How long is the ride?

The banana boat ride lasts approximately 15 minutes.

What is the minimum age to ride?

Riders must be at least 6 years old.

How many people can ride at once?

Group size is up to 6 people on the banana boat.

Check-in may be at the meeting point listed (1201 S. Gulf Blvd. Clearwater Beach, FL 33767) or at 691 S Gulfview Blvd per operator instructions—confirm in your booking details.

Can the ride be canceled for weather?

Yes. Operators may cancel or reschedule rides for rough seas, lightning, or other unsafe conditions.

Do I need prior experience on inflatable boats?

No prior experience is required; staff will provide safety instructions and life-jacket fitting.

Banana Boat Blast: 15-Minute Intracoastal Dash at Clearwater Beach

At the edge of Clearwater Beach’s busy shoreline, the JW Marriott Banana Boat Ride offers a burst of salt, speed, and laughter across the intracoastal waters. This short, high-energy run launches from the hotel's pickup area—meet your crew at 1201 S. Gulf Blvd. Clearwater Beach, FL 33767—and puts riders onto a buoyant, inflatable banana boat for a 15-minute dash that’s as social as it is splashy.

Clearwater Beach, Florida, sits on a barrier island facing the Gulf of Mexico, and the ride threads between the open gulf-adjacent beaches and calmer intracoastal channels. Key features of the scene include broad white-sand bars, low sand flats, and the narrow waterways that separate the island from the mainland. The area’s clear water and frequent dolphin sightings make every spin worth a camera, and the banana boat experience turns the ocean into a shared playground—kids as young as six are welcome, while groups of up to six can ride together.

What makes this offering stand out is its scale and pace: unlike longer chartered tours, this is about an instant rush—15 minutes of tight turns, controlled spray, and cheering as the driver teases gentle flips. That bite-sized format is perfect for families staying on Clearwater Beach who want a taste of marine motion without committing to a multi-hour trip. The business is a lively part of the local recreation scene, contributing to the coastal boating culture that defines Pinellas County’s shoreline and offering an accessible water-activity that complements sunbathing and paddleboard sessions.

Practical notes: check in at 691 S Gulfview Blvd, Clearwater Beach, FL 33767, USA if instructed, confirm age limits (minimum age 6) and group size (up to 6) people, and arrive a few minutes early for life-jacket fitting. Expect the ride to be fast but managed by an experienced driver; it’s not technical, but it is splashy.

Why book this: it’s a compact burst of adrenaline that fits between a beach breakfast and an afternoon walk on Pier 60, a social way to cool off that keeps the whole family laughing. With short duration and low commitment, the JW Marriott Banana Boat Ride is a dependable, local-flavored thrill on Clearwater Beach’s bright, shallow waters—perfect for first-timers and anyone who wants a quick, memorable dose of salt air. Before you go, check weather and sea conditions—operators may cancel if waters are rough or lightning is reported. Wear reef-safe sunscreen and a snug life jacket; secure your phone in a waterproof case and use hair ties. Visiting during peak season? Book a time slot or arrive early to beat lines. After the ride, wander the beachwalk, sip a drink, and compare pictures—those candid splashes make for instant vacation classics with friends and family nearby.