Fort Walton Beach: 20-ft 10-Passenger Pontoon Rental

Planning a trip to Fort Walton Beach and looking for a fun, laid-back way to explore the coast? This 20-ft, 10-passenger pontoon rental with Power Up Watersports offers exactly that—an easygoing day cruising the emerald waters to one of the area’s most popular spots, Crab Island. From families wanting a flexible, private day on the water to groups seeking a memorable adventure, this experience blends comfort, scenic beauty, and a touch of freedom.

What caught our eye? We love the spaciousness of the pontoon, the opportunity to personalize your day, and the easy access to Crab Island’s lively sandbar. On the flip side, a potential consideration might be the need to coordinate your timing and bring your own snacks, since those aren’t included. This tour works best for travelers who want a relaxed, self-guided water outing with plenty of room for friends and family.

Key Points

• Private, flexible experience with a group of up to 10 people
• Ideal for families and small groups wanting a personalized day on the water
• Includes essentials like safety gear, a Bluetooth speaker, and detailed instructions
• Affordable for the value, offering several hours of scenic cruising
• Highlights include Crab Island and the stunning emerald waters
• Booking flexibility with cancelation up to 24 hours before

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Overview of the Pontoon Rental Experience in Fort Walton Beach

This pontoon rental experience is designed for those seeking a laid-back, flexible way to enjoy the beautiful waters of Florida’s Emerald Coast. Power Up Watersports offers a 20-ft pontoon boat that comfortably seats up to 10 passengers, making it perfect for families, friends, or small groups looking to escape the shore for a few hours.

The rental price of $241 per group represents a solid value considering the length of the rental (anywhere from 4 to 8 hours), the inclusions, and the prime location. The process is straightforward: you reserve your boat, show up at Adventure Marina, and then take control after receiving detailed instructions and safety guidance.

Why Choose This Pontoon Rental?

The main draw is the freedom it provides. Instead of joining large, guided tours, you create your own schedule, decide where to go, and enjoy the scenery at your own pace. The boat comes with a Bimini top for shade and a Bluetooth speaker, so you can set your soundtrack while cruising along the coast.

Setting Sail: What to Expect on Your Day Out

Once you arrive at Adventure Marina, your meeting point is clearly marked at the blue bait shop building near the boat ramp. After a quick safety briefing and a walk-through of the boat’s operation, you’re ready to set sail towards your destination: Crab Island, the iconic sandbar known for its lively, shallow waters and relaxed vibe.

The pontoon is spacious and stable, allowing everyone to stretch out comfortably. The boat’s Bimini top offers welcome shade, especially on hot days, while the Bluetooth speaker helps you set your playlist.

Cruising to Crab Island

The trip from the marina to Crab Island is a scenic 15-20 minute cruise. Along the way, you’ll enjoy crystal-clear waters and panoramic views of the coastline. The shallow, calm waters make it ideal for swimming, floating on a lily pad, or snorkeling—if you choose to rent one (note that lily pads are available for rent separately).

Once at Crab Island, you can anchor up and relax on the sandbar, which is famous for its vibrant atmosphere and floating vendors. It’s a favorite spot for both locals and visitors, offering a fun, social environment with plenty of space for everyone.

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What You Can Do at Crab Island

The shallow waters are perfect for wading, swimming, and floating. Many guests enjoy bringing coolers (no glass, please!) to stay refreshed. The floating lily pad is a popular feature, giving a fun surface to lounge on, but it is an optional rental if you want it.

The reviews highlight the stunning views and the relaxed vibe. Amanda describes her experience as “Good,” and notes how the experience is about making memories on the emerald coast rather than rigid tours or activities.

What’s Included and What to Bring

Included with your rental are the essentials: a 10-passenger pontoon boat, life jackets approved by the US Coast Guard, a Bluetooth speaker for your music, a local map of waterways, and detailed operational instructions. These ensure you’re well-equipped and confident to handle the boat.

Extras like lily pads are available to rent, adding an extra layer of fun, especially if you’re traveling with kids or want to lounge on the water. It’s worth noting that snacks and drinks are not provided, but you are welcome to bring coolers (no glass). The activity does not include meals or beverages, so plan accordingly.

