Best Boat Rentals Near Fort Myers, FL
Top Fort Myers Boat Rentals and Yacht Rentals
$50+
Top boat rental reviews in Fort Myers, FL
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5/5 stars
Michael was friendly, informative, and great to work with for our first experience renting a boat through this service.
David
Aug 2025 -
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5/5 stars
nice, accommodating, flexible and generous.
Justin
Aug 2025 -
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5/5 stars
The boat was amazing for a perfect day on the water !!!! Thank you
Shawn
Aug 2025 -
5/5 stars
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5/5
Steven
Jul 2025
How to rent a boat in Fort Myers?
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Rent a Boat in Fort Myers
All along the Sunshine State’s 8400 miles of coastline are beach and island communities with their own personalities and unique reasons to visit. Many are popular for one feature or another, such the best beaches, fishing, or the most sun. However, few Florida locations are more popular than Fort Myers.
Located on the bank of the Caloosahatchee River, Fort Myers sits inland from nearby Pine Island, Captiva Island, Sanibel Island, and Fort Myers Beach. From the river, boaters have easy access to snorkeling, diving, and fishing along the coast or in the Gulf of Mexico. It is even possible to cruise the Caloosahatchee River all the way to Lake Okeechobee and beyond making Fort Myers a terrific place for boaters to visit.
What To Know
From May to October, Fort Myers can be hot and see average temperatures above 87 degrees. August can bring even higher temperatures, with lots of days in the low 90s. In the cooler months, temperatures drop into the high 70s, although January can be see colder days. With access to the Gulf, river, flats, and back bays near Fort Myers, some of the most popular boats in the area include –
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Pontoon and deck boats are popular for cruising and exploring, sunset cruises, wakeboarding, snorkeling, and exploring the wide variety of coastal ecosystems. With access to the fresh waters of the Caloosahatchee River, Bass boats and small aluminum fishing boats are also popular options.
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Center consoles of all sizes and mid-sized cruisers are also popular since the Gulf of Mexico is only a short ride away. Closer to the Gulf, bigger sportfishing boats and other deep water vessels are also popular.
Safety Requirements:
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Anyone born on or after January 1, 1988 who operates a vessel powered by 10 horsepower or more must pass an approved boater safety course and have in his/her possession photographic identification and a boating safety education identification card issued by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
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A child under the age of 6 must wear a USCG-approved Type I, II or III personal flotation device while onboard a vessel under 26 feet in length while the vessel is underway. "Underway" is defined as anytime except when the vessel is anchored, moored, made fast to the shore or aground.
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Visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to learn more.
Where to dock your boat or meet your rental:
Whether trip plans include a ride upriver or out to the Gulf, there are plenty of docks and marinas nearby, including -
Sweetwater Landing Marina
Old Bridge Marina
Landings Marina
Sanibel Harbour Marina
Weather Conditions
Sitting near the Gulf of Mexico in Southern Florida, Fort Myers summers can be hot and humid, with the warmest days reaching into the 90s. Summer is also the wetter season, with August averaging 22 days of rain.
The rest of the year can be comfortable, with temperatures falling into the 70s, and even the 50s occasionally. During the cooler seasons, Fort Myers weather is cool and dry, with clear skies and an average of only 4 days of rain. Fort Myers can be affected by hurricanes so it’s good to plan with that possibility in mind.
Avg. Temperature High: August is typically the hottest with temps around 86°F
Avg. Temperature Low: December and January are the coolest with temps around 67°F
Avg. Water Temperatures in and around Fort Myers:
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72°F to 86°F in the Summer (June, July, August)
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70°F to 80°F in Spring (March, April, May)
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85°F to 75°F in Fall (September, October, November)
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70°F to 72°F in Winter (December, January, February)
Things to Do in Fort Myers by Boat
Explore the Islands
At the mouth of the Caloosahatchee River, boaters can find everything from beautiful beaches to picturesque sounds and bays, all surrounded by a variety of populated and natural islands and wildlife preserves. Just outside of the river mouth, Picnic Island is a great place to stop and visit. Although the island has no facilities, it makes the perfect destination for a quiet picnic.
The largest of the islands include Pine, Captiva, and Sanibel Islands. Some of these have beaches that are accessible to boaters, although it's important to check local resources for closures. Sanibel does not have any beaches accessible to boaters, although it is still a beautiful place to visit by water.
