Homosassa Pontoon Boat Rental, Jon Boat Rental in Homosassa, Canoe and Kayak Rental on the Homosassa River. (2023)

• You must be 25 or older to rent a boat! Have a valid driver's license and credit card.

• Night rental. Rent a boat and keep it overnight for an extra $100.

Observation:The boats are rented with the maximum number of people allowed, BUT you know the size of your people and the amount of coolers, etc. that you will take on the boat. Please consider this when booking, the more weight on the boat the slower it will be and the lower it will be in the water.

All 21 and 25 foot boats come with extended Bimini Tops for extra shade during the
free summer(Except Boat No. 10)

Capacity for up to 12 people at 150 pounds per person

• Midday
• all day

Holds up to 8 people at 150 pounds per person.

• Midday
• all day

Removable front seats

Capacity for up to 12 people at 150 pounds per person

• Midday
• all day

Holds up to 6 people at 150 lbs per person

• Midday
• all day

** We keep our boats clean and preventively maintained so you get the best possible performance from your boat and engine.
All USCG required safety equipment including dive flag.
*Cancellation Policy - Bookings canceled within five calendar days of the Tour, Charter or Rental arrival date will receive a full refund minus the 4% booking fee. Any tour, charter or rental canceled by River Safaris or River Ventures due to bad weather or other conditions beyond our control will receive a 100% refund. subject to availability) or receive a Tour, Charter or Rental voucher for the full amount paid.

*Boats are rented with indicated capacity, anyone who exceeds these capacities is subject to fines and additional fees. Florida State Law!

* Full day and half day rentals available 9/25 6/30

*Full Day ONLY 7/1 9/24 (Scallop Season)

•Observation:There may be times when a boat becomes unviable due to damage or mechanical failure. If this happens, we will make every effort to notify you as soon as possible. We determine the cancellation until the date the boat rental reservation is made. Make your reservations in advance to avoid this happening to you!

FAQ - BOAT RENTAL

1. Where do I take the boat?At our oceanfront location-10823 W. Yulee Dr. Homosassa, FL.
2. What are the hours?The whole day is from 8 am to 5 pm. Half day is from 8 am to 12:15 pm or from 12:45 pm to 5 pm. Once you make a reservation, we store the boat for you, so if you're not here by the time your rental starts, you'll know you still have a boat. There are no extensions to these times due to your arrival time. The boat must be back at the dock and unloaded by 5:00 pm or 12:15 pm, depending on the rental agreement you have chosen. There are late fees applied to late boat returns.
3. How long does it take to fill out the paperwork and be on our way?Plan approximately 10 minutes to complete the paperwork. Once complete, you can drive your vehicle to the boat to unload. The time will vary depending on the number of people ahead of you and how long it takes for your group to gather and board the boat.
4. Will you provide a river map?Yes, and we will go over the map with you.
5. Can we enter the Gulf of Mexico on your boats?Yes. You must remain where you can see channel markers at all times. Marker 10 on the Gulf is the farthest point you can go. During scallop season, you can go as far as marker 6.
6. Why do I have to stay where I can see the markers?In case you need our help! We can't find you if you can't tell us where it's located.
7. Why might I need help?If you have a breakdown or someone on your boat needs immediate medical attention.
8. What happens if my engine breaks down?Please check the troubleshooting information on the map we provide you first. Call us and let's go through possible solutions. If you still have problems, we will send a boat to help you. If the problem is mechanical and we can fix it, it will happen on site. If it is not repairable, we will try to provide another boat (if one is available) or tow it. We work hard to keep engines in good working order with regular preventative maintenance. 90% of the time it is the operator overheating the boats, pushing the engine to maximum capacity and continuing to run the engine when it is overheated. Sometimes a renter may hit rocks or other obstructions in the water. If the operator is at fault with the engine, the renter is responsible for all necessary repairs, towing fees, and damaged or lost equipment.
9. What happens if I can't tell which marker I'm close to?You will need to call 911 and request a GPS location to be called into River Safaris so we can locate you. You cannot, under any circumstances, be outside the Homosassa River area. DO NOT GO TO THE CRYSTAL RIVER, CHASSAHOWITZKA OR OZELLO RIVER AREAS.
10. Will there be life jackets on the boats?Yes, all adult life jackets remain on the boat and children's jackets will be provided upon boarding. Reminder: Children 6 years and under must wear vests whenever the boat is in motion.
11. What other safety equipment will be on the boat?Everything required by the Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission which includes: whistle, paddle, dive flag, fire extinguisher, anchors, throwing pad, SOS flag and flares.
12. Do I really need to read my rental agreement?Yes! You will be responsible for the equipment you rent and must be aware of your obligations.
13. Is it ok to follow the other sailors?NO! Follow the information we give you. These other boaters may have experience navigating the area on their boats, or they may have no idea what they are doing. And never try to follow an airboat.
14. How far is the Gulf? Springs?The Gulf of Mexico is approximately 6 miles and the spring area approximately 2 miles. Note: Scallop land is approximately 10 miles from our location and takes approx. 1 hour each way.
15. Is speed slow all the way?No, during the winter months there are seasonal low speed zones due to the presence of manatees in the area. Look out for signs that let you know when you need to go slow, idle, or can pick up speed.
16. How fast will the boats go?Our pontoon boats are not speedboats. Speed ​​varies according to amount of weight (people and coolers), tide and wind direction, and operator skill. Running at full throttle will overheat the loaded boat's engine, causing the computer to slow the engine down or stall until it cools down.
17. Will anchors always stay safe?No, anchors may need to be readjusted depending on winds and tides, especially when scalloping. Always have a person on the boat who knows how to operate the boat in case the anchors come loose or drag. In addition, anchors can become lodged in rocks, making it difficult to get out.
18. Why can't I book online?If you are unable to book online please call 352-628-5222, we are likely to be nearly sold out on the requested day and you should call to ensure we have availability.
19. Can we take a barbecue on the boat?No
20. Are there bathrooms on the boats?No
21. Is there an island where we can get off the boat?No
22. Do we let our boats go to the scallop area?Yes, but only up to marker 6 and you must stay where you can see a channel marker. If you need help and can't tell us exactly where you are, you're on your own. Never leave the Homosassa area.
23. Can I rent a boat for ½ day to fish for scallops?No, because the scallop land is approximately 4 miles beyond the mouth of the river into the Gulf and takes over 1 hour each way. We advise you to leave no later than 10am when going to make scallops.
24. I need a scallops fishing license.If you are renting your own boat, you will need a Saltwater Florida fishing license if you are over 12 and under 65. Permits can be purchased at MacRae's (1/3 mile away) or atsite FWC.