MERRITT ISLAND BOAT RENTAL FIELD GUIDE
Two-Person CraigCat: Self-Captained Catamaran on Merritt Island’s Indian River Lagoon
Self-captained rentals of a compact 2-person CraigCat from Cape Crossing let novices explore the Indian River Lagoon, Banana River or Sykes Creek on 1-, 2- or 4-hour outings.
Two-Person CraigCat: Self-Captained Catamaran on Merritt Island’s Indian River Lagoon.
Adventure brief
Two-Person CraigCat: Self-Captained Catamaran on Merritt Island’s Indian River Lagoon
The 30HP 2-person CraigCat is a compact, stable catamaran built for two, offered by Cape Crossing Boat Rentals on Merritt Island. Lightweight and easy to drive, these boats let you pilot yourself through the Indian River Lagoon, Banana River or Sykes Creek for sightseeing, wildlife viewing, or a simple day on the water—no prior boating experience required. Each craft is self-captained and comes with safety equipment and fuel included; bring a camera, sunscreen and a sense of exploration.
Merritt Island, Florida, is a jewel for outdoor enthusiasts, boasting scenic waterways, rich wildlife, and diverse habitats. Among the best ways to enjoy this vibrant landscape is via the Indian River Lagoon, a thriving estuary teeming with marine life. Cape Crossing Boat Rentals offers a hands-on, playful approach to exploring this waterway through their 30HP 2-person Craigcat experience. Unlike traditional boat rentals, this small, lightweight catamaran is designed for easy self-captaining, making it accessible even for those without boating experience.
Picture yourself gliding across calm waters, the gentle wake rippling behind you, as you spot herons wading in marshes or dolphins breaching nearby. The Craigcat’s compact size allows for nimble navigation through narrow channels and closer views of bird nesting sites and sea turtles. Ideal for a couple or a solo adventurer, this activity combines the thrill of self-direction with the serenity of natural surroundings—perfect for a relaxed yet engaging day.
What makes Cape Crossing standout in Merritt Island is their commitment to user-friendly rentals and flexible itineraries, allowing visitors to set their own pace. Whether you’re pursuing a peaceful paddle or eager to see wildlife up-close, this company's offerings bridge adventure with accessibility. The Indian River Lagoon’s mix of quiet coves, open waters, and lush shoreline provides a dynamic environment, all best experienced on a lightweight boat that opens up the waterway like never before.
For those seeking a fun, active way to enjoy Florida’s outdoor scene, the Craigcat rental provides a memorable, personalized adventure. It’s an easy choice for families, couples, or solo explorers eager to connect with nature in an intimate, engaging manner—no experience needed, just your sense of adventure.
Discover a new way to see Merritt Island’s natural beauty—just rent, hop in, and set your course on the Indian River Lagoon with Cape Crossing Boat Rentals.
Route Schematic
Route and on-water flow
The rental follows a simple sequence: check-in and briefing, open-water cruising and exploration, then return to the marina at the end of your rental window.
Cape Crossing Marina check-in
Arrive at Cape Crossing Marina to sign in and receive your orientation—location and check-in begin at the marina.
Brief overview and safety instructions
An operator will walk you through basic boat handling, safety equipment, and the permitted cruising area before you depart.
Cruise the river and explore
Spend your booked hour(s) piloting the CraigCat through the Indian River Lagoon, Banana River or Sykes Creek—explore wildlife, channels and quiet coves at your leisure.
Return to dock
Return to Cape Crossing Marina at the end of your rental time to check in with the operator and secure the boat.
Observe the operator’s safety briefing and remain within the designated cruising area; boats have a 600 lb maximum combined weight and the operator may alter the permitted route or policies for safety.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Shallow-water exploration and quiet corners
The CraigCat’s compact twin-hull design and light draft let two people reach shallow areas and tucked-away spots on the lagoon that larger craft can’t access—ideal for getting close to wildlife and hidden channels.
Easy-to-drive, stable, two-person catamaran
Designed for beginners, the CraigCat is simple to handle and stable under way. It’s lightweight, self-captained and supplied with safety gear and fuel so you can focus on the river and the view.
A compact, social ride for pairs or friends
Perfect for couples, solo explorers or two friends, the 2-person setup makes for an intimate outing—sightseeing, sunning, or quick hops between wildlife-rich spots on the lagoon.
What the day feels like
What it feels like on the water
From check-in at Cape Crossing Marina you’ll receive a brief orientation and safety rundown, then cast off in a nimble two-person catamaran. The outing unfolds as a free-form cruise of the Indian River Lagoon, Banana River or Sykes Creek—pilot at your own pace for the allotted 1-, 2- or 4-hour rental, then return to the dock when your time is up.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this rental suits—and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Rentals are offered in 1-hour, 2-hour, or 4-hour blocks—choose the length that fits your plans.
Check in at Cape Crossing Marina, 306 Lagoon Way, Merritt Island, FL 32953 before your rental.
Bring a valid driver’s license; if renting the 30HP CraigCat and you were born after Jan 1, 1988 bring a boating certificate. Also bring water, sunscreen, sunglasses, closed-toe shoes and a small bag for personal items.
Each boat includes safety equipment and fuel; note the 600 lb maximum per boat, no pets allowed, and the craft are not suitable for wheelchair users. You must remain within the designated cruising area as instructed at check-in.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Do I need boating experience?
No—these CraigCats are easy to drive and the operator will walk you through everything you need to know.
Can I bring a pet?
No—pets are not allowed on the CraigCat.
Can I bring a child?
Children may ride, but riders must be able to sit securely and meet any minimum age requirement; check with the operator for specifics.
Is a boating license required?
A boating certificate is required only if you are renting the 30HP CraigCat and were born after Jan 1, 1988; the 9.9hp version does not require a certificate.
Can I fish from the CraigCat?
Yes—you can fish from the CraigCat and fishing poles are available to rent from the operator.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-08-13T17:57:17.474Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.