Manatee River Boat Rentals and Water Sports (the current business at this domain, formerly possibly “Pirate Monkey Boat Rentals”) offers private boat tours, charters, sunset cruises, sandbar adventures, and self-drive boat rentals serving Bradenton, Anna Maria Island, Palmetto, Parrish, Lakewood Ranch, and Ellenton, Florida. With 90+ five-star reviews, the family-owned business promises 100% private experiences (no shared groups) aboard clean, new, premium tritoon boats.
Dolphin Tours, Sunset Cruises, and Sandbar Tours (Egmont Key, Passage Key, Jewfish Key) are all led by experienced local captains, with up to 12 passengers plus a captain per trip. Self-Drive Boat Rentals offer premium pontoon and tritoon boats for families and experienced boaters wanting to explore on their own schedule. Manatee Tours and a fully customizable private Boat Charter combining dolphin watching, sandbar hopping, sightseeing, and sunset cruising are also available.
Every boat features 150 HP motors, Bluetooth sound systems, and optional add-ons including towable tubes, floating mats, paddleboards, and onboard grills. The business delivers directly to waterfront Airbnbs, vacation homes, and docks throughout the service area, and partners with Buoy Boat Rental Coverage for optional, industry-standard damage protection — reinforcing that this is a licensed, insured, and compliant Florida boat rental provider rather than a private peer-to-peer listing.
Guest reviews are consistently glowing, with reviewers repeatedly naming Captain Jon and staff member Eric for personable, knowledgeable service, genuinely comfortable and quiet new boats, and memorable dolphin, manatee, and sea turtle sightings along the way.
Hours run daily 7:30am-7:30pm (seasonal variation).
For families and groups near Bradenton/Anna Maria Island, Florida looking for a highly reviewed, professionally compliant boat tour, charter, or rental, this business offers an outstanding operation.
