Port Aransas Boat Rentals, dba Port A Boat Rentals, is a premium pontoon boat rental company based at Island Moorings Yacht Club in Port Aransas, Texas. We offer self-operated rentals of our Barletta tritoon pontoon boats.
We're a locally and veteran-owned, family-operated business committed to delivering an exceptional on-water experience for our guests in Port Aransas.
We operate from Island Moorings Yacht Club in Port Aransas, Texas. You'll check in and board your vessel at our designated dock area within the marina. Detailed directions and check-in instructions are provided at the time of booking.
We operate year-round on a seasonal schedule based on daylight conditions. All rentals are daylight-only — operation is restricted to the period from 30 minutes after sunrise to 30 minutes before sunset.
Hours may be adjusted day-to-day based on weather conditions.
All rentals are restricted to Bay and Channel waters only. Ocean and Gulf access is strictly prohibited under all circumstances, and entering the Corpus Christi Ship Channel is not permitted. Our boats are equipped with GPS geofencing that monitors vessel location and speed in real time, and you'll be briefed on all approved routes, no-go zones, and restricted areas before departure.
Popular spots include sandbar hangouts, dolphin viewing areas near Lydia Ann Lighthouse, and sheltered coves around the bay. Many guests enjoy Corpus Christi Bay and travel down to Aransas Bay. Due to depth restrictions, Redfish Bay is not approved for operation.
Our entire fleet consists of 2025 Barletta tritoon pontoon boats — three vessels in total:
Two (2) Barletta A24QC models — 24-foot premium tritoons
One (1) Barletta A22QC Platinum — 22-foot platinum-edition tritoon
Every vessel is powered by 200+ horsepower engines, and all three are priced identically. Barletta is a premium pontoon manufacturer known for quality construction and performance. Tritoons (three pontoons instead of two) provide superior stability, increased weight capacity, and better handling in wind and current — making them ideal for bay conditions.
Maximum capacity is set per the manufacturer's rated capacity placard on each vessel. The 24ft A24QC accommodates up to 10 passengers; the 22ft A22QC accommodates up to 8. All pricing is per boat (not per person), so whether your group is 2 or 10, the rate stays the same.
Every rental includes everything you need for a great day on the water:
✓ Barletta Tritoon Pontoon (200+ HP)
✓ USCG-approved life jackets for all guests
✓ Safety equipment and first aid kit
✓ Bluetooth stereo system
✓ Bimini shade top
✓ Swim ladder
✓ Pre-departure safety & orientation briefing by trained deckhand
✓ SIMRAD navigation system and GPS geofencing
✓ Fuel for standard bay cruising
✓ Cooler space on board
Yes — bring whatever food and beverages you'd like. A few rules apply:
• No glass containers of any kind. Cans, plastic, aluminum, or insulated drinkware only.
• Passengers 21 or older may consume alcohol on board, in accordance with Texas law.
• The vessel operator may not consume alcohol or any impairing substance during the rental — this is Texas state law (Penal Code §49.06, Boating While Intoxicated) and a strict condition of rental.
We offer two rental formats:
Half-Day Rental — 4 Hours
Morning (8:00 AM – 12:00 PM) or Afternoon (1:00 PM – 5:00 PM)
Full-Day Rental — Up to 9 Hours
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (occupies the vessel for the entire operating day)
Pricing is per boat (not per person) and varies by season. Please visit rentals.portaboatrentals.com to see current pricing and check live availability.
Every rental includes Mandatory Damage Coverage:
• If accidental damage occurs during normal, lawful operation, your maximum out-of-pocket responsibility is capped at the $1,000 deductible.
• The Company's insurance covers any accidental damage costs above $1,000.
• A $500 credit card authorization hold is placed on your card prior to departure. This is a temporary hold, not a charge, and is released within 5–10 business days after the post-return inspection if no damage or violations are identified.
Yes. Trip Protection is an optional add-on available at booking for an additional fee based on a percentage of your rental cost. It covers cancellations due to qualifying weather events or personal emergencies (verifiable illness, injury, family emergency, or significant travel delays).
If you cancel for a covered reason, you may choose either a full refund or a free reschedule. Trip Protection does not cover change of mind, schedule conflicts, no-shows, or cancellations resulting from breach of the rental agreement.
Weather cancellations initiated by Port A Boat Rentals before departure always result in a full refund or free reschedule — regardless of whether Trip Protection was purchased.
