MERRITT ISLAND BOAT RENTAL FIELD GUIDE
Captain a 24‑foot Pontoon Through Merritt Island’s Indian River Lagoon
Self‑drive half‑ or full‑day rentals that let you pilot a 13‑passenger pontoon, anchor at sandbars, and search for dolphins, manatees, and shorebirds.
Captain a 24‑foot Pontoon Through Merritt Island’s Indian River Lagoon.
Rent a 24‑foot, 13‑passenger pontoon from Cape Crossing Boat Rentals on Merritt Island and set a slow course through the Indian River Lagoon—an intimate, wildlife‑rich estuary where you can pause at sandbars for a swim, picnic, or to scan for dolphins and manatees. The experience pairs beginner‑friendly handling with the freedom to shape your day on the water.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Dolphins, Manatees and Tropical Birds
The lagoon is prime habitat for dolphins and manatees; slow, quiet cruising and pauses at sandbars give the best chances to spot marine life and shorebirds close to the boat.
Flexible Exploration — You’re the Captain
Choose your course through Indian River, Banana River, or Sykes Creek, anchoring where you like for swimming or a picnic; rentals come with gas included and a brief safety walkthrough before departure.
Pet‑Friendly, Cooler‑Friendly, Launch‑Ready
The pontoons welcome pets (with a small fee) and room for coolers and music, and on clear nights you may even catch rocket launches from the water.
What the day feels like
What it feels like to captain your own day on the lagoon
After checking in at Cape Crossing Marina and a short safety walkthrough, you take the helm of a 24‑foot pontoon for either a 4‑hour or 8‑hour rental. The pace is unhurried: ease past mangrove shorelines, scan for wildlife, drop anchor at a sandbar for a swim or picnic, then return to the marina when your time is up.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who gets the most from this rental—and who should consider alternatives.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Rentals are offered for either 4 hours (half day) or 8 hours (full day).
Check in at Cape Crossing Marina, 306 Lagoon Way, Merritt Island, FL 32953.
Bring a valid driver’s license (renters must be 21+), sunscreen, sunglasses, water, closed‑toe shoes recommended, towel or swimwear, and an optional cooler with food and drinks.
If you were born after January 1, 1988, Florida law requires a Boating Safety Education ID Card or temporary certificate; alcohol is allowed for passengers but the designated operator must remain sober.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
What if I’ve never driven a boat before?
No problem—these pontoons are beginner‑friendly and the operator provides a safety walkthrough before you head out.
Do I need a boating license?
If you were born after January 1, 1988, Florida law requires you to carry a Boating Safety Education ID Card or a temporary certificate.
Can we bring alcohol?
Alcohol is allowed for passengers, but the designated driver must remain sober while operating the boat.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes—rentals are pet‑friendly; a small pet fee applies.
Are there safety restrictions I should know about?
You must stay inside the mapped boundaries, avoid diving or jumping from the boat while it is in motion, and note that the experience is not recommended for people with serious mobility limitations.