WELCOME TO THE ISLAND WATERSPORTS COMPANY FAQ SECTION!
Here you’ll find answers to our most commonly asked questions. We look forward to helping you make amazing memories during your next Fort Walton Beach vacation!
GENERAL
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1318 Miracle Strip Parkway SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548.
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We are open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM in the early and late season, and 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM from May 15th through the first week in September.
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Drivers/operators born after January 1, 1988, are required to have a Boater’s Education Certificate to operate a boat or jet ski. Click here to take the course online and earn your certification today.
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Florida law requires that anyone born on or after January 1, 1988, who drives jet skis in Okaloosa County, must have a picture ID and a boater safety certificate issued by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission. If you need a temporary boater’s certificate, you can take the test online!
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Yes, your group should arrive approximately 30 to 45 minutes before your scheduled reservation to give yourself and your group adequate time to take any boater safety tests, and complete and sign the Boat and Jet Ski Rental Agreement and Waivers of liability. If you and your group take the boater safety tests and sign the Boat and Jet Ski Rental Agreement and Waivers of Liability before you arrive at the Marina, it will save substantial time. You will receive an e-mail after you book a boat or jet ski containing easy to follow instructions to complete these documents.
BOOKING & CANCELLATIONS
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Customers can cancel their reservation and receive a full refund (less the service charge) or reschedule (subject to availability) if done at least 24 hours before the scheduled reservation. If the weather or waves are dangerous, we will either reschedule your rental or give you a full refund (less the service charge). Customers can purchase Trip Protection when making their reservation, allowing them to cancel and receive a full refund (less the Trip Protection Fee) up to 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time. No-shows will not be refunded. Changes to the reservation can be made without additional fees if done outside the 24-hour cancellation period.
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Yes. People can pay a deposit rather than the full payment.
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If a storm seems to be approaching, our crew and office staff monitor the radar and discuss options. If you’re concerned about inclement weather, you can cancel and reschedule at any time, but cancellation is usually a last-minute decision. It’s highly recommended to allow Island Watersports Company management to make the call. If canceled due to bad weather, you will have the option to cancel, reschedule, or receive a refund.
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The Gulf Coast is one of the best places to see bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat, but they are wild animals, so we cannot guarantee sightings. However, it’s very likely that you’ll have an up-close encounter with these beautiful animals.
OKALOOSA ISLAND BOAT RENTALS
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Renting a pontoon boat in Fort Walton Beach offers a variety of activities:
- Visit the beautiful Crab Island
- Cruise along the Gulf Island National Seashore
- Snorkel the shallow grass flats and rock jetties
- Encounter friendly dolphins
- Enjoy fishing
- Find your own private beach
- Hunt for sand dollars, starfish, various crabs, and other sea creatures
- Relax and cruise the bay
- Enjoy our Double Decker Party Barges with two slides for double the fun!
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No, pontoons are easy and safe to operate even for beginners. Our bays are simple to navigate. We provide thorough orientation, including operation of the boat’s controls, a map to guide you through local waters, and awareness of any laws or regulations.
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Our pontoon boats are spacious, making them perfect for groups. We offer 12-passenger single-deck pontoons, and our double-decker pontoon boat holds up to 14 passengers. This includes people of all ages, including children and infants.
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No, we supply life vests for everyone, including children and infants.
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You must be 18 to legally rent any watercraft in Florida. Any age can go along for the ride.
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All boats are equipped with USCG safety equipment, retractable Bimini tops for shade, anchors, customized swim ladders, and ample storage under the seats. We also provide a map of the area and helpful tips to make your day on the water carefree. Gas is included in your rental.
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Here are some suggestions:
- Towels
- Coolers with your favorite beverages and food
- Snorkel gear or Fishing gear
- Camera
- Sunscreen and Sunglasses
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No, we do not allow anything to be pulled behind pontoon boats or jet skis.
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We recommend booking as early as possible due to high demand. If inclement weather occurs, you will be given priority for rescheduling to ensure you don’t miss out on this activity.
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We offer half-day rentals (4 hours) and full-day rentals (8 hours).
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The standard rentals do not include a captain, however, captains can be hired for pontoon boat rentals based on availability. Please call if you need a captain so that we can reach out to see if one is available for your adventure.
OKALOOSA ISLAND JET SKI RENTALS
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You must be 8 years old to ride.
You must be 18 years old to drive. -
We allow two people on the jet ski at a time and 400 pounds maximum.