727-742-2277
2900+
TRIPADVISOR 5-STAR REVIEWS
1000+
GOOGLE 5-STAR REVIEWS
6
GUESTS MAX PER BOAT
2 hrs
ON THE WATER
2013
FAMILY OWNED SINCE
HOW IT WORKS
What is a
bareboat rental actually?
A bareboat rental is exactly what it sounds like: you rent the boat, and the boat is yours for your booked time. You reserve the vessel, sign a straightforward bareboat agreement, and your group has it for 2 to 6 hours on the water.
Because it's a rental rather than a captained tour, a bareboat can carry more people — up to 10 guests, versus the 6-guest limit on a captained charter. It's the right choice when you've got a bigger group and want the freedom to set your own day: where you go, how long you linger, when you head back.
Every bareboat rental needs a licensed captain at the helm — and you have two ways to arrange one.
YOUR CAPTAIN
Choose your captain —
two ways
Choose from our captain roster. When you book, we'll share the US Coast Guard–licensed Master captains available for your date. You arrange the captain directly; fees vary by captain and trip.
Or bring your own captain. You're welcome to use your own captain, as long as they hold the appropriate US Coast Guard credentials. Outside captains complete a one-time $350 orientation on our vessels before their first rental, so everyone's confident with the boat.
Either way, the captain is yours to choose — this is your rental, your crew, your day
PRICING
Simple, honest
rental pricing
The rental is priced by how long you want the boat — and the longer you book, the lower your hourly rate.
-
2 hours — $330, ranging hourly up to
-
6 hours — $575
-
Fuel: flat $20 per hour
-
Captain: arranged separately — choose from our roster or bring your own credentialed captain. Captains charge from $20 to $60 per hour. Some captains come with 8ft floating rings, inflatable paddleboards and more.
Up to 10 guests per boat · BYOB welcome · departs Tierra Verde Marina, 198 Madonna Blvd in St Petersburg.
WHY ISLAND FERRY
A real operation —
not a dude with a boat
Family owned and operated since 2013, right here in Tierra Verde. Our boats are well-maintained, our captain list is made up of genuine US Coast Guard–licensed Masters, and our bareboat rentals are run properly — with a real rental agreement, not a workaround. When you rent from us, you're renting from a family that's been on these waters for over a decade, with 2,900+ five-star reviews to show for it.
Up to 10 guests
more room than a captained 6-pack charter
Well-maintained fleet
cared for by a family that lives on the water
Your itinerary
sandbars, islands, sunsets; your decision
2,900+ five-star reviews
a decade of happy people
Licensed captains
Coast Guard Masters, or bring your own
BYOB Welcome
bring your food, drinks, and coolers
THE BOATS
Comfortable, capable
rental boats
All of our vessels are actually tri-toon vessels, so there are three pontoons below deck not just two like typical pontoon boats. This gives them additional stability and performance. Our vessel Island 1 is a bit longer than the other two, has an oversized center pontoon, and is well suited for 10 passengers. Island 3, also a tri-toon is rated for 9 persons, and Island 2 for 8 persons. All have plenty of room to spread out and be comfortable.
RENTAL DETAILS
Everything you
need to know
DEPARTURE
198 Madonna Blvd, St Petersburg, 33715
GUESTS
Up to 10 guests per boat
FUEL
Flat $20 per hour
AVAILABILITY
7 days a week, year round
DURATION
Min 2 hours, Max 6 hours
CAPTAIN
choose from our roster or bring your own
BOOKING
By phone only; 727-742-2277
FOOD & DRINKS
BYOB - coolers with ice provided
Bareboat rentals are booked by phone so we can walk through dates, captain options, and the rental agreement together.
Call or text 727-742-2277 to reserve.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently asked questions
What is a bareboat rental?
A bareboat rental means you reserve the vessel itself and the boat is under your group's control for your booked time, under a bareboat agreement. Because it's a rental rather than a guided charter, it can carry up to 10 guests. You arrange a licensed captain separately — either from Island Ferry's captain roster or your own appropriately credentialed captain.
How many guests can a bareboat rental hold?
Up to 10 guests. Bareboat rentals depart from Tierra Verde Marina at 198 Madonna Blvd, minutes from St. Pete Beach.
How much does a bareboat rental cost in St. Pete?
Bareboat rentals range from $330 for two hours to $575 for six hours, with the hourly rate decreasing for longer bookings. Fuel is a flat $20 per hour. Captain fees are arranged separately and vary. Call 727-742-2277 to book.
Do I need my own captain for a bareboat rental?
Every bareboat rental needs a US Coast Guard–licensed captain at the helm. You can choose from Island Ferry's list of licensed Master captains, arranged directly, or bring your own captain provided they hold the appropriate Coast Guard credentials. Outside captains complete a one-time $350 orientation on the vessel before their first rental.
How do I book a bareboat rental?
Bareboat rentals are booked by phone at 727-742-2277 so we can go over available dates, captain options, and the rental agreement. Rentals run from a two-hour minimum to a six-hour maximum.
Can we bring our own food and drinks on a bareboat rental?
Yes — BYOB is welcome. Bring whatever food and drinks your group enjoys for your time on the water.
