Captain a spacious pontoon to spot wildlife and relax on sandbars in Florida’s Indian River Lagoon
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4–8 hrs
Up to 10 people
Full tank of gas, life jackets
Enjoy a self-guided day on a roomy 22-foot pontoon, cruising the Indian River Lagoon, Banana River, and Sykes Creek at your own pace. Watch for playful dolphins, grazing manatees, and maybe even a rocket launch while you captain the boat.
The operator must be at least 21 years old will present a valid photo ID at check-in. Anyone born after January 1, 1988 must hold a valid Florida boating safety certificate. Maximum capacity is 10 passengers; the designated captain must remain alcohol-free. Not recommended for individuals with serious mobility limitations, and diving or jumping off the boat while it is in motion is prohibited.
Full refund with 24 hours notice or if the operator cancels due to weather or unforeseen circumstances. No-shows are charged in full.
Cape Crossing Marina 306 Lagoon Way Merritt Island FL 32953
Cape Crossing delivers consistently great experiences on the water, with friendly staff like Tom, Mark, and Bob earning particular praise for their helpfulness. The check-in process is straightforward, especially if you complete the driver waiver online beforehand, and customers appreciate the fair pricing and good value. Repeat visitors keep coming back, which speaks volumes about the overall operation. The wildlife viewing is a major highlight here. Dolphins show up regularly, and many renters spot manatees and various birds during their trips. The CraigCats are popular choices, and there are also guided bioluminescence tours that get rave reviews for the magical experience of watching the water glow. Most boats operate reliably, though some equipment shows its age with worn seats or occasionally non-functional radios. A few customers noted the CraigCats sometimes need maintenance attention. The staff handles any issues professionally, including offering hassle-free refunds when weather becomes a concern. Half-day rentals seem perfect for first-timers, though many people wish they'd booked longer once they're out on the water.
My wife and I and our 14 lb teddy bear puppy had an amazing time today renting out a Craig cat for one hour. They even had a little life jacket for our puppy with a shark fin atop, we were so happy, it fit him like a champ. We saw a beautiful bird with red wings, a mannatee right near us, the water was great, just a fun way to relax and be in the water, great stress reliever from the week. The staff was amazing, kind, patient as we were getting in and out, great instructions, will definitely go back when we have company.
Mark Sosa
April 4, 2026
My wife and I and our 14 lb teddy bear puppy had an amazing time today renting out a Craig cat for one hour. They even had a little life jacket for our puppy with a shark fin atop, we were so happy, it fit him like a champ. We saw a beautiful bird with red wings, a mannatee right near us, the water was great, just a fun way to relax and be in the water, great stress reliever from the week. The staff was amazing, kind, patient as we were getting in and out, great instructions, will definitely go back when we have company.
Mark Sosa
April 4, 2026