15 Best Boat Rentals in Delaware

A day out on the water is a wonderful way to relax and have fun. And renting a boat gives you all the benefits without the expense and hassle of maintaining your own craft.

But where do you go to get a safe, reliable boat rental with great service? If you’re in Delaware, we can help!

We’re going to take a tour of the 15 best boat rentals in Delaware. Whatever kind of trip you’re planning, we’ve got an option for you here.

Ready? Let’s find out more!

Best Boat Rentals in Delaware

1. Island Watersports, Fenwick Island, Delaware

Island Watersports, Fenwick Island, Delaware

Island Watersports offers a wide range of different boats for rental. They include pontoons, jet boats – both sport and center console – 20-foot outboard center consoles, and fishing skiffs. And they upgrade their fleet every year, so you’ll always have a top quality selection to choose from.

Their range of pontoons includes luxury tri-toons, and brand new models from top manufacturer Berkshire. They’re great for fishing, as a platform for swimming from, or just for taking a trip to a secluded beach. And they’ll carry up to twelve people at a time.

The 20-foot center consoles are fast and smooth-riding, and feature a livewell and multiple baitwells. They’ll carry four to five people, and they’re licensed for fishing in Maryland.

Smaller skiffs offer a very affordable fishing alternative, and are licensed for fishing in both Delaware and Maryland.

The jet boats can carry up to eight people. If you’re planning on using them as a tow for watersports, a maximum capacity of five people is recommended.

2. Shark’s Cove Watersports, Fenwick Island, Delaware

Shark’s Cove Watersports, Fenwick Island, Delaware

Shark’s Cove Watersports are another option if you’re looking to rent a pontoon in Fenwick Island. Their vessels will carry up to 10 people, and they can be hired for 2, 4 or 8 hours at a time.

They promise the best rates in the area, but you will have to purchase your gas separately. Expect to pay between $5 and $7 per hour for fuel. Parking is available free of charge, and they offer a discount for the military and first responders.

The cancellation policy here is strict, however. No cancellations are permitted on holidays or holiday weekends. And no refunds are issued for cancellations made within 24 hours of your scheduled trip.

3. Dewey Beach Water Sports, Dewey Beach, Delaware

Dewey Beach Water Sports, Dewey Beach, Delaware

Dewey Beach Watersports is located in family-friendly Dewey Beach, south of Rehoboth Beach and north of Bethany Beach. They offer pontoon, kayak, jet ski and stand-up paddle (SUP) rentals. And you can also book a ride on their banana boats or hire a bicycle.

Pontoon rentals are for four or eight hours. Operators must be over the age of 21 and hold a full driver’s license. You can choose from craft that will carry eight or ten people. You’ll receive a 15-minute orientation before departure, and gas is included in the rental price.

You can take your pontoon anywhere in Rehoboth Bay or the Rehoboth-Lewes Canal. But Indian River Bay and the Atlantic are out of bounds, and no towing for watersports is permitted. Food and drink are welcome on board.

Kayaks and SUPs can be rented for an hour at a time, and no booking is necessary. Kids’ kayaks are available for those under 10 years old.

4. Route 54 Watersports, Selbyville, Delaware

Route 54 Watersports, Selbyville, Delaware

Route 54 Watersports rents out pontoons that will carry up to 10 people, or a weight limit of 1,400 pounds. Rentals are available for either 2, 4 or 8 hours. You can check availability and book online.

Operators will need to have a full driver’s license, so make sure you bring it with you. You’ll also need a credit card for a deposit against damage.

If the booking form looks familiar, it’s because the pontoon rentals are fulfilled by Route 54’s sister company, Shark’s Cover Marina. And just as with boats rented from them direct, you’ll pay for your gas separately.

Jet ski rental is available too. Yamaha Waverunners can be hired for an hour at a time. Operators must be at least 16 years old, verified by Government ID. And anyone under 18 will need signed consent from a parent or guardian.

