be notified if your selected time has been changed in advance due to delivery time availability. If you are not notified of a time change of your launch, then your selected launch time will be fulfilled.

How does bidding work?

Bidding for Your Perfect Boat Adventure

Welcome to SWFL Boat Rental's exclusive bidding service! Here’s your chance to name your price and secure an unforgettable boating experience at a rate that suits you. Our frequent bidding process allows you to bid on our premium boats and enjoy the stunning waters of Southwest Florida at a price you decide.

How It Works

Place Your Bid: Enter your desired price for renting one of our boats. Bids are accepted every 8 hours.

Frequent Winners: At the end of each bidding period, the highest bid wins the boat rental. You will be notified if your bid is successful.

Secure Your Booking: The winning bidder is required to pay the bid amount to confirm the booking.

Bidding Process

Choose Your Boat: Select from our diverse fleet, including luxurious pontoons, sporty deck boats, and more.

Enter Your Bid: Submit your bid using our simple online form.

Wait for Results: If your bid is the highest at the end of the bidding period, you will receive a confirmation email with payment instructions.

Enjoy Your Day on the Water: Once payment is confirmed, get ready to embark on your boating adventure.

Important Details

Bidding Deadlines: Bidding closes every 8 hours.

Winner Notification: Winners will be notified via email or SMS shortly after the bidding period ends.

Payment Requirement: The winning bidder must complete the payment promptly to secure the booking.

Cancellation Policy: All bids are binding. If the winning bidder fails to pay, the next highest bid will be selected.

Minimum Price: To ensure the high quality and safety of your rental experience, a minimum price is set for each boat. This guarantees that all boats are well-maintained and meet our strict safety standards.

Understanding Boat Rental Costs

Boat rentals include various costs that ensure a high-quality experience:

Maintenance: Regular inspections and upkeep are necessary to keep boats in top condition.

Safety Equipment: Each boat is equipped with life jackets, first aid kits, and other safety gear.

Insurance and Licensing: Comprehensive insurance and proper licensing ensure a safe and legal boating experience.

Staff Expertise: Our knowledgeable staff provides support, guidance, and ensures a smooth rental process.

These factors contribute to the overall cost of boat rentals, so when placing your bid, keep in mind the value and quality of the service you are receiving.

Why Bid with SWFL Boat Rental?

Flexible Pricing: Get the best value by naming your price.

Exciting Experience: Enjoy the thrill of securing your boat rental through a competitive bidding process.

Top-Quality Boats: Experience the best of Southwest Florida's waters on our well-maintained, premium boats.

Ready to Bid?

Place your bid today and get ready for a memorable day on the water with SWFL Boat Rental.

Good luck, and may the best bid win!