City of Gulfport Municipal Marina

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)

Launch at Gulfport Municipal Marina’s public ramp, then follow the marina channel into Boca Ciega Bay, the city’s immediate cruising water. Clam Bayou, beside the channel, is the local small craft option, with a kayak launch near its estuary.

For a longer run, the Intracoastal Waterway continues through Boca Ciega Bay. Pass-a-Grille Channel links it with North Channel and open Gulf waters. Shell Key Preserve makes a natural beach stop accessible only by boat, with mangrove islands and broad seagrass beds; visitors must use the preserve’s designated public areas.

Source: City of Gulfport (mygulfport.us)

From Gulfport on Boca Ciega Bay, boaters can head to Shell Key Preserve, Egmont Key State Park or John’s Pass Village. Shell Key offers boat access to public beaches on an undeveloped barrier island, plus birdwatching. Egmont Key draws visitors for secluded beaches, swimming, shelling and wildlife viewing at the mouth of Tampa Bay. John’s Pass provides a livelier stop, with a historic fishing village, waterfront boardwalk, restaurants and shops. The mix works for either quiet island time or a meal by the water.

Source: Pinellas County Parks & Conservation Resources (pinellas.gov)