SHALIMAR BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Be Your Own Captain: Piloting a 24' Keywest through Shalimar’s Emerald Waters
A hands-on rental that puts you at the helm for 4-hour trips up to 5-day outings around Destin-Fort Walton Beach, useful as a practical guide to what to bring, where to go, and operator rules.
Be Your Own Captain: Piloting a 24' Keywest through Shalimar’s Emerald Waters.
Adventure brief
Be Your Own Captain: Piloting a 24' Keywest through Shalimar’s Emerald Waters
Spend an afternoon with family and friends cruising the region’s clear, emerald water aboard a 24' Keywest from Boat Up Fishing Rentals, launching from Shalimar and giving you access to popular boating spots such as Crab Island and Spectre Island.
The Destin-Fort Walton Beach corridor, often called the "Emerald Coast," is defined by its strikingly clear, jade-hued Gulf waters and bustling boating culture. Here, Boat Up Fishing Rentals offers a hands-on gateway to these vibrant waterways with their 24-foot Keywest center-console rentals. Located at 100 Old Ferry Rd in Shalimar, FL, this service puts the helm in your hands, inviting up to nine passengers to navigate the iconic local spots like Crab Island and Spectre Island.
What sets this rental apart is the freedom it offers: you become your own captain, steering through calm shallow waters and deeper channels alike. The vessel—a nimble Keywest powered by a robust 250hp Yamaha engine—is outfitted with modern essentials including Garmin GPS/fishfinder, VHF radio, and a Kicker audio system. This makes it ideal for families, friends, or small groups eager to experience the region’s marine beauty on their own terms.
Crab Island, a popular sandbar gathering place, is a must-visit—its shallow waters create a social hotspot of boaters, swimmers, and sunseekers. Meanwhile, Spectre Island offers solitude and a chance to spot local wildlife such as dolphins or seabirds fluttering overhead. The area's unique white sand beaches and clear water owe their character to coastal dune ecosystems and quartz-rich sands, offering more than just a pretty backdrop.
Boat Up Fishing Rentals stands out in the local adventure scene due to their strict safety protocols and customer-focused approach. Operators must be at least 21 years old and knowledgeable about boat handling, ensuring a secure experience. Plus, multi-day rentals include delivery options, expanding your reach along the coast.
This business provides an authentic, unfiltered boating experience—perfect for those seeking to engage deeply with Destin’s water trail network, fish in the saltier waters, or simply relish a day on the emerald waves. With clear guidelines and a focus on local regulations, it’s a reliable partner for mastering the waters of Northwest Florida.
Route Schematic
Typical route schematic
Stops and highlights you can plan for when you take the Keywest out from Shalimar.
Launch from the Shalimar dock
Meet at the operator’s dock and complete a vessel‑operation briefing before casting off for the day.
Cruise to Crab Island
Head to one of the area’s most popular boating destinations for anchored socializing and shallow‑water stops.
Visit Spectre Island
Include a stop at Spectre Island to experience another of the local points of interest reachable by rental.
Operators require that the driver understands vessel operation and safety instructions; staff reserve the right to refuse rental if rules, instructions or safety ability are in question, and routes or usage may be limited by the operator.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Self‑navigated access to Crab Island
This rental puts you in control of a craft positioned within easy reach of the region’s hottest boating areas, letting you set course for busy sandbars and social anchorages like Crab Island.
Command a compact cruiser
The boat is a hands‑on rental designed for groups who want to pilot their own afternoon or multi‑day cruises along the Destin‑Fort Walton Beach corridor.
Shared days on emerald water
Bring family and friends to enjoy anchored gatherings, short cruises, and the area’s signature sights while remaining responsible for vessel operation and safety.
What the day feels like
What it feels like to rent this boat
The 24' Keywest rental is a straightforward, do‑it‑yourself boating experience: arrive at the dock, review vessel operation with staff, then head out to explore emerald bays, sandbars and nearby islands at your own pace.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this rental suits — and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Rentals are offered from 4‑hour trips up to 5‑day rentals, and the boats accommodate up to 9 passengers; arrive 20 minutes before your rental time for the mandatory briefing.
Bring a working cell phone, towels, sunscreen and hats. Note USCG rules for children: all children six years or younger must wear a life vest at all times aboard, and the operator does not supply life vests for children under 13.
The operator enforces range and condition limits: exceeding the 15‑mile range outside Destin pass carries a fee; excessively dirty returns incur a minimum cleaning fee; late returns are charged at $50 per 15 minutes.
Arrive to the rental location at 100 Old Ferry Rd, Shalimar, FL 32579 and be prepared for the on‑board operation review prior to departure.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How many people can the 24' Keywest hold?
The rental accommodates up to 9 passengers.
How long can I rent the boat?
Rentals are available from 4‑hour outings up to 5‑day periods.
Where do I meet for my rental?
Meet at 100 Old Ferry Rd, Shalimar, FL 32579; arrive 20 minutes early for the mandatory vessel operation briefing.
What should I bring?
Bring a working cell phone, towels, sunscreen and hats; you may bring food and drinks in a small cooler.
Can I have alcohol aboard?
Alcoholic beverages are permitted on board, but the designated driver may not drink and drive.
What happens if I'm late returning the boat?
Late returns are charged $50 for every 15 minutes the boat is not at the dock; no exceptions.
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: 2026-08-18T00:40:44.678Z
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.