Take the helm with Boat Up Fishing Rentals’ 24-foot Keywest boat in the Destin-Fort Walton Beach area. Navigate emerald waters, visit Crab Island, and craft your own boating adventure on Florida’s scenic Emerald Coast.
Take the helm with Boat Up Fishing Rentals’ 24-foot Keywest boat in the Destin-Fort Walton Beach area. Navigate emerald waters, visit Crab Island, and craft your own boating adventure on Florida’s scenic Emerald Coast.
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Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Boat Up Fishing Rentals · Shalimar, Florida
The Destin-Fort Walton Beach corridor, often called the "Emerald Coast," is defined by its strikingly clear, jade-hued Gulf waters and bustling boating culture. Here, Boat Up Fishing Rentals offers a hands-on gateway to these vibrant waterways with their 24-foot Keywest center-console rentals. Located at 100 Old Ferry Rd in Shalimar, FL, this service puts the helm in your hands, inviting up to nine passengers to navigate the iconic local spots like Crab Island and Spectre Island.
What sets this rental apart is the freedom it offers: you become your own captain, steering through calm shallow waters and deeper channels alike. The vessel—a nimble Keywest powered by a robust 250hp Yamaha engine—is outfitted with modern essentials including Garmin GPS/fishfinder, VHF radio, and a Kicker audio system. This makes it ideal for families, friends, or small groups eager to experience the region’s marine beauty on their own terms.
Crab Island, a popular sandbar gathering place, is a must-visit—its shallow waters create a social hotspot of boaters, swimmers, and sunseekers. Meanwhile, Spectre Island offers solitude and a chance to spot local wildlife such as dolphins or seabirds fluttering overhead. The area's unique white sand beaches and clear water owe their character to coastal dune ecosystems and quartz-rich sands, offering more than just a pretty backdrop.
Boat Up Fishing Rentals stands out in the local adventure scene due to their strict safety protocols and customer-focused approach. Operators must be at least 21 years old and knowledgeable about boat handling, ensuring a secure experience. Plus, multi-day rentals include delivery options, expanding your reach along the coast.
This business provides an authentic, unfiltered boating experience—perfect for those seeking to engage deeply with Destin’s water trail network, fish in the saltier waters, or simply relish a day on the emerald waves. With clear guidelines and a focus on local regulations, it’s a reliable partner for mastering the waters of Northwest Florida.
moderate.
4 hours to 5 days.
Basic physical fitness required to board, move about the boat, and manage boating tasks safely.
Yes, operators must understand boat operation as safety briefings require comprehension; inexperienced renters are not permitted.
Life jackets are provided for children six and under; renters must bring life jackets for kids aged 7–12.
Boats come fueled, but renters are responsible for refueling before return to avoid extra charges.
Yes, fishing is allowed; non-residents need a valid Florida saltwater fishing license, available online or by phone.
Yes, rentals must stay within 15 miles of Destin Pass to avoid a $150 fee.
Late returns incur $50 per 15 minutes extra fee; excessive mess results in a minimum $50 cleaning charge.
Destin, once a small fishing village, grew into a boating hotspot thanks to its deep natural harbor and access to rich offshore fishing grounds.
Local efforts focus on protecting seagrass beds and minimizing fuel spills to maintain water clarity and habitat health in the Emerald Coast.
Boat Up Fishing Rentals is a Shalimar, Florida-based boat rental company that offers self-captain Keywest boat rentals for visitors and locals exploring the Destin–Fort Walton Beach waterways. The company provides two primary boat options: a 24' Keywest rental and a 22' Keywest rental. Both options are designed for groups of family and friends who want to captain their own day on the water and visit local points of interest such as Crab Island and Spectre Island. Boat Up Fishing Rentals operates from Shalimar, providing direct access to the emerald waters of the northern Gulf Coast. The business focuses on straightforward, self-drive rentals that let guests control their itinerary while navigating well-known Destin-area sights. Trip descriptions emphasize safety and enjoyable boating experiences in the Destin–Fort Walton Beach area. As a business featured on The Adventure Collective, Boat Up Fishing Rentals is presented to travelers seeking boating and rental experiences in the region. The company’s available boats are Keywest models suited to day cruising, beach hopping, and family outings. Information about destinations and boat options helps guests plan trips to Crab Island, Spectre Island, and other nearby coastal attractions. Boat Up Fishing Rentals positions itself as a local option for hands-on boat rentals in Shalimar that connects users with the wider Destin waterways.
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