Welcome to the Crab Daddy’s Pontoons FAQ’s!
Here you can find the answers to most of our commonly asked questions. We look forward to helping you make amazing memories during your next Fort Walton Beach Vacation!
General
Drivers/operators born after January 1, 1988 are required to have a “Boaters Education Certificate” to operate a boat or jet ski. Click here to take the course online and earn your certification today so you are ready to head out when you arrive. The online test cost $9.99 and you need to bring the results with you or take this exam at our hut. The paper test costs $6.00 at our hut.
Florida law requires that anyone born on or after January 1, 1988 who drives Jet Ski Rentals in Okaloosa County, to have a picture I.D. in their possession AND a boater safety certificate, issued by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission. If you would like to receive a temporary boater’s certificate, you can take the test online (hyperlink the boaters test) or at our Marina. Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your tour time to take the boaters safety course.
If you plan on fishing and are over 16, you will need a Florida fishing license. You may obtain a Florida fishing license online at Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, or any tackle store. Children under 16 do not need a license.
Booking & Cancellations
Customers may cancel their reservation and receive a full refund (less the service charge) or move their reservation (subject to availability) for any reason if done so at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled reservation. If the weather or waves are dangerous, we will either reschedule your rental for a later date or give you a full refund (less the service charge). Customers have the option of purchasing Trip Protection when making their reservation. Trip Protection allows a customer to cancel their reservation and receive a full refund (less the service charge) for any reason if done within 30 minutes of the scheduled departure time. Trip Protection is beneficial to customers who have changes in plans or the weather is unfavorable but not dangerous such as cloudy days, light rain in the forecast, windy days, chilly days, etc. No-shows will not be refunded. Customers may make changes to the reservation without any additional fees as long as it is outside the 24-hour cancellation period.
If it seems a storm is approaching, the crew and office staff keep watch on the radar and discuss options. If you are nervous about inclement weather, you can cancel and reschedule at any time, but cancelling is usually a last-minute decision. It is highly recommended that you let the Crab Daddy’s Pontoons management make the call. If cancelled due to bad weather you will have the opportunity to cancel, reschedule, or receive a refund.
Dolphins & Other Wildlife
The Gulf Coast is one of the best places in the world to see bottle-nosed dolphins in their natural habitat but of course they are wild animals & there can be NO guarantees. That being said, it is very likely that you will have an up-close encounter with these beautiful animals. We suggest that you take a look at some of our previous customer’s reviews so you know what to expect. You won’t be disappointed.
Boat Rentals
The best things to do in Fort Walton Beach are truly out on the water & renting a pontoon boat is a fantastic way to experience what Fort Walton Beach has to offer. Here are some of the things that you can do while on your pontoon boat rental:
- Visit the beautiful Crab Island
- Cruise along the Gulf Island National Seashore
- Snorkel the shallow grass flats & the rock Jetties
- Encounter friendly dolphins
- Fishing is always fun
- Find your own private beach
- Hunt for sand dollars, starfish, a variety of crabs & lots of other sea creatures
- Just sit back and cruise the bay
- Our Double Decker Party Barges have 2 slides for twice the fun!
You’re the Captain so “go with the flow” and do as much or as little as you like. Whatever you decide, you won’t regret your time on the water. Our pontoons are the newest & cleanest in the area & they are just as popular with the locals as they are for our visiting guests for all of the reasons mentioned above.
Bring the whole gang! All of our pontoon boats are spacious which makes them a great way for your entire group to spend the day together. We have the option between the 10-passanger and 12-passanger single deck pontoon boats. Our double decker pontoon boat holds up to 14 passengers.
You must be 18 to legally rent any watercraft in Florida. Any age can go along for the ride.
Depends on what you want to do. Some suggestions include:
- Towels
- Beach toys
- Coolers loaded with your favorite beverages
- Snorkel gear
- Fishing gear
- Camera
- Sunscreen
We understand that you want to fit everything into your vacation & that weather doesn’t always work in your favor. You should know that pontoon boat rentals are one of the most popular attractions in Fort Walton Beach so we encourage you to book as early as possible but if inclement weather hits you will be given priority for rescheduling to ensure you don’t miss out on this activity.
Please refer to the Pontoon Boat Damage Schedule and the Jet Ski Damage Schedule for details on this.
No. Pontoons are easy & safe to operate even if you don’t have experience & our bays are very easy to navigate. We will give you a thorough orientation, which includes operation of the boat’s controls, a map to guide you through local waters & we will make you aware of any laws or regulations that apply to you. If you can tell left from right you can be taught to operate a pontoon in our waters. If you would like, you can even watch a quick overview of pontoon boat operation!
No. We will supply life vests for everyone including children and infants.
All of our boats are fully equipped with USCG safety equipment, retractable Bimini tops for shade if you want, anchors, customized swim ladders and plenty of storage under the seats. We also include a map of the area and helpful tips to make your day on the water as care free as possible. Gas is also included in your pontoon rental.
No, we do not allow anything to be pulled behind the pontoon boats or the jet skis.
We have half-day rentals (4 hours) and full-day rentals (9 hours) available.