Be Your Own Captain: Piloting a 24' Keywest through Shalimar’s Emerald Waters

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.

Duration
Up to 9 Passengers • 4 Hour - 5 Day Rentals
Location
Shalimar
Operator
Boat Up Fishing Rentals
Category
Boat Tour
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

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.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE ROUTE

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.

THE EXPERIENCE

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.

THE SOCIAL SCENE

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.

1
Experienced DIY CaptainsIdeal for people who can confidently operate a boat and absorb on‑dock safety instruction; the operator requires driver competence before issuing a rental.
2
Groups and PartiesFits groups up to the advertised passenger limit looking for a social day on the water, provided the designated driver remains sober and follows safety rules.
3
FamiliesSuitable for families who can meet operator requirements and supervise children onboard, but operators will enforce rules and may refuse service if safety or comprehension is in doubt.
4
Novice BoatersNot a beginning‑only experience — novices who cannot demonstrate sufficient boat handling or who cannot communicate clearly with staff may be denied a rental.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Duration

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.

What to Bring

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.

Rules & Fees

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.

Meeting Point

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.

Booking Notice

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.