Frequently Asked Questions

Boat Rentals

A pontoon boat is a flat-decked, stable vessel built for comfort and leisure. They’re spacious, easy to handle, and ideal for groups who want to cruise the bay, fish, swim, anchor at a sandbar, or simply relax on the water. They’re one of the best ways to see Ocean City from a different vantage point — out on the water, at your own pace.

Rates vary by company and boat size, but here’s a general range based on current local listings:

Bayside Boat & Jet Ski Rentals (5307 Coastal Hwy):

  • 2 hours — $279
  • 3 hours — $339
  • 4 hours — $399
  • 6 hours — $499
  • 8 hours — $599

Odyssea Watersports (106 52nd St):

  • 70 HP Pontoon — from $295 (2–8 hour rentals, up to 12 passengers)
  • 90 HP Pontoon — from $335 (2–8 hour rentals, up to 12 passengers)
  • 115 HP Tri-Toon — from $435 (2–6 hour rentals, up to 10 passengers)

Always confirm current pricing directly with the rental company, as rates can vary by season.

Most pontoon boats in Ocean City accommodate up to 10–12 passengers, though weight limits also apply. Bayside’s boats hold a maximum of 12 people including children, with a total weight limit of 2,300 lbs — and that limit is verified at check-in. Odyssea’s 90 HP pontoon also holds up to 12, while their Tri-Toon tops out at 10. Choose your boat size based on your group’s headcount and total weight. baysideboatrentals

It depends on when you were born. If you were born after July 1, 1972, you are required to have a valid boater’s certificate to operate the vessel. Rental companies like Bayside can issue a free temporary certificate on-site after you review the required safety materials from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Always check with your rental company in advance. baysideboatrentals

All pontoon boat operators must be at least 18 years of age and present a valid, government-issued photo ID at the time of rental. Children are welcome as passengers — just factor them into the total headcount and weight limit. baysideboatrentals
Yes. Bayside requires a $200 refundable security deposit, and applicable taxes apply. Odyssea requires approximately a $50 deposit per pontoon boat rental when reserving by phone; if booking online, full payment is required at time of reservation. baysideboatrentals  odysseawatersports
Yes — both companies strongly recommend (and in some cases require) advance reservations, especially during the busy summer season. Bayside operates rentals by reservation only. Booking ahead is the best way to guarantee the time slot and boat size you want. baysideboatrentals
Life vests are provided free of charge with all rentals. Most boats come equipped with shade canopies. You’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks — just note that glass bottles, grills, and tubing are not permitted, and trips to Assateague Island are not allowed. baysideboatrentals baysideboatrentals

A few key things to keep in mind:

  • Your entire party must arrive at least 30 minutes early to complete paperwork. baysideboatrentals
  • All operators and passengers must be sober. Anyone appearing intoxicated will be denied rental, and cancellation fees will apply. baysideboatrentals
  • You may not pick up additional passengers after departing. baysideboatrentals
  • All operators must be able to effectively communicate with staff in English for safety and insurance reasons.
You’ll cruise the bay and surrounding waterways, with some great options including the Assawoman Bay, Isle of Wight Bay, and various bayside docks where you can tie up and visit local waterfront restaurants and shops. Note that Assateague Island is off-limits for rentals. If you plan to fish, you’ll need a Maryland fishing license — you can get one online through the Maryland DNR.
There are two pontoon boat rentals that always win the Best of Ocean City® awards each year:

Things to Do in Ocean City, Maryland

A pontoon boat is a flat-decked, stable vessel built for comfort and leisure. They’re spacious, easy to handle, and ideal for groups who want to cruise the bay, fish, swim, anchor at a sandbar, or simply relax on the water. They’re one of the best ways to see Ocean City from a different vantage point — out on the water, at your own pace.

