Frequently Asked Questions
Our double-decker pontoon boats hold 14 people (including infants and children).
Yes! We offer both pontoon rentals and captained charters.
14-Person Double-Decker Pontoon Rentals: If you choose a standard 14-person double-decker pontoon rental, you will captain the boat yourself.
13-Person Captained Double-Decker Pontoon Charters: Prefer not to drive? Check out our 13-person captained double-decker pontoon boat charters and let a Skipper handle the driving for you!
This option is perfect for bachelorette parties, birthday parties, girls' trips, or family vacations. Since the Skipper counts towards capacity, you may bring up to 13 guests on our captained charters.
Please note: Captained trips are Bareboat Charters. A list of qualified operators for hire is available, and you will be contacted by a 3rd party the day before your Charter to arrange your captain!
Double Fun has 5 total locations across Destin, Fort Walton Beach, and Panama City Beach.
We have 3 locations on the Destin Harbor, each just a 10-minute boat ride to Crab Island, and within walking distance of Destin's best restaurants and HarborWalk Village.
We also operate one location on Okaloosa Island in Fort Walton Beach, about a 15-minute boat ride to Crab Island, and a short walk to The Boardwalk.
Lastly, we have a location on the Upper Grand Lagoon in Panama City Beach - only 10 minutes from Shell Island!
Our three Destin Harbor locations are each a 10-minute boat ride to Crab Island!
Our location on Okaloosa Island in Fort Walton Beach is roughly a 15-minute boat ride to Crab Island.
Our location in Panama City Beach is on the Upper Grand Lagoon and roughly a 10-minute boat ride to Shell Island. We offer free parking, a waterfront bar, food trucks, and more! Our address is:
Crab Island (Destin & Fort Walton Beach):
Crab Island is a famous shallow sandbar in Destin where boats anchor, swim, and hang out. Known for its crystal clear water, lively social atmosphere, and plenty of space for families and groups, Crab Island is one of the most popular boating hangouts in the world.
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Served by our 3 Destin Harbor locations (10 minutes away)
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Served by our Fort Walton Beach location on Okaloosa Island (15 minutes away)
Crab Island is the go-to spot if you’re looking for a fun, social day on the water.
Shell Island (Panama City Beach):
Shell Island is a protected, undeveloped barrier island in Panama City Beach known for quiet beaches, wildlife, shelling, snorkeling, and exploring. It’s much more peaceful and nature-focused compared to Crab Island.
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Served by our Panama City Beach location (10 minutes away)
Shell Island is perfect for guests who prefer a calm, scenic, nature-filled experience.
Crab Island is the most popular spot to boat in Destin, but there are plenty of other great places to explore by boat in the Destin area!
Many guests love cruising the Destin Harbor, anchoring along the Gulf Islands National Seashore, or heading west into the Santa Rosa Sound for calmer water, great swimming, dolphin sightings, and beautiful scenery. These areas are perfect if you’re looking for a more relaxed, less crowded experience or want to explore beyond Crab Island.
We’ve put together a full guide to our favorite boating spots, so be sure to check it out before your trip:
👉Best Boating Destinations in Destin
Cancellation Policy: Customers may cancel for any reason up to 24 hours before the start of their outing and will receive a full refund of their deposit or payment. Cancelations made within 24 hours of the start of your outing are non-refundable (with the exception of weather), and the full balance of your outing will be charged to your credit card. If the location you're renting from deems the weather unfavorable for boating before the start of your outing, then they will try to reschedule your booking. If you cannot be rescheduled, then you will be refunded. However, once you have left the dock and are on the water, there is no refund if it begins to rain.
Trip Protection: If you choose to purchase Trip Protection with your rental, you have the flexibility to cancel up to the time of your departure for any reason and receive a full refund.
Weather can change quickly in Florida, and your safety is always our top priority. If the weather looks questionable on the day of your rental, our team closely monitors conditions and makes the final call on whether it’s safe to send boats out. We do not base decisions solely on forecasts, since they often change hour by hour — especially along the Gulf Coast.
As mentioned in our cancellation policy, if the location you're renting from determines that conditions are unfavorable for boating (lightning, high winds, steady rain, strong currents, or marine advisories), we will cancel your trip and provide a full refund or the option to reschedule, whichever you prefer. So don’t worry — go ahead and make your reservation knowing we’ll work with you if the weather is bad.
If the weather is safe for boating, your reservation will proceed as planned. Light rain or passing showers are common in Florida and typically do not prevent rentals from going out.
Our reservations and dock staff will stay in close communication with you on the morning of your rental to ensure you have the most accurate, real-time information.
Absolutely! You’re welcome to upgrade, change, or cancel your reservation at any time, as long as it’s within our 24-hour cancellation policy.
Just give us a call at (850) 316-4224. Our Reservations Team is available 7 days a week from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM and is always happy to help!
High tide is when the clearest Gulf water flows into the bay — and it’s what turns places like Crab Island and Shell Island that gorgeous emerald-blue color you see in photos.
