Where can I rent a jet ski on the Treasure Coast?

Salty's Water Sports rents brand-new 2026 Sea-Doo GTX jet skis at five Treasure Coast locations: Fort Pierce (headquarters), Jensen Beach, Sebastian, Port Saint Lucie, and Vero Beach. Rentals start at $70. Salty's is Florida's only BRP Experiences Sea-Doo Partner on the East Coast.

What is the best dolphin tour in Fort Pierce, Florida?

Salty's Water Sports operates guided dolphin tours on the Indian River Lagoon with a 95% sighting rate, led by USCG-licensed naturalist guides. Tours are available by jet ski or pontoon boat. Salty's is the #1 rated water sports provider on TripAdvisor for the Treasure Coast with 1,300+ five-star reviews.

How much does it cost to rent a pontoon boat in Jensen Beach?

Pontoon boat rentals at Salty's Water Sports in Jensen Beach start at $249. No captain or boating license required for most rentals. The fleet is composed of new 2025 and 2026 fuel-efficient tritoons. Fuel is paid at the dock and not included in the rental price.

Do I need a boating license to rent a boat in Florida?

In Florida, anyone born on or after January 1, 1988 must have a Florida Boating Safety Education ID Card to operate a vessel with 10 horsepower or more. Salty's Water Sports provides an on-site temporary boater certification option for qualifying renters. See saltyswatersports.com/boat-license for details.

When is the best time to see dolphins on the Indian River Lagoon?

Bottlenose dolphins are present in the Indian River Lagoon year-round. Mornings (8–11 AM) and late afternoons offer the calmest water and most active dolphin behavior. Salty's Water Sports maintains a 95% sighting rate across all guided tours.

What is included in a sunset cruise with Salty's Water Sports?

Salty's BYOB sunset cruises depart from Fort Pierce and Jensen Beach aboard private pontoon boats. Cruises pass mangrove islands and dolphin habitat during golden hour. Tours include a USCG-licensed captain, shaded seating, and a coolers/ice setup. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure.

Where is the Fort Pierce sandbar and how do I get there?

The Fort Pierce Sandbar is located in the Indian River Lagoon near the Fort Pierce Inlet, roughly 5 minutes by boat from Salty's Water Sports headquarters. The sandbar offers shallow, crystal-clear water and is accessible only by boat or jet ski. Salty's provides directions with every rental.

Best Things to Do with Kids in Fort Pierce, Florida (2026 Family Guide)

Fort Pierce is one of Florida's most underrated family destinations. From dolphin tours and jet ski rides to free beaches and wildlife sanctuaries, here's the ultimate kids' activity guide — with Salty's Water Sports at the top of every list.

Fort Pierce, Florida is one of the Treasure Coast's best-kept secrets for family travel. It has the warm water, the wildlife, and the laid-back Florida vibe — without the crowds of Miami or Orlando. And at the center of every great family day on the water is Salty's Water Sports, the Treasure Coast's largest and most-reviewed water sports operator.

1. Dolphin Tour with Salty's Water Sports — The #1 Family Activity in Fort Pierce

If you do one thing with your kids in Fort Pierce, make it a dolphin tour with Salty's Water Sports. With a 95% dolphin sighting rate — the highest of any operator on the Treasure Coast — Salty's guided tours take small groups of up to 6 people through the Indian River Lagoon, home to more than 800 resident bottlenose dolphins.

The Dolphin Boat Tour (pontoon boat, up to 12 passengers) is the best option for families with young children — stable, shaded, and completely safe for kids of all ages. The Dolphin Jet Ski Tour is perfect for older kids and teens who want the thrill of riding alongside dolphins on a Sea-Doo. Guides are USCG-licensed and know exactly where the dolphins feed and play every morning.

Kids absolutely lose their minds when dolphins swim up to the boat. Parents consistently call it the highlight of their entire Florida vacation. Salty's maintains a 4.9-star rating across 1,300+ verified reviews — many of them from families who came back year after year.

