Manatee River Boat Rentals and Water Sports

Manatee River Boat Rentals & Water Sports

Looking for boat rentals in Bradenton or a captained boat charter on the Manatee River? Manatee River Boat Rentals & Water Sports offers both self-drive pontoon rentals and professionally captained charters with direct access to the Manatee River, Anna Maria Island, and Egmont Key.

Conveniently located on the Manatee River, our boats allow you to skip long drives and get straight to Florida’s most popular boating destinations. Whether you want to take the helm yourself or relax while an experienced local captain handles everything, we make getting on the water easy, safe, and unforgettable.

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Captained Boat Charters in Bradenton (Sit Back & Relax)

For guests who want a stress-free experience, our captained boat charters are the most relaxing way to explore the Manatee River and surrounding waters. With a licensed local captain at the helm, you can enjoy the scenery, wildlife, and destinations without worrying about navigation or boat operation.

Captained charters are perfect for:

Visitors unfamiliar with local waterways
Families with young children
Couples and groups celebrating special occasions
Anyone who wants a premium boating experience
Bachelorette boat rentals in AMI
Sunset cruises near Anna Maria Island
Dolphin tours in Bradenton
Sandbar Tours in AMI

Our captains know the best routes, sandbars, dolphin-watching, and island stops, including Anna Maria Island, Egmont Key, and Jewfish Key. This option offers the same beautiful destinations as a rental with zero stress.

Favorite Destinations

What Our Customers Say about us

5.0 Rated on Google (21+ Reviews)

Jon Terry

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ February 2026

This tritoon is the best available in Anna Maria Island. As an experienced USCG licensed Captain in this area, I charter Captain boats throughout the AMI area and Eric always makes sure to deliver a perfect experience with his boats. I especially love giving the sunset and dolphin tours.

Chris Winn
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ February 2026

Absolutely blast. Boat was beautiful and well kept. Operated without any issues. Eric had great communication with me throughout the process. Will definitely rent again.

Dale Pusey
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐January 2026 New
Explored the Manatee River in Bradenton and Anna Maria Island! Eric was very knowledgeable!

David Fink
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ January 2026 New
We had an unforgettable day on the water thanks to Manatee River Boat Rental. The boat was clean, comfortable, and incredibly easy to operate — perfect for a family outing. Cruising through the Bradenton waterways and along the Manatee River was absolutely beautiful, with calm water and plenty of great fishing spots. The owner was very cautious about our safety due to some fog in the morning and made sure we were all safe.
From start to finish, the rental process was smooth, the staff was friendly and helpful, and the entire experience exceeded our expectations. If you’re looking to make real family memories on the water, this is the place to rent from. We’ll definitely be back for another rental.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ See More Reviews

Reserve your Boat Now Before It’s Gone!

Bradenton Pontoon Boat Rentals on the Manatee River

Prefer to captain your own adventure? Our pontoon boat rentals are clean, spacious, and easy to operate, making them ideal for families, experienced boaters, and USCG licensed captains. To operate our luxury tritoons, please ensure successful completion of the FREE FLORIDA BOATER'S SAFETY COURSE.

Each pontoon rental includes:

Comfortable seating
Required safety equipment
Easy handling and smooth cruising
A full orientation before departure

From our Manatee River dropoff locations, you’ll enjoy one of the fastest routes to open water and island destinations in the Bradenton area.

We also offer long term and weekly boat rentals in Bradenton and AMI

Ultimate Bradenton / AMI Boating Guide

View Captained Charters

Easy Boating Access to Anna Maria Island & Egmont Key

Location matters — and ours is one of the best in Bradenton. From our dock on the Manatee River, you can cruise directly to:

Anna Maria Island
Egmont Key State Park
Jewfish Key
Tampa Bay waterways

These boating destinations are known for crystal-clear water, dolphin sightings, snorkeling, and beaches only accessible by boat. Whether you’re renting or choosing a captained charter, these stops are guest favorites.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Half-Day & Full-Day Boat Rentals and Charters in Bradenton

We offer flexible options to fit your schedule:

Half-day boat rentals
Full-day boat rentals
Half-day captained charters
Full-day captained charters

If you want maximum relaxation and local insight, a captained boat charter in Bradenton is the premium choice. If freedom and flexibility are your priority, our pontoon rentals deliver the perfect day on the water.