Just south of the river mouth, Estero Island, also known as Fort Myers Beach, is the closest beach to downtown Fort Myers. With seven miles of hard-packed sand, the beach is perfect for walking or just relaxing in the sun. At the island's north end, boaters can beach, but it’s best to check local resources or guides to ensure things have not changed.
Many of the islands include restaurants, marine facilities, and piers where boaters can get out and explore the area. The islands around Fort Myers are so full of attractions, activities, and places to explore that it would be easy to spend an entire visit to Fort Myers doing nothing else but exploring.
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Location: Google Maps Link
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Closest boat ramp: Punta Rassa Boat Ramp, Landings Marina, Matlacha Boat Ramp,
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Lat/Long: 38.10204° N, -92.59960° W
Fish in the Gulf, Flats, and Back Bays
The Fort Myers area offers anglers a variety of opportunities for fishing in both salt and freshwater all year long. Although fishing in the Gulf of Mexico’s deeper waters can require a longer ride, there are larger fish waiting, such as marlin, tuna, mahi-mahi, and sailfish. To reach the deeper waters, anglers can often trek 50 to 75 miles from shore, but many of the newer center consoles and other fishing boats can make that ride easy.
For a shorter ride and calmer waters, inshore fishing is productive all year long with snook, redfish, spotted sea trout, and much more waiting for the right bait or lure. During the spring season, tarpon migrate through the area, making Fort Myers one of the top spots to catch the Silver King. The area's many natural and artificial reefs also make great destinations for grouper and snapper.
The area's back bays and flats are also full of fish, while the area's freshwater rivers and tributaries produce bass, crappie, bluegill, and catfish. Either can make perfect destinations when the wind blows, and the open water is too rough.
Fishing the Gulf of Mexico
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Target species: Mahi-mahi, tuna, marlin, swordfish, shark, amberjack, king mackeral
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Seasonality: Although there are fish to catch year-round, May through October are the most active months for many species.
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Boat selection: The ride out to deep water can be long so big, fast center consoles, and comfortable sportfishing boats are most popular.
Fishing Inshore
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Target Species: Snook, tarpon, redfish, bonefish, permit, pompano, spotted trout, tripletail
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Seasonality: Fort Myers offers terrific fishing all year long, although some fish like tarpon, are more prevalent at certain times of the year.
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Boat Selection: Center consoles, Dual consoles, pontoon boats, skiffs, runabouts
Fishing Freshwater
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Target Species: Bass, crappie, bluegill, catfish
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Seasonality: There are freshwater fish biting in Fort Myers all year long.
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Boat Selection: Flats skiff, bass boats, aluminum fishing boats, center consoles, runabouts
Cruise and Explore the Caloosahatchee River
From Fort Myers Beach all the way to Lake Okeechobee and out to the Atlantic Ocean, the Caloosahatchee River provides boaters with a scenic and historic waterway filled with natural beauty. Boaters can cruise between Fort Myers and nearby Cape Coral, with abundant access to marine facilities and restaurants.
The Caloosahatchee River is also home to a wide variety of birds, including eagles, cranes, and egrets. The river is also home to dolphins, manatees, and alligators, and provides plenty of fishing opportunities.
Whether cruising out to islands and Gulf or meandering upriver to see the wildlife and natural beauty, there are lots to see. There are also guided Caloosahatchee River tours and eco-cruises for those who want to leave the driving to someone else.
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Location: Google Maps Link
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Closest boat ramp: Davis Boat Ramp, Ramp Caloosahatchee, Horton Park & Boat Ramp
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Lat/Long: 26.68219° N, -81.83754° W
Where to Go Boating in Fort Myers
Pine Island Sound
Just outside the mouth of the Caloosahatchee River and a short ride from Fort Myers or any of the area's boat ramps, there are many populated and natural islands. Between two of the area's largest islands, Pine Island and Captiva Island, the Pine Island Sound allows boaters to explore, eat, relax, fish, or do anything else desired.
The island is ringed with channels and passes, but boaters must pay attention to markers and lights. The sound is also accessible by cruising north outside of Captiva Island and entering through Redfish Pass.
The sound is home to beautiful natural resources and parks such as Buck Key Preserve, Pine Island National Wildlife Refuge, and the historic Pine Island Sound Fishing Shacks. Several restaurants can also be found in the sound, including the Cabbage Key Inn and the Harborside Bar and Grill.