Rates vary by company and boat size, but here’s a general range based on current local listings:

Bayside Boat & Jet Ski Rentals (5307 Coastal Hwy):

  • 2 hours — $279
  • 3 hours — $339
  • 4 hours — $399
  • 6 hours — $499
  • 8 hours — $599

Odyssea Watersports (106 52nd St):

  • 70 HP Pontoon — from $295 (2–8 hour rentals, up to 12 passengers)
  • 90 HP Pontoon — from $335 (2–8 hour rentals, up to 12 passengers)
  • 115 HP Tri-Toon — from $435 (2–6 hour rentals, up to 10 passengers)

Always confirm current pricing directly with the rental company, as rates can vary by season.

Most pontoon boats in Ocean City accommodate up to 10–12 passengers, though weight limits also apply. Bayside’s boats hold a maximum of 12 people including children, with a total weight limit of 2,300 lbs — and that limit is verified at check-in. Odyssea’s 90 HP pontoon also holds up to 12, while their Tri-Toon tops out at 10. Choose your boat size based on your group’s headcount and total weight. baysideboatrentals

It depends on when you were born. If you were born after July 1, 1972, you are required to have a valid boater’s certificate to operate the vessel. Rental companies like Bayside can issue a free temporary certificate on-site after you review the required safety materials from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Always check with your rental company in advance. baysideboatrentals

All pontoon boat operators must be at least 18 years of age and present a valid, government-issued photo ID at the time of rental. Children are welcome as passengers — just factor them into the total headcount and weight limit. baysideboatrentals
Yes. Bayside requires a $200 refundable security deposit, and applicable taxes apply. Odyssea requires approximately a $50 deposit per pontoon boat rental when reserving by phone; if booking online, full payment is required at time of reservation. baysideboatrentals  odysseawatersports
Yes — both companies strongly recommend (and in some cases require) advance reservations, especially during the busy summer season. Bayside operates rentals by reservation only. Booking ahead is the best way to guarantee the time slot and boat size you want. baysideboatrentals
Life vests are provided free of charge with all rentals. Most boats come equipped with shade canopies. You’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks — just note that glass bottles, grills, and tubing are not permitted, and trips to Assateague Island are not allowed. baysideboatrentals baysideboatrentals

A few key things to keep in mind:

  • Your entire party must arrive at least 30 minutes early to complete paperwork. baysideboatrentals
  • All operators and passengers must be sober. Anyone appearing intoxicated will be denied rental, and cancellation fees will apply. baysideboatrentals
  • You may not pick up additional passengers after departing. baysideboatrentals
  • All operators must be able to effectively communicate with staff in English for safety and insurance reasons.
You’ll cruise the bay and surrounding waterways, with some great options including the Assawoman Bay, Isle of Wight Bay, and various bayside docks where you can tie up and visit local waterfront restaurants and shops. Note that Assateague Island is off-limits for rentals. If you plan to fish, you’ll need a Maryland fishing license — you can get one online through the Maryland DNR.
There are two pontoon boat rentals that always win the Best of Ocean City® awards each year:

11 COMMENTS

  1. What are the O.C. Police 👮‍♀️ doing to minimize the pot smoke all over the place?…
    We have gone from fighting cigarette smoke – to pot smoke!!!
    This is out of control
    Not good to walk my Grandkids around

  2. Hello I have two businesses in Ocean City and I like to be listed on your website and featured on your Facebook page. Can you please show me how to contact you or send me the link where I can look into marketing opportunities. Thank you!

    • Thanks for your interest in advertising on OceanCity.com. We will contact you regarding advertising on Ocean City by email today.

  3. Hello, I’m looking to relocate from Fayette County, Pa to Berlin, Md. There is my Fiance and 12 year old daughter and myself. I have heard that some hotels will allow you to stay at the hotel while you work there. I was wondering if there are any hotels in ocean city or around ocean city that might be hiring that may help with housing? I have experience in housekeeping, waitress and as a cook. I also worked other jobs as well. My fiance is multi talented. He can work security, construction, electrical work, plumbing, lawn care, etc. Any advice would be greatly appreciated… Thank You!!

  4. Hi, what is beach access like for people with disabilities? I do not need a wheelchair. I need a solid, relatively even surface to walk on. Where can I find this information?

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