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Why Choose Manatee River Boat Rentals & Water Sports?

Guests consistently choose Manatee River Boat Rentals & Water Sports because we deliver a premium boating experience backed by local expertise, top-tier equipment, and outstanding customer service. We’re proud to be one of the top boat rental and captained charter companies in Bradenton and Anna Maria Island, offering both self-drive rentals and private, captained charters with no strangers on board.

Our fleet features some of the newest tritoon boats available for rent in Bradenton and Anna Maria Island, each designed for comfort, performance, and fun. With room for up to 12 passengers, our boats are perfect for families, groups of friends, and special occasions.

What Sets Us Apart:

Easy online booking process
Spacious tritoon boats for up to 12 passengers
Best add-ons available, including grills, floating mats, towable water tubes, and more
GPS navigation, JBL stereo system, and large bimini for shade
Powerful 150 HP motors — no slow, boring rides
Clean, well-maintained boats prepared before every outing
Both self-drive rentals and USCG-licensed captained charters
Private charters only — no sharing with strangers
Easy access to Anna Maria Island, Egmont Key, and top Gulf Coast destinations
Consistent 5-star customer service from start to finish
Local, Trusted & Community Focused

We are locally owned and operated and proud to support the community we serve. Manatee River Boat Rentals & Water Sports is an active member of both the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce, Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce, and the Manatee Chamber of Commerce, reinforcing our commitment to professionalism, safety, and local partnerships.

Whether you’re visiting the area or live nearby, you can count on us for a smooth, stress-free experience on the water....from easy booking to unforgettable memories.

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Perfect for Families, Visitors & Special Occasions in Bradenton and Anna Maria Island

Our boat rentals and captained charters are ideal for:

Family outings
Dolphin tours and wildlife viewing
Island hopping adventures
Bachelor or Bachelorette Party Boat Charters
Relaxing sightseeing cruises
Birthdays, anniversaries, and celebrations
Visitors exploring Bradenton and Anna Maria Island

If you’re looking for one of the best things to do in Bradenton, getting on the water is hard to beat.

Captained Charter Prices

Add-ons and boating accessories for our Bradenton and Anna Maria Island Boat Rentals

Enhance your boating experience around Anna Maria Island and Egmont Key with our full lineup of premium boat accessories, available at affordable, competitive prices. Upgrade your boat rental or charter with high-quality add-ons designed for maximum fun and comfort on the water.

Some of our popular options include:

Towable Tubes – $75 per rental
Great for family fun and high-energy water sports.
Inflatable Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP) – $35 per rental
Perfect for exploring sandbars, calm waters, and island shorelines.
River Tubes – $10 per rental
Relax and float comfortably while enjoying the views.
6x12 Floating Water Mat – $35 per rental
Ideal for swimming, lounging, and sandbar stops.
Onboard Propane Grill or Blackstone Griddle – $75 per rental
Cook meals on the water while anchored at Egmont Key or nearby islands.

AND THERE'S MORE!!!

Availability may vary so reserve today. Add-ons must be reserved in advance with your Anna Maria Island or Bradenton boat rental.

Add Ons and Rental Prices

Reserve Your Bradenton Boat Rental or Captained Charter Today!

Ready to experience the Manatee River, Anna Maria Island, and Florida’s Gulf Coast by boat? Reserve your boat rental or captained boat charter in Bradenton today with Manatee River Boat Rentals & Water Sports.

📍 Located directly on the Manatee River
📞 Call or text 941-932-3700
💻 Easy online booking available

Whether you want to take the helm or let a local captain guide the way, your perfect day on the water starts here.

Reserve Your Boat Today!

