Warm sun, glistening sand, turquoise waters rippled with balmy breezes and the smell of salt, sea and suntan oil…”Are we there yet?!” Do you remember the anticipation of getting to the beach and splashing in the water, relaxing to the melodic break of the waves and soaking in the warmth of the sun all the way to your bones?  Now add the purr of an engine, shrieks of laughter as the wind whips through your hair and cool sprays of water hit your face…the ultimate addition to your Florida getaway, boating. It’s here our list of the best vacation rentals with boat docks in Florida!

Florida, the Sunshine State, with over two and a half million acres of freshwater aquatics, there is a boating experience to suit anyone. Did we mention the choice of two oceans?  Whether you prefer slicing through the waves at top speed, pontooning down a canal, or the gentle sway of your craft as you try to catch the one that “didn’t get away,” having a boat at your disposal and a gorgeous Florida Vacation rental with private dock for immediate access, what’s not to love?

 Whether you bring your own watercraft or rent one of the many options available to you in this tropical paradise, finding boat friendly vacation rentals is easier than you think.

Boat-friendly Florida Vacation Rentals With Private Boat Docks – What Do You Need To Know?

Renting a Boat in FL to Use at Your Vacation Rental

With the “experience economy” market booming, the ability to rent a boat here in the Sunshine State is just as accessible as it is to find one of our absolutely gorgeous vacation rentals with a boat dock.

A few key points before you go, so you’re in the “know:”

• Familiarize yourself with the watercraft you intend to rent
• Do your homework on insurances either provided through the rental agency or your own insurance company
• Know the boating safety and piloting laws at your destination
• Obtain a Boating Safety Education Identification Card issued by the FWC

Choose one of our Florida Rentals with Boat Dock!

Is it easy to rent a boat in FL?

Renting a boat is similar to renting a car so there are a few things to keep in mind. You must be at least 18 year old to rent a PWC (Personal WaterCraft) and if born on or after January 1, 1988, you must  successfully complete an approved boating safety course in Florida.  

It’s not surprising that in our media driven age, there are websites and easy-to-use apps for boat rental services that will match you up with boat owners of the type of boat you want for your Florida getaway. Just make sure you are exploring the sites that offer weekly rates as some specialize in daily or ½ day rentals.

Do you need a boating license to rent a boat in FL?

To captain a boat on your Florida vacation, unless you were born before January 1, 1988, you will need a Boating Safety ID Card (10 horsepower or more engine).  Fortunately, Florida offers reciprocity for adult  non-residents if you have certification from a NASBLA-approved course. For further exceptions go to the FWC- Boating Safety Education Requirements FAQ’s.

Is it expensive to rent a boat?

It can be, depending on what (and especially where) you want to rent and enjoy your boating . There are a lot of things that affect how much you pay, like the type of boat, length, age, capacity, with or without a captain, extras, etc. Another factor that can impact your price is the season, as off season can definitely save you money. 

I did a basic search on Nautal.com for a “bareboat” (no captain) 20-26ft, 4 people min capacity, 1 week, and came up with a Cape Coral, FL, rental for $926/wk** as opposed to $4,130/wk in Miami Beach.  Note** a few of the day only rentals were almost as much as a week.  Even the most expensive motorboat rental from the beautiful Cape Coral area (where we have gorgeous private dock rentals as well) was several thousand dollars less than renting comparable boats from the Miami area.

It definitely pays to do your research.  Check out the local marinas and other reputable rental agencies, secure your vessel, then motor on into one of our amazing boat friendly Florida rentals with boat docks! 

Waterfront Florida Vacation Rentals with Boat Dock

1. Coral Castle –  House in South West FL, Anna Maria Island, Holmes Beach
2. Villa Hemingway By The Sea – Cape Coral
3. Villa Magic Summer – Cape Coral
4.  Cove Key Houseboat on Private Island – Marathon
5. Manatee Bungalow – Key Colony Beach
6.  Cottage By The Sea – Melbourne Beach
7.  Sunshine Cottage – Anna Maria
8. Boater’s Paradise – Marco Island
9. Family Friendly Villa – Marathon
10. Lighthouse Lagoon – Panama City Beach
11. Serene Keys Retreat – Summerland Key
12.  Saltaire Key Yacht Club Resort – Fort Lauderdale

Coral Castle – Holmes Beach Rental with Boat Dock

Enjoy your late afternoon drinks gazing out over the bay with peeks of the Gulf from the top patios and rooftop deck.  A beautiful 5 bedroom/3.5 bath waterfront home with dock, heated pool, hot tub, and just a 3 minutes walk away from an astonishing white sand beach. This gorgeous and  relaxing neighborhood home is situated on a deep water canal which leads to quick and bridge-free access to some of the best fishing in Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. An ideal spot to search for rentals with boat docks.