5. Indian River Marina, Delaware Seashore State Park, Delaware

Indian River Marina, Delaware Seashore State Park, Delaware

If you’re looking to charter a fishing boat, Indian River Marina offer one of the best selections in Delaware. Options range from a 23-foot Sea Cat all the way up to the 53-foot John Yank sport fishing vessel, the Michael D.

They’ll cater to groups up to 12 people, and offer both inshore and sea fishing trips. Inshore excursions last for either 4 or 8 hours, while offshore options include day and overnight trips.

All rods, tackle, lures, bait and ice are provided as part of the package. You’ll board your boat at the Indian River Delaware Inlet in Rehoboth.

6. The Octolounge, Rehoboth Beach, Dewey Beach and Lewes, Delaware

The Octolounge, Rehoboth Beach, Dewey Beach and Lewes, Delaware

The funky Octolounge pontoon can be rented out by groups of up to 13 people. All ages are welcome.

You can bring your own captain, but they’ll need to be proficient. Call in advance to discuss the requirements. If you don’t have someone already experienced in handling a pontoon, Octolounge can provide a list of local captains.

This is the only company in the area that offers an entirely unrestricted itinerary. You can spend a day at a sandbar or bar hop from Lewes to Long Neck. That includes visiting the well-known Paradise Grill, out of bounds for some charter trips.

Food and drink is permitted on board, and there’s a cooler to keep everything on ice.

7. Rehoboth Bay Sailing Association, Dewey Beach, Delaware

Rehoboth Bay Sailing Association, Dewey Beach, Delaware

The Rehoboth Sailing Association, also known as the RBSA, offers a range of different vessels for rental. Choose from catamarans, sunfish, kayaks and SUPs. There’s also a 19-foot daysailer, The Flying Scot, which will seat up to four people in comfort.

Anyone can rent a boat, although if you’re a member of the association, you’ll get a special rate. Membership starts at $975 per year for associate membership, and covers up to two adults and two dependants under 21. Up to four more dependants can be added for an annual fee of $5 each.

If you have a regular or higher class of membership, you may be able to rent boats for free. That will, though, depending on availability, and is less likely to be an option at peak times.

8. First Light Charters, Lewes and Long Neck, Delaware

First Light Charters, Lewes and Long Neck, Delaware

Anglers looking to charter a fishing boat should add First Light Charters to their shortlist. The company offers charters in the waters of Delaware Bay, Indian River Inlet and the Atlantic Ocean.

A wide range of species can be found there, including sea bass, rockfish, flounder, croaker, tog, sea trout and bluefish. The different environments include wrecks and artificial reefs, as well as the Breakwater Wall at the mouth of Delaware Bay.

Near shore, night fishing and combo trips are all available. Trips range in length from 2.5 to 8 hours.

9. Coastal Kayak, Fenwick Island, Delaware

Coastal Kayak, Fenwick Island, Delaware

Despite the name, Coastal Kayak offers more than just kayaks. Sailboat and paddleboard rentals are available too. And they offer instruction and nature tours from all three types of craft.

For kayaks and paddleboards, off-site rentals are available too. In many cases, they can bring the craft to your door, and often at no extra charge.

If renting onsite, you’ll get a paddle, PFD with signaling device, and basic instruction. Rental is by the hour, and no booking is required.

The sailboats for hire are Hobie Wave catamarans. They’re great fun, but aren’t suitable for use in adverse weather conditions. Reservations aren’t taken, but give them a call to check the weather before you arrive.

You’ll need to pass a short test to prove your sailing competence before hire.

10. Delaware River Adventures, Milford, Delaware

Delaware River Adventures, Milford, Delaware

Delaware River Adventures lets you see the sights of Milford from a kayak. You can take part in either two or four-hour guided tours down the Mispillion River. All equipment is provided, so all you need to bring is yourself.

A wide range of different individual and tandem kayaks are available. They include the Mainstream Riptide Streak for entry-level kayakers and a Sun Dolphin Journey 12 fishing kayak for anglers.

