Do I need boating experience to drive a mini boat?

Every rental starts with a pre-ride walkthrough of the controls and the safety basics, so you know how everything works before you head out. Drivers also need to meet Florida’s boater education rule if they were born on or after January 1, 1988.

Do I need a Florida boater card to drive?

If you were born on or after January 1, 1988, yes. Florida requires anyone born on or after that date who operates a boat with 10 hp or more to carry a Florida Boating Safety Education ID Card, or proof of a NASBLA-approved boating course from another state. Our mini boats have 30 hp engines, so the rule applies to every driver born in 1988 or later.

What if I don’t have a boater card yet?

Use FWC’s Temporary Certificate Program. You take an online exam from an FWC-authorized vendor: 25 questions, and you need 19 correct answers to pass. The certificate is valid for 90 days and only in Florida. Carry it with a photo ID; a livery may inspect it before renting to you.

How old do you have to be to drive?

Drivers must be 18 or older. Florida statute §327.54 does not allow a livery to rent a motorized vessel to anyone under 18, so every driver needs to be 18+ and bring a photo ID.

How many people fit in a mini boat?

Two, side by side. Bringing more friends? Each pair gets its own mini boat and the whole crew rides together as a mini boat convoy.

How much does a mini boat rental cost?

A 2-hour mini boat rental is $339 and includes a cooler with ice and water. Each mini boat seats two, and life vests and a pre-ride safety walkthrough are always included.

Are life vests included?

Yes. Life vests are provided, and every rental starts with a walkthrough of the controls and safety basics.

We do. We deliver the mini boats to the launch point, so you meet us at the water. We confirm the exact launch point with you when we confirm your booking.

A photo ID, plus your boater card or FWC temporary certificate if you were born on or after January 1, 1988. Then the fun stuff: sunscreen, sunglasses (with a strap if you love them), a towel and a change of clothes. We cover the life vests, and your rental includes a cooler with ice and water.

Am I going to get wet?

Maybe a little splash. Dress for the water and bring a towel.

Do you host corporate and group outings?

Yes, and we love them. Team days, birthdays, bachelor and bachelorette parties and family reunions all ride together as a mini boat convoy. Tick “group outing” when you request your escape and we’ll plan it with you.

What discounts do you offer?

We offer a senior discount and a military discount for active duty service members and veterans. Select yours when you request your escape and we’ll apply it when we confirm your booking.

What happens after I request my escape?

You get an Escape Pass code right away. Then we reach out to confirm your date, crew size, launch point and the fun details. No payment is needed to request.

🙋 Before you hop in

Mini boat rental FAQ for Clearwater, FL

Name: Clearwater Escapes
Price range: $339

Questions? Splashed.

Everything you were about to ask about renting a two-seat, self-drive mini boat with Clearwater Escapes. Still curious? Request your escape and ask us anything in the notes.

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Do I need boating experience to drive a mini boat?

Every rental starts with a pre-ride walkthrough of the controls and the safety basics, so you know how everything works before you head out. Drivers also need to meet Florida’s boater education rule if they were born on or after January 1, 1988.
Do I need a Florida boater card to drive?

If you were born on or after January 1, 1988, yes. Florida requires anyone born on or after that date who operates a boat with 10 hp or more to carry a Florida Boating Safety Education ID Card, or proof of a NASBLA-approved boating course from another state. Our mini boats have 30 hp engines, so the rule applies to every driver born in 1988 or later.
What if I don’t have a boater card yet?
Use FWC’s Temporary Certificate Program. You take an online exam from an FWC-authorized vendor: 25 questions, and you need 19 correct answers to pass. The certificate is valid for 90 days and only in Florida. Carry it with a photo ID; a livery may inspect it before renting to you.
- FWC Temporary Certificate Program
How old do you have to be to drive?

Drivers must be 18 or older. Florida statute §327.54 does not allow a livery to rent a motorized vessel to anyone under 18, so every driver needs to be 18+ and bring a photo ID.
How many people fit in a mini boat?

Two, side by side. Bringing more friends? Each pair gets its own mini boat and the whole crew rides together as a mini boat convoy.
How much does a mini boat rental cost?

A 2-hour mini boat rental is $339 and includes a cooler with ice and water. Each mini boat seats two, and life vests and a pre-ride safety walkthrough are always included.
Are life vests included?

Yes. Life vests are provided, and every rental starts with a walkthrough of the controls and safety basics.
Do you come to us?

We do. We deliver the mini boats to the launch point, so you meet us at the water. We confirm the exact launch point with you when we confirm your booking.
What should I bring?

A photo ID, plus your boater card or FWC temporary certificate if you were born on or after January 1, 1988. Then the fun stuff: sunscreen, sunglasses (with a strap if you love them), a towel and a change of clothes. We cover the life vests, and your rental includes a cooler with ice and water.
Am I going to get wet?

Maybe a little splash. Dress for the water and bring a towel.
Do you host corporate and group outings?

Yes, and we love them. Team days, birthdays, bachelor and bachelorette parties and family reunions all ride together as a mini boat convoy. Tick “group outing” when you request your escape and we’ll plan it with you.
What discounts do you offer?

We offer a senior discount and a military discount for active duty service members and veterans. Select yours when you request your escape and we’ll apply it when we confirm your booking.
What happens after I request my escape?

You get an Escape Pass code right away. Then we reach out to confirm your date, crew size, launch point and the fun details. No payment is needed to request.