If that’s part of the lifestyle you picture when you think about moving to Venice or living in Wellen Park, you may assume you need to buy your own boat to make it happen. 

But you don’t.

Around Sarasota, Venice, Englewood, and Wellen Park, you can book a captained charter, rent a boat for the day, or join a boat club that gives you regular access to the water without owning a boat yourself.

That last option is especially appealing because boat ownership comes with a long list of responsibilities: storage, insurance, maintenance, repairs, cleaning, launching, loading… and even the occasional morning when you finally get the boat in the water only to discover it won’t start.

Josh and I both grew up around boats, so we remember those days very well. I can think of more than one occasion when our boat had to be towed back to the dock!

We recently spent the day out on the water and even visited the popular Snake Island here in Venice with friends who are Freedom Boat Club members, and it gave us a chance to see exactly how the club works. The boat was ready when we arrived, and at the end of the day, our friends returned it, paid for the fuel they used, and went home.

No trailer. No cleaning. No boat to put away.

It reminded us why we’ve considered joining a boat club ourselves. So, in this guide, we compare local charters, boat rentals, and boat-club membership, and explain why Freedom Boat Club may be the best fit if you want boating to become a regular part of your Florida life.​

The Short Answer: Which Boating Option Is Best?

If you want one fun day out, book a charter or rental. If you want boating to become a regular part of your Florida life, a club like Freedom Boat Club is likely the easiest option.

Why Boating Is Such a Big Part of Life on Florida’s Gulf Coast

Some of our favorite Florida days are the ones spent on the water. You can cruise the Intracoastal Waterway, watch dolphins swim alongside the boat, fish, snorkel, hunt for fossilized shark teeth, or drop anchor by a sandbar and spend the afternoon swimming and relaxing with friends.

This lifestyle advantage surprises some buyers considering Wellen Park. You aren’t directly on the beach, but you’re close to boating areas in Venice, Englewood, and even Sarasota.

You can have a newer home, a resort-style community, and a busy social calendar, then swap it all for a quiet morning on Lemon Bay or an afternoon at Snake Island. Easy access to beaches, nature, and the water is a big part of the Wellen Park lifestyle.

Where Can You Go Boating Near Wellen Park, Venice and Sarasota?

One of the best things about boating here is the variety of options. You can stay within protected bays and Intracoastal waterways, head toward the Gulf when conditions and your experience allow, or anchor near a beach or sandbar.

Sarasota Bay and the Intracoastal Waterway

Sarasota Bay is a beautiful place for sightseeing, wildlife watching, and cruising past the area’s barrier islands. From local marinas, boaters can explore Siesta Key, Lido Key, and Longboat Key, or stay in the bay’s calmer waters and the Intracoastal Waterway.

You’ll find mangrove shorelines, waterfront homes, places to stop for food and plenty of chances to spot dolphins, manatees and coastal birds. Our Sarasota guides have more on the beaches, neighborhoods, and lifestyle in this part of the coast.

Little Sarasota Bay and Midnight Pass

Between Siesta Key and Casey Key, Little Sarasota Bay offers another lovely stretch of water to explore. Midnight Pass reconnected the bay with the Gulf during the 2024 hurricane season, and Sarasota County continues to monitor the inlet.

It’s a popular area for boaters, kayakers, and sandbar lovers, but conditions around passes can change, so always check the weather, tides, local notices, and current navigation guidance before approaching.

Dona Bay, Roberts Bay and Snake Island in Venice

Venice gives boaters easy access to Dona Bay, Roberts Bay, the Intracoastal Waterway and the Gulf through Venice Inlet.

Snake Island sits just inside the inlet and is one of the area’s best-known boating hangouts. Boaters anchor nearby, hop into the shallow water, and spend a few hours enjoying the sun. That’s where we went with our friends from Freedom Boat Club, and on a beautiful day you’ll often find several club boats gathered around the island.

Roberts Bay is also great for cruising, watersports, and wildlife watching.

Easy access to both the Intracoastal Waterway and the Gulf is a big part of what makes living in Venice so appealing – especially with some of the best beaches in Venice.

Lemon Bay and Stump Pass in Englewood

South of Venice, Lemon Bay runs along the mainland side of Manasota Key and gives boaters access to mangrove islands, fishing areas, and the Intracoastal Waterway.

Stump Pass, at the southern end of Manasota Key, is a favorite for fishing, shelling, birdwatching, and enjoying the shallow coastal water. Depending on your boat, experience, the conditions, and the rules attached to your rental or membership, you can also explore further south toward Don Pedro Island and Boca Grande.