Closest Boat Ramp: Punta Rassa Boat Ramp, Landings Marina
Wake Zone: There are many areas and inshore waterways that are marked as No Wake Zones, especially since slow-moving manatees can often be found in the area. Pay attention to warning signs and buoys and, above all else, be courteous to other boaters, swimmers, and the area wildlife. When in doubt, slow down.
Hours: There are official visiting hours for the sound although some of the parks have visiting hours. The area restaurants also have hours that may change so check appropriate resources.
ProTips: Be sure to take plenty of fresh water and snacks in case of breakdowns. Also, ensure there is plenty of sunscreen onboard and shade from the South Florida sun when necessary.
Lat/Long: 26.58093 N, -82.16990 W
Caloosahatchee River
The Caloosahatchee River runs from the Gulf of Mexico, through Lake Okeechobee, and all the way across Florida until it connects with the Atlantic Ocean. Boaters can cruise for a day or take longer trips through beautiful natural areas, small riverfront towns, and undeveloped areas.
Whether setting out on a day trip before returning back to port or cruising to Lake Okeechobee for a longer visit, the Caloosahatchee River has much to offer. Boaters can also stay close to downtown Fort Myers where the river is at its widest, and fish the bridges and passes or cruise down toward the Gulf. There are also areas where wakeboarding and tubing are possible.
Nearby Marinas: Landings Marina, Old Bridge Marina, Sweetwater Landing Marina
Closest Boat Ramp: Landings Marina, Boat Ramp Sanibel, Paradise Marina
Wake Zone: No Wake Zones exist in all protected waterways like marinas and channels. Pay attention to warning signs and buoys and, above all else, be courteous to other boaters, swimmers, and the area wildlife. The Fort Myers area is also home to manatees, so watch for these slow-moving animals.
Lat/Long: 26.63220 N, -81.89831 W
Gulf of Mexico
Cruise west down the Caloosahatchee River and out into the Gulf of Mexico to go island hopping, visit the many area beaches, or head south to Estero Island to beach or drop anchor and enjoy the hard-packed sand. On the Gulf, every area attraction is within easy reach by boat, including state parks, historic landmarks, and even restaurants.
The gulf can be choppy or calm depending on the weather, so the waters off Estero Island might make the best destination when the weather is less cooperative. With the south end of Sanibel Island offering some protection, San Carlos Bay and the waters off Fort Myers Beach can be a great place to hit the open water.
Nearby Marinas: Snook Bight Marina, Sanibel Harbour Marina, Salty Sam's Marina
Closest Boat Ramp: Punta Rassa Boat Ramp, Salty Sam's Marina
Wake Zone: The areas in the harbor and marinas are all designated No Wake Zones, as well as areas near launch ramps. The open waters of the Gulf have no special zones, but always be courteous of other boaters.
Lat/Long: 26.46182 N, -81.99152 W
Got questions?
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to rent a boat in Fort Myers?
The cost to rent a boat in Fort Myers ranges from $40 to $600 per hour. Boat rentals in Fort Myers can be captained or bareboat for a half or full day.
What are the top destinations to explore with a Fort Meyers boat rental?
With a Fort Myers boat rental, top destinations include the Caloosahatchee River for relaxing inland cruising and access to beautiful nature preserves. Lovers Key and Estero Bay are top spots for dolphin sightings, fishing, and swimming in shallow, calm waters. For beach hopping, boaters love cruising out to Sanibel and Captiva Islands, known for pristine shores and world-class shelling. Cayo Costa State Park is a quieter destination great for anchoring and exploring by foot. Fort Myers offers the perfect Gulf Coast backdrop for both laid-back and active boat days.
How old do you have to be to rent a boat in Fort Myers?
You must be 18 years old to rent a captained boat and 25 years old if you would like to rent a bareboat charter.
How many people can fit on the boat rental?
The number of people who can fit on boat rental largely depends on the boat's size and how many life jackets are on board. Currently the coast guard allows a maximum of 10-12 people on a Boatsetter boat rental.
Do I need a boating license to rent a boat?
Boating license requirements vary from state to state. As a renter, you are responsible for understanding local state requirements.
Own a boat?
Boatsetter lets you make money renting out your boat. Peace of mind and insurance is included in every rental, and you choose who rents your boat.
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