SANTA ROSA BEACH BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Avalon: A 12‑passenger double‑decker tritoon with a water slide for a full‑day bay escape
A 9‑hour charter aboard the AVALON explores Choctawhatchee Bay — Crab Island, dolphin sightings, paddle‑boarding and on‑boat leisure — this guide explains what to expect and how to plan.
Avalon: A 12‑passenger double‑decker tritoon with a water slide for a full‑day bay escape.
The AVALON is not your everyday pontoon: a 12‑passenger, 150‑horsepower double‑decker tritoon outfitted with a water slide, Bluetooth stereo and mood lighting, built for nine‑hour days on Choctawhatchee Bay where guests can anchor, paddle, snorkel and seek dolphins or make the forty‑minute run to Crab Island for food and play.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
The AVALON: double‑decker power and play
A full‑day charter option aboard a true luxury double‑decker tritoon: seating for up to 12, a 150‑horsepower motor, a waterslide, Bluetooth radio and mood lighting — built for a day of both relaxation and high‑spirited fun.
Choctawhatchee Bay, Crab Island and Baytowne Wharf
The boat makes the most of the bay: anchor in open water to play on the slide and paddle boards or run out (about 40 minutes each way) to Crab Island; you can also dock at Baytowne Wharf for food, shopping and shoreside entertainment.
Slide, paddle and watch for dolphins
Expect a mix of low‑effort pleasures and active options: drop anchor to use the slide and floating pads, add YOLO paddle boards for exploring or paddle‑surfing, try fishing with the pole package, and keep an eye out for local dolphin pods.
What the day feels like
What a day aboard feels like
A nine‑hour rental on the AVALON is built for a day that slides easily between lazy and lively: motor through the bay under a powerful 150‑hp setup, drop anchor to play on the slide or paddle from the boat, tie up at Baytowne Wharf or spend time at Crab Island sampling shallow‑water fun — all from a single, roomy double‑decker platform.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this charter suits — and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Sun protection, swimwear and towels; coolers are available as an add‑on — the operator offers YOLO paddle boards, floating pads and a fishing pole package to rent.
Available extras include YOLO paddle boards, a three‑pole fishing package, floating pads and coolers to expand on‑water options.
Fishing is permitted from the boat but requires a valid Florida fishing license; fishing poles are offered as an add‑on.
The AVALON is a 12‑passenger, 150‑hp double‑decker tritoon equipped with a waterslide, Bluetooth radio and mood lighting — gear and features intended for full‑day (nine‑hour) rentals.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the charter?
The standard charter length for this vessel is nine hours.
Where do we pick up the boat?
Pick up is at Cessna Landing dock on County Road 393 in Santa Rosa Beach; the operator will meet you there about 15 minutes before your scheduled time.
How old do I have to be to rent a pontoon boat?
Renters must be at least 30 years old and hold a valid United States driver’s license.
Are infants counted as passengers?
Yes — the U.S. Coast Guard considers anyone with a heartbeat to be a passenger, so infants count toward the 12‑passenger limit.
Can we have a driver provided by the operator?
The Coast Guard does not allow the operator to assign a driver; when you book a driver (a Designated Master) you receive a list of drivers to contact — there is a reservation fee and the driver is paid separately at the stated hourly rate.
Is alcohol allowed on board?
Alcohol is permitted on the boat, but the driver must not consume alcohol — operating a boat under the influence is against Florida law and enforced by authorities.
Can we dive off the bow or go headfirst down the slide?
No — the bay is very shallow in many areas and diving off the bow or going headfirst down the slide is explicitly prohibited for safety reasons.
What happens if we return the boat late?
Guests should stay in contact with the crew if delayed; returning the vessel late may result in additional charges billed per 15‑minute increments.