Boat Rental FAQ
Boat Rental FAQ for renting a boat in Vero Beach
Have questions about renting a boat with Vero Watersports? This page should answer all your questions.
What do I need to Rent a Boat?
Renting a boat at Vero Watersports is very easy, you’ll need the following to start your day on the Indian River Lagoon:
- You’ll need basic boat handling experience to rent a boat.
- To be 21 years old to operate rented boat.
- Credit Card.
- If born after Jan 1st 1988, you’ll need a boaters license.
Free lifetime boaters safety course: https://www.boat-ed.com/florida/
Temporary boaters safety course ($14): Take My Boat Test
We have no affiliation with either of these tests, we want you to be safe and knowledgeable boaters.
How much to Rent a Boat?
Our pontoon boat rentals start at $269 for a half day (9am–1pm or 2pm–6pm) or $399 for a full day (9am–5pm).
Best of all, fuel is included in the price — no surprise charges when you return.
Do prices change seasonally?
We do not change boat rental prices seasonally, but we do occasionally offer discount specials from guests who follow our social media. So go give us a like!
How old do you need to be to rent a boat?
The minimum age to drive a boat in Florida is 14, and Florida state law regulates the minimum age at 18 to rent a boat. However, our insurance requires the operator of our boat to be at least 21 years old.
Does Vero Watersports offer the test for the boater’s safety license?
Yes — we’ve partnered with Take My Boat Test to make getting your temporary Boater’s Safety License fast, easy, and affordable.
If you need a license to rent a boat, you can complete the test online in minutes and be ready to get out on the water the same day. Our goal is simple: get you on the water enjoying your vacation as quickly and cheaply as possible.
👉 Use our link here to get started: Take My Boat Test
Does Vero Watersports allow pets on Boat Rentals?
We do! Pets are allowed on our boat rentals. It’s recommended dogs have a life jacket; they are under the same category as children when it comes to boaters’ safety requirements. We do have dog life jackets to lend if you need one. To be honest, we aren’t sure about other animals needing life jackets, kind of assume it’s a dog you’ll be bringing, maybe we’ll be surprised at your water adventure pet.
Where can we go with our rented boat?
Lots of options on the Indian River Lagoon to take your boat rental.
if you head south there are several sandy beach islands to picnic and spend the day. The southern route also leads to the Fort Pierce Inlet and a wonderful hangout spot for locals called The Cove. You’ll also find some nice restaurants with gusts docks: Little Jim’s and Dockside are some great examples.
The Northern route is also worth the trip. You’ll also find several sandy beach islands and a large sand bar area near Sebastian Inlet Park. Crab Stop and Capt. Hiram’s are great places to grab a bite to eat too.
Here’s a link to more details on places to eat while on your boat rental adventure. https://visitindianrivercounty.com/restaurants-you-can-boat-to-in-indian-river/
Do you offer overnight boat rentals?
We do not offer overnight boat rentals currently. Unfortunately, our insurnace doesn not allow it. All boat rentals need to be back at our home marina every day. We can work out a deal for multiday rentals.
How do we know where to go or what to do on our Boat Rental?
First and foremost, stay within the channel markers, the Indian River Lagoon, often referred to as The River, can be very shallow, even if it looks deep. Assume anywhere outside the channel is too shallow.
There are a couple of ways to know where to go on your boat rental. The best resource is the dock crew that helps get you underway, they know the River like no one else, and they’ll give you the locals insight on where to go. They’ll ask you what you’d like to do, then give you the perfect plan for your day.
Google Maps works surprisingly well. You’ll be able to see your location and what restaurants might be in your area and accessible by boat. Often you can even see the channelways and shallow sections.
Do Rental Boats have restrooms?
Nope
Do I need a reservation for a boat Rental?
No, having a reservation for a boat rental on Vero Tackle & Watersports is not mandatory, but it is strongly recommended. We are more than happy to accommodate you if there is availability. However, if you do make a reservation, it allows us to prepare the appropriate boats for our valued guests. Moreover, having a reservation speeds up the check-in process and ensures a smoother experience when getting out on the water.
How much time or notice do I need to make a reservation for a boat?
Same day reservations are great. Obviously, the more time we have to get your boat ready the better. You can book online through our website 4 hours before the start time. Or come on into the tackle shop to see what we have available.
Here’s a link to book online: Book Online Now
What happens if there’s bad weather?
Florida weather can change quickly, but we closely monitor conditions to keep your experience safe and stress-free.
If unsafe weather is expected before your rental, we’ll contact you ahead of time and offer the option to reschedule or receive a full refund.
While you’re on the water, please keep your phone ringer on using the number provided at checkout. If weather develops in your area, we may call or text you with instructions to ensure your safety.
Afternoon storms are common in Florida and can include strong winds, lightning, and heavy rain. We recommend taking weather seriously and following any guidance from our team to avoid getting caught in unsafe conditions.
What are your boat rental hours?
We offer three times for our pontoon boat rentals or Bayliner boat rentals. Half Day AM is 9am-1pm, Half Day PM is 2pm-6pm, or, Full Day 9am-5pm.
We can offer other time slots, only if the standard times are not full. Would need to make that call the day of.
Do you have life jackets for kids during Boat Rentals?
Yes — we provide life jackets for all ages, including children.
Florida law requires that children 6 years old and under wear a U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jacket at all times while the boat is underway. We offer a variety of vest-style life jackets in different sizes to ensure a safe and comfortable fit.
We also have dog life jackets available in multiple sizes, so your four-legged crew can stay safe too.
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MORE INFO
Vero Tackle & Watersports
3321 Bridge Plaza Drive
Vero Beach, FL 32963
Open:
Mon 7am-6pm
Tues 7am-6pm
Wed 7am-6pm
Thur 7am-6pm
Fri 7am-6pm
Sat 7am-6pm
Sun 7am-6pm
772-234-9585

