Bradenton Boat Rentals on the Manatee River

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⭐ 100+ Reviews • 4.90/5 | Starting at $500 | 4, 6 & 8 Hours | Up to 12 People Aboard

Enjoy a private boat day with family and friends aboard our Bradenton boat rentals on the Manatee River. Manatee River Boat Rentals and Water Sports offers premium, self-drive pontoon and tritoon rentals for $500 for 4 hours, $600 for 6 hours, or $700 for 8 hours, with room for up to 12 people aboard.

Cruise at your own pace, watch for dolphins and manatees, or enjoy a swimming stop where conditions allow. Your boat includes Bimini shade, Bluetooth audio, GPS navigation, safety equipment, and a complete orientation before departure—giving your group a comfortable place to relax and enjoy the water.

Tell us what you want from your boat day. We’ll help you plan a route that fits your pickup location, rental length, boating experience, and the day’s conditions. Longer rentals give you more time to explore approved routes toward Anna Maria Island and nearby sandbars, like Jewfish Key,  Passage Key, Egmont Key or Beer Can Island.

Check Boat Rental Availability

Call or Text 941-932-3700

At Manatee River Boat Rentals and Water Sports, a Bradenton boat rental is $500 for four hours, $600 for six hours, or $700 for eight hours. These are private boat rental rates for your group, rather than per-person ticket prices. Optional USCG-licensed captain service is available for an additional fee.

4-Hour Boat Rental — $500

A half-day option for a shorter river cruise with time to enjoy the water.

6-Hour Boat Rental — $600

More time for cruising, swimming, and a relaxed stop along an approved route.

8-Hour Boat Rental — $700

Our full-day option gives your group the most time to explore and enjoy your stops.

Your route depends on your pickup location and the day’s conditions. A longer rental gives you more time; it does not guarantee access to every destination.

Before reserving, confirm fuel billing, applicable taxes, any deposit, and the cost of optional extras with our team.

Choose Your Date and Rental Length

Every rental includes:

• A clean, inspected pontoon or tritoon boat reserved for your group.
• GPS navigation.
• Bluetooth audio for your music.
• A Bimini top for shade.
• Safety equipment.
• A boat orientation covering operation, equipment, and navigation before departure.
• Route guidance based on your rental and local conditions.

Bring your food, drinks, cooler, towels, and sun protection. Let us know your group size when booking so we can help you prepare for your day.

🛥️ Our Pontoon and Tritoon Boats

Our rental fleet includes the 2025 Bentley Fish N Cruise Tritoon and 2026 Viaggio V22C Tritoon. Both feature 150 HP Suzuki outboard engines, shaded seating, Bluetooth audio, navigation equipment, and storage for your boating day.

The Bentley has rod holders and a baitwell, along with a swim ladder. The Viaggio features a power Bimini top and Simrad navigation. Boat assignment depends on availability.

See Our Boat Fleet and Photos

Our primary boat rental pickup is at the Highland Shores Boat ramp located at 353 Shore Dr. Ellenton, FL 34222.  Other Bradenton-area pickup options may include:

🚤 Warner’s Bayou Boat Ramp
5800 Riverview Blvd, Bradenton, FL 34209

🌇 Bradenton Riverwalk Pier
Formerly the Riverwalk Day Dock, on the downtown Bradenton riverfront.

⚓ State Road 64 Boat Ramp
3020 Manatee Ave E, Bradenton, FL 34208

🏡 Dockside Pickup
Ask about pickup at approved private docks, marinas, and waterfront vacation homes. Subject to availability and dock suitability; advance confirmation required.

Wait for your confirmed meeting instructions before heading to a ramp or dock.  Additional fees may apply depending on location.

A  boat rental in Bradenton gives your group more than a ride on the water. Spend your day exploring natural shorelines, cruising past downtown Bradenton, or planning a waterfront lunch stop. The Manatee River connects scenic boating areas with restaurants and attractions in Bradenton, Palmetto, and Ellenton.