Englewood has a quieter, more relaxed Old Florida feel than Sarasota, and that carries onto the water. Easy access to this laid-back stretch of coast is one of the area’s major attractions.

Ways To Get Out on the Water Without Owning a Boat

Once you know where you’d like to explore, the next question is how you want to get on the water. You don’t need to own a boat to enjoy the boating lifestyle in Southwest Florida. The three main choices are booking a captained charter or tour, renting a boat to operate yourself, or joining a boat club for more regular access.

Boat Charters and Tours: Best for an Easy, Captained Day Out

A captained charter is the easiest choice if you don’t have boating experience, are planning a special day out, or want everyone in your group to relax.

You’re booking both the boat and an experienced captain who knows the local waterways. They handle the navigation while you sit back, have a drink, and enjoy the day.

Depending on the company, you can book:

• A sightseeing or wildlife tour
• A sunset cruise
• A dolphin-watching trip
• A sandbar or beach day
• An inshore or offshore fishing charter
• A snorkeling, shelling or fossil-hunting trip
• A private celebration on the water

Some local options worth checking out include Aquaholic Charters in Venice, Lemon Bay Tours and Gasparilla Boat Tours around Englewood, and Fun Boat Tours in the Sarasota and Siesta Key area.

For something more focused on wildlife and marine life, Sarasota Bay Explorers runs educational eco-tours in partnership with Mote Marine Laboratory. We’ve been out with them several times ourselves and have always had a great experience.

The advantages of booking a charter

• No boating experience is needed.
• The captain knows the local waters and the best places to stop.
• Everyone in your group can relax.
• You can choose a trip built around fishing, wildlife, sunset, or sandbar time.

The drawbacks

• You’re paying for the boat and the captain’s time.
• You have less freedom to change the entire plan on the day.
• Regular charter trips can get expensive quickly.
• The vessel and charter regulations may limit guest numbers.

Best for: visitors, celebrations, first-time boaters, and anyone who wants a completely easy one-off experience.

Boat Rentals: Best for Occasional Independent Trips

If you’re comfortable operating a boat and only expect to go out occasionally, a self-drive rental can be the sweet spot.

Rental companies around Sarasota, Venice, and Englewood offer pontoons, deck boats, and center consoles. Half-day and full-day rentals are common, but permitted waterways, fuel policy, deposits, and experience requirements vary by company.

Rental company options include SWFL Boat Rental and Venice Boat Rental in Venice, CB’s Saltwater Outfitters near Siesta Key, and Lemon Bay Boat Rental or Beach Road Watersports in Englewood.

The advantages of renting

• No initiation fee or monthly commitment.
• More independence than a captained charter.
• A practical choice for occasional boating.
• You can choose a boat that suits the day.

The drawbacks

• You need the confidence and legal eligibility to operate it.
• Availability can be tighter during weekends and peak season.
• Deposits, fuel, cleaning, and damage policies vary.
• You’re responsible for the boat throughout the rental.
• Paying the day rate repeatedly can become expensive if you boat often.

Florida requires anyone born on or after January 1, 1988, who operates a motorboat of 10 horsepower or more to meet the state’s boating-safety education requirements. Rental companies can also set their own minimum age and experience requirements, so check those details before booking.

Best for: capable boaters who want an occasional independent day out without an ongoing commitment.

Boat Clubs: Best for Boating Regularly Without Ownership

A boat club gives you regular access without owning a boat. You pay an initiation fee and ongoing monthly dues, then reserve boats from the club’s fleet.

You can still take your family and friends out for the day, but the club handles the time-consuming parts: storage, insurance, routine maintenance, cleaning,, and getting the boat ready.

For a lot of people moving here, that’s the sweet spot. If you want the outdoor Florida lifestyle without another expensive thing to store and maintain, joining a boat club in Venice can be a game changer.

It can also make sense for vacation-home owners who want to make the most of every trip without leaving a boat sitting unused (and still needing maintenance) while they’re away.

Why We’re Considering Freedom Boat Club

Freedom Boat Club is the world’s largest boat club, and it actually started right here in Sarasota in 1989. Today, it has more than 450 locations worldwide.

Josh and I have actually been considering a boat club membership for several years. We’ve helped several families move here who later joined Freedom Boat Club, and they consistently tell us how much they love it. Several of our friends are members too.

Our trip to Snake Island was the first time we really saw the whole process for ourselves, and it was one of our best days on the water since moving here.

