Craigcat Rental in Merritt Island

If you’re looking for a fun, flexible way to explore Florida’s stunning waterways without the fuss of larger boats or guided tours, a Craigcat rental might just be your ticket. Based in Merritt Island, this experience offers a unique blend of independence, wildlife encounters, and scenic beauty. With a perfect rating of 5.0 from 20 reviews, it’s clear many travelers find this activity both memorable and worthwhile.

We love that it’s a small-group, self-guided adventure — giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace and stop wherever you like. The friendly staff and easy-to-control Craigcats make this a great choice for beginners and seasoned boaters alike. Our one concern? Finding the exact meeting spot can be tricky without precise directions, so be prepared with your GPS.

This activity is ideal for nature lovers, solo explorers, and couples seeking a relaxing day on the water. If you enjoy dolphin sightings, birdwatching, or just feeling the wind in your hair, this rental offers a memorable, hands-on experience that’s all about connection with the environment.

Key Points

• Self-guided adventure with a compact, easy-to-operate watercraft.
• Perfect for wildlife watching, especially dolphins.
• Affordable price at $68 per group for about an hour.
• Great for most travelers, with friendly staff ensuring a quick onboarding.
• Excellent reviews highlight scenic views and peaceful cruising.
• Be prepared for some minor logistical challenges, like finding the meeting point.

An Introduction to Merritt Island’s Craigcat Rental

Imagine sliding across the water, wind in your face, water splashing up as you glide past mangroves and wildlife. That’s exactly what you get with a Craigcat rental in Merritt Island. This isn’t your typical boat rental — the Craigcat is a small, dual-seater power catamaran designed for fun, easy handling, and intimate exploration of Florida’s scenic waterways.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the ergonomic design with side-by-side seats means you and a friend or partner can comfortably cruise together. Second, the dual-action controls make maneuvering straightforward, even for those with limited boating experience. The overall experience blends the thrill of being on the water with the serenity of nature, all in a compact, easy-to-transport package.

While it’s not a long tour — just about an hour — the value lies in the flexibility and intimacy of your own self-guided trip. And with most bookings happening eight days in advance, it’s a popular choice for those planning ahead. The price of $68 for up to two people makes this an accessible activity that offers more than just a boat ride — it’s a chance to connect with nature on your own terms.

What to Expect on Your Merritt Island Craigcat Experience

Starting Point & Meeting Logistics: Your adventure begins at 306 Lagoon Way, Merritt Island. The staff is known for being friendly and efficient, helping you get on the water quickly so you can start your exploration without delay. Some reviews mention that finding the exact location can be a bit challenging, especially without precise GPS directions, so having a reliable navigation app is recommended.

The Watercraft: The Craigcat itself is a quirky, fun little vessel. Its design emphasizes stability and ease of control. Many reviews mention how surprisingly easy it is to pick up, with some saying, “Once I got on and was given a quick crash course, I was gone — so much fun.” Its compact size allows you to navigate narrower channels and get close to wildlife that larger boats can’t reach.

Wildlife & Scenic Views: Expect plenty of opportunities to see dolphins, manatees, and various bird species. Multiple reviewers highlight dolphin sightings as a highlight, with some watching playful dolphins all around them for quite a while. The calm waters of the Indian River Lagoon provide a perfect backdrop for wildlife watching, especially on a warm day when splashing water and breezes make for a refreshing experience.

The Riding Experience: The ride is described as peaceful and relaxing. One reviewer noted, “Feeling the wind in my face and water in my feet was lovely,” emphasizing how this activity combines serenity with a bit of adventure. While some mention windier days can make the ride a little wetter, that adds to the fun and sense of being truly outdoors.

Wildlife Encounters: Several reviews highlight dolphin and manatee sightings, with some mentioning dolphins being particularly playful. The experience of being so close to these creatures — often approaching the boat — adds an extra layer of excitement. The watercraft’s maneuverability makes it easier to follow wildlife without disturbing them.

The Practicalities: Cost, Duration, and Booking

At $68 per group, the activity is reasonably priced considering it includes a self-guided tour on a specialized watercraft. The duration of approximately one hour is suitable for a quick, refreshing escape rather than an all-day affair. For those who want more time, many find that renting for 2 hours could be more rewarding.

The activity is booked on average 8 days in advance, which is convenient for planning a Florida trip. The rental includes a mobile ticket, making it simple to manage your reservation.

