Pontoon Boat Rentals

Q: What are the hours of a half day rental?

A: Half day rentals are either from 9:30am-1:30pm or 2pm-6pm. Full day rental is from 10am-6pm. Reminder we are in the Eastern time zone.

Q: How old do I have to be to rent equipment and do I need a boating license?

A: You need to be 21 years old to rent equipment. Any age to ride along! You are not required to have a boating license if over 30. We will go over all safety features with you, full instruction on waterways and rules, AND provide a map to help you navigate. If the driver is born after January 1, 1991; they must present a boating safety education identification card issued by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission or the equivalent from another state. 

Q: What if I have never driven a boat?

A: No problem. It’s simple; like driving a car. About 60% of our rentals have never driven a boat before. We go through full instructions with you.

Q: What is your refund or cancelation policy?

A: Weather cancellations can be postponed to another day and are at the discretion of Scallop Cove. A $100 fee will be charged to the credit card used for the reservation in the event of a "no-show" or a cancellation without reschedule (within 7 days).  Refunds will not be issued under any circumstances. 

Q: What happens if I beach the boat or get stuck out on the boat due to tides?

A: If you end up in a situation where the boat has been stranded by changing tides, there is a $200 recovery fee for staff to come pick your party up from the stranded vessel and then recover the vessel at the next high tide. PLEASE keep 2' of water under the boat when you leave it to visit the beach. The anchor will hold the boat safely in shallow water, and you won't end up stuck. There is no reason to "beach" the boat.   

Q: How many people can fit on a pontoon boat?

A: Pontoon boats have a weight limit of typically about 11 people including gear (ice chests, beach bags, etc.).

Q: Where am I allowed to go?

A: You are allowed to go inside St Joseph Bay. On the boat we provide you a map of where you can go and any shallow spots to watch out for. Be cautious of changing tides as well.  Your gas is included with your rental.

Q: What should we bring when renting a boat?

A: We suggest...

Q: Are we allowed to bring coolers and food? What about Alcohol?

A: Yes, you can bring whatever you like. Alcohol in plastic containers is allowed. Same rules apply on the water as the road. You will need a designated driver.

Q: Where do I go day of rental?

A: Go to Scallop Cove Too at Eagle Harbor inside the State Park the day of your rental. One of our friendly staff will take payment, review safety, and help set you on your way.

Q: Do I need a Reservation?

A: Yes, Reservations are STRONGLY encouraged. We are the only rental company allowed by the State Park to keep their boats in the water at Eagle Harbor, so the convenience of having our boats our boats there, they get book very quickly. Call 850-229-1188 or 850-227-1573 for reservation questions, but reservations are made at www.scallopcove.com

Q: What features does your boat have?

A: All the pontoon boats are equipped bimini tops, anchors, ladders, and life jackets. These boats and engines are brand new in April of 2021 or Dec 2023 and are well maintained. 

Q: What if the weather doesn't look good on the day of our rental?

A: If the your trip is cancelled due to weather, we try to do our best to reschedule you, based on availability. If you know the weather is not going to work on the day of your appointment, please feel free to call ahead to reschedule. 

Q: Can we fish off the boat?

A: Yes as long as your have a Florida Fishing License, unless you qualify for any of the following:

1. Any child under 16 years of age.
2. Any resident who is a member of the United States Armed Forces and not stationed in this state, when home on leave for 30 days or less, upon submission of orders.
3. Any resident 65 years of age or older who has in her or his possession proof of age and residency or a no-cost Florida Resident Senior Citizen license. A no-cost license may be obtained from any tax collector's office upon proof of age and residency and must be in the possession of the resident during hunting, freshwater fishing, and saltwater fishing activities.

Q: Who must wear a life jacket?

A: Any child under the age of six (6) must wear a U.S.C.G. approved flotation device (PFD) 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. Each person operating, riding on, or being towed behind a personal watercraft must wear a U.S.C.G approved personal flotation device (PFD). Inflatable personal flotation devices are prohibited for personal watercraft use. Each person operating or riding a kayak must wear a U.S.C.G approved personal flotation device (PFD). riding a kayak must wear a U.S.C.G approved personal flotation device (PFD). 

Q: Can we pull a tube or skis behind the pontoon boat?

A: No, we do not allow anything to be pulled behind the pontoon boats.

Q: Are we allowed to bring our dog/pets on board?

A: Currently the state park does not allow pets on the beaches, therefore they will not have a way to be off the boat.