BACKWATER 2 BLUEWATER

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)

From St. Augustine, you can cruise Matanzas Bay, follow the Intracoastal Waterway into the Tolomato or Matanzas rivers, tuck into Salt Run, or reach the Atlantic through St. Augustine Inlet. Matanzas Bay is the downtown harbor; the Tolomato is the ICW route north, while the Matanzas carries it south. Salt Run offers a more protected anchorage. The Atlantic is open water, and the inlet has shifting shoals and a frequently changing channel, so it is not the casual choice for an unfamiliar renter. Public launch choices include Vilano Boat Ramp, Usina Boat Ramp and Lighthouse Park Boat Ramp.

Source: NOAA (nauticalcharts.noaa.gov)

Boaters from St. Augustine often choose Matanzas Inlet, the downtown Intracoastal waterfront and Salt Run for local day outings. Matanzas Inlet draws boats to its Intracoastal-side beaches, water sports and Fort Matanzas scenery. Downtown boaters can use hourly dockage or moorings near the Bridge of Lions, then walk to historic sights and restaurants. Salt Run, along Anastasia Island, offers a quieter mooring option with limited amenities for those who want a more relaxed stop.

Source: City of St. Augustine (citystaug.com)