DUCK KEY BOAT RENTAL FIELD GUIDE
A high‑powered tritoon for commanding Choctawhatchee Bay—fast, roomy, and built for daylong play
A 4‑hour rental aboard a 12‑passenger, 150‑hp Santa Rosa Beach tritoon ideal for Crab Island runs, dolphin spotting, or anchoring at Baytowne Wharf with paddle boards, floating pads, and coolers available as add‑ons.
A high‑powered tritoon for commanding Choctawhatchee Bay—fast, roomy, and built for daylong play.
Rent a luxurious Santa Rosa Beach pontoon—a 12‑passenger tritoon with roughly 150 horsepower—designed for faster, smoother rides across Choctawhatchee Bay, whether you’re headed to Crab Island, circling for dolphins, or dropping anchor at Baytowne Wharf for lunch and sightseeing.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Roomy, powerful, and built for a crew
This rental is a true double‑decker tritoon configured for up to twelve passengers and equipped with about 150 horsepower—more power and capacity than many fleet boats—so you get comfortable cruising and the speed to reach Destin’s sandbars and shallow playgrounds quicker.
Crab Island, Baytowne Wharf and shallow‑water play
The boat is ideal for short runs to Crab Island—roughly a 40‑minute run each way from some launch points—docking at SanDestin Baytowne Wharf for food or entertainment, or simply anchoring in the bay to swim, play, and watch dolphins.
Add paddle boards, tubes and floating pads
Bring extra toys: YOLO paddle boards, two‑person tubes, floating pads and coolers are offered as add‑ons to expand what your crew can do once anchored—paddling, snorkeling and casual games in calm shallows.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
The typical outing is a day‑on‑the‑water rhythm: a quick briefing at launch, a comfortable cruise across the bay powered by the tritoon’s strong engines, then decisions—head west toward the shallow, walkable flats of Crab Island, tie up at Baytowne Wharf for food and sights, or anchor in a quiet cove and deploy paddle boards and floating pads for relaxed play and wildlife viewing.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this rental works best for—and who should consider alternatives.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Add‑on gear available includes YOLO paddle boards, a two‑person tube, floating pads and coolers; bring sunscreen, swimwear, and any food or drinks you want to keep aboard.
Standard bookings include a 4‑hour rental; for destinations like Crab Island the operator recommends longer bookings due to up to 40 minutes each direction travel time.
Pick up is at Cessna Landing dock on CR 393 in Santa Rosa Beach; the crew will meet you about 15 minutes before your scheduled time.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How old do I have to be to rent a pontoon boat?
Renters must be 30 years of age or older and hold a valid United States driver’s license.
Are babies or infants allowed and do they count toward passenger limits?
Yes—under U.S. Coast Guard rules everyone aboard is considered a passenger, including infants, and counts toward the vessel’s capacity.
Can I take the boat anywhere?
Rentals are allowed within Choctawhatchee Bay as far east as one mile east of the 331 bridge and as far west as Crab Island in Destin; the boat is not permitted on the Gulf of Mexico.
Where and when do we meet to pick up the boat?
You will meet at Cessna Landing dock on CR 393 in Santa Rosa Beach; the crew will be there about 15 minutes before your scheduled time.
What if I’ve never driven a boat before?
The operator will teach essential motoring tips at arrival; if you don’t feel comfortable driving, you can arrange a driver (listed at booking) for an additional hourly fee paid the day of the trip.
Is alcohol allowed on board?
Alcohol is allowed, but the designated driver must not consume alcohol; boating under the influence is against Florida law and enforcement is active in the area.
Can we dive off the front of the boat?
No—diving off the front is prohibited because the bay is very shallow and poses significant safety risks.
What are the gratuity expectations?
For pontoon rentals a typical 15% gratuity is customary for captains/drivers and 5–10% for deckhands; guests pay gratuities the day of the event.
What happens if we return the boat late?
Keep the crew informed if you expect to be late; returning the vessel late can incur additional charges—for example, $50 per 15 minutes late.