MERRITT ISLAND BOAT RENTAL FIELD GUIDE
Self‑captain a 16‑ft pontoon through Merritt Island’s Indian River Lagoon
Rent a 16‑foot, 7‑passenger pontoon from Cape Crossing Boat Rentals for 4‑ or 8‑hour trips out of Cape Crossing Marina — gas is included and pets are welcome.
Self‑captain a 16‑ft pontoon through Merritt Island’s Indian River Lagoon.
A low, open pontoon skims the pale water of the Indian River Lagoon as dolphins arc nearby and a manatee surfaces for an easy breath; at your pace you can tie up at a sandbar, swim, picnic and watch a rocket lift off from the shoreline. Cape Crossing’s 16‑foot, 7‑passenger pontoon rentals hand you the wheel after a brief safety walkthrough so you can explore the expanses of Indian River, Banana River or Sykes Creek on a half‑day or full‑day outing.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Dolphins, manatees and tropical birds up close
The Indian River Lagoon is a living estuary: rentals commonly encounter dolphins and manatees and provide ample opportunities to watch shore and marsh birds from the quiet of a slowly moving pontoon.
You set the pace — anchor at sandbars or islands
Renting the 16‑foot pontoon lets you cruise, stop for a swim or beach a boat on a sandbar for a picnic; the boat is intended for relaxed sightseeing and leisure on the water.
Pet‑friendly, gas included and cooler‑ready
Reservations include gas, the boats have room for coolers and music, pets are welcome aboard, and from the water you may even have a vantage point for rocket launches.
What the day feels like
What it feels like to captain your own pontoon
After checking in at the marina and running through a short safety briefing, you take the wheel and thread the pontoon through protected lagoon channels—stopping where the water and light invite. The outing is deliberately low‑stress: sightsee, anchor for a swim, or idle among oyster bars. Options run 4 hours or 8 hours so you can shape a half‑day escape or linger until sunset.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this rental suits — and who should reconsider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Rentals are sold as 4‑hour (half day) or 8‑hour (full day) trips. Check‑in and returns are at Cape Crossing Marina, 306 Lagoon Way, Merritt Island, FL 32953.
Bring a valid driver’s license (renters must be 21+), sunscreen, sunglasses, water, towels or swimwear and closed‑toe shoes; there's room on board for a cooler with food and drinks.
Florida requires a Boating Safety Education ID Card if you were born after January 1, 1988. The operator requires renters to be at least 21 years old to rent the boat.
The captain must remain sober while operating the boat; the operator will review map boundaries at check‑in. No diving or jumping off the boat while in motion is allowed.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
What if I’ve never driven a boat before?
No problem — the pontoons are beginner‑friendly and staff provide a safety walkthrough before you depart.
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 temporary certificate).
Can we bring alcohol?
Passengers may bring alcohol, but the designated driver/captain must remain sober while operating the boat.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes — rentals are pet‑friendly; note that a pet fee applies.
How long are the rental options?
Rentals are offered in 4‑hour and 8‑hour durations.
Where do we meet for check‑in?
Check‑in is at Cape Crossing Marina, 306 Lagoon Way, Merritt Island, FL 32953 — look for the boat rental tiki hut.