Craigcat Rental in Merritt Island

Discover Merritt Island’s Waterways with a CraigCat Rental

Looking for a fun, flexible way to explore Florida’s Indian River Lagoon? For just $68 per group (up to two people), you can rent a CraigCat, a quirky, compact powerboat that feels more like a personal adventure than a typical boat tour. Starting at 306 Lagoon Way in Merritt Island, this hour-long rental offers a chance to spot dolphins and manatees, glide past beautiful river islands, and even catch a rocket launch if timing aligns.

What makes this experience truly stand out are two things: the freedom to navigate at your own pace—whether you want to chill on a sandbar or zip around exploring tributaries—and the unique design of the CraigCat itself. Its ergonomic, side-by-side seating and dual controls make it easy to steer, even for those with some boating experience. One thing to keep in mind is that the hour-long rental is perfect for a quick escape; if you want a more leisurely or extensive outing, booking for two hours is recommended by previous visitors.

A possible consideration is finding the meeting point—one reviewer mentioned it can be a little tricky to locate with GPS, so arriving a few minutes early could save some stress. On top of that, the drop-in height into the boat might be challenging for older or less mobile travelers, so it’s worth considering your comfort level with balancing on a small craft. This rental best suits adventurous, wildlife-loving travelers who enjoy self-guided exploration, or those looking for a relaxing day on the water with plenty of opportunities to see playful dolphins.

Key Points

• Unique Watercraft: The CraigCat offers a one-of-a-kind, easy-to-control experience for two people.
• Wildlife Viewing: Expect to see dolphins, manatees, and other wildlife in their natural habitat.
• Flexibility & Freedom: Navigate the waterways at your own pace, explore islands, and relax on sandbars.
• Affordable & Convenient: For $68, you get about an hour of personalized exploration with a mobile ticket.
• Great for Relaxation & Adventure: Suitable for families, couples, or solo travelers who enjoy waterside scenery.
• Customer Praise: Consistently rated highly for friendly staff, scenic views, and dolphin encounters.

Exploring the Merritt Island CraigCat Experience

Imagine yourself slipping into a compact, well-designed watercraft that’s as fun as it is practical. The CraigCat is not your average rental—it’s a standout for those craving an authentic, hands-on experience of Florida’s Indian River Lagoon. Both the design and the controls are crafted for simplicity and excitement. We loved the ergonomic, side-by-side seating that offers a stable ride and makes it easy to share the experience, whether you’re with a partner or a friend.

From the moment you arrive at 306 Lagoon Way, the friendly staff quickly gets you on your way. As multiple reviews highlight, the team is known for their warm, attentive service—a big plus when you’re eager to start your adventure. Once on the water, the slow, peaceful cruise through the river allows plenty of time to take in the natural sights and spot wildlife. One visitor described their ride as “peaceful and refreshing,” enjoying the gentle splash of water and the chance to see dolphins up close.

What Sets This Watercraft Apart?

Unlike traditional boat rentals that might feel bulky or intimidating, the CraigCat’s compact size makes it perfect for navigating narrower channels and exploring tributaries that larger boats might not access. Its dual-action controls are designed for ease of use, making it accessible to most travelers, even those with limited boating experience.

Another highlight is the wildlife viewing potential. Several reviews mention dolphin sightings—friendly, playful dolphins seem to love hanging around the canals and river channels. Others note the chance to see manatees and enjoy the lush scenery that surrounds the waterway. One visitor joyfully reported, “We saw lots of dolphins in the canal,” and watching these intelligent creatures in their natural environment adds a special touch to the trip.

Itinerary and Highlights

Your rental begins at the meeting point—a straightforward spot, though, as one review mentions, GPS directions can be a little tricky. Arriving a few minutes early gives you time to get oriented and receive a quick safety briefing or instructions. After that, you’re free to sail out into the Indian River Lagoon and choose your own path.

The main attractions include cruising past river islands and sandbars where you can stop, relax, and enjoy the scenery. Some guests have used the boat as a platform for watching rocket launches—a rare and thrilling spectacle if the timing is just right. Along the way, wildlife encounters are common, with dolphins often approaching close enough to get a good look.

Practical Details and Experience Quality

The hour-long rental is ideal for a quick, yet fulfilling, outing. For those wanting more time, booking two hours is advisable, especially if you want to explore further or spend more time relaxing on a sandbar. The price of $68 per group is quite reasonable considering the personalized experience and the chance to see wildlife in a natural setting. Previous reviews consistently mention the excellent value, especially when you factor in the opportunity to explore independently without a guide.

Participants note that the experience is suitable for most—most travelers can participate, and the staff provides a quick “crash course” to get you comfortable with the controls. Still, one review pointed out that getting into the CraigCat involves a four-foot step-down that could be a challenge for some, especially those with mobility issues. Also, having some boating experience can make the experience smoother, but it’s not strictly necessary.

Customer Service and Overall Satisfaction

One of the standout features, according to reviews, is the friendly, helpful staff. Many guests rave about the positive vibes and excellent customer service, which makes the experience even more enjoyable. The rental company also offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, adding to the peace of mind for planning.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This rental is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts, couples looking for a romantic yet adventurous outing, or families wanting a fun day on the water. If you enjoy self-guided exploration and being your own captain, this is an ideal way to see Merritt Island’s waterways without the constraints of a preset tour. You’ll love the up-close wildlife encounters and the freedom to customize your route.

The Sum Up

The Craigcat rental in Merritt Island offers a rare blend of adventure, relaxation, and wildlife viewing that truly makes it stand out. Its compact design and ease of use mean you don’t need prior boating experience to enjoy the ride, while the scenic waterways promise plenty of chances to see dolphins, manatees, and other local wildlife.

For a cost-effective, flexible, and fun-filled way to explore the Indian River Lagoon, this experience ticks all the boxes. Whether you’re a nature lover, a thrill-seeker, or someone simply wanting to enjoy a peaceful day on the water, the CraigCat will not disappoint. Just remember to arrive early, take a moment to get comfortable, and be ready for an authentic Florida adventure.

FAQs

What is included in the rental?
You get a two-passenger CraigCat watercraft for approximately an hour, along with basic instructions and safety guidance from friendly staff.

Can I see wildlife during the rental?
Yes. Many guests report dolphin sightings, and some have also seen manatees. The waterways are rich with wildlife, especially with calm, slow-paced cruising.

Is this experience suitable for children or seniors?
Most travelers can participate, but consider mobility and comfort—getting into the CraigCat involves a four-foot drop, which might be difficult for some.

How early should I book?
On average, bookings are made about 9 days in advance, so it’s best to plan ahead, especially during peak season.

What happens if the weather is poor?
The rental is weather-dependent. If canceled due to bad conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is there a minimum age requirement?
The information doesn’t specify age restrictions, but as the experience involves boating controls, some boating knowledge might be helpful.

How do I find the meeting point?
The rental starts at 306 Lagoon Way, but a few reviews suggest using GPS, arriving early to avoid confusion.

Whether you’re after a wildlife-filled cruise, a self-guided adventure, or just a relaxing day on the water, renting a CraigCat in Merritt Island offers an authentic, fun, and affordable way to experience Florida’s natural beauty.