Best Boat Rentals Near Jacksonville, FL

Rent a Boat in Jacksonville

Located in Northern Florida just south of the Georgia border, Jacksonville sits just inland from the Atlantic ocean on the St. John’s River. Area waterways provide easy access to the Atlantic, Lake George, Doctor’s Lake, and the famed Intercoastal Waterway, while the city’s abundant launch ramps and marinas make Jacksonville, also known as “Jax,” a great place for sailing and power boating. 

Jacksonville features great fishing, with a wide variety of species both offshore in the deep waters of the Atlantic and inshore in the St John’s River and other area waterways as well as great snorkeling and diving, wakeboarding and tubing, kitesurfing, and much more. 

With more than 1,110 miles of interior shoreline, easy access to the Atlantic, and so many opportunities for aquatic adventures, it’s easy to see why Jacksonville is a great destination for boaters. 

What To Know

Jacksonville’s easy access to both inshore and offshore boating make a few different boat styles popular, which include – 

• Pontoon boats, runabouts, bowriders, and deck boats are common options for inshore cruises, fishing, snorkeling, wakeboarding, and cruising the extensive area waterways.  

• Jacksonville’s great offshore fishing makes center consoles and small cruisers popular boat rental options, although larger sportfishing boats and luxury yachts are also commonly seen on the ocean and river. 

Safety Requirements:

• Boating License/Education Rules: 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.

• Life Jacket Requirements: Children ages 6 and under must wear a personal floatation device (PFD).

• Manatees are a frequent sight in the inland waterways such as the St. John’s River and ICW so remember to watch for these protected creatures, protection zones, and your speed when present.  

Visit the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission to learn more. 

Where to dock your boat or meet your rental:

• Metropolitan Park Marina

• St. Johns Marina

• Arlington Marina

• Ortega River Marina

• Seafarers Marina

Weather Conditions

Jacksonville has beautiful coastal weather all year long, with summer high’s in the 90s, although the area’s ocean breezes keep the heat from becoming oppressive. Jacksonville can also see more clouds and rain in the summer than other times of the year. 

Spring and fall seasons bring milder weather, while winter temps usually stay in the 50s and 60s. Winter temperatures can occasionally drop below freezing, although it doesn’t happen often or for too long. 

Since Jacksonville is not located directly on the coast, the city is a little better protected and less likely to see any effects from hurricane season. 

Avg. Temperature High: July is Jacksonville’s hottest month with temps around 90°F

Avg. Temperature Low: January is the area’s coolest month with temps around 46°F

Avg. Water Temperatures in and around Destin:

• 83°F in the Summer (June, July, August)

• 68°F in Spring (March, April, May)

• 76°F in Fall (September, October, November)

• 65°F in Winter (December, January, February)