Bonita Bill’s Waterfront Cafe

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 Fort Myers Beach, boaters can choose Matanzas Pass, Estero Bay, San Carlos Bay, Lovers Key and Gulf waters. Matanzas Pass is the marked local channel into San Carlos Bay; NOAA notes secure anchorage just inside but also entrance shoaling. Estero Bay is a shallow aquatic preserve with seagrass beds, while San Carlos Bay is shoal-filled and used mostly by small vessels and yachts. Gulf waters are the open-water option, and Lovers Key combines inner waterways with bay access. Boats commonly start at small-craft facilities near the Estero Island bridges or the Lovers Key State Park ramp.

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

From Fort Myers Beach, boaters can plan day trips to Mound Key, North Captiva, Cabbage Key and Cayo Costa. Mound Key is accessible only by boat in Estero Bay and has a trail through Calusa shell mounds; North Captiva draws visitors to secluded beaches for shelling; Cabbage Key is a lunch destination overlooking Pine Island Sound; and Cayo Costa offers undeveloped Gulf shoreline for swimming, shelling and fishing. Together, these stops provide a varied mix of local history, quiet beaches and waterside dining.

Source: Florida State Parks (floridastateparks.org)