Staff Answer
Jun 26, 2026 - 09:21 AM
Yes, you can, as long as you meet the rental company's requirements and are legally allowed to operate the boat. One of the biggest misconceptions about bareboat charters is that you need a Coast Guard captain's license to drive the boat. You do not. A captain's license is only required if you are carrying passengers for hire. With a bareboat charter, you are renting the boat for your own private use, so you can operate it yourself if the rental company determines you have enough boating experience and you meet any applicable Florida boating education requirements. If you were born on or after January 1, 1988, Florida law requires you to have a boating safety education card or a temporary boating certificate before operating the boat. If you are not comfortable driving or the company does not feel you have enough experience, you can always hire a licensed captain from the list they provide. I usually tell first time visitors to be honest about their boating experience because there is no shame in hiring a captain. Destin can be a busy place to navigate, especially around Crab Island and the East Pass where there is a lot of boat traffic and changing currents. If you already have experience operating boats, though, driving the boat yourself can be a great way to enjoy the freedom that comes with a bareboat charter.
