Two-Deck Tritoons and a Bay Slide: Luxury Cruising Out of Duck Key

DUCK KEY BOAT RENTAL FIELD GUIDE

Two-Deck Tritoons and a Bay Slide: Luxury Cruising Out of Duck Key

A full-day rental aboard a 200HP Avalon double-decker tritoon for up to 12 people — this guide explains the boat, typical stops, and what to pack.

Two-Deck Tritoons and a Bay Slide: Luxury Cruising Out of Duck Key.

Duration
Contact operator
Location
Duck Key
Operator
Island Life LLC
Category
Boat Rental
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Set sail aboard the Avalon double-decker tritoon — a luxury 200‑horsepower pontoon with mood lighting, Bluetooth, and an integrated water slide — built to carry up to 12 guests for dolphin watching, paddleboarding, and trips to popular shallow-water destinations such as Crab Island or Baytowne Wharf.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE VESSEL

Avalon double-decker tritoon — built for comfort and play

A 12‑passenger, 200HP Avalon tritoon configured with a second deck, integrated water slide, Bluetooth sound and mood lighting for a day that balances speed, stability and onboard comfort.

THE PLAY

Slide, paddle and float: add-ons that extend the day

Onboard options like YOLO paddle boards, two‑person tubes, floating pads and coolers let groups anchor in the bay and turn the boat into a floating playground.

THE DESTINATIONS

Shallows, sightseeing and dockside stops

Typical itineraries include shallow‑water destinations where you can snorkel and play in the shallows, plus docking options for shopping and dining at local wharfs.

What the day feels like

What the day feels like

The trip unfolds as equal parts cruise and beach party: a powerful 200HP tritoon carries a dozen people across calm bay water to anchorages for paddleboarding and sliding off the deck, with pauses for dolphin watching and optional stops at shallow sandbars or waterfront wharfs.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this rental suits — and who should reconsider.

1
Active familiesFamilies with children fit well: the boat supports group play (slide, paddleboards) and operators note infants and babies count as passengers under Coast Guard rules.
2
Large social groupsGroups up to the 12‑passenger limit will appreciate the space and power; operators recommend 200HP for parties of 10–12.
3
First‑time boatersNovice drivers are accommodated with instruction on shallow‑water motoring and, if desired, a list of available paid drivers (Designated Masters) the guest must contact directly in advance.
4
Pet ownersPets are allowed but the operator charges an additional fee and may assess cleaning fees if needed.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Duration

Standard rental duration is 6 hours.

What to Bring & Add-ons

Available add-ons include YOLO paddle boards, a 2‑person tube, floating pads and coolers — add these to your booking as desired.

Logistics & Pickup

Pickup is at the Cessna Landing dock on CR 393; staff arrive roughly 15 minutes before the scheduled time.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the standard rental?

The standard rental duration is 6 hours.

How old do I have to be to rent a pontoon boat?

Renters are required to be 30 years of age or older with a valid United States driver's license.

Are babies or infants considered passengers?

Yes — the U.S. Coast Guard considers everyone with a heartbeat a passenger, so infants count toward the passenger total.

Where do we pick up the boat?

Pickup is at the Cessna Landing dock on CR 393 in Santa Rosa Beach; the crew will meet you 15 minutes before the scheduled time.

How far can I take the boat?

Rentals are permitted within Choctawhatchee Bay as far east as 1 mile east of the 331 bridge and as far west as Crab Island between Destin and Okaloosa Island; the boat is not allowed on the Gulf of Mexico.

Can we dive off the front of the boat?

No — the bay is very shallow and diving off the bow is prohibited for safety reasons.

Is alcohol allowed on the boat?

Alcohol is allowed for guests, but the driver must not consume alcohol; it is illegal to operate a boat under the influence.

Are pets allowed on the boat?

Yes — pets are allowed for an additional fee and cleaning fees may apply if needed.

What if we return the boat late?

Contact the crew if you expect to be late; returning the vessel late may incur additional charges (for example, $50 per each 15 minutes late).

What about gratuity for drivers and deckhands?

A typical 15% gratuity is customary for captains/drivers; 5–10% is customary for deckhands. Guests pay gratuities the day of the event.