The lower Manatee River and nearby waterways offer mangrove-lined shores, tidal creeks, and places to watch for birds and marine life. The shorelines around Snead Island and Emerson Point provide a scenic setting for a river cruise, while Terra Ceia Bay, north of the lower river, features mangrove habitat, shallow flats, and natural coastal scenery.

These areas give your group opportunities to enjoy Florida’s waterfront landscape and look for wildlife while keeping a respectful distance. Dolphin and manatee sightings are possible but are never guaranteed.

Some smaller creeks and mangrove trails are better suited to kayaks and canoes. Our team helps you choose an approved boating route that fits your rental boat, experience, available time, and the day’s conditions.

See downtown Bradenton from the water as you cruise along Bradenton Riverwalk, a public waterfront park on the southern bank of the Manatee River. Riverfront paths, fishing areas, recreation spaces, and views of the Green Bridge make this a distinctive part of a local boat day.

If your group wants time ashore, ask about a planned stop near Bradenton Riverwalk Pier, formerly the downtown Day Dock. A Riverwalk visit can give you time to stretch your legs, explore nearby Old Main Street, or enjoy a meal downtown. Boarding and docking arrangements must be confirmed before your trip.

Build a lunch or dinner stop into your boating plans at one of the river’s waterfront restaurants. Possible dining stops include:

🐟 PIER 22 — Downtown Bradenton

Located beside Twin Dolphin Marina, PIER 22 offers waterfront dining with seafood, steaks, sushi, and views across the Manatee River. It is a convenient dining option for a planned downtown stop.

⚓ Riverhouse Waterfront Restaurant — Palmetto

At Safe Harbor Regatta Pointe Marina, Riverhouse offers seafood and American dishes at its Reef & Grill, along with waterfront seating on the Snook Deck.

🎶 Woody’s River Roo — Ellenton

Woody’s River Roo combines an Old Florida atmosphere with outdoor dining, seafood, burgers, tiki seating, and live music. The restaurant welcomes guests arriving by boat.

🏖️ Whiskey Joe’s — Ellenton

Whiskey Joe’s offers a beach-style riverfront setting, island-inspired food, and boat docks. It is an option for groups planning a casual meal along the river.

🌅 Riviera Dunes Dockside — Palmetto

Located at Riviera Dunes Marina, Riviera Dunes Dockside features marina views, a large outdoor patio, seafood, and casual coastal dishes.

🍴 Mattison’s City Grille — Bradenton Riverwalk

Mattison’s City Grille offers a covered outdoor patio along Riverwalk with seafood, steaks, and seasonal dishes. Enjoy it before or after your rental, or during an arranged stop ashore.

Restaurant hours, visitor dock space, docking fees, and access arrangements vary. Tell us which restaurant interests your group so we can help you determine whether the stop fits your rental length and route.

🚤 Check Availability & Plan Your Bradenton Boat Day

The Manatee River is the starting point for your day. Depending on the approved rental area, departure location, boating experience, and conditions, longer rentals may allow you to explore toward Tampa Bay, Anna Maria Island, or nearby sandbars.

Enjoy a day on the river, watch the waterfront pass by, and look for wildlife while keeping a respectful distance. Dolphin and manatee sightings are not guaranteed.

Ask which stops are suitable for your rental. Jewfish Key and Passage Key are possible destinations under appropriate conditions, rather than promised stops on every booking.

Tell us where you hope to go before reserving. We can help determine whether the route fits your rental length and boating experience.

Egmont Key is an island destination, and reaching it requires suitable conditions and an approved route. Ask before planning a self-drive trip there. For a dedicated visit with a captain, explore our Egmont Key boat tours.

Your orientation and approved route take priority over a general destination list. Allow enough time for your return trip.

We are a family-owned, locally operated business serving Bradenton and the surrounding Manatee River communities. Our focus is helping your group enjoy a comfortable boat day with a clear plan before you leave the dock.

