Where do I check in for my rental?
- We are located at Shelter Cove Marina, at 1 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island SC. The Marina Ship’s Store is located under ELA’S Restaurant for any last-minute items, and you can check in at the Kiosk on the wharf out front of the Marina Store.
Where do I park my car?
- You can park your car in the parking lot next to the Marina Ship’s store located at 1 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island, SC, or drop your family and coolers off and park in our overflow parking lot at 9 Harbourside Lane, Hilton Head Island, SC.
Do I need a captain’s license to drive the boat?
- No, you need to be at least 21 years old with a valid driver’s license. Not sure about driving the boat? We will make sure you are comfortable before heading out! We will send you a short video covering how easy it is to use our nav systems in the calm waters surrounding Hilton Head Island in your confirmation email.
Do you have life jackets?
- There will be Coast Guard approved life jackets for everyone on board. Children 13 and under are required to wear them while on the boat. We have comfortable life vests for all ages.
What is the cancellation policy?
- If you need to cancel for personal reasons, we ask that you do so at least 48 hours in advance of the trip. If it’s inside the 48 hours, we will do our best to reschedule your reservation. If you are not able to get out on your rental due to weather, we will try to reschedule you, but if you can’t be rescheduled, we will give you a full refund.
What happens if there is bad weather coming?
- We monitor weather radars and will make the call at the time of the trip. We try our best to only delay the start time but if dangerous weather persists, we may have to reschedule for another day when it’s safe to be on the water. If you are not able to get out on your Hilton Head boat rental due to weather, we will try to reschedule you, but if you can’t be rescheduled, we will give you a full refund.
What if we want to extend our boat rental?
- If you’d like to extend your boat rental, give us a call and we can try to accommodate you but when making your reservation during peak season (May-September) we may have a reservation after yours, so if you’re thinking of booking more time, do so in advance just in case we cannot extend the booking the day-of.
How long does it take by water to get to these destinations?
- Harbour Town: 45 min
Daufuskie Island: 1 hour
Fish Camp (Restaurant): 10 min
Black Marlin (Restaurant): 20 min
Old House Cay: 50 min
What if I damage the boat?
- If you choose to purchase a damage waiver for $50, this will cover you up to $2000.00 in damage. If you do not purchase a damage waiver then you are responsible for 100% of the damage.
What happens if we get lost?
- We have a GPS for easy navigation. All of our boats are also equipped with tracking devices, so we always have your location. Please give us a call and we can help you find your way, or we will come and get you.
Can I hire a Captain for my boat?
- Our boat rentals do not have captains for hire. Not sure about driving the boat? We will make sure you are comfortable before heading out! We will send you a short video covering how easy it is to use our nav systems in the calm waters surrounding Hilton Head Island in your confirmation email.
Can I bring my own food & drinks?
- You can bring coolers with food and drinks. No glass is allowed for your own safety. Alcohol is permitted but remember you can’t drink and drive!
Is gas included?
- No, gas is not included. Gas will cost $10 an hour. You will be charged when making your reservations.
Can you fish on a pontoon?
- However, pontoons do not have live wells or rod holders.
Do you have fishing equipment?
- Shelter Cove Marina Ship’s Store has fishing poles for rent and sells bait and tackle. Our dockhands will be happy to give you some locations to fish. You will need to buy your fishing license before arriving for your rental. Purchase one here.
Do all pontoons have a cover for shade?
- All of our pontoon boat rentals have a 9’ Sunbrella bimini top that provides shade for about 50% of the boat’s seating area. You can also lean the bimini top back to have 100% sun across the pontoon if you want. Ask our staff upon arrival how to operate the bimini top.
Do we have late fees if the boat is not returned on time?
- Once you are more than 20 minutes late you will be charged a late fee of $150.00.
Do you allow skiing, wakeboarding or tubing?
- Sorry, no towing is allowed on our pontoon rental boats.
Are there restrooms on the boat?
- No, there are no restrooms on our rental boats. Be sure to use our restrooms located at the Marina Ship’s Store before you depart.
Is smoking allowed?
- No smoking is allowed on our rental boats.
Is the dock wheelchair accessible?
- Please call 866-922-6567 for special request.