11. Del Marva Board Sport Adventures, Rehoboth Beach and Dewey Beach, Delaware

Del Marva Board Sport Adventures, Rehoboth Beach and Dewey Beach, Delaware

Del Marva Board Sport Adventures offers rental of individual and tandem kayaks, plus paddleboards and windsurf boards.

Rental of most vessels is available in a choice of 1, 2 or 4 hour slots (there’s no 4-hour option for tandem kayaks). Most can also be rented for 1, 2, 3, 5 or 7 days. The exception is windsurf boards, for which a 5-day rental isn’t available.

Local delivery is free for 5 or 7-day rentals. Otherwise there’s a fee of $25, which includes pick-up afterwards.

12. Quest Kayak, Milford, Lewes, Roosevelt Inlet, Milton and Cape Henlopen State Park, Delaware

Quest Kayak, Milford, Lewes, Roosevelt Inlet, Milton and Cape Henlopen State Park, Delaware

Quest Kayak does what it says on the tin – it hires out kayaks! You won’t find pontoons, catamarans or sailing boats here. But they do offer a range of smaller equipment for hire, including SUPs, beach chairs, floating party mats and umbrellas.

If you’re local to their locations in Milford, Lewes, Roosevelt Inlet, Milton or Cape Henlopen, delivery is free of charge.

Rental fees include everything you need for your trip – paddles, backrests and PFDs. You’ll also get information on the weather and tides. And if you want it, instruction can be provided too.

13. Freedom Boat Club, Bear, Lewes and Long Neck, Delaware

Freedom Boat Club, Bear, Lewes and Long Neck, Delaware

The Freedom Boat Club offers a slightly different approach to boat rentals. It’s a nationwide service where you sign up for an annual membership fee and pay monthly dues. You can then access a fleet of boats around the country and beyond. The only extra charge is for the fuel.

There are more than 270 locations in the US, Canada and France. And they include Bear, Lewes and Long Neck in Delaware.  The craft on offer include pontoons, tri-toons, bowriders and inshore fishing boats. All the boats are cleaned, serviced and maintained by the club.

Membership details are on the website, and all boats are booked online.

14. Lums Pond State Park, Bear, Delaware

Lums Pond State Park, Bear, Delaware

Visit Lums Pond State Park in Bear and relax by taking a kayak, canoe or pedalboat on the eponymous pond.

Boating here is seasonal, with craft available to rent from May through to the end of September. Rentals are generally available from 10 am to 6 pm on week days and until 8pm on weekends.

For Saturdays and Sundays from mid August to Labor Day, the hours are 10am to 7.30pm. And in May and September, the weekend hours are 10 am to 6 pm. Note that the last rental is an hour before closing time.

15. Rehoboth Bay Marina, Dewey Beach, Delaware

Rehoboth Bay Marina, Dewey Beach, Delaware

Rehoboth Marina offers an excellent range of boats for rental, all cleaned and maintained by their staff.

Rentals are available for a half of full day, and all run at set hours. The half day options are from 8.30 am to 12 pm or 1 pm to 4.30 pm. Go for a full day, and you’ll have the boat from 8.30 am to 4.30 pm.

You can choose from a pontoon, runabout or crab boat.

The pontoons are 24 feet long and have 60 horsepower motors. They’ll carry up to ten passengers. A runabout is a great choice for groups of up to four. It’s 18 feet long and offers 60 horsepower too. And a crab boat will seat up to three people, is 16 feet long, and has a 15 horsepower engine.

To book, fill in the online form and they’ll get back to you, or give them a call direct.

Ready to Hit the Water?

That brings us to the end of our look at the 15 best boat rentals in Delaware. We hope you’ve found the perfect option for your trip on the water.

Whether you want to spend a day at the sand bar, or have an overnight fishing trip, there’s plenty to choose from here. And you can also head out on a kayak or SUP for a non-motorized experience.

Whatever you do, we hope you enjoy exploring the waters of Delaware!

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