Cape Crossing Boat Rentals offers pontoon, CraigCat, Boston Whaler, kayak, and paddleboard rentals on Merritt Island, Florida, located at Cape Crossing Resort & Marina, a waterfront “island” style resort on a canal connecting Sykes Creek, the Indian River, and the Banana River. Guests can paddle or motor out to watch dolphins, manatees, or even a rocket launch, or relax on one of the river’s many islands and sandbars — in-house resort guests receive a rental discount.
Pontoon boats (16-24 ft, up to 13 passengers, pets welcome) run from $289 for a half day up to $429 for a full day. The 16-foot, 4-passenger Boston Whaler (self-captained after a brief safety walkthrough, gas included, pets welcome) starts at $324 for a half day. CraigCats, a unique compact power catamaran with side-by-side seating and dual-action controls, run $69 for one hour, $114 for two hours, or $159 for a half day — versatile for fishing, cruising, or relaxing. Electric Motorized Paddleboards (SipaBoards e-SUP) run $25/hour or $40 for two hours. Single kayaks run $15/hour or $30 for a half day (doubles $23/$46), and paddleboards run $18/hour or $36 for a half day.
Add-ons include an Igloo 25-quart cooler ($10 with a pontoon rental, filled with ice free), and a 9’x6′ floating pad ($25 half day/$40 full day) for a genuine floating island lounge experience. Fishing pole rentals run $10, with frozen bait shrimp and mullet available.
The Indian River Lagoon is home to snook, redfish, tarpon, and spotted sea trout, earning the Space Coast a reputation as “The Salt Water Trout Capital of the World,” along with drum, sheepshead, catfish, and ladyfish. Bioluminescence Tours (night kayak and CraigCat) are also offered seasonally. A distinctive resort/villa vacation rental option is available docked right at the marina.
Renters must be 21+, with Florida law requiring anyone born on or after January 1, 1988 to hold a boating safety certificate. Pets are welcome ($10 half day/$20 full day fee, up to two pets). No captains are directly on staff, but the business connects guests with trusted local captains on request.
Open daily 8am-5pm.
For families, anglers, and paddlers near Merritt Island, Florida looking for a genuinely varied fleet — including the distinctive CraigCat — with access to the Indian River Lagoon, Cape Crossing Boat Rentals offers a comprehensive, well-priced operation.
