Reserve Your Pontoon Now!
So you’re headed to crab island;
Which Trip Fits You Best?
Pontoon Rental
Become captain for the day and cruise the Choctawhatchee Bay in style!
From $325/4hrs
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23′ Sylvan Pontoon Boat
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Bluetooth Stereo
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Capacity for up to 9 Passengers
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Complete with USCG Safety Gear
Private Charter
Leave the stress and hassle of boating to a seasoned guide; just sit back and enjoy the ride!
From $500/4hrs
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No Stress Rental with a Seasoned Guide
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Up to 8 Passengers
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You Dictate the Itinerary!
Loaded with Amenities
- Premium Sound System
- USB Charging Port and 12 v Port
- 2 Bote Hangout Floating Docks
- 6’x18′ Floating Lily Pad
- 72 qt Igloo marine cooler loaded with 24 water bottles and 20 lbs ice
- Extras (noodles, boogie boards, football, beach ball, sand toys)
Custom Trip
Excursions tailored to your every need. Have a request? Just let us know!
Contact Us
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Sunset Cruises/Fireworks Cruises
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Need Multiple Boats?
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Hosting a Bachelor or Bachelorette party?
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Custom Requests
FAQ’s
How does it work?
Choose your experience and let us handle the rest! East Pass Pontoons offers affordable boats and excursions that cater to every need. We specialize in Crab Island trips, Wildlife Cruises, Pontoon Rentals, and Private Charters.
What amenities do you offer?
Our boats come with all the staples, including bluetooth stereos, USB charging ports, dual batteries, changing rooms, and bimini tops. Our private charters include 2 Bote floating docks, cooler loaded with ice and waters, a premium audio system, a 6’x18′ lily pad, and tons of extras (pool noodles, boogie boards, football, volleyball, and sand toys).
When is the water crystal clear at Crab Island?
The water clarity at Crab Island depends on the tidal swings of the Choctawhatchee Bay. The best time to visit is on an incoming slack tide, when the water currents have subsided just before the tide begins to flow back out of the bay into the Gulf. Check out the tidal charts and look for days where the peak curve coincides with the brightest daylight hours.
What is the maximum number of passengers allowed on your boats?
Our rental boats have a capacity of 9 and our Private Charter has a capacity of 8 (plus a captain).
How are you able to take more than 6 people on a captained charter?
Good question! Our chartered trips are run as bareboat charters instead of passenger-for-hire. Since you lease the boat and pay the captain directly, it keeps the USCG designation of a recreational trip instead of commercial one. Commercial trips on boats of this size are limited to 6 passengers, but bareboat charters can carry up to 12 (or the limit of the vessel, whichever is less). This is more cost effective for our customers because it usually prevents them from needing to charter 2 separate boats for a large party.
Should I tip my Captain?
Yes! Please consider tipping your captain or crew if you feel they did a good job. At East Pass Pontoons we strive to make every trip the best and most memorable we can. 15%-20% is customary in the industry.
What do we need to bring?
Bring anything that you think will enhance your day on the water, including but not limited to:
- A great attitude!
- A valid government ID
- Cooler, snacks, drinks
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, hats
- Swimsuit, towel, change of clothes
- Rainjacket/windbreaker
- Cell Phone/Camera
- USB cell phone charger
- Dry Bag
- Floats/pool noodles
- Prescription medications
Please DO NOT bring any of the following items:
- Grills/portable stovetops
- Firearms
- Fireworks
- Illegal drugs
- Irreplaceable items/valuables
- Anything that cannot get wet
Is parking available?
Good question! Yes, there is parking available at the marina for free, however it is limited and fills quickly. There is more parking across the street at City Hall for free. We recommend to drop everyone off at the dock and send someone to park across the street.
Is fuel included?
Yes, a full tank of fuel is included in your rental, no refueling required. Our boats have 36 gallon fuel tanks, which will provide more than enough fuel for your day on the water.
Do you allow dogs?
Yes, dogs are more than welcome onboard! We do charge a $15 fee per pet. We love our pups and believe they deserve the opportunity to enjoy the sun, surf, and sand as much as we do. Just please remember to be mindful of the boat, especially the cushions. You know how it is, sometimes our furry friends’ priorities just don’t quite line up with ours.
Is alcohol allowed?
Of course, it’s 5 o’clock somewhere right? In all seriousness, yes, while we do allow alcohol, it is crucial to remember that safety and responsibility are paramount to a good day on the water. The Okaloosa County Sheriffs, the USCG, and the FWC all patrol the area to keep people safe, and are always on the lookout for impaired boaters. If you do decide to bring alcohol, please designate a sober driver for your outing.
Can’t get anyone to bite the bullet? Hire a professional captain for your rental! East Pass Pontoons partners with local captains to create enjoyable, affordable, and stress-free outings for clients that are interested.
Where can we take the boat?
You are free to explore the Choctawhatchee Bay anywhere you’d like from the Navarre Bridge to the Mid-Bay Bridge. Crab Island is situated in the middle of our range, so it is usually a hot spot for our customers. The Gulf of Mexico is strictly off limits. The East Pass is not off-limits, but please exercise due caution as it can become very rough due to tides and large vessels returning from the Gulf.
What is your weather and cancellation policy?
Cancellations made prior to 3 days (72 hours) before the start of your rental will be issued a full refund, minus booking fees. Cancellations made within 3 days (72 hours) of your rental will be charged the full booking price.
Weather cancellations are at the sole discretion of East Pass Pontoons, and decisions will be made based on the severity of the conditions. Cancellations made by East Pass Pontoons due to weather or unforeseen circumstances will be issued a full refund. Typically, a light rain or localized showers move through the area quickly and do not constitute cancellation conditions. If high winds or thunderstorms enter the area, East Pass Pontoons will attempt to reschedule, refund, or recall your boat to the dock during your trip and prorate your unused time.
Do you provide life jackets?
Absolutely! Our boats are fully stocked with the USCG safety complement, and there are enough adult life jackets on board to cover the capacity of the vessel. We have children’s life jackets available as well (30-50lb and 50-70lb), however it must be noted that per Florida law any child 6 and under MUST wear a life jacket on an underway vessel. To be safe, we recommend bringing a USCG certified life jacket for your little ones.
How far is Crab Island?
Good question! From our slips in Fort Walton Beach, Crab Island and the East Pass are about a 15-20 minute cruise straight down Okaloosa Island. This is dependent on several factors, namely how loaded the boat is, but tidal currents and wind can play a role as well.
Do I need a boaters safety certificate to rent a boat?
Good question, and the answer depends on when you were born. Boaters born before Jan. 1 1988 are not required to have a valid boaters safety certificate, however it is a good idea to take the quiz anyway to brush up on requirements and navigational laws. Boaters born AFTER Jan. 1 1988 ARE required by Florida law to possess a valid boaters safety certificate in order to operate motorized vessels on Florida waterways. You can obtain a temporary certificate online for $10 at https://www.boat-ed.com/floridarental/.
Can I use my boaters safety certificate from another state?
Yes, so long as it is valid and certified by NASBLA (National Administration of State Boating Law Administrators).
Will we have cell service on the water?
Yes! The Choctawhatchee Bay has full cell service coverage, and cell phones will be our primary method of communication with you.
Is smoking allowed?
Smoking is not allowed onboard the vessel for safety reasons.