Without Trip Protection:
• 72+ hours before rental: Full refund
• Less than 72 hours / day-of: No refund (reschedule may be offered at Company discretion)
Modifications (date, time, or vessel changes) requested more than 72 hours in advance are accommodated at no charge, subject to availability.
The designated Guest Operator (the person driving the boat) must meet all of the following requirements:
✓ Be at least 25 years of age — no exceptions
✓ Present a valid government-issued photo ID (U.S. state driver's license, state ID, U.S. passport, or accepted foreign passport/driver's license) at check-in
✓ No DUI, DWI, BWI, OWI, or equivalent conviction, guilty plea, or deferred adjudication within the 3 years preceding the rental date
✓ If born on or after September 1, 1993: present a valid Texas Boater Education Certificate (or accepted out-of-state equivalent)
✓ Be physically and mentally fit to operate the vessel and not under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any impairing substance
✓ Be proficient in English (able to read, write, and understand the rental agreement and safety briefing)
✓ Be familiar and comfortable with operating a motorized vessel of similar size and type
✓ Complete all required documentation: Rental Agreement, Liability Waiver, and Damage Responsibility Acknowledgment
Texas doesn't have a "boating license," but the state does require a Boater Education Certificate for certain operators. Under Texas law, anyone born on or after September 1, 1993, must hold a valid Texas Boater Education Certificate to operate a vessel.
If you fall within this age range and don't yet have your certificate, you can complete the course online through the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department before your trip. Digital certificates are accepted.
Prior boating experience is required. The Guest Operator must self-certify familiarity and comfort with operating a motorized vessel of the size and type rented — including basic vessel controls (steering, throttle, shifting, trim) and on-water navigation. You must be physically capable of handling the vessel in normal Corpus Christi Bay conditions, including wind, chop, wakes, and other vessel traffic.
The bay also requires comfort reading depth instrumentation (SIMRAD), recognizing changing conditions, and avoiding shallow water. If you're not fully confident in any aspect of vessel operation, you must request additional instruction from staff before departing — or not depart at all. If you're unsure whether your experience meets this requirement, contact us before booking.
Absolutely! Children of all ages are welcome as passengers. Texas law requires that children under 13 years of age must wear a USCG-approved life jacket at all times while the vessel is underway. We provide life jackets in all sizes, including children's sizes.
Please note: only the designated Guest Operator (25+) may operate the vessel. Children cannot drive the boat.
Plan to arrive early to allow time for check-in. Here's how the process works:
1. Our deckhand verifies your ID and all required documentation
2. Your deckhand assists with boarding and gets everyone seated
3. You receive a mandatory safety and orientation briefing covering vessel operation, speed zones, restricted areas, current conditions, and navigation rules
4. Once the briefing is complete and everything checks out, you're cleared for departure!
The entire process is designed to be quick and organized. Our deckhands handle all vessel staging — you never have to dock or undock the boat yourself.
We recommend bringing: sunscreen, sunglasses, towels, a cooler with food and drinks (no glass!), water, hats, and a change of dry clothes. If you have little ones, bring swimsuits and water shoes.
We provide all safety equipment, life jackets, and fuel. You can also add a pre-loaded Yeti cooler with ice to your reservation if you'd rather not haul your own.
As you approach the marina, our deckhand will be ready to receive you at the dock — you don't need to dock the boat yourself. Our dockhands will guide you in close and pull you in with docking poles. A post-return inspection is conducted while you're present, including photos and documentation of the vessel's condition. You'll sign off confirming the boat's condition, and your credit card hold is released within 5–10 business days after the inspection is finalized.
Our pontoon boats cannot accommodate wheelchairs due to the vessel design and boarding process. However, guests with limited mobility who are able to board with assistance are welcome — our deckhands are trained to provide reasonable boarding assistance and will work with you to ensure safe, dignified access.
If you have questions about accessibility, please contact us before booking so we can discuss your specific needs.
Safe operation is our top priority. Port A Boat Rentals may cancel or reschedule rentals when published weather thresholds are met — including:
• Sustained winds of 20 knots (23 mph) or greater
• NWS Small Craft Advisory or higher marine warning
• Severe weather warnings or lightning within 6 miles of Port Aransas
• More than 0.5 inches of rain forecast within any 4-hour window of the Rental Period
• Red tide, harmful algal bloom, or water-quality advisory issued by TPWD or NOAA
• Air temperature forecast below 60°F or above 100°F
Weather cancellations initiated by Port A Boat Rentals before departure always result in a full refund or free reschedule — regardless of whether you purchased Trip Protection.
