Original Owner Chris Thomas, son of Destin charter boat captain Larry Thomas, is a second-generation boat captain and has been fishing Destin waters for over 30 years. He founded Destin Vacation Boat Rentals in 2008 with his wife Heather, and together they became known for their reputation of excellent customer service and unmatched industry knowledge and experience.
Heather wrote the vast majority of our business blog, is a regular contributor to Beaches, Resorts & Parks magazine (distributed at Barnes & Noble and Books a Million in 48 states), and largely built Destin Vacation Boat Rentals into the highly esteemed booking agency that it is today.
In 2024, Chris and Heather sold the business to the same group that owns and operates Legacy Boating Club and Double Fun Pontoon Rentals. Founded in 2004, Legacy has provided high-end boating to over 450 Members who love quality boats, but prefer not to own a boat. Double Fun was founded in 2016 and serves as one of the Gulf Coast's premier pontoon rental companies, operating in multiple locations from Destin to Panama City Beach.
Destin Vacation Boat Rentals has always been locally owned and operated by people who truly know the boating world and have a passion for customer service. We believe the best years are yet to come, and we look forward to helping thousands more families enjoy memorable experiences out on the water!
Take a look at our award winning selection of pontoon boats, fishing boats, and jet skis.
We have ALWAYS had a great time on their pontoon boats. We rent one every year to go fishing in the bay. Great staff and very friendly! We will always be returning customers..!!
“Thank you for helping make our sunset cruise/vow renewal perfect! Our captain was accommodating, friendly, and just wonderful. Pastor Eric did a beautiful ceremony. I really appreciate all your help in making our 20th anniversary extra special!”
“We rented a pontoon boat during our 2011 vacation. We had a blast! The boat was very nice. It was the best part of our vacation!"
“This was the best way to spend my bachelorette party and could not have asked for better service. Thank y’all from the Texas chicks!”
“Had a great time at Crab Island, looking for dolphins, and winding up the evening watching the fireworks show! Thanks DVBR!
“We had an awesome time on a jet ski and a pontoon last week that my family rented from you all it was one of the many highlights of our vacation and probably number one for my 2 1/2 year old little boy.”
“Superior service, fantastic boats, and super nice guys. This is how it should be done. We will be back!”
“Gotta love…snorkeling at Crab Island…We had a wonderful time!! Thank you for the lovely service. We will be back next July 4th ).”
The 19′ Cobia we rented was an excellent boat. It was well maintained and had all the options a fishing boat should have. We were especially pleased with the service and professionalism of the staff, who really made us feel like their utmost goal was for us to have an enjoyable experience and we did.
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