CraigCat Rental in Merritt Island: Self-Guided Boat

You steer a dual-control catamaran built for two, choosing where the river takes you.

Rent a two-passenger CraigCat powerboat on Merritt Island's rivers near Cocoa Beach with fuel included. You captain the boat yourself, steering through the waterways to watch dolphins and manatees, spot rocket launches, or anchor at sandbars and islands. Choose between a one-hour or two-hour rental. No guide, no fixed route. You decide where to go.

The experience

The CraigCat is a compact power catamaran with side-by-side seating and dual-action controls, built so both passengers can help steer. You pick the duration (one hour or two hours), and fuel is included. The boat launches from Merritt Island, and from there the river opens into multiple channels, tributaries, and shallow-water areas where larger boats can't reach. Dolphins and manatees move through these waters regularly, and if the timing aligns, you may see a rocket launch from the nearby spaceport.

Because you're in command, the day shapes itself around what interests you. Some renters stay close to the sandbars and islands, anchoring to swim or relax. Others explore deeper into the canal system or follow the main river channel. The shallow draft means you can navigate places tour boats skip. Fuel is covered, so you're not paying extra for the hours you're out on the water.

What’s included

• Fuel.
• two-passenger seating with dual-action controls so both occupants can help steer.
• self-guided access to Merritt Island's rivers, canals, and tributaries.

Options for this experience

2 options

1 Hour Craigcat Rental16 departure times: the first at 09:00, the last at 16:30Lasts 1 hour

2 Hour Craigcat Rental16 departure times: the first at 09:00, the last at 16:30Lasts 2 hours

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day16 departure times: the first at 09:00, the last at 16:30

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Cape Crossing Boat Rentals

Is this one for you?You captain the boat yourself with no guide, so the pace and route are entirely yours: ideal if you want to linger at a sandbar, follow dolphins, or explore at your own speed without a fixed itinerary.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I really see dolphins and manatees from the CraigCat?

Dolphins and manatees inhabit Merritt Island's rivers and are commonly spotted during rentals, though sightings are never guaranteed. The waterways where the CraigCat operates are their natural habitat.

What happens if a rocket launch occurs while I'm renting?

Rocket launches from the nearby spaceport are visible from the river, and timing is unpredictable. If one occurs during your rental, you'll have a front-row view from the water, but launches are not scheduled around rental times.

How shallow can the CraigCat go?

The CraigCat's compact design and shallow draft let it access tributaries and sandbars that larger boats cannot reach, giving you access to quieter, less-traveled sections of the river system.

Is the one-hour or two-hour rental better for seeing wildlife?

Two hours gives you more time to explore multiple areas and increases your chances of spotting dolphins or manatees, while one hour works if you want a shorter outing or are new to operating the boat.