No trailer, no launch-ramp stress, and no worrying about what might have stopped working since the boat’s last outing. Our friends reserved the boat, arrived at the marina, completed the check-out, and we were off.

At the end of the day, they returned it and paid for the fuel we had used. The club handled everything else. Bliss.

How Does Freedom Boat Club Work?

We know – it’s one thing to hear how much people love it and another to picture what a typical boat day actually looks like. The process is surprisingly simple:

1. Reserve an available boat online or through the app.
2. Arrive at the marina and complete the check-out.
3. Load your belongings and enjoy your day.
4. Return the boat and pay for the fuel you used.
5. Head home while the club handles the cleaning, storage, and maintenance.

Depending on availability, Freedom Boat Club members may be able to reserve a boat on the same day, perfect for impromptu mornings when the weather is beautiful and the water is calling.

Freedom doesn’t limit you to a set number of outings at your main location. You can boat as often as you like, as long as your membership allows it and a boat is available. The two Venice locations currently let members have up to four future boating days booked at once.  

So, basically, you can have four future boating days booked at any one time. If you reserved a boat for the next four Mondays, once you’d taken your first trip, that booking slot would open up, and you could reserve the fifth Monday. The same thing happens each time you use a reservation. Of course, specific dates and boats are still subject to availability.

Depending on your membership, you may also be able to reserve boats at other Freedom Boat Club locations. That means you could explore another part of Florida or even enjoy a day on the water while traveling. Each location has its own rules, though, and you may need some additional training before taking out a boat somewhere new.

What Does Freedom Boat Club Cost?

Freedom Boat Club doesn’t list set membership prices online. The cost depends on the location, the membership type you choose, and any offers available when you join, so you’ll need to contact the local club for an exact quote.

You’ll usually pay:

• A one-time fee when you join
• A monthly membership fee
• The cost of the fuel you use
• Any optional extras you choose

Different memberships may also be available. For example, you might pay less for weekday-only boating, while other plans give you access seven days a week or allow you to reserve boats at other Freedom Boat Club locations.

Ultimately, the value depends on how often you plan to go boating. If you only want one or two days on the water each year, booking a rental or charter will probably make more sense. But if you want boating to become a regular part of your Florida lifestyle, a membership may be easier to justify, especially when you factor in the time, work, and ongoing costs involved in owning a boat.

What Do Freedom Boat Club Members Get?

You aren’t simply paying to borrow a boat. Membership also covers many of the jobs and expenses that usually come with owning one.

Depending on the membership you choose, this can include:

• Training before you take out your first boat
• Additional boating instruction whenever you need it
• A choice of boats for cruising, fishing or watersports
• Safety equipment already onboard
• Maintenance, repairs, cleaning, storage and insurance
• Help getting the boat ready and bringing it back in.
• Access to more than one local marina
• The option to book boats at other Freedom Boat Club locations

Another big advantage is that you aren’t stuck using the same type of boat every time. You might choose a roomy pontoon for a birthday at the sandbar, then take out a center console for a fishing trip. The exact selection varies between locations, but local fleets can include pontoons, tritoons, deck boats, bowriders, and center consoles.

Freedom Boat Club has locations at Venice Laguna and Venice MarineMax, plus several clubs around Sarasota and Englewood. Use the Freedom Boat Club location finder to see what’s nearby, then ask the local team which marinas and boats your membership includes.

What happens if the boat develops a problem?

We got to see Freedom’s support in action while we were anchored at Snake Island.

Another club boat nearby developed a problem, and Freedom sent someone out to check it. They tried to fix it on the spot and, when they couldn’t, towed the boat back for the members.

Josh and I both know how easily a lovely day on the water can turn into hours of frustration when something stops working. Seeing someone else arrive and deal with the problem was another reminder of why membership can be so appealing.

The Main Drawbacks To Consider

Freedom Boat Club won’t be the right answer for everyone.

• The initiation fee and monthly dues are hard to justify if you rarely boat.
• You still need to reserve, and your first-choice boat or time won’t always be available.
• Fuel costs extra.
• Rules for booking boats at other Freedom locations vary between memberships.
• Overnight boating isn’t permitted, and you can’t use club boats between sunset and sunrise.
• You can’t customize a boat, leave your belongings onboard, or take it out without going through the reservation process.

Really, that’s the trade-off: you’re paying for convenience, not ownership. If having your own boat ready at a moment’s notice matters more than avoiding the maintenance, buying may still suit you better.

