Scotties Marine

Florida law requires you to be at least 18 to rent a livery vessel other than a human-powered vessel. Florida sets no general minimum age to operate a boat, but a personal watercraft operator must be at least 14.

Under section 327.395, anyone born on or after January 1, 1988, operating a vessel powered by 10 horsepower or more must carry the required boating safety credentials. An exemption applies when accompanied by a credentialed or exempt person age 18 or older who is attendant to the operation and responsible for safe operation and violations. The rental operator sets its own booking minimum subject to state law, so confirm it when booking.

Source: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (myfwc.com)

Florida does not issue a boating license, but operators born on or after January 1, 1988, must carry photo ID and a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission boating education card when running a vessel with a motor of 10 horsepower or more. This includes personal watercraft. There is no general minimum age for boats; personal watercraft operators must be at least 14, and no one under 18 may rent any vessel other than a human powered one. Exemptions include Coast Guard licensed masters, private lake or pond operators, operators accompanied aboard by someone 18 or older who holds the card or is exempt and is responsible for the vessel, and nonresidents with proof of a NASBLA-approved out of state course. Any non exempt operator may instead pass an FWC approved temporary certificate exam and carry that certificate with photo ID for 90 days.

Source: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (myfwc.com)

The best starting point is the Caloosahatchee River, which leads from North Fort Myers to San Carlos Bay and the Intracoastal Waterway into Pine Island Sound. The river suits local cruising; San Carlos Bay is more exposed, with crosscurrents noted by NOAA, while Pine Island Sound has a marked route but numerous shoals and small keys.

For calmer exploring, use the open boat ramp at Matlacha Park and enter Matlacha Pass. The preserve is known for tranquil water, hidden coves and mangrove-fringed islands. These waters offer distinct day choices: river cruising, open-bay boating or slower backwater exploring.

Source: NOAA Office of Coast Survey (nauticalcharts.noaa.gov)

From North Fort Myers, popular boating day trips include North Captiva for secluded beaches, Cayo Costa State Park for shelling along an undeveloped shoreline, Cabbage Key for an island lunch, and Boca Grande for shopping and ice cream. North Fort Myers has boating on the Caloosahatchee River at North Shore Park, and the local tourism bureau features all four destinations as stops for an island hopping outing. Florida State Parks describes Cayo Costa as accessible only by boat or kayak.

Source: Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau (visitfortmyers.com)