SANTA ROSA BEACH BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Nine Hours on the AVALON — a 12‑passenger double‑decker tritoon with a slide in Choctawhatchee Bay
A nine‑hour private rental aboard the AVALON — a double‑decker pontoon with room for a full crew and on‑board toys — this guide distills logistics, route options, and what to bring for a day from Santa Rosa Beach.
Nine Hours on the AVALON — a 12‑passenger double‑decker tritoon with a slide in Choctawhatchee Bay.
The AVALON is a true double‑decker tritoon built for a full day on Choctawhatchee Bay: space for a dozen people, a waterslide, Bluetooth audio and mood lighting, plus add‑ons such as YOLO paddle boards, fishing poles and floating pads. Whether you’re anchoring in the shallow bay to use the slide and paddleboards, pushing out toward Crab Island for shallow‑water play, or touring toward Baytowne Wharf for food and sightseeing, this rental is pitched as a day of both high‑energy play and relaxed cruising out of Santa Rosa Beach.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A 12‑passenger double‑decker built for a full day on the water
The AVALON is presented as a luxury double‑decker tritoon designed for up to twelve passengers with a waterslide, Bluetooth radio and mood lighting — built to be the focal point of a long bay day rather than a quick scoot offshore.
Paddleboards, floating pads and a slide for anchored play
Add‑ons like YOLO paddle boards, floating pads and coolers turn an anchored stop into a playground: drop the anchor in the bay, launch paddleboards, and let the crew take turns down the slide for hours of shallow‑water fun.
Crab Island, Baytowne Wharf and local wildlife
The boat is sized and marketed for excursions to destinations like Crab Island — roughly a 40‑minute run each direction from Santa Rosa Beach — as well as stops at Baytowne Wharf and Lulu’s for dining, shopping and shoreline sightseeing.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
A nine‑hour charter on the AVALON unfolds as a series of anchored play sessions and short runs: leave Cessna Landing in the morning, motor across the bay for a long anchored stop where the slide and paddleboards take over, then cruise to Crab Island or Baytowne Wharf for lunch or shoreline exploration. The boat’s layout and on‑board extras are geared toward keeping a dozen people entertained over a full day rather than a brief outing.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this rental suits — and who should plan differently.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Available add‑ons include YOLO paddle boards, a fishing pole package (three poles), floating pads and coolers — these items are recommended if you plan to anchor and play in the bay.
The vessel features a waterslide, Bluetooth radio and mood lighting; paddleboards and fishing poles are offered as extras to expand your day on the water.
Bring provisions for a full day or plan a stop at Baytowne Wharf or Lulu’s for meals; coolers are available as an add‑on to keep food and beverages chilled during the nine‑hour rental.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the rental?
The listed rental duration for this offering is nine hours.
Where do we meet the boat?
Pick‑up is at Cessna Landing dock on CR 393 in Santa Rosa Beach; the operator will meet you there 15 minutes before your scheduled time.
How old do I have to be to rent the pontoon?
Renters must be at least 30 years old and hold a valid United States driver’s license.
Can I hire a driver if I don’t want to pilot the boat?
Yes — the company provides a list of available drivers at booking; you pay a $120 reservation fee up front and then pay the driver $50 per hour the day of the trip (cash or Venmo). The operator does not assign drivers directly due to U.S. Coast Guard rules.
Are babies counted toward the passenger total?
Yes — under U.S. Coast Guard rules everyone on board is considered a passenger.
Can we go to Crab Island and how long is the run?
Yes — Crab Island is a common destination and is about a 40‑minute run each way from Santa Rosa Beach; it’s shallow there and popular for wading, snacks and play.
Is alcohol allowed on the boat?
Alcohol is permitted, but the designated driver must not consume alcohol; operating a boat under the influence is against Florida law and subject to Coast Guard enforcement.
Can we dive off the bow or go headfirst down the slide?
No — the bay is very shallow in spots and the operator explicitly prohibits diving off the front of the boat or going headfirst down the slide for safety reasons.
Are pets allowed?
Pets are allowed but will incur an additional fee and possible cleaning charge if extra cleaning is required.
What happens if we return the boat late?
If you expect to be late, contact the crew; returning late will incur charges — each 15 minutes late can result in an additional $50 fee.