Port St. Joe’s sparkling bay and nearby Gulf waters are tailor-made for every kind of boater, paddler, and thrill-seeker. Whether you’re gliding past oyster bars on a pontoon, carving through calm bay waters on a kayak, or roaring across Gulf surf on a jet ski, here’s everything you need to plan the perfect day on the water.
Pontoon & Bay Boat Rentals
Buena Vida Boats (Our Favorite)
- Address: 340 Marina Drive, Port St. Joe, FL 32456
- Phone: (850) 287-8034
- Highlight: 24 ft Bentley Pontoon with 115 HP engine (max 12 guests).
- Amenities: Bluetooth stereo, spacious seating, dual captain’s chairs, bimini top.
- Book: buenavidaboats.com or call for half-day, full-day, or multi-day rates.
Presnell’s Bayside Marina & RV Resort
- Address: 2115 State Road 30A, Port St. Joe, FL 32456
- Phone: (850) 848-4914
- Rates: Bay Boat (20 ft, up to 6): 4 hrs – $300; 8 hrs – $500. Pontoon (20 ft, up to 8): 4 hrs – $300; 8 hrs – $500. tripadvisor.com
- Extras: Life jackets, Bluetooth radio, map, anchor, bimini shade.
Insider Tip: Weekends book up fast—reserve at least a week in advance!
Kayaks, SUPs & More Gear
R&R Outfitters (WindMark Beach)
- Address: 107 Good Morning Street, Port St. Joe, FL 32456
- Phone: (850) 899-9086
- Hours: 9 AM–6 PM daily; by-appointment rentals available.
- Offerings:
- Stand-up paddleboards & kayaks
- Beach cruisers & kids’ bikes
- Boogie boards & inflatables
- Premium accessories (life vests, waterproof bags)
- Delivery: Free same-day delivery (book before noon)—covers Port St. Joe, Mexico Beach & WindMark Beach. restrelaxoutfitters.com
- Why Go: Drift past oyster bars, explore mangrove creeks at Bankhead Creek, and spot dolphins in St. Joseph Bay.
- What to Pack: Water shoes, sunscreen, waterproof phone case.
Jet-Ski Adventures in Mexico Beach
Crazy Waverunners & Parasail
- Location: Hwy 98 at old Drift Wood Hotel site, Mexico Beach, FL
- Phone: (850) 527-9893
- Offerings: Waverunner rentals, banana-boat rides, parasailing
AAA Jet Ski Dolphin Tours
- Address: 5611 US-98, Suite 1, Panama City, FL 32401
- Phone: (850) 541-6879
- Experience: 2-hr guided dolphin-watching tour plus free ride time.
- Distance: ~20 min drive from The Blue Goose
Planning & Safety
- Fuel & Provisions: Point South Marina Fuel Dock (340 Marina Dr.; (850) 460-9780).
- Boater Ed: Jet skis require a Boater’s Education Certificate if born on/after Jan 1, 1988.
- Best Times: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid heat and catch active wildlife.
- Essentials to Pack: Refillable water bottle, hat, polarized sunglasses, waterproof camera.
With pontoons, kayaks, paddleboards, bikes—and all the addresses, rates, and insider tips—your guests will have zero guesswork and all the fun as they hit the water around Port St. Joe. Happy adventuring!
