Double‑decker luxury on Choctawhatchee Bay: the 12‑passenger AVALON tritoon for a full‑day escape

SANTA ROSA BEACH BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE

Double‑decker luxury on Choctawhatchee Bay: the 12‑passenger AVALON tritoon for a full‑day escape

A nine‑hour rental aboard a 150‑HP, double‑deck tritoon that fits up to 12 people and is optimized for paddle boards, tubing and Crab Island runs.

Double‑decker luxury on Choctawhatchee Bay: the 12‑passenger AVALON tritoon for a full‑day escape.

Duration
Contact operator
Location
Santa Rosa Beach
Operator
Santa Rosa Beach Pontoon Rental LLC
Category
Boat Tour
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

The AVALON is a 12‑passenger, 150‑horsepower double‑deck tritoon offered by Santa Rosa Beach Pontoon Rental. It pairs roomy, social deck space with modern amenities—Bluetooth sound and a high‑powered engine—so groups can anchor in the bay, paddle from the platform, or make the roughly 40‑minute run to Crab Island for shallow‑water play and food vendors.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE VESSEL

A roomy, high‑powered double‑decker

The AVALON is a 2021 double‑deck tritoon rated for 12 passengers and powered by a 150‑HP engine, offering a more powerful ride than most double‑deck pontoons in the bay—designed to keep a full crew moving and entertained.

THE DESTINATION

Crab Island and Baytowne Wharf runs

You can stage a social anchor in Choctawhatchee Bay or run to Crab Island—about a 40‑minute trip—where shallow sandbars, food vendors and clear water create a floating beach scene; Baytowne Wharf is an alternate stop for dining and entertainment.

THE ACTIVITIES

Paddle‑boarding, tubing and dolphin spotting

The boat supports a menu of water activities: YOLO paddle boards, tubes and floating pads are available as add‑ons, and many outings include dolphin‑spotting in the bay’s daily pods.

What the day feels like

How the day unfolds

A typical day is social and flexible: launch from the Choctawhatchee Bay area, drift and anchor in protected water for paddle boards and floating pads, or punch through to Crab Island for shallow‑water play. The tritoon’s double deck gives groups space to spread out, with Bluetooth audio and room for water toys that keep a nine‑hour charter moving between leisure and activity.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who gets the most out of this boat—and who should reconsider

1
Active groups and watersports crewsIdeal for groups who want paddle boards, tubes and floating pads—the operator offers YOLO paddle boards and other add‑ons for active days anchored in the bay.
2
Families with childrenThe boat accommodates all ages, but remember the US Coast Guard counts every person on board as a passenger; infants are considered passengers and the 12‑person maximum applies.
3
Large groups and celebrationsSeating is sized for up to 12 people—operator notes a 12‑passenger max and recommends higher horsepower (200 HP) when carrying 10–12 guests for optimal performance.
4
First‑time boat drivers or those who prefer not to pilotRenters should be experienced or comfortable learning on arrival; the operator provides motoring tips and a safety video, and can supply a qualified driver for an additional fee and reservation process.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

What to bring / available add‑ons

The operator offers add‑ons: YOLO paddle boards, 2‑person tubes and floating pads. Add these items to your reservation if you want paddle‑board or towable fun.

Onboard amenities

The AVALON includes Bluetooth audio and double‑deck social space; the vessel arrived in 2021 and is outfitted for group outings.

Safety briefing and prep

The operator recommends watching the provided boat safety video and will review motoring tips at check‑in; newcomers should expect instruction on navigating shallow waters safely.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the rental?

Standard full‑day option for this listing is 9 hours.

Where do we pick up the boat?

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

How old do I have to be to rent?

Renters must be at least 30 years old and hold a valid U.S. driver’s license.

Can we hire a captain?

The operator cannot assign a driver: when you book a designated driver list is provided. If you arrange a driver through that list you pay a $120 reservation fee up front and $50 per hour to the driver on the day of the trip.

Are babies counted as passengers?

Yes—per the U.S. Coast Guard everyone aboard is considered a passenger.

Are alcohol and pets allowed?

Alcohol is allowed but the driver may not consume alcohol and it is illegal to operate a boat under the influence; pets are permitted for an additional fee and potential cleaning charge.

What happens if we return late?

Communicate with the crew if you expect to be late; every 15 minutes late may result in an additional $50 charge.