Villa Hemingway By The Sea – Cape Coral Rental with Boat Dock

This unique, 3900 sqft, 4 bedroom/6 bath, two story villa is a perfect location for boaters and located near the Cape Coral Yacht Club and beach. Explore the offshore islands like Sanibel, Captiva or Cayo Costa on your craft, or relax at the most gorgeous pool setting offering spectacular views of the Caloosahatchee river while sipping cocktails and watching the sunset (or sunrise). This open and relaxing home has 3 covered Lanais and each gorgeous room is swept with a relaxing brush of blues that can’t help but remind you of the beautiful vistas just outside your door! A great region to search for rentals with boat docks.

Villa Magic Summer – Cape Coral Rental with Boat Dock

Beautifully decorated with a gorgeous open floor plan, this private villa sleeps six in 3 bedrooms/3 baths and comes fully equipped with everything you might need to enjoy a wonderful tropical Florida vacation rental with a dock.  The outside area looks out on the Skyline Canal and boasts a spacious heated swimming pool with waterfall, a boat dock with a sundeck and eating area. Bring or rent a boat and you’ll find yourself on the Caloosahatchee River and the Intercostal Waterway within 30 minutes of leaving your private dock.

Cove Key House Boat on Private Island – Marathon

You want a beautiful Florida vacation spot, preferably with a boat and a private dock? Well you can’t make this stuff up! Quiet Cove Key is a private tropical island, only a few minutes from shore where you park your car on a driveway on shore with your boat dock only feet away.

This vacation rental not only provides a dock for a boat, but also the boat! A 17ft, 2012, 50HP 4 cycle engine boat for a week to access your island getaway in a quiet cove of protected mangroves in the Gulf of Mexico. You stay on a 2 bedroom, air conditioned houseboat that can accommodate seven and is docked on the island where there are covered shelters, gas grill, hammocks, kayaks, fire pit, and the boat dock.

Manatee Bungalow – Key Colony Beach Rental with Dock

This gorgeous 1600 sqft well designed bungalow will appeal to the outdoor water adventurer in us all. With ample parking for cars and a boat trailer, the boat enthusiast and angler alike will love the  boardwalk with water, power, new swim ladder, fish cleaning table, and underwater fish lights. The perfect spot for rentals with boat docks.

Manatee Bungalow doesn’t fail to impress with a 35-foot dock (up to 50 ft boat allowed), tiki hut with 6 person table, new paver patio, LED tiki torches, new gas grill, and new bait freezer.  This single family home will sleep eight and is a completely and newly renovated 3 bedroom/3 bath waterfront cottage with a fully equipped chef’s kitchen on popular 7th Street!

Cottage By The Sea – Melbourne Beach

Wanting a lengthy stay at an amazing boat friendly vacation rental? This monthly bungalow rental  in Melbourne is just for you.  Situated only two lots over from either the Atlantic Ocean or Intracoastal with deeded access to both. A private dock awaits you for boating along the Indian River or easy entry to the ocean at Sebastian Inlet.

Newly built this 3 bedroom/2 full bath can sleep up to 10 people and includes a heated outdoor shower after everyone troops back from the beach. Centrally located you are within less than a  couple hours of the Orlando attractions and nightlife. Explore Cocoa Beach, take a trip up I-95 and visit historic St. Augustine one day, then head south on another to Vero Beach, or enjoy a tour of the Kennedy Space Center if you can pull yourself away from your beautiful secluded beach. 

