Sweetwater Days: Cruising Sturgeon Bay Aboard a 24' Pontoon

STURGEON BAY BOAT RENTAL FIELD GUIDE

Sweetwater Days: Cruising Sturgeon Bay Aboard a 24' Pontoon

A versatile 24' Sweetwater pontoon with a 60 HP Mercury motor and room for up to 12 lets you cruise Sturgeon Bay’s working waterfront, stop for food and swims, and tail a shoreline loop useful for families, anglers, and dog owners.

Sweetwater Days: Cruising Sturgeon Bay Aboard a 24' Pontoon.

Duration
Available for 2 Hours or up to 2 Weeks! * For up to 12 people
Location
Sturgeon Bay
Operator
Door County Boat Rentals
Category
Boat Rental
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

On a summer day in Sturgeon Bay a 24' Sweetwater pontoon becomes a floating living room: roomy seating under a retractable bimini, a dependable 60 HP Mercury motor, and space for a crowd or a dog-friendly outing. It’s an easy platform for a family day, a slow romantic sunset run, or a fishing- and water-play day that can stretch from a two-hour spin to a multi-day rental.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE ROUTE

Pass beneath three bridges and the working waterfront

The typical loop takes you under three bridges and alongside Sturgeon Bay’s active working waterfront—an immediate sense of place where industry and recreation share the channel.

THE STOP

Waterfront Mary’s Bar & Grill: an on-water waypoint

One recommended pause on the route is Waterfront Mary’s Bar and Grill, an easy place to tie up, grab food or a drink, and regroup before heading out to swim or fish.

THE OUTER LOOP

Skirts of Potawatomi State Park and open-water stops

The route includes runs around the outskirts of Potawatomi State Park with plenty of quiet anchor points for swimming, fishing, or simply drifting and jumping in.

What the day feels like

What the day feels like

Boarding is simple and social: the pontoon sits ready in the water with broad, cushioned benches under a retractable bimini. With room for up to 12 people and a 60 HP motor, the boat accelerates easily for short runs between anchorages, then settles into a slow, sunlit cruise for sightseeing, fishing, or a sunset glide. The design is deliberately flexible—family-friendly, dog-friendly, and ready for a quick swim off the stern or a longer rental that keeps you exploring the bay.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this boat rental suits best—and who should consider alternatives.

1
Active FamiliesIdeal for families: the pontoon’s capacity (up to 12) and stable platform make swimming, short cruises, and picnics easy; note that children under 12 must wear PFDs at all times.
2
Couples & Sunset SeekersWell suited for a romantic evening or a relaxed sunset cruise thanks to the shaded bimini and the easy, slow-pace handling of the 60 HP motor.
3
AnglersGood for casual fishing from a stable deck with room for gear and anglers to spread out and anchor in productive spots.
4
Dog OwnersDog-friendly pontoons are explicitly available, making this a strong choice for travelers who want to bring a pet afloat.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Duration

Rentals are available from 2 hours up to 2 weeks, allowing everything from a short afternoon spin to an extended stay on the water.

What to Bring

Swimsuits, coolers and snacks, sunscreen, sandals, and hats are recommended; pontoons are dog-friendly so plan accordingly.

Meeting & Pickup

Meet at 120 N. Madison Ave. Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235; pontoons are ready in the water—park at the Maritime Museum lot and proceed to the dock as instructed.

Rules & Safety

Children under 12 must always wear a PFD; grills are not allowed; towing or pulling behind a rental is not permitted unless you book a tubing or skiing charter with a licensed captain.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

Where do I meet the boat?

Meet at 120 N. Madison Ave. Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235. Pontoons are ready in the water—park in the Maritime Museum parking lot and walk toward the steel bridge down to the dock.

How long can I rent the pontoon?

Rentals are available for as little as 2 hours and up to 2 weeks.

Are children required to wear life jackets?

Yes—children under 12 are required to always wear a PFD.

Can I bring my dog?

Yes—pontoons, speedboats, fishing boats, and tandem kayaks are dog-friendly.

Can I bring a grill or tow a skier/tube behind the boat?

Grills are not allowed. Towing or pulling behind any rental is not permitted, but tubing and skiing charters are available with licensed captains.

Can I bring coolers and snacks?

Yes—coolers and snacks are welcome.