Group size is limited to two people per Craigcat, so it’s ideal for couples, friends, or solo explorers. The small group size ensures a personal experience and plenty of opportunity for wildlife viewing and scenic exploration.

Reviews: What Travelers Are Saying

Authentic feedback paints a clear picture of what you’re getting. Many reviewers emphasize the friendly staff, with one even complimenting the customer service as “100-star good”. This reflects well on the overall experience, especially if you’re new to watercraft.

The recurring theme is dolphin sightings, with travelers describing seeing dolphins with playful behaviors. One noted, “a lot of dolphins in the canal,” and others enjoyed the “friendly manatees” and wildlife encounters.

Another point travelers appreciate is how easy and fun the Craigcat is to control. Even skeptics like Shelby admit that once they got the hang of it, they were hooked and eager to return.

Some constructive feedback points to minor logistical hurdles: finding the location can be tricky even with GPS, and getting onto the watercraft might be difficult for older or less agile travelers due to the height of the boat. A suggestion from reviews is to have stairs or a better boarding solution, especially for those with mobility concerns.

Why This Experience Offers Great Value

Considering the price point and the unique, self-guided nature of this activity, it’s an attractive option for travelers who want a personal, flexible adventure. The ability to control your own pace, combined with the potential for wildlife sightings, makes this more than just a boat rental — it’s an intimate encounter with Merritt Island’s natural beauty.

The friendly staff and positive reviews give confidence that you’ll be well cared for, even if you’re unfamiliar with boating. Plus, the compact size of the Craigcat means you can explore narrow channels and get close to wildlife in ways that larger boats simply can’t match.

Who Will Love This?

Wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers will find this experience especially rewarding, thanks to the frequent dolphin sightings and tranquil surroundings. It’s also perfect for couples or friends seeking a fun, guided-free day on the water. Those with some boating experience will appreciate the ease of handling, but even beginners report feeling comfortable after a quick lesson.

Solo travelers who want to enjoy some peaceful solitude or take photos will also find this to be a rewarding activity. If you’re someone who enjoys having control over your schedule and route, this rental offers just that.

Family groups with older children might enjoy it, but younger kids or those with mobility issues should consider logistical challenges like boarding height. A relaxing, scenic ride with plenty of wildlife activity makes it suitable for a wide range of outdoor lovers.

The Sum Up

A Craigcat rental in Merritt Island offers a refreshing, flexible way to explore Florida’s wildlife-rich waterways. Its small size and self-guided format provide a level of freedom and intimacy that larger tours can’t match, making it ideal for travelers who enjoy independent adventures and wildlife encounters.

The friendly staff and positive reviews suggest you’ll be in good hands, whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned boater. The opportunity to see playful dolphins and enjoy scenic views makes this activity stand out as a memorable part of any Merritt Island itinerary.

While some logistical details could be fine-tuned — like clearer directions and easier boarding — these are minor compared to the overall value and fun. The affordable price combined with the chance to experience Florida’s natural beauty up close makes this a worthwhile choice for many.

Ultimately, if you’re after a personal, wildlife-focused water adventure that’s easy to fit into your day, the Craigcat rental is a standout activity worth considering.

FAQ

How long does the rental last?
The typical duration is about 1 hour, perfect for a quick but memorable outing. You can also consider booking for 2 hours if you want more time on the water.

What is the cost?
It’s $68 per group, accommodating up to two people. This price covers the rental and the basic instruction.

Can I book in advance?
Yes, most travelers book around 8 days ahead, which helps secure your spot during busy times.

Is this activity suitable for children or seniors?
Most travelers can participate, but seniors or those with mobility issues might find getting onto the Craigcat challenging due to its height. A more accessible boarding method would improve the experience.

What wildlife might I see?
Dolphins are a common highlight, often seen playing around the boat. Manatees, various bird species, and other aquatic life are also possible.

Where do I meet for the rental?
The meeting point is 306 Lagoon Way, Merritt Island. Be sure to have GPS directions handy, as some reviews mention it can be tricky to find.

Is it guided?
No, this is a self-guided experience, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. A waterproof bag for your phone or camera is also recommended.

What if the weather turns bad?
The rental requires good weather. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll get a full refund or the option to reschedule.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, cancellations are free up to 24 hours before the reservation. Less than 24 hours, and refunds are not available.

Whether you’re craving wildlife encounters, scenic cruising, or just a new way to enjoy Merritt Island, this Craigcat rental offers a charming, accessible adventure. It’s a perfect choice for those seeking independence on the water and memorable moments with Florida’s wildlife.