Gas price hike impacts Fort Myers Beach boat tour operators

FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla. (WINK)—Rising gas prices are impacting more than just drivers, as boat captains say fuel is one of their biggest costs and it could affect how they do business.

At Moss Marina on Fort Myers Beach, fuel pumps are showing nearly $6 a gallon. Boat captains say the price hasn't jumped too much yet, but when you rely on fuel every day, even small increases can add up fast.

"We're paying between $1 and $1.50 more a gallon," said Rob Jones, owner of Pelican Bay Charters.

Jones said boat fuel prices typically range between $3 to $5 at the marina. But with the war in Iran raising gas prices locally, he's feeling the increase.

"We spent $500 or $600 today just on gas," Jones said.

Jones owns Pelican Bay Charters, which operates boat tours out of Fort Myers Beach. His largest boat burns about 20 gallons for a 90-minute tour, and on busy days, he fills up all three boats.

He said right now they are so busy with tours, they can absorb the cost difference, but not for long.

"When we get into the summer months, where we're just kind of steady, you know, we may have, if the prices stay the same, we'll have to make some price adjustments for sure," Jones said.

Despite the uncertainty, he said he's not worried.

"We just plug away one day at a time," Jones said.

Jones said he's hoping fuel prices come down so he won't have to pass those costs on to tourists.