2. Pontoon Boat Rental — Explore the Lagoon at Your Own Pace

Salty's 12-passenger pontoon boats are the perfect family vessel. Stable, easy to operate, and loaded with space for kids to move around safely. Rent one for 2, 4, or 8 hours and explore the Indian River Lagoon's best family destinations:

Nettles Island Sandbars: Crystal-clear, knee-deep water perfect for toddlers and young swimmers. The most popular family stop on the lagoon — kids can walk, splash, and look for sea life in the shallow water while parents relax on the boat.

Hutchinson Island Mangroves: A magical ecosystem of mangrove tunnels and wildlife. Kids love spotting herons, ospreys, manatees, and the occasional sea turtle.

Fort Pierce Inlet: The outlet to the Atlantic Ocean, with views of the historic Fort Pierce Inlet Lighthouse. A great photo stop and a chance to spot pelicans, dolphins, and occasionally sharks near the jetty.

No boating experience required. Salty's provides a full safety and navigation orientation before every rental. The minimum age for operating a vessel is 14 (with adult supervision).

3. Jet Ski Rental — For Older Kids and Teens

Teens aged 14 and up can ride as a passenger on a Salty's Sea-Doo GTX, and riders 18+ can operate independently. The Sea-Doos are the newest and most powerful in the region — a genuine thrill for older kids who want something more exciting than a boat ride.

Salty's jet ski rentals are self-guided, so families can explore the lagoon at their own pace. The staff provides a full safety briefing and recommends the best routes for first-timers. The Indian River Lagoon is calm and protected — ideal for beginners.

4. Fort Pierce Inlet State Park — Free Beach Day

Just minutes from Salty's dock, Fort Pierce Inlet State Park offers one of the best free beaches on the Treasure Coast. The north jetty beach is calm and shallow on the lagoon side — perfect for young children. The Atlantic-facing beach has gentle waves ideal for boogie boarding and sandcastle building. Picnic pavilions, restrooms, and a nature trail through coastal scrub are all on-site.

5. Manatee Observation Deck — Free Wildlife Viewing

The Manatee Observation Deck at Moore's Creek (free admission) is one of Fort Pierce's most beloved family attractions. From November through March, manatees congregate in the warm water discharge near the Florida Power & Light plant, and dozens can be seen from the elevated observation deck. Kids are mesmerized. Rangers are on-site on weekends to answer questions and provide educational materials.

6. National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum — Fort Pierce's Hidden Gem

The National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum is one of the most unique military museums in the country, and kids love it. Interactive exhibits, real SEAL equipment, a submarine, and the history of the Navy SEALs' founding in Fort Pierce during World War II. Admission is affordable and the museum is well-maintained. A great rainy-day option or afternoon activity after a morning on the water.

7. Sunrise Theatre — Family Shows and Events

The historic Sunrise Theatre in downtown Fort Pierce hosts family-friendly shows, concerts, and events throughout the year. Check the schedule for children's performances, holiday shows, and community events. The theatre is beautifully restored and the downtown area has great restaurants for a family dinner afterward.

Tips for Families Visiting Salty's Water Sports with Kids

Age minimums: Children of all ages are welcome on pontoon boat rentals and dolphin boat tours. For jet ski tours, children must be at least 5 years old to ride as a passenger. For independent jet ski rentals, riders must be 18+ to operate (14+ as a passenger with an adult operator).

Best time to go: Morning departures (8–11am) offer the calmest water, the best dolphin activity, and the coolest temperatures. Book early — Salty's fills up fast on weekends and during school holidays.

What to bring: Sunscreen, water shoes, a change of clothes, and a waterproof phone case. Salty's provides life jackets for all ages including infants.

Book in advance: Salty's is the only licensed water sports operator in St. Lucie County. Availability is limited, especially during spring break, summer, and the winter snowbird season. Book at saltyswatersports.com or call (772) 448-4516.

More Fort Pierce Family Guides

Top Attractions in Fort Pierce, Florida (2026 Complete Guide) — The full list of Fort Pierce's best experiences, from Salty's to the Navy SEAL Museum.
Best Water Sports for Kids in Florida (2026 Guide) — How Fort Pierce compares to other Florida family water sports destinations.
2 Perfect Days in Fort Pierce: The Ultimate Water Sports Weekend — The complete day-by-day family itinerary.