Lounge, Cruise, Repeat: Pontooning the Back Bays from Post Creek to Sunset Lake

WILDWOOD BOAT RENTAL FIELD GUIDE

Lounge, Cruise, Repeat: Pontooning the Back Bays from Post Creek to Sunset Lake

A chartered 15-passenger lounge cruiser from Bunker’s Marina lets small fleets of friends or family pilot a low-power pontoon for 2.5–6 hours through Wildwood’s sheltered back bays—this guide explains logistics, limits and what to pack.

Lounge, Cruise, Repeat: Pontooning the Back Bays from Post Creek to Sunset Lake.

Duration
2.5 to 6 Hour Options
Location
Wildwood
Operator
Bunker’s Marina on Post Creek
Category
Boat Rental
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Escape the ordinary on the shallow back bay of Wildwood and Wildwood Crest aboard a 15-passenger lounge cruiser from Bunker’s Marina on Post Creek; rentals cover short 2.5‑hour hops up to half‑day cruises between Post Creek and Sunset Lake with easy access to bayside bars and restaurants.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE ROUTE

Post Creek to Sunset Lake — sheltered back‑bay cruising

A slow, social circuit through Wildwood’s back bays lets groups relax on deck and hop to shoreline bars and restaurants; the boats are designed for casual cruising rather than high-speed runs.

THE EXPERIENCE

No license, low‑power motors, easy handling

The rentals use 9.9 hp motors configured for cruising-only operation, so no prior boating experience or license is required—making it an accessible option for first‑time boaters and families.

THE SOCIAL

Gather, dine, toast — bayside stops on your schedule

Operators point out a network of bayside eateries and bars along the route where you can tie up, get food and drinks, then continue your afternoon on the water.

What the day feels like

What the day actually feels like

From a meeting point at Bunker’s Marina on Post Creek, groups push off for an easy, sunlit cruise through sheltered channels toward Sunset Lake—stops are informal and revolve around bayside dining, drinks and slow, sociable navigation suited to a 9.9 hp lounge cruiser.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this trip suits — and who should think twice

1
Families with childrenGood match for families seeking a relaxed day on protected water; no boating license required, but organizers must account for total party weight and coolers when booking.
2
Large groups and reunionsDesigned for groups up to the USCG-calculated limit (15 passengers based on the standard 150 lb per person), but parties should verify combined gear and passenger weight—if your total exceeds the safe limit you’ll need a second boat.
3
First‑time boatersWell suited: the 9.9 hp cruising setup and operator’s briefings mean no prior experience or license is required to enjoy the outing.
4
Groups planning to fish or crabCheck operator rules carefully: permitting of fishing or crabbing is subject to operator policy and local restrictions; verify before you book.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Duration

Rental durations are available in 2.5‑hour to 6‑hour options.

What to Bring

All renters must present a valid photo ID at check‑in; bring sun protection and deduct cooler weight from the total passenger allowance.

Meeting Point

Meet at 745 West Montgomery Ave, Wildwood, NJ 08260 (Bunker’s Marina on Post Creek) for check‑in and launch.

Capacity & Safety

The 15‑passenger capacity is determined by USCG buoyancy guidelines using 150 lb per passenger; the vessel’s safe carrying weight is 2,250 lbs—operators reserve the right to cancel bookings if a boat would be overloaded.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

Do I need a boating license to rent the pontoon?

No boating license is required; the rentals use 9.9 hp motors configured for cruising-only operation and are intended to be operated without prior licensed experience.

What are the rental duration options?

Rentals are offered in durations from 2.5 hours up to 6 hours.

How many people can ride on the boat?

The listed 15‑passenger capacity is based on USCG guidelines using 150 lb per person; the boat’s safe carrying capacity is determined by total weight (boat, motor, fuel, seating and passengers) and is 2,250 lbs—coolers and gear must be counted toward that limit.

Can I fish or crab from the pontoon?

Operator materials contain contradictory notes; some descriptions mention fishing and crabbing as activities, while a separate operator notice states 'NO Crabbing or Fishing'—confirm the current policy with the operator before booking.

What ID or documents do I need to bring?

You must bring a valid photo ID to check in for the rental.

What happens if the boat is overloaded?

Bunker’s reserves the right to cancel a booking without refund if the boat is deemed overloaded and unsafe according to USCG‑based weight calculations.