Exploring the waters around Ocean City NJ by boat opens up a whole new vacation experience. From bay kayaks to powerful motorboats, pontoons to sailboats, plenty of rental options let you captain your own adventure. Here is your complete guide to boat rentals in the Ocean City area.
Types of Boat Rentals Available
Pontoon Boats
The most popular rental for families. Pontoons are stable, spacious, and easy to drive even if you have never piloted a boat. Most seat 8-12 people and include a canopy for shade. Perfect for bay cruising, fishing, or just anchoring and swimming.
Typical rates: $200-350 for half day (4 hours), $350-500 for full day
What you can do: Bay exploration, fishing, crabbing, anchoring in calm spots, sunset cruises
Center Console Fishing Boats
For serious anglers, center console boats offer open deck space, rod holders, and enough power to reach fishing spots quickly. Some come with basic electronics for fish finding.
Typical rates: $250-400 for half day, $400-600 for full day
What you can do: Bay fishing, inlet fishing, reaching offshore spots (weather permitting)
Kayaks and Paddleboards
The simplest and most affordable way to get on the water. Single and tandem kayaks, plus stand-up paddleboards, are available at several locations. No experience required—they will give you a quick lesson.
Typical rates: $20-40/hour, $50-80 for half day
What you can do: Explore marshes, paddle to sandbars, exercise, wildlife watching
Jet Boats and Speedboats
For thrill seekers, some operators rent faster boats for water skiing, tubing, and pure speed. Usually requires boating experience and sometimes a boating license.
Typical rates: $300-500 for half day
Where to Rent
Bayside Center (Bay Avenue between 21st and 22nd Streets)
The most convenient rental spot in Ocean City. They offer:
- Kayaks (single and tandem)
- Stand-up paddleboards
- Pedal boats
- Guided eco-tours
Great for casual water exploration without needing boating experience. Located right on the bay with easy launch access.
Bayview Marina
Full-service marina offering pontoon and fishing boat rentals. Good selection, well-maintained boats, and helpful staff who can suggest destinations.
Ocean City Marina (9th Street)
The main marina in downtown OCNJ. Various rental operators and charter services. More variety but also busier—book ahead in peak season.
Somers Point Marinas
Just across the bay in Somers Point, several marinas rent boats. Sometimes better availability than OCNJ locations, and prices can be slightly lower.
What You Need to Rent
Requirements
- Valid ID: Driver’s license required
- Age: Usually 21+ to rent, 18+ with parent
- Credit card: For security deposit (typically $200-500)
- Boating certificate: New Jersey requires a boating safety certificate for operators born after 1978. Quick online course available if you don’t have one.
What is Included
Most rentals include:
- Life jackets for all passengers
- Basic safety equipment (flares, fire extinguisher, horn)
- Full fuel tank (you return it full or pay fuel charges)
- Quick orientation and safety briefing
- Navigation chart of the bay
What to Bring
- Sunscreen (lots of it—water reflects sun)
- Cooler with drinks and snacks
- Towels
- Hats and sunglasses
- Waterproof bag for phones and valuables
- Fishing gear if planning to fish
- Anchor if not provided (ask)
Where to Go
Great Egg Harbor Bay
The main body of water behind Ocean City. Wide open for cruising, with plenty of space even on busy days. Several islands and sandbars to explore.
Corson’s Inlet
Beautiful natural area at the south end of the island. Calm waters, wildlife, and natural beaches accessible only by boat. One of the most scenic spots in the area.
Peck Bay
Quieter bay to the north. Good fishing and less boat traffic.
The Dredge Spoils (Islands)
Sandy islands created from dredging make perfect spots to anchor, swim, and have a beach picnic. Locals know the best ones—ask at the rental shop.
Somers Point Waterfront
Dock at one of the restaurants for lunch with waterfront views. Gregory’s and Crab Trap are boat-accessible and popular with the boating crowd.
Bay Navigation Tips
- Follow channel markers: Red right returning (red markers on your right when returning to port)
- Watch your depth: Bay is shallow in spots. Sandy bottom is forgiving but getting stuck is embarrassing
- Know the tides: Low tide exposes sandbars. Check tide charts
- Mind the wildlife: Avoid bird nesting areas marked with signs
- Watch for crab pots: White floats mark crab traps—don’t run them over
- Be aware of weather: Afternoon thunderstorms roll through in summer. Head in if you see storms building
Boating with Kids
Tips for family boat days:
- Choose pontoons: Stable, safe, and spacious
- Life jackets always: Kids wear them, period
- Shade matters: Book boats with canopies
- Short trips first: Half day is plenty for young kids
- Pack entertainment: Fishing rods, snacks, snorkels
- Stop for swims: Find a sandbar and let them play
Fishing from Rental Boats
The back bays offer excellent fishing opportunities:
Species: Flounder, striped bass, bluefish, weakfish, croaker
Gear: Bring your own or rent from tackle shops (Fin-atics at 9th Street)
Bait: Fresh bait available at marinas and tackle shops
License: Saltwater fishing in NJ requires a free registration (get it online before your trip)
Hot spots: Ask at the marina for current advice on where fish are biting
Booking Tips
- Reserve early: Peak summer weekends book up fast
- Morning slots popular: Afternoon availability often better
- Check weather: Rentals may cancel in rough conditions
- Ask about gas: Know the fuel policy before you leave
- Get orientation: Don’t rush the safety briefing
Sunset Cruises
One of the best things about having a boat: watching the sunset over the bay. The sky lights up in oranges and pinks, reflected in calm water. Time a late-afternoon rental to be on the water as the sun goes down—it is pure magic.
Many operators offer specific sunset rental slots. Book these in advance.
Alternative: Charter or Tour
If you do not want to captain yourself:
- Guided eco-tours: Naturalist-led kayak tours through marshes
- Fishing charters: Captain and mate do the work
- Sunset cruises: Sit back and enjoy
- Dolphin tours: Dedicated wildlife watching
These cost more but remove the responsibility and often include local knowledge.
Make Memories on the Water
There is something about being on a boat that amplifies vacation feelings. The sound of water, the breeze, the freedom to explore—it all adds up to moments you remember. Whether you’re anchoring at a sandbar for a swim, pulling up blue crabs, or watching dolphins play in your wake, time on the water is time well spent.
Book your boat, stock the cooler, and head out. The bay is waiting.