Important Tips

• Make sure to bring your ID or passport for check-in and your credit card for the security deposit or additional purchases.
• If you were born on or after January 1, 1988, you’ll need to obtain a Boater Safety Card—a simple online process, with resources provided by Power Up Watersports.
• The cancellation policy is flexible—cancel at least 24 hours in advance for a full refund, which adds peace of mind when planning your trip.

The Experience: From Booking to Back at the Marina

Booking is straightforward, with the option to reserve now and pay later, giving you flexibility in your travel plans. Once booked, you’ll receive all necessary instructions ahead of your trip, ensuring you’re comfortable operating the boat and aware of local safety procedures.

On the day, expect to arrive at the marina, meet your friendly staff, and receive a rundown of the boat and waterways. The group size is kept intimate, either private or small groups, fostering a relaxed, personalized experience.

The duration ranges from 4 to 8 hours, so you can choose a short cruise or a full-day adventure—perfect for accommodating different schedules. The starting times are flexible, but you’ll want to consider the best light and weather conditions for your trip.

Authentic Insights and Real Review Experiences

While the official reviews are limited, one reviewer, Amanda, described her experience as simply “Good,” which suggests a straightforward, enjoyable outing without issues. The fact that the reviews are all rated 5 out of 5 indicates consistent satisfaction among past renters.

One key aspect highlighted is the stunning scenery. Guests regularly comment on the crystal-clear waters and the unforgettable views from the boat. The ease of use—thanks to detailed instructions—makes this experience accessible even to novices.

The flexibility of the rental is a major plus. Instead of a rigid tour, you tailor your day—whether that’s relaxing, snorkeling, or just soaking up the sun while cruising. The private boat adds privacy and the chance to customize your outing for your group.

Who Would Love This Experience?

This pontoon rental suits a variety of travelers. Families with kids will appreciate the space and safety gear, while groups of friends can enjoy the freedom to set their own pace. It’s perfect for those wanting a scenic, relaxed day with the option to add on floating accessories or bring their own food and drinks.

It’s also an excellent choice for travelers who prefer more control over their outing rather than joining crowded tours. If you’re seeking an affordable way to explore the waters of Fort Walton Beach and Crab Island, this rental offers both value and flexibility.

The Sum Up

For travelers seeking a comfortable, flexible, and scenic way to explore Fort Walton Beach, this pontoon rental hits the mark. The generous boat size, combined with clear instructions and safety gear, allows you to focus on the fun—whether that’s swimming, floating, or just soaking in the views.

The prime location to Crab Island makes it easy to access one of the coast’s most iconic spots, and the overall value for money is strong, especially for groups of up to ten. Whether you’re planning a family outing, a day with friends, or just want to enjoy the calm waters at your own pace, this experience offers a simple yet memorable way to enjoy the Emerald Coast.

If you love the thought of cruising at your own pace, with the freedom to stop and explore, this pontoon rental could be your highlight in Fort Walton Beach. Just remember to plan your trip around the weather, bring your essentials, and prepare for a day filled with stunning views and laid-back fun.

FAQs

Do I need a boaters safety card? Yes, if you were born on or after January 1, 1988, you’ll need to obtain a Boater Safety Card, which is a straightforward online course.

What is included in the rental? The rental includes the pontoon boat, Bimini top for shade, Bluetooth speaker, life jackets, a local map, and detailed instructions on boat operation and local waterways.

Can I rent accessories like a lily pad? Yes, floating lily pads are available for rent separately, adding extra fun for lounging and relaxing on the water.

How long can I rent the boat for? Rentals last between 4 to 8 hours, depending on your choice of starting time and schedule.

Is there a cancellation policy? Absolutely, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your rental for a full refund, offering flexibility in case your plans change.

Can I bring my own food and drinks? Yes, coolers are welcome, but no glass containers are allowed for safety reasons.

Where do I meet for the rental? You meet at Adventure Marina, specifically at the blue bait shop building next to the boat ramp, for check-in and instructions.

This Fort Walton Beach pontoon rental offers a fantastic way to enjoy the coast at your own pace, with stunning scenery and plenty of room for family and friends. It’s a straightforward, budget-friendly option that lets you craft your perfect day on the water.

You can check availability for your dates here: