Frequently Asked Questions

The crew at Mad Beach is full of ideas on how to make your day on the water special. After all, we play on these waters all the time, so make good use of our experience. Some of our favorite spots and how to get there include: Shell Key (boat rental, jet ski tour, charter), John’s Pass Sandbars (boat rental, jet ski tour, charter), Bunce’s Pass Sandbar (jet ski tour, charter), and Egmont Key (charter only).

If you are not taking advantage of our Dockside Delivery & Pick Up, all vessels must board, depart, return and disembark from our docks at 8612 Bay Pines Blvd, St. Petersburg, FL 33709.

You must be at least 18 years old with valid I.D. to sign our contracts.

Yes, if you are born after January 1, 1988. You can apply to get a temporary boating license in the state of Florida here. Please follow these easy 4 steps:

1. Register and pay the course fee.
2. Study the material and/or take the test.
3. Once you’ve passed the test, complete your certificate info and create your 4-digit PIN.
4. Download or print your course completion document and bring it with you.

If you have a boat license from other states, they may be applicable in the state of Florida if bearing an NASBLA accreditation.

You must be at least 16 years old to operate a jet ski with Blind Pass. A parent must be present to sign the minor up for the activity. Operator prerequisites must be met, including valid driver’s license, Florida or NASBLA boater’s education card, and a $500.00 deposit per jet ski.

You’ll need a valid driver’s license and major credit card for a refundable deposit. Also, operators born after January 1, 1988 are required to bring proof of completing the Florida or NASBLA Boaters Education Course.

We require a $500.00 deposit per vessel. This is most commonly done with a major credit card, and the funds will be released once the vessel has finished the Return Check-In.

Yes, a child may ride aboard the jet ski. We do express caution when conditions are more dangerous than mild and will always insist the child sit behind the operator.

No, we will limit the riding area based on water conditions. Normally the riding area for rental boats is in the intra-coastal and near coastal waters from the Northern coast of Shell Key to the Reddington Long Pier, and boaters must keep the vessel in that area.

For safety reasons, everyone must be back at the docks at least one hour prior to sunset. Our operating hours are 9:00 AM to 1 hour before sunset, every day if the weather permits. Vessels participating in our Dock Side Delivery & Pick Up may only operate one hour after sunrise to one hour before sunset.

Jet ski tour: Yes, you may make a reservation for the Jet Ski Tour, but a minimum of 2 skis must be participating for the Tour to depart.

Boat rental: Yes, you may make a reservation for any boat, we recommend planning weekend trips at least three days in advance and even farther ahead for holiday weekends.

*You may make a reservation in person at 8612 Bay Pines Blvd, St. Petersburg, FL 33709.

*Book online.

*Book over the phone by calling (727) 648-0925.

Please arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your departure. You’ll need to read and sign paperwork. We also need sufficient time to instruct the driver on the riding area, particulars to their float plan, and orientate them to the features of the boat. If you’re late, you are cutting into your rental time.

A 24-hour notice of cancellation is required to avoid a $100 cancellation fee. No-call/no-shows will be charged the full rate of their reservation.

If you make a reservation and the weather is bad (Small Craft Advisory, Marine Hazard Statement, Limited Visibility), there is no cancellation fee. You have the option to cancel or to reschedule for a better time or day. We recommend scheduling your boat rental at the beginning of your stay in the area to allow for cancellations in case of bad weather.

If you are already on the water when the weather turns bad, you will only be charged for time on the water, or until you are back at the docks.

Yes, all boats are equipped with a chart of the riding area. If using your own source to navigate, please ensure it is updated for the most relevant information.

Jet ski rates include fuel; boat and charter rates do not.

We can’t estimate the amount of fuel that you will burn during your rental time. It will depend on which boat you are renting and what you do during your day on the water. Fuel economy will change with speed, weight being carried (persons and cargo), and sea conditions. The best we can tell you is that the tank will be full when you depart, and upon return we top off the boat so that we have an exact measurement of fuel consumed. A good rule of thumb: the slower you go, the less you burn.

Yes, prices on the website are always accurate. Vessels options may change as new boats are acquired and older boats removed from the fleet.

Yes, liability insurance is included in the rate, but you are financially responsible in the case of damages to the equipment.

Should the vessel develop any issues during your trip, call us IMMEDIATELY for assistance. We can solve problems very quickly, but only if we are made aware of the issue.

Yes, in Florida you must now have a fishing license anytime you put a line in the water. Contact the FWC for purchasing a fishing license at 1-888-347-4356 or at myfwc.com.

Fishing is not available on all vessels; check with staff if your vessel can be used for fishing.

No, for safety and insurance reasons we do not allow the vessel to be used for any towing activities.

We do provide a Captained option for those who would like to participate in watersports such as tubing, wakeboarding, and waterskiing.

Currently sailboats are not part of our fleet.