Staff Answer
Jun 26, 2026 - 09:36 AM
If you are hiring a captain for a bareboat charter in Destin, you should generally expect to pay between $150 and $300 for a half day trip and $250-$400 for a full day trip. One thing that catches first time visitors by surprise is that the captain's fee is usually not included in the advertised boat rental price. With a true bareboat charter, you rent the boat separately and then hire the captain directly from the list of qualified captains provided by the rental company. I recommend asking what the captain's fee will be before you book so there are no surprises on the day of your trip. You should also ask whether fuel is included because that varies from company to company. In my opinion, hiring a captain is well worth the cost, especially if it is your first time boating in Destin. Instead of worrying about navigating the harbor, watching for shallow water, or dealing with the busy traffic around Crab Island, you can relax and enjoy the day. A good local captain knows where to find dolphins, the best places to anchor, and how to make the most of your time on the water, which usually turns a good day into a great one.
