Staff Answer
Jun 20, 2026 - 08:17 PM
Yes, absolutely. Believe it or not, that's actually pretty common around here. A lot of people renting boats in Destin have never driven one before. The rental companies expect that. Before you leave the dock, they'll go over everything with you, like how to start the boat, how to steer, where you're allowed to go, how to anchor, and what all the channel markers mean. They'll make sure you're comfortable before you head out. If you were born on or after January 1, 1988, you'll also need to complete Florida's temporary boating safety test before operating the boat. It's done online, takes about 15 to 20 minutes, and most rental companies will send you the link ahead of time. For beginner boaters, I'd definitely recommend renting a pontoon. They're slow, stable, and quick to learn, so they're easy to get your sea legs. As long as you take your time and don't try to rush around the harbor, you'll usually feel comfortable within the first half hour. The only time I'd suggest not renting your own boat is if the weather is looking rough or if you're just not comfortable being the one behind the wheel. In that case, booking a captained charter is a great option because you can relax and let someone else do the driving. But if it's a nice day and you're willing to learn, don't let a lack of experience stop you. We see new boaters every single day, and most of them come back saying it was the highlight of their vacation.