As the tide comes in, fresh Gulf water fills the Choctawhatchee Bay and St. Andrews Bay, creating the bright, crystal-clear water everyone loves. The exact timing of high tide changes daily, but it most commonly happens sometime in the morning.
That said, the water is always beautiful, even outside of high tide. You’ll still enjoy stunning views and great swimming conditions throughout the day.
Booking a full-day rental gives you the most flexibility and ensures you have plenty of time on the water when high tide arrives.
We also post a weekly tide chart on our social media, so follow us to see the high tide times for the week of your rental!
📍Facebook: @doublefunpontoonrentals
📍Instagram: @doublefunpontoonrentals
Yes! All of our locations have on-site restrooms available for use before, during, and after your rental.
No, there are no restrooms on our boats. However, all of our locations have on-site bathrooms for use before, during, and after your rental.
We’re also frequently asked about the closest bathrooms to Crab Island or Shell Island. Since our docks are only a short boat ride from these popular spots, we typically recommend simply returning to the dock if you need a restroom during your trip — it’s quick and easy.
You’ll also find plenty of nearby restaurants along the Destin Harbor, Santa Rosa Sound (Fort Walton Beach), and the Upper Grand Lagoon (Panama City Beach) that offer public restrooms and allow temporary docking. A few convenient options include:
Destin Harbor: HarborWalk Marina or Dewey Destin's Bayside
Fort Walton Beach: The Gulf Restaurant
Panama City Beach: St. Andrews State Park
Customers must be 25 years of age or older to rent a boat.
Yes — we do!
In Panama City Beach, Double Fun offers our own 12-person luxury pontoon boats without slides. These are brand-new 2026 models, and they’re extremely popular, so they tend to sell out quickly!
👉 12-Person Pontoon Rentals in Panama City Beach
In Destin, you can rent a 12-person standard pontoon boat (2025 models) through our sister company!
👉 12-Person Pontoon Rentals in Destin
If you have any questions or want help choosing the right boat, feel free to give us a call at (850) 316-4224 — we’re always happy to help get you booked!
Yes! We provide Lily Pads (floating water mats) at all our locations.
Destin Harbor & Panama City Beach: Lily Pads are included for free with every rental or charter!
Fort Walton Beach: Lily Pads are available to add on for a small rental fee.
Yes, your rental includes enough fuel for a typical day on the water.
In the very rare case you decide to top off the tank during your trip, any additional fuel you purchase would be your responsibility.
Yes it is! We offer free parking at each of our locations.
Yes! We proudly offer a 10% discount for all active-duty military and veterans.
Your discount will be applied at check-in when you present your military ID. If you’re booking online, we recommend paying the deposit only — the 10% discount will then be deducted from your remaining balance when you arrive.
All our pontoon boats have powerful 90HP or 115HP Yamaha motors.
Yes! We offer damage protection for $75, which will protect your boat covering up to $3,000 in accidental damages.
Unfortunately, no. For safety reasons, the person operating the boat must have prior boating experience to rent one of our boats.
However, if you don’t have boating experience or prefer not to drive, we also offer Captained Double-Decker Pontoon Charters, where a Skipper handles the driving for you. This is a perfect option for first-timers, families, bachelorette parties, birthdays, and anyone who simply wants to relax on the water.
It depends on your age. If you were born before January 1, 1988, you will not need a Florida Boating license. If you were born ON or AFTER January 1, 1988, you are required to have either a Florida Boating License or a Florida Temporary Boating Certificate. Please click HERE to take the quick multiple-choice test for $14.53 to obtain your FL Temporary Boating Certificate.
Boat rentals are available from March 1st through October 31st!
Absolutely! You can call or reserve your boat online at any time. Our online calendar is always up to date and is scheduled out a year in advance.
We petitioned the Coast Guard and received written authorization to have 14 people on the boats.
Yes — infants count toward the total passenger limit.
The Coast Guard requires that every person on board, regardless of age, counts toward the boat’s 14-person max capacity. We provide life vests in all sizes, including infant and child vests, but you’re welcome to bring your own if your child prefers a specific style.
Dolphins are very common in Destin, Fort Walton Beach, and Panama City Beach — and chances are good you’ll see them!
They’re frequently spotted in the Destin Harbor, Choctawhatchee Bay, around Crab Island, and throughout the Santa Rosa Sound.
The same is true in Panama City Beach, where dolphins are often seen in the bay and near Shell Island.
While dolphin sightings are never guaranteed, they are a regular highlight for many of our guests!
Yes! You’re welcome to bring food, beverages, and alcohol on board. We just ask that you enjoy responsibly, and please remember that the person operating the boat may not consume alcohol under any circumstances.
Yes! Every boat has a Bluetooth sound system—just connect your phone and enjoy your favorite music all day long!
