How much does a boat rental cost in Key West?
By Brian Williamson, Key West · Updated October 19, 2026
The short answer
A half-day 22-24 foot pontoon in Key West typically runs $500-$800, depending on the operator and the day of the week. A full day is $800-$1,300. A 30-foot double-decker with a slide is more: $1,200-$1,800 for a full day. Fuel is bought back at the end of the day and the dock crew gets a gratuity, so budget for both on top. Every operator books through its own FareHarbor calendar, so the price at checkout is the price you pay.
| Boat | Half day | Full day |
|---|---|---|
| 22-24 ft pontoon | $500-$800 | $800-$1,300 |
| 30 ft double-decker with slide | Check the booking page | $1,200-$1,800 |
| Center console, tiki boat, captained trips | Set by each operator | Set by each operator |
What moves the price
Boat size and type, the day of the week, half day versus full day, and whether a captain is aboard. A bigger boat or one with a slide sits at the top of its range; weekends and busy weeks cost more than a mid-week day.
What is not in the headline number
Fuel is bought back at the end of the day, and gratuity for the dock crew is customary. Neither is in the boat rate. Ask each operator what its rate includes.
If a quote is far below these ranges
Ask what is missing. Some quotes leave off insurance, fuel, cleaning or dock fees and add them later. The operators we list book through their own FareHarbor calendars, so the number you see at checkout is the number you pay, with no middleman markup.
Driving yourself versus a captain
If you drive, Florida requires a boating safety education ID card for anyone born on or after January 1, 1988 (10 hp or larger motor). A captain adds cost but takes care of navigation and the shallow water. See our self-drive versus captain guide.
Common questions
How much does it cost to rent a boat in Key West for a day?
A full-day pontoon typically runs $800-$1,300 and a 30-foot double-decker with a slide $1,200-$1,800, before fuel and gratuity. Prices vary by operator and day of the week, so confirm on the booking page.
Is fuel included in a Key West boat rental?
Typically no. Fuel is bought back at the end of the day on top of the rental rate. Ask the operator how it is charged.
Are boat rentals priced per boat or per person?
Boat rentals are priced per boat, so the cost is split across your group. Per-person products such as sunset sails are a different kind of trip.
Why do Key West boat rental quotes vary so much?
Boat size and type, half day versus full day, the day of the week, captain or no captain, and what the quote includes. Compare the same boat type and the same inclusions.
Sources
General information, not legal advice. Operators set their own rules; confirm with yours before you go.