Boat rentals in Fort Myers Beach have to easily be one of the most popular activities for visitors due to the abundance of water that surrounds Estero Island. Rental companies typically provide pontoon boats, although a few do offer center console or dual console fishing boats.
Which Type of Boat to Rent?
The first thing to figure out for anyone wanting to rent a boat, is which type of boat to rent. If you’re familiar with boating, this should not be a difficult decision, although the fact that 95% of the boats for rent are pontoons, which can influence you if only based on availability. For those who are looking specifically to go fishing on a boat you rent instead of a fishing charter, you might opt for a center or dual console instead.
Boat Rental Marinas
On Island Boat Rentals:
Snook Bright Marina – Fleet consists of 17-25 foot pontoons, 17-21 foot center consoles, 21 & 23 foot dual consoles. Prices start at $185 per day. This is the only marina I have personally rented from. The experience was great and they offer fuel service at the dock (prices was as reasonable as it gets on the water) and allowed us to store the boat at our property overnight to maximize our boating time. I would rent from them again.
Salty Sam’s Marina – Fleet consists of a 20 and 24 foot pontoon, and a Pro-Line center console fishing boat. Daily rates are not published, and 4 and 1/2 hour rates begin at $129 and $25 per hour after that.
Fishtale Marina – Fleet consists of 18-25 foot pontoons, 17 & 18 foot Grady White center consoles, 20 foot Grady White dual console, and 16 & 21 foot skiff boats. Rates from $215 per day.
Off Island Boat Rentals:
There are at least a few rental companies which rent boats that are not located on Estero Island, but will deliver their rental boat to a ramp or dock on or near the island. Their rates are competitive, but the hassle and coordination may be prohibitive to some potential renters.
Paradise Boat Rentals – Offers a fleet of 21-24 foot bowrider / deck boats, 21 foot pontoon boats and 21 foot center console boats starting at $220 per day.
Bay Breeze South – Located just across the bridge near San Carlos Island, not so ironically on San Carlos Blvd, offers a fleet including center console flats boats, pontoons and a Carolina Skiff from 17 to 26 feet.