• Your own boat: The rental is private for your group.
• Flexible rental lengths: Choose four, six, or eight hours.
• Comfort on the water: Shaded seating, music, and room for your gear.
• Preparation before departure: Boat orientation and local route guidance.
• Pet-friendly options: Let us know about your pet before booking and confirm any pet fee.
• Local service: Manatee Chamber of Commerce member with 100+ customer reviews.

Read Our Google Reviews

USCG-licensed captain service is available for an additional fee if you prefer someone else to operate the boat. Tell us your date and group size so we can confirm availability, capacity, and the total cost.

For a private outing planned around your group, explore our Bradenton boat charters.

1. Choose your date and rental length. Check the reservation calendar or call our team.
2. Confirm your plans. Tell us your group size, boating experience, and preferred destination. Ask about fuel, fees, required documents, and pickup.
3. Complete check-in and orientation. Meet at your confirmed location and review boat operation, safety equipment, and your route.
4. Enjoy your rental. Explore within the approved boating area and return at your agreed time.

Our four-hour boat rental costs $500. A six-hour rental is $600, and an eight-hour rental is $700. Rates are for the private boat rental. Optional captain service costs extra; confirm fuel billing and any other applicable charges before reserving.

Our rental boats accommodate up to 12 people aboard. Tell us your full group size, including the person operating the boat, when booking. If you request a captain, confirm the guest capacity for that arrangement.

Yes. We offer self-drive pontoon and tritoon rentals for guests with appropriate boating experience who meet the rental and operator requirements. A boat orientation is included before departure. Contact us before booking if you are unsure whether a self-drive rental fits your experience.

Florida uses boating safety education requirements rather than a boating license. Operators born on or after January 1, 1988, generally need approved boating education credentials and photo identification to operate a motorboat of 10 HP or more. Exemptions and accepted temporary certificates may apply. Review the FWC requirements and confirm your documents with us before booking.

Pickup is arranged at a confirmed Bradenton-area ramp or dock. Options include Warner’s Bayou Boat Ramp, Bradenton Riverwalk Pier, State Road 64 Boat Ramp, and Riverside Boat Ramp in Palmetto. Your reservation instructions identify the meeting point for your boat day.

Please confirm how fuel is billed with our team before reserving. Ask for the complete cost of your planned rental, including any applicable taxes, deposit, optional captain service, and requested extras.

Yes.  A trip toward Anna Maria Island may be possible when it fits the approved rental area, departure point, weather, tides, boating experience, and available time. Contact us about your intended route before booking. The island is not a guaranteed destination for every rental.

Sandbar stops may be possible when the location and conditions are suitable for your rental. Tell us if you want to swim or visit a specific sandbar so we can discuss the route. Access changes with tides, weather, and your departure location.

Ask us before planning a rental trip to Egmont Key. It requires an approved route, enough boating time, appropriate experience, and suitable conditions. If you prefer a captain to handle the trip, see our private Egmont Key boat tours.

Pet-friendly rentals are available. Tell us about your pet when booking so we can confirm the arrangement and any pet fee before your boat day.

Choose your date, bring your group, and enjoy a private boat day on the Manatee River. We help you prepare your pickup, boat orientation, and route before departure.

Check Availability and Reserve Your Boat

Call or Text 941-932-3700

Email: manateeriverwatersports@gmail.com

Staying closer to the island? See our Anna Maria Island boat rentals.

Our Bradenton-area boat rentals are also convenient for guests staying in Palmetto, Parrish, and Lakewood Ranch, with easy access to the Manatee River and surrounding waterways. Explore our Palmetto boat rentals, Parrish boat rentals, or Lakewood Ranch boat rentals pages to find the option closest to where you're staying.

If you're looking to relax and not worry about navigating, explore our Bradenton boat tours for more private on-water experiences and destinations.

🚤 Anna Maria Island Boat Rentals 

🛥️ Bradenton Boat Tours

🛥️ Bradenton Boat Charters

🏛️ Egmont Key Boat Tours
🏖️ Passage Key Sandbar Tours
🌴 Jewfish Key Sandbar Tours