Take the helm of a two-seat CraigCat and explore Merritt Island’s Indian River Lagoon—shallow sandbars, mangrove-lined channels, and frequent dolphin sightings. This compact power catamaran rental offers an hour of hands-on boating with easy handling and close-up wildlife viewing.
Take the helm of a two-seat CraigCat and explore Merritt Island’s Indian River Lagoon—shallow sandbars, mangrove-lined channels, and frequent dolphin sightings. This compact power catamaran rental offers an hour of hands-on boating with easy handling and close-up wildlife viewing.
You push off the dock and the creek sighs; the CraigCat’s twin hulls lift you into the open water with a compact, confident glide. Low-slung and stable, the two-seater puts the river, sandbars and mangrove-lined channels directly under your control—dolphins cut close, wading birds eye you from exposed flats, and on clear nights the Kennedy rockets can catch your attention as they arc over the barrier island.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Cape Crossing Boat Rentals · Merritt Island, Florida
You push off the dock and the creek sighs; the CraigCat’s twin hulls lift you into the open water with a compact, confident glide. Low-slung and stable, the two-seater puts the river, sandbars and mangrove-lined channels directly under your control—dolphins cut close, wading birds eye you from exposed flats, and on clear nights the Kennedy rockets can catch your attention as they arc over the barrier island.
The Indian River Lagoon is an estuarine system shaped by Pleistocene sands and tidal exchange with the Atlantic. Merritt Island’s waterways have been travel routes for centuries, from Indigenous canoeists to early settlers and the modern recreational boating culture that supports local marinas and fisheries.
Expect quick transitions between narrow canals and broad flats; sediment-rich shoals create shallow sandbars that appear with the tide and invite a stop. The CraigCat’s shallow draft and twin-hull design make it practical for exploring tributaries that standard powerboats avoid, but wind and current still matter—this is an exposed coastal lagoon, not a lake.
Practical guidance: rentals are typically hourly and include fuel; one operator handles two people comfortably. Wear sun protection and closed-toe water shoes, carry a dry bag for phones, and brief yourself on tide tables—low water exposes more flats and channels. Keep distance from wildlife, follow no-wake zones around manatee habitats, and return to the marina with time to spare for briefings and refueling. For a short, accessible taste of Florida’s riverine coast, a CraigCat delivers maneuverable fun with real opportunities for wildlife viewing and island hopping.
easy.
1 hour.
Minimal physical fitness required; able to step on/off a low dock and handle light steering controls.
Most operators require basic safety briefings only; a formal license is generally not required for short rentals, but age and ID rules apply—confirm with the provider.
Yes—fuel is typically included, but confirm current policies and expected return levels before departure.
Yes—dolphins and manatees are commonly sighted in the Indian River Lagoon, but wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Rentals are usually canceled in unsafe winds or storms; operators may offer refunds or rebook within the provider’s cancellation policy.
Merritt Island’s waterways were used historically by Indigenous peoples and later by settlers; the area’s modern boating culture grew alongside 20th-century recreational development and the nearby space industry.
The Indian River Lagoon faces nutrient loading and habitat loss; operators often request slow speeds in seagrass areas and to avoid disturbing wildlife to limit impact.
Cape Crossing Boat Rentals operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.




You push off the dock and the creek sighs; the CraigCat’s twin hulls lift you into the open water with a compact, confident glide. Low-slung and stable, the two-seater puts the river, sandbars and mangrove-lined channels directly under your control—dolphins cut close, wading birds eye you from exposed flats, and on clear nights the Kennedy rockets can catch your attention as they arc over the barrier island.
You push off the dock and the creek sighs; the CraigCat’s twin hulls lift you into the open water with a compact, confident glide. Low-slung and stable, the two-seater puts the river, sandbars and mangrove-lined channels directly under your control—dolphins cut close, wading birds eye you from exposed flats, and on clear nights the Kennedy rockets can catch your attention as they arc over the barrier island.
The Indian River Lagoon is an estuarine system shaped by Pleistocene sands and tidal exchange with the Atlantic. Merritt Island’s waterways have been travel routes for centuries, from Indigenous canoeists to early settlers and the modern recreational boating culture that supports local marinas and fisheries.
Expect quick transitions between narrow canals and broad flats; sediment-rich shoals create shallow sandbars that appear with the tide and invite a stop. The CraigCat’s shallow draft and twin-hull design make it practical for exploring tributaries that standard powerboats avoid, but wind and current still matter—this is an exposed coastal lagoon, not a lake.
Practical guidance: rentals are typically hourly and include fuel; one operator handles two people comfortably. Wear sun protection and closed-toe water shoes, carry a dry bag for phones, and brief yourself on tide tables—low water exposes more flats and channels. Keep distance from wildlife, follow no-wake zones around manatee habitats, and return to the marina with time to spare for briefings and refueling. For a short, accessible taste of Florida’s riverine coast, a CraigCat delivers maneuverable fun with real opportunities for wildlife viewing and island hopping.