Local Areas We Serve

Anna Maria Island (AMI)

Experience the beauty of Anna Maria Island from the water with our easy and affordable Anna Maria Island boat rentals. Cruise to popular sandbars, explore hidden beaches, or enjoy a relaxing day spotting dolphins and manatees. Our pontoon boats are comfortable, beginner-friendly, and perfect for families looking to enjoy the island’s crystal-clear waters. Start your island adventure just minutes away with a hassle-free pickup and smooth ride.

Anna Maria Island Boat Rentals

Bradenton Boat Rentals

If you're looking for Bradenton boat rentals, Manatee River Water Sports offers the ideal way to enjoy a full day on the water. Our pontoon boats rentals in Bradenton give you the freedom to explore Bradenton’s scenic coastline, local restaurants, waterfront parks, and wildlife-rich waterways. With simple online booking, clean boats, and flexible rental times, we make it easy for locals and visitors to enjoy the very best of Bradenton by boat.

Bradenton Boat Rentals

Palmetto Boat Rentals

Our Palmetto boat rentals are perfect for families, couples, and groups wanting a fun, relaxing way to experience the water. Launch from our convenient location and explore the Manatee River, Terra Ceia Bay, and nearby islands at your own pace. With safe, well-maintained pontoon boats and friendly service, we provide a stress-free way to enjoy a full day on the water in Palmetto and the surrounding area. Manatee River Boat Rentals picks up from the Riverside Boat Ramp in Palmetto directly next to Regatta Pointe Marina on our way to visit Anna Maria Island.

Palmetto Boat Rentals

Parrish Boat Rentals

Located just minutes from Parrish, our Parrish boat rentals offer clean, comfortable pontoon boats that are easy for anyone to operate. Explore the Manatee River, cruise toward Bradenton or Palmetto, stop at local sandbars, or enjoy a relaxing day fishing and sightseeing. With simple online booking and friendly service, we make it easy for Parrish families and visitors to enjoy a memorable boating experience close to home.

Parrish Boat Rentals

Lakewood Ranch Boat Rentals

Looking for a fun and easy way to get on the water? Our Lakewood Ranch boat rentals offer the perfect escape for families and groups who want to enjoy Florida’s beautiful waterways without the hassle of owning a boat. Just a short drive from Lakewood Ranch, our clean and comfortable pontoon boats are ideal for exploring the Manatee River, spotting wildlife, visiting sandbars, or cruising toward Bradenton, Palmetto, and Anna Maria Island. With simple online booking and exceptional customer service, we make it easy for Lakewood Ranch residents to enjoy a full day of relaxation and adventure on the water.

Lakewood Ranch Boat Rentals

Boat Rentals Near Me in Bradenton

Looking for boat rentals near me? Manatee River Water Sports offers convenient boat rentals in Bradenton, Florida, just minutes from Anna Maria Island, Palmetto, Lakewood Ranch, Parrish, and the surrounding Manatee County area. Our centrally located launch makes it easy to get on the water quickly, whether you’re visiting from out of town or searching for a trusted local boat rental near you.

Professional, Compliant Boat Rentals You Can Trust

At Manatee River Water Sports, we operate as a fully legitimate and professionally run boat rental company. We partner with Buoy Boat Rental Coverage to provide optional protection that aligns with Florida’s livery (commercial boat rental) requirements and industry best practices.

Offering third-party rental coverage helps ensure:

Our boats are operated under proper commercial use standards
Renters are protected against accidental damage
Transparent, documented rental agreements
A higher level of professionalism and accountability

This added layer of protection reinforces that you’re renting from a licensed, insured, and compliant Florida boat rental provider—not a private or peer-to-peer listing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boating license to rent a boat in Bradenton, Florida?

Florida law requires anyone born after Jan 1, 1988 to have a boating safety ID. We require boating experience, SUCCESSFUL COMPLETUIN of the FREE Florida Boaters Safety Course or USCG licensed Captain.

Do you offer captained charters in Bradenton?

Yes, we offer experienced local captains for stress-free cruising around Bradenton and Anna Maria Island.

Can you deliver to my dock or vacation rental in Bradenton or on Anna Maria Island?

