Holds up to 12 people at 150 lbs per person. Boats are rented with maximum number people allowed, HOWEVER you know the size of your people and the amount of coolers, etc you will be taking on the boat. Please consider this when you are making a reservation, the more weight on the boat the slower it will be and lower it will sit in the water. *Boats are rented with indicated capacity, anyone exceeding these capacities are subject to fines and additional charges. Florida State Law!

Our rental boats are also available for overnight rental and this is a super way to beat the crowds by heading out at dawn. Take advantage of this super overnight rate, which also allows you to cruise the waterways in the evenings after the crowds have went home to enjoy the gorgeous sunset on the Gulf of Mexico! Boats are available for pickup between 5 and 6pm the evening before your reservation, or keep it in between two days of rentals. Call if you have any questions about this or book this extra on the next page. 

• Half Day 8am-12:15pm or 12:45-5pm $185
• Scallop Season Rate is $285 half day.
• Bimini Tops for extra shade
• USCG required safety equipment included
• Dive flag included
• Please call for booking if within 24 hours.
  

You must be 25 years of age or older to rent a boat! *PLEASE NOTE: If you are born on or after January 1st, 1988, it is required by Florida law to pass a boaters safety course and to carry a boater education card. You must also have valid drivers license and credit card.* For more boater safety course information, please see the FWC website for the list of online courses or call the shop for more details. 

No Alcohol allowed on rental boats.

Extra: Overnight rentals. Rent a boat and keep it overnight for $100 extra.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I pick up the boat? At our waterfront location-10823 W. Yulee Dr. Homosassa, FL. 

What are the hours? Full Day is from 8am until 5pm. Half day is 8am until 12:15 or 12:45 to 5pm. Once you have made a reservation we hold the boat for you so if you are not here at the time the rental starts you know you still have a boat. There are no extensions of these times due to your time of arrival. If you reserve a rental and do not show up or call, your credit card will be billed for that boat. The boat must be back at the dock and unloaded by 5pm or 12:15 depending on the rental agreement you have decided on. There are late fees applied to tardy boat returns.

How long does it take to complete paperwork and get on our way? Plan for approximately 10 minutes to complete paperwork. Once that is completed you can drive your vehicle to the boat to unload. The time will vary depending on the number of people ahead of you and how long it takes for your group to gather and board the boat.

Will you provide a map of the river? Yes and we will go over the map with you.

Can we go into the Gulf of Mexico on your boats? Yes. You must stay where you can see channel markers at all times. Marker 10 in the Gulf is the furthest point you can go. During Scallop Season you can go out as far as marker 6.

Why do I have to stay where I can see the markers? In case you need our help! We cannot find you if you cannot tell us where you are located.

Why might I need help? If you have a breakdown or someone on your boat needs immediate medical attention.

What happens if my engine breaks down? Check the troubleshooting information on the map we give you first. Call us and we will go thru possible solutions. If you are still having problems we will send a boat out to assist you. If the problem is mechanical and we can fix it that will happen on the spot. If it is not fixable we will attempt to provide you with another boat (if one is available)or tow you in. We work hard to keep the engines in good working order with regular preventative maintance. 90% of the time it is operator overheating the boats by pushing the engine to the maximum of its ability and continuing to run the engine when it is overheated. At times a renter may hit rocks or other obstructions in the water. If the problem with the engine is due to the operator the renter is responsible for all necessary repairs, towing fees, and damaged or lost equipment.

What happens if I cannot tell you which marker I am near? You will need to call 911 and ask for a GPS location to be called into River Safaris so that we can locate you. You may not under any circumstances be out of the Homosassa River area NO GOING TO CRYSTAL RIVER OR CHASSAHOWITZKA RIVER AREAS.

Will there be life jackets on the boats? Yes all adult vests remain on the boat and children’s jackets will be provided upon boarding. Reminder-Kids age 6 and under are required to wear their vests any time the boat is in motion.

What other safety equipment will be on the boat? Everything required by Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission which includes: whistle, paddle, dive flag, fire extinguisher, anchors, throw cushion, SOS flag & flares.

Do I really need to read my rental agreement? Yes! You will be responsible for the equipment you rent and you should be aware of your obligations. Your rental includes MANDATORY FULL BOAT PROTECTION in the amount of $42.00 plus tax.

Is it okay to follow the other boaters? NO! Follow the information we give you. Those other boaters may have experience navigating the area in their boat or they may not have any idea what they are doing. And never attempt to follow an airboat.

How far is it to the Gulf? Springs? The Gulf of Mexico is approximately 6 miles and the spring area approximately 2miles. Note: the Scallop grounds are approximately 10 miles from our location and takes approx. 1 ½ hours each way.

Is it slow speed all the way? No, during the winter months there are seasonal slow speed zones due to manatees being in the area. Watch for signs letting you know when you need to go at slow, idle or can increase the speed.

How fast will the boats go? Our pontoon boats are not speed boats. The speed will vary with the amount of weight (people & coolers), the tide and wind direction and skill of the operator. Running at full throttle will overheat the loaded boats engine causing the computer to slow the motor down or stop until cooled.

Will the anchors always stay secure? No, anchors may need to be reset depending on winds and tides especially while scalloping. Always have a person stay on the boat who knows how to operate the boat should the anchors loosen or drag. Also, anchors can become lodged on rocks making them difficult to get out.

Why can’t I book on line? If you are unable to book on line please call us at 352-628-5222 most likely we are close to being sold out for the day you are requesting and you must call to make sure we have availability.

Can we take a B-B-Q grill on the boat? No

Are there toilets on the boats? No

Are there any islands were we can get off the boat? No

Do we let our boats go to the scallop grounds? Yes but only as far as marker 6 and you must stay where you can see a channel marker. If you need help and cannot tell us where you are exactly you are on your own. Never go out of the Homosassa area.

Can I rent a boat for ½ day to go scalloping? No, because the scallop grounds are approximately 4 miles past the mouth of the river in the Gulf and takes over 1 ½ hours each way. We advise that you depart no later than 10 am when going scalloping.

*Cancellation Policy- Reservations cancelled five calendar days prior to Tour, Charter or Rental arrival date will receive a full refund less the booking fee of 4%. Any Tour, Charter or Rental cancelled by River Safaris or River Ventures due to inclement weather or other conditions beyond our control shall receive a 100% refund.


Reservations cancelled less than the time period or conditions outlined above will be offered a chance to reschedule (based on availability) or receive a voucher for the Tour, Charter or Rental for the full amount paid. Vouchers have no expiration and may be used towards any Tour, Charter, or Rental. If this should happen we make every effort to notify you as soon as possible. We determine cancellation by the date the reservation of a boat rental is made. Make your reservations early to avoid this happening to you!