Captain a 22' Keywest through the emerald waters of Destin and Fort Walton Beach

SHALIMAR BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE

Captain a 22' Keywest through the emerald waters of Destin and Fort Walton Beach

Boat Up Fishing Rentals offers 22' Keywest rentals for up to 7 passengers, available in blocks from 4 hours up to 5 days—an ideal way to reach Crab Island, Spectre Island and the region's clear shoals.

Captain a 22' Keywest through the emerald waters of Destin and Fort Walton Beach.

Duration
Up to 7 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 at the helm of a 22' Keywest, cutting across the emerald waters of the Destin–Fort Walton Beach area. The self-driven rental from Boat Up Fishing Rentals places family and friends within easy reach of popular sandbars and islands such as Crab Island and Spectre Island, promising loose plans and memorable stretches of open water.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE WATER

Emerald seas and easy cruising

The area’s clear, green-tinged water is the backdrop for relaxed cruising, swimming off the bow, and short hops between sandbars and islands—perfect for families and small groups looking to escape the shoreline.

THE DESTIN ROUTE

Access Crab Island and Spectre Island

This rental puts you within proximity to the hottest boating areas in the Destin–Fort Walton Beach corridor, including the well-known gathering spots of Crab Island and Spectre Island.

THE EXPERIENCE

Be your own captain

The core appeal is autonomy: you drive, you choose the pace, and you set the stops—whether it’s a short swim, a beached picnic, or an afternoon anchored among boats and sandbars.

What the day feels like

What it feels like to rent a Keywest

You arrive early, run through a short vessel orientation, then head out into the shallow, translucent waters of the Destin–Fort Walton Beach area. The day unfolds in short legs—cruising, anchoring at sandbars, and drifting near islands—where the boat becomes a base for swimming, sunning and socializing with friends and family.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this rental suits—and who should look elsewhere.

1
Active FamiliesGood fit for families who want a flexible day on the water; note that children six years or younger are required by the USCG to wear life vests at all times, and the operator does not supply life vests for children under 13.
2
Small Groups of FriendsWell suited to groups of up to seven passengers seeking a do-it-yourself boating day—bring coolers and plan brief anchor stops at sandbars and islands.
3
Inexperienced PilotsNot ideal for renters without enough experience to operate a boat; the driver must demonstrate competence and understand safety instructions, or the operator will decline the rental.
4
Weekend PartiesPermitted—alcohol can be aboard—but the driver must remain sober and able to operate the vessel; be mindful of distance limits and cleanliness rules to avoid fees.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

What to Bring

Bring a working cell phone (required), towels, sunscreen, hats, and a small cooler for food and drinks. Children six and under must wear a life vest at all times; operators do not supply life vests for children under 13.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How many people fit on the 22' Keywest?

The rental accommodates up to 7 passengers.

How long can I rent the boat?

Rentals are available from 4-hour blocks up to 5 days.

When should I arrive before my rental time?

Arrive 20 minutes before your rental to review vessel operation; late arrivals cannot have rental start or end times adjusted.

Are life vests provided for children?

The USCG requires children six years or younger to wear a life vest at all times aboard; the operator does not supply life vests for children under 13.

Can I bring alcohol aboard?

Alcoholic beverages are permitted aboard, but the driver cannot drink and drive.

What fees should I be aware of?

There’s a $150 fee for exceeding the 15-mile range outside of Destin pass, a minimum $50 cleaning fee for excessively dirty returns, and a $50 charge for every 15 minutes the boat is late returning to the dock.