Yes, we deliver to waterfront Airbnbs, vacation homes, and docks in Bradenton and anywhere along the Manatee River or adjoining waterways.

What areas can we explore around Bradenton?

Anna Maria Island, Egmont Key, Passage Key, Jewfish Key sandbars, Manatee River, Anna Maria Island, and surrounding waters.

Where do your Bradenton boat rentals depart from?

Our boat rentals and captained charters depart along the Manatee River in Bradenton, Palmetto, or Anna Maria Island, with convenient access to the intercoastal waterway, Egmont Key, and other local sandbars.

Can I book a dolphin tour or sandbar tour in Bradenton?

Yes. Our pontoon and tritoon boat rentals are family-friendly and ideal for beginners with limited experience. We also offer captained charters for a stress-free experience in Bradenton.

What is BUOY boat rental insurance?

BUOY is an optional damage protection program that helps cover accidental damage to the rental boat during your trip. It provides peace of mind for renters by limiting out-of-pocket expenses if something unexpected happens on the water.

Is BUOY insurance required to rent a boat?

No. BUOY insurance is optional, but highly recommended. Renters who decline BUOY coverage are fully responsible for any damage to the vessel during the rental period.

What does BUOY insurance covers and what does it not cover?

BUOY insurance typically covers:

Accidental damage to the boat hull
Minor collisions and docking incidents
Propeller damage (excluding negligence)
Scratches and cosmetic damage
Coverage applies only during your rental period.

Engine damage may be covered only if caused by a covered accident and not due to negligence, shallow water operation, or failure to follow captain instructions.

BUOY does not cover:

Gross negligence or reckless operation
Operating the boat while intoxicated
Violating local boating laws or no-wake zones
Running aground in restricted or marked shallow areas
Lost or stolen personal items
Towing or fuel costs

Engine damage WILL NOT be covered if caused due to negligence, shallow water operation, or failure to follow captain instructions.

Disclaimer

Disclaimer: Manatee River Boat Rentals & Water Sports is in no way associated with: Pirate Monkey Boat Rentals, Twisted anchor Boats, Sarasota Boat Rentals, Wynot Boat rentals, Bradenton Beach Boat Rentals, CB’s Boat Rentals, Waves Boat and Social Club, Cannons Marina, Bradenton Boat Club, Bradenton Beach Marina, Longboat Key Boat Rental, Freedom Boat Club, C B’s Saltwater Outfitters, Kahuna’s Boat & Jet Ski Rentals, Regatta Pointe Marina, H2O Watersportz, Florida Discount Water Sports, Marina Jacks, Le Barge Tropical Cruises, Happy Hooker One, or Bradenton Boat Rental LLC, Seaduced Watercraft Adventures. We are also not a boat club.

Manatee River Boat Rentals and Water Sports

Phone: 941-932-3700
Email: manateeriverwatersports@gmail.com
Location: 353 Shore Dr, Ellenton, FL 34222

Boat Rentals on the Manatee River
Serving Bradenton • Anna Maria Island • Palmetto • Parrish • Lakewood Ranch• Ellenton

Pickup location details provided after booking

Hours:
Monday–Sunday: 7:30 AM – 7:30 PM
(Seasonal hours may vary)

Why Choose Us:
Family-owned • Clean, luxury tritoons • Easy on-the-water pickup • Safe & beginner-friendly • No hidden fees

Follow Us:
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Bareboat Charter Disclaimer:

A bareboat charter (or "demise charter") is essentially a rental of the vessel only, similar to renting a car. The key elements and disclaimers are that the charterer must have full control and assume all responsibility. Charterer takes full control: The person leasing the boat is responsible for operating it, including managing the crew, fuel, food, and insurance. Passenger limit: To remain in the "recreational vessel" category and avoid commercial regulations, the total number of people on board (including the charterer and any crew) cannot exceed 12, regardless of the boat's capacity plate. Legal responsibility: The charterer assumes all legal obligations and liability for the vessel and passengers during the rental period.