Yes. Every vessel is equipped with GPS-based geofencing and speed-monitoring systems (Boatfix) that track location and speed in real time. The system enforces bay-only boundaries, restricted and no-go zones (shallow flats, oyster beds, protected areas), and speed limits within designated zones.
If a boundary or speed limit is violated, both you and our operations team receive an immediate alert, and a staff member will contact you by phone to help you correct course. The Company also reserves the right to recall the vessel at any time for safety, weather, regulatory, or compliance reasons.
Yes. Every vessel carries USCG-approved life jackets for all guests, including children's sizes. Under Texas law, children under 13 must wear a life jacket at all times while the vessel is underway (engine on and moving). Adults are encouraged to wear them as well.
Passengers 21 years and older are welcome to enjoy alcoholic beverages on board (BYOB, no glass containers). However, the vessel operator may not consume alcohol, drugs, or any impairing substance at any time during the rental.
Boating While Intoxicated (BWI) is a criminal offense under Texas Penal Code §49.06 — penalties include fines up to $10,000, imprisonment up to 10 years, and loss of boating privileges. Any suspected impairment of the operator will result in immediate termination of the rental with no refund.
For safety, insurance, and legal compliance, the following are strictly prohibited during your rental. Violation of any of these voids damage coverage, may result in immediate termination with no refund, and renders you fully and personally liable for any resulting damage, injury, fine, or claim.
✗ No towed activities of any kind — no tubes, towables, skis, wakeboards, rafts, or any device pulled behind the vessel.
✗ No fishing from the vessel — no rods, lines, hooks, lures, bait, chum, or caught fish on board. Wading to fish from a sandbar is fine; bringing rigged gear aboard is not.
✗ No operating in water less than 2 feet deep — this protects the hull, propeller, and lower unit from grounding damage.
✗ No ocean or Gulf access — bay and channel only. The Corpus Christi Ship Channel is also off-limits.
✗ No operating outside daylight hours — vessel must be operated only from 30 minutes after sunrise to 30 minutes before sunset.
✗ No smoking, vaping, cannabis, or open flames — the vessel carries fuel; any ignition source is an unacceptable fire risk.
✗ No glass containers aboard the vessel.
✗ No canopy or bimini manipulation — staff will set your preferred configuration before departure; do not raise, lower, or adjust it during the rental. Call us if a change is needed.
✗ No transferring operation to anyone other than the signed Guest Operator.
✗ No exceeding rated passenger capacity.
✗ No pets aboard without prior written consent from the Company (service animals are permitted in accordance with applicable law).
✗ No commercial use, subletting, or operation for hire.
Our vessels are rented for recreational cruising and family experiences — they're not equipped or intended for fishing. Hooks, lures, lines, and tackle pose serious injury risks to passengers (lacerations, eye injuries, embedded hooks) and damage risks to upholstery, canopy, hardware, and deck surfaces from hooks, sinkers, chum, fish blood, and slime.
If you want to fish, you're welcome to do so off the vessel — for example, by wading from a sandbar. Just don't bring rigged equipment, bait, chum, or caught fish onto the boat.
Operating in less than 2 feet of water creates substantial risk of grounding, hull damage, propeller damage, and lower unit damage. Corpus Christi Bay contains shallow areas, shifting sandbars, submerged oyster reefs, and unmarked submerged obstacles that change with tides and conditions.
Each vessel is equipped with a SIMRAD depth display, and you'll be briefed on safe zones before departure. Damage sustained from operating in water you knew (or reasonably should have known) was less than 2 feet deep is fully excluded from damage coverage and is your full financial responsibility.
You can absolutely observe and enjoy marine wildlife from a respectful distance — dolphin sightings are one of the best parts of a day on the bay! But the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act prohibits pursuing, harassing, feeding, touching, or attempting to interact with any marine mammal, including dolphins.
Upgrade your day with these optional add-ons, selected at the time of booking:
Yeti Cooler + Ice Package — $35
Extra Large Floating Hammock — $125
Large Floating Hammock — $100
Cooler Float — $20
Pet Package — $30 (requires prior approval at booking)
Floating Chairs (pair) — $50
Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP) — $50
Trip Protection — % of rental cost
Not at the moment. We are currently working on our Captained Experience offering.