Sunshine Cottage – Anna Maria

The newly renovated Sunshine Cottage truly lets you experience the beauty of Anna Maria Island while dangling your feet off the dock, swimming in the pool, relaxing in the sunshine, and walking to any of the local eateries, City Pier, Two Scoops, Waterfront Restaurant, Galati’s Marina, and Island Ocean Star Restaurant.

Enjoy canal access to navigate a boat right to the dock through Bimini Bay to this 3 bedroom/2 bath cottage. Although a boat trailer cannot be parked on property, the dock will accommodate a watercraft up to 25’. The property owners suggest “Just 4 Fun Rentals” to bring your rental right to the backyard dock and pick it up when you’re done.  Convenience sun and fun!.

Boater’s Paradise – Marco Island

Enjoy the best of Marco Island in this 3 bedrooms, waterfront rental home with dock. Only minutes by boat to the Gulf of Mexico and pristine beaches! Bring a boat from home or rent one from a local marina located minutes from our home! Conveniently dock your boat in the backyard. The dock is perfect for fishing or launching kayaks and paddleboards.

The wide waterfront canal is easy to maneuver with deep water access, a private dock; and quick direct getaway to the Gulf of Mexico and open water. Slip into the private, heated pool with expansive views of the canal, and has a roomy lanai facing east to enjoy Marco Island’s sunrises. On the lanai is a bar height bistro set and a table with six chairs for morning coffee, outside dining, and cocktails.

Family Friendly Villa – Marathon

Enjoy coastal breezes in this brand new 4 Bedrooms/3 Baths canal front Villa. Beautifully decorated, lots of added touches. Relax in a private heated/chilled pool and open veranda with lounge furniture perfect for your quiet morning coffee. You’ll definitely appreciate the short 10 minute boat ride to Atlantic or Gulf because you can pull your boat right up to the private dock with electric, fresh water, bait well, bait trap, fish cleaning station and bait freezer.

Lighthouse Lagoon – Panama City Beach Rental with Dock

Situated on a canal with direct access to St. Andrews Bay, Lighthouse Lagoon is tucked away in a small, quiet gated community on the east end of Panama City Beach, providing the perfect family escape of rentals with boat docks. Blissful seclusion…but you’re never far from the Panama City Beach action! This three bedroom, three and a half bathroom Beach Home sleeps up to twelve. You’ll be able to relax with your whole family on your own private second-story oversized sundeck overlooking the canal with exquisite views.

Best of all, this home comes with a large boathouse with boat lift, all on a deep-water canal. It is less than a 0.25 mile boat ride to St. Andrew’s Bay and a 6 mile boat ride to Shell Island. You can be fishing in the bay in just a few minutes or in the gulf in 15 minutes….and if you feel like hitting the beach, it’s less than a 3 mile car ride to the world’s most beautiful beaches.

Serene Keys Retreat – Summerland Key Rental with Dock

This waterfront Summerland Key vacation rental is set on a canal with 90 feet of dock space with room for multiple boats if needed! All water access is deep so no need to watch the tides. The large heated pool and hot tub are a great way to end the day boating, fishing, diving and kayaking.

There is a commercial sized ice machine and deep freezer for people with fishing in mind. Also plenty of storage for all your fishing and diving equipment. This home is a true water lovers retreat so you feel right at home as soon as you arrive. Available for monthly stays only.

Saltaire Key Yacht Club Resort – Fort Lauderdale Rental with Dock

SaltAire Key Yacht Club is a boutique resort like waterfront vacation rental complex with 4 units total. Ideal for visitors searching for rentals with boat docks. Each unit has its own private spaces, lounge chairs, day beds, grills etc., making it even better than staying at a boutique resort. The beautiful heated pool is available for all guest’s use all year. 

Perfectly perched on the deep water canal ready for you to enjoy fishing, boating, and sun lounging near the hot spots of the Fort Lauderdale area.

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Florida Vacation Rentals With a Private Boat Dock for those that love being on the water and it wouldn’t be a vacation without the boat! Whether you bring your own boat or rent one once you get here, there is a FLARBO, Florida Rental By Owners, for you

Anytime you are looking for a gorgeous Florida rental that is boat friendly or has a private dock, Florida Rental By Owners has an excellent selection to accommodate your personal needs.  Click here to look for your next Florida dream vacation rental!

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