Yes! Life vests are included for everyone in your group. We provide Coast Guard–approved life vests in all sizes—from infants through adults. Florida law requires children under 6 to wear a life vest at all times while on the boat.
If you have young children, you’re welcome to bring a personal swim vest they’re already comfortable with—some parents prefer this since kids often like their own better.
Tipping is not required, but it is always appreciated.
Our dockhands and captains do work for tips, and we invest heavily in hiring and training an incredible team to make sure you have an awesome day on the water. If you feel they provided great service, gratuities are a wonderful way to say thank you! That said, you should never feel obligated or pressured to tip.
If you choose to tip, 10%–20% is typical for dock staff on rentals or for captains on charters.
Absolutely! Bring all the floats you want — we love them!
And yes, we have air pumps at every location and will gladly inflate your floats before you leave the dock.
No, the boats do not have USB ports or charging stations. We recommend bringing a portable power bank so you can keep your phones and devices charged throughout the day.
Yes! You’re welcome to bring your own fishing poles and fish from the boat at no extra charge.
Please note that we do not provide fishing gear or fishing licenses, so be sure to bring your own equipment and ensure you have the proper license before heading out.
Absolutely! Pets are welcome on board — and there’s no extra charge to bring them along.
Feel free to let your furry friends join the adventure!
Destin & Fort Walton Beach:
You’re welcome to explore the Destin Harbor, Choctawhatchee Bay (home of Crab Island), and the Santa Rosa Sound. For safety reasons, pontoons cannot go through the Destin Pass or into the Gulf of Mexico at any time — the pass conditions are unsafe for pontoon boats.
Panama City Beach:
You may explore the Upper Grand Lagoon and St. Andrews Bay (where Shell Island is located). Just like in Destin, boats are not permitted in the Gulf of Mexico under any circumstances.
If a boat is returned late, there is a late fee of $50 for every 15 minutes past your scheduled return time.
We operate a large fleet of boats at each of our locations, and this policy helps keep things running smoothly for all guests. When a boat is late, it can delay the next group’s reservation, and our dock staff still needs time to clean, refuel, and prep boats—especially at the end of the day.
The good news is that our most popular boating destinations are only about 10 minutes from our marinas, so you should always have plenty of time to get back, as long as you keep an eye on the clock!
If anything unexpected comes up while you’re out on the water, don’t stress—the dock manager’s phone number is posted at the helm. Give us a call, and we will help you however we can!
Bring all the essentials for a great day on the water! We recommend packing towels, sunscreen, floats, snorkels, a cooler with ice, plenty of drinks and snacks, hats, sunglasses, and a waterproof bag for valuables. Families may want to bring swim diapers for small children. We provide infant life vests at all locations, though some parents prefer to bring their own for added comfort.
Your boat comes equipped with all required safety gear (including adult, youth, and child life vests), a full tank of fuel, a Bluetooth sound system, and—at most locations—a Lily Pad included with your rental. Just bring the essentials, relax, and enjoy your day!
No, the top deck doesn’t have seating. For safety, all seating is located on the bottom deck—where you’ll find plenty of options in both sun and shade.
Yes! There is plenty of luxury lounge-style seating in both the sun and shade. The front of the boat offers open seating for those who want to enjoy the sun, while the rear of the boat provides shaded seating thanks to the upper deck overhead. Whether you prefer sunshine or shade, you’ll have a comfortable place to sit throughout your trip.
We don’t provide coolers, but you’re welcome to bring your own! Load it up with ice, drinks, snacks, and anything else you want for an awesome day on the water.
Ice availability varies by location, so the best option is to grab ice at a gas station before you arrive (it's also cheaper). If you forget, some marinas or nearby shops may have ice for purchase, and our team can point you in the right direction.
There’s plenty of space on board for all your coolers, bags, and beach gear! Our double-decker pontoons have a wide, open deck layout with tons of room for coolers, floats, towels, and everything else you want to bring. Most groups load up one or two full-size coolers along with beach bags and gear with no problem at all. Bringing extra-large coolers or lots of stuff? No worries — our dock team will help you get everything set up comfortably before you head out.
We recommend wearing water shoes or any footwear you don’t mind getting wet.
Most guests go barefoot once on board, but water shoes are great for comfort and traction.
Yes! They’re full waterslides — and they’re a ton of fun.
Each slide is powered by a reliable hand-powered “Turbo Pump” system that sends plenty of water down the slide for an easy ride!
For safety, the boat must be anchored in at least chest-deep water before anyone uses the slides. This rule is very important and will be reiterated in your pre-launch documentation, waivers, and in-person safety briefing.
Unfortunately, no, we do not allow tubing behind the boat under any circumstances for safety reasons.
Yes — swimming off the boat is part of the fun!
Just make sure the motor is off and trimmed down before anyone hops in. Kids under 6 must wear a life vest, and there should always be a designated adult spotter on the boat keeping an eye on everyone in the water.
Please be mindful of other boats nearby, as well as changing tides or currents — then splash, swim, float, and have fun!