Is Freedom Boat Club Worth It?

If you want to boat regularly without owning, storing, and maintaining a boat, Freedom Boat Club is one of the most convenient options around Sarasota, Venice, and Englewood.

If you’ll only go out once or twice a year, book a charter or day rental. But if you picture fishing mornings, sandbar afternoons and boat days whenever friends or family come to visit, there’s real value in reserving a boat, walking onto the dock and handing it back at the end of the day.

That’s why we keep coming back to the idea ourselves. We love being out on the water. We’re much less enthusiastic about storing, cleaning, maintaining, and repairing a boat, and Freedom Boat Club and other boat clubs take most of that hassle out of the equation.

Dreaming About the Florida Gulf Coast Lifestyle?

For the buyers we work with, choosing a home isn’t just about the floor plan or the number of bedrooms. It’s about what they want ordinary life to look like once they move here.

If your version of Florida life includes boating, beaches, fishing, golf, outdoor dining, and warm-weather adventures, Venice, Englewood, and Wellen Park put it all within easy reach.

Start with our main Wellen Park guide, and download our free Wellen Park Relocation Guide. Then compare the different Wellen Park communities and their amenities.

We’ve helped more than 250 families find or build homes here over the last five years. If you’d like help finding the community and home that suit how you actually want to live, book a Wellen Park tour with us or get in touch here. Josh and I are always happy to answer your questions and show you around.

Frequently Asked Questions About Freedom Boat Club and Boating Near Venice

How does Freedom Boat Club work?

Freedom Boat Club is super easy to work with. You pay a one-time joining fee and a monthly membership fee. When you want to go boating, you reserve an available boat through the club. The team gets it ready for you, and when you return, you pay for the fuel you used and head home. They handle cleaning, storage, and maintenance. Many boat clubs in and around Venice, Florida offer similar services.

How much does Freedom Boat Club cost in Venice, Florida?

Freedom Boat Club doesn’t publish set prices because costs vary by membership and any offers available when you join. You usually pay a one-time joining fee, followed by a monthly payment. The best way to get an accurate figure is to contact the Venice team and ask for a full breakdown of what your membership would include.

Is fuel included with Freedom Boat Club membership?

No. Fuel isn’t included in your monthly membership fee, so you pay for what you use each time you take out a boat. At many locations, the team calculates the amount and handles the refueling after you return.

Can you use Freedom Boat Club as often as you want?

At Freedom Boat Club, you can go boating as often as you want, but all trips depend on availability. At the Venice locations, you can have up to four future boating days booked at once. Once you complete one trip, that booking slot opens, and you can reserve another.

Popular boats and weekend dates fill up quickly, especially during the busy winter season, so plan ahead when you have a specific date in mind.

Can Freedom Boat Club members use boats at other locations?

Depending on your membership, Freedom Boat Club members may also be able to reserve boats at other Freedom Boat Club locations. This could mean exploring another part of Florida or enjoying a day on the water while traveling.

Each club has its own availability and rules, though, and you may need some additional training before boating somewhere new.

Do you need boating experience to join Freedom Boat Club?

No. New members receive training before taking out their first boat, including practical time on the water. You can also arrange more training if you need it, so you don’t have to feel completely confident before joining.

You will still need to follow Florida’s boating laws and complete any training required for the type of boat or location you want to use.

Can non-members rent Freedom Boat Club boats for the day?

No. Only members can rent Freedom Boat Club boats. If you’re looking for a one-off day on the water, a local boat rental or captained charter will be a better fit.

Can you take a Freedom Boat Club boat out overnight?

No. The boats are intended for day trips, not overnight or multi-day use. Your local club will tell you when to return the boat, as this can depend on its opening hours, daylight, and weather conditions.

Is a boat club better than renting a boat?

Whether a boat club or boat rental is better depends on how often you expect to go boating. If you only want to get out once or twice a year, renting a boat will probably be the more affordable choice.

If you want boating to become a regular part of your Florida life, a boat club offers much more convenience. You can choose from different boats, receive training, and get out on the water without worrying about storage, cleaning, or maintenance.

What are the closest Freedom Boat Club locations to Wellen Park?

The Venice Laguna and Venice MarineMax locations are convenient for many Wellen Park residents. Several clubs are also around Englewood, including Englewood Stump Pass.

The best one for you depends on where you live in Wellen Park and which waterways you want to explore. It’s worth comparing the drive, the boats available, and the areas you can easily reach from each marina.

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