A Roomy 20‑Foot Pontoon — Cruise Crisfield’s Waterways with the Whole Crew

Pontoon Rentals in Crisfield, Maryland, offers a low-effort way to move through the salt marshes and island channels around Somers Cove, Janes Island State Park, and the City Dock. From a stable 20-foot pontoon powered by a 60-horse engine — rated for 11 people or 1,100 pounds — the Bay’s shallow creeks, oyster bars, and wide salt flats unfold like a map for slow exploring.

The experience is simple: arrive at the marina in Crisfield, complete the required paperwork, review basic boat handling with staff, and push off. The rental includes a full tank of gas, all required safety gear including life jackets, and a cooler with ice, so groups can focus on tides, wind, and the open water. Renters must be 21 to sign, present a valid driver's license, take a brief boater’s safety review (a free course is linked by the operator), and leave a $200 refundable damage deposit. No deliveries are available for pontoons — departures are from the Crisfield marina or Janes Island State Park only.

What makes this trip special is proximity: the point-and-click access to the Tangier Sound’s classic eastern shore ecology. Expect wide mudflats edged with spartina grass, low-lying islands dotted with red cedars, narrow tidal creeks perfect for probing by kayak, and working waterfronts where soft-shell crab boats and small-scale oystermen load and unload. Birdlife is rich — terns, herons, and bald eagles patrol the channels — and the waterway’s shallow contours mean you can anchor, swim, or beach the pontoon at a sandbar for an afternoon picnic.

Practical travelers will appreciate the easy handling of a 20-foot pontoon, the onboard cooler, and the full tank policy that lets you range farther into Janes Island State Park without constant refueling. The operator’s rules are clear: follow the provided boundary map, do not exceed passenger or weight limits, and keep life jackets on anyone under 16 while underway. These rules preserve both safety and the fragile marsh habitat.

For families, small groups, or anyone who wants a relaxed day on the water without skippered charter prices, Pontoon Rentals is a practical gateway into Maryland’s coastal plain. It offers an approachable way to see Crisfield’s working waterfront, nearby islands, and open water—on your own clock, at your own pace.

Plan your outing around tides and weather; summer afternoons often bring the gentlest conditions for runs toward Janes Island while spring and fall migrations increase bird activity. The operator asks for 24-hour notice for cancellations except in unsafe weather. Bring sunscreen, layered wind protection, a dry bag for phones, and drinking water. Book early on peak summer weekends. With clear boundaries and an included safety kit, this rental is an easy, low-stress way to explore Crisfield’s shoreline and conserve habitat.