Most boat rentals in South Florida are built around a few hours on the water: pick up the boat at a marina in the morning, rush to a sandbar, and have it back before the dock closes. A multi-day boat rental works differently. You keep the boat for several days, a week or even a month, it’s waiting at your dock when you wake up, and you head out whenever the weather and your plans line up. If you’re staying on the water in South Florida, it’s one of the best ways to see the coast.
This guide covers what you need to know before you book: who can drive a rental boat in Florida, what a multi-day rental typically costs, how delivery works, which boat fits your group, and where to go once you have it.
What Is a Multi-Day Boat Rental?
A multi-day rental means the boat is yours for the length of your stay instead of by the hour. At Overnight Boat Rentals we offer multi-day rentals from two days up, plus weekly and monthly rentals. Instead of picking the boat up at a marina, we deliver it to your private dock, waterfront home or vacation rental and pick it up when your trip is over.
The biggest difference is freedom. Have a slow morning, take the kids to the sandbar after lunch, and cruise to a waterfront restaurant for dinner, then do something completely different the next day. If the wind picks up one afternoon, you simply go out tomorrow instead of losing the money you spent on a half-day rental.
Do You Need a Boating License to Rent a Boat in Florida?
Florida doesn’t issue a traditional boating license, but it does have a boater education requirement. If you were born on or after January 1, 1988, you need proof of boater safety education to operate a boat with a motor of 10 horsepower or more, which includes every boat in our fleet. You can meet the requirement in one of two ways:
- A Florida Boating Safety Education ID Card, or an approved boater education card from another state.
- A Florida Temporary Certificate, a short online test made for people renting a boat. Once you pass, you can print or save the certificate right away, and it’s valid for 90 days.
Bring the card or certificate along with a valid photo ID when your rental starts. If you were born before January 1, 1988, the course isn’t required by law, though it’s still a good refresher. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has more detail on its boat rental rules page.
How Much Does a Multi-Day Boat Rental Cost?
Prices depend on the boat and how long you keep it, and the longer the rental, the lower the cost per day. At the time of writing, a one-week rental with us runs from about $1,500 to $2,200 depending on the boat, and a full month runs from about $4,000 to $5,100. Shorter stays of two to six days are priced in between, and rates are a little higher during peak season. You can reserve online with a $200 deposit.
Each boat’s page lists its current rates, and the easiest way to see exact pricing for your dates is to check availability with Book Now.
What’s Included With Your Rental
When you compare multi-day rentals, look closely at what’s included, because add-ons can change the real price quickly. Every rental with us includes:
- Free delivery to your dock or waterfront home, and free pickup at the end of your trip
- A full tank of fuel at the start of your rental
- All Coast Guard-required safety equipment
- A Bluetooth sound system and a cooler with ice
- A walkthrough of the boat and the local waterways before you head out
Weekly and monthly renters also get a mid-week wash and systems check, so the boat stays in good shape for your whole stay.
Choosing the Right Boat for Your Trip
The right boat depends on your group and what you want to do:
- Pontoon boats such as the Starcraft Pontoon and Golden Odyssey are the easiest boats to drive and have the most deck space. They’re perfect for families, sandbar days and calm Intracoastal cruising.
- Deck boats such as the Hurricane 217 and Hurricane 2400 mix open seating with a bit more performance, which makes them a great all-around choice for swimming, snorkeling and longer runs along the coast.
- Cruisers with a cabin like the Sea Ray 27 have a head and berths, so you have shade, privacy and a place to rest during long days on the water.
Guest limits vary by boat and are listed on each boat’s page. If you’re not sure which one fits your plans, tell us about your trip and we’ll help you choose.
Where to Go With Your Boat
A multi-day rental gives you time to explore beyond the closest sandbar. A few favorites near our locations:
- Peanut Island, an 80-acre island park across from Singer Island that you can only reach by boat, with a popular sandbar and clear water near the Palm Beach Inlet.
- Lake Boca Raton, just off the Intracoastal in Boca Raton, a classic spot to anchor up with friends.
- The Intracoastal Waterway through Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach and Delray Beach, lined with waterfront homes and restaurants you can pull right up to.
- The nearshore reefs off Lauderdale By The Sea, where the reef sits close enough to shore for easy snorkeling trips.
- Keewaydin Island and the Ten Thousand Islands on the Gulf Coast, which you can explore from our Naples and Marco Island locations.
The famous Haulover Sandbar near Miami was dredged in 2021 to replenish nearby beaches. Sand has been building back up since then, but conditions there change, so check recent reports before planning a whole day around it.
Tips for a Great Multi-Day Rental
- Get out early in summer. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in South Florida during the warmer months, so mornings are usually the calmest, clearest time on the water.
- Watch for no-wake and manatee zones. They’re clearly posted along the Intracoastal, and slowing down where required keeps you safe and avoids a ticket.
- Keep the captain sober. Passengers can enjoy a drink, but the person driving the boat should not drink at all.
- Pack for a full day. Bring sunscreen, plenty of water, snacks, towels, a waterproof phone case and a dry bag for anything that shouldn’t get wet.
- Plan around the tide at sandbars. Depths change through the day, so take it slow in shallow water and anchor where you’ll still float when the tide goes out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep the boat at my vacation rental’s dock?
Yes. If your home or vacation rental has a dock, we’ll deliver the boat there and pick it up at the end of your rental.
What’s the shortest multi-day rental?
Our multi-day rentals start at two days, and some boats can also be booked for a single day. Weekly and monthly rentals offer the best value per day.
What happens if the weather turns bad?
We keep an eye on the forecast throughout your rental. With a multi-day booking, a windy afternoon simply means heading out the next morning instead.
How do I book?
Check availability and reserve online with Book Now, or call us at 954-540-9957 and we’ll help you find the right boat for your dates.