STURGEON BAY BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Slow Hours on a 22' Sweetwater: Pontooning Sturgeon Bay’s Working Waterways
A concise guide to Door County Boat Rentals’ 22' pontoon—how it rides, what you can see, and the practical essentials for a day (or longer) on Sturgeon Bay’s water.
Slow Hours on a 22' Sweetwater: Pontooning Sturgeon Bay’s Working Waterways.
Adventure brief
Slow Hours on a 22' Sweetwater: Pontooning Sturgeon Bay’s Working Waterways
A spacious 22' Sweetwater pontoon from Door County Boat Rentals offers a relaxed way to read the contours of Sturgeon Bay—ideal for families, couples, and small groups who want easy cruising, fishing, or a swim break under summer sun.
Experience the beauty and excitement of Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, aboard a 22’ Sweetwater Pontoon from Door County Boat Rentals. This private outdoor adventure is perfect for families, couples, and groups looking to enjoy a relaxing day on the water or an active outing filled with fishing and jet skiing. The spacious and dog-friendly design makes it ideal for summer cruises with your entire crew, including furry friends. Navigate beneath picturesque bridges and take in stunning views of the bay, stopping at local favorites like Waterfront Mary's Bar and Grill for a waterside meal. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful sunset cruise, a lively fishing trip, or just some quality time on the water, the pontoon offers comfort and versatility. Door County's natural beauty, combined with the ease of maneuvering a pontoon, makes this an unforgettable way to experience one of Wisconsin’s best-kept outdoor secrets.
Route Schematic
Route schematic and stops
A typical outing follows the channel under three bridges, past commercial docks, then offers options to stop for food, fishing, or a swim near Potawatomi State Park.
Under the three bridges
Pass beneath three bridges that mark the approach through Sturgeon Bay’s channel.
Working waterfront
Cruise past the active docks and commercial shoreline that define Sturgeon Bay’s maritime economy.
Waterfront Mary's Bar and Grill
An accessible shore stop for food and a break from the boat near the downtown waterfront.
Outskirts of Potawatomi State Park
A scenic loop around the park’s edge for quieter water and potential swim or anchor spots.
Prime fishing and anchor points
Several designated areas along the route are well suited to fishing, dropping anchor, or jumping in for a swim.
Boats have a maximum capacity of eight passengers; Personal Flotation Devices are provided and children under 12 are required to wear a PFD at all times—plan accordingly and arrive early for orientation and paperwork.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Slip beneath three bridges
The standard pontoon route threads under three bridges, giving a compact taste of Sturgeon Bay’s channels and low-slung infrastructure—a calm, sheltered passage perfect for slow cruising.
Past the working waterfront
Float alongside Sturgeon Bay’s working waterfront, where commercial activity and shoreline life frame the channel—an immediate sense of place before you drop anchor or head for shore.
Mary’s, fishing spots and Potawatomi’s edge
Stops include Waterfront Mary's Bar and Grill, easy anchor points for a swim, and a drive around the outskirts of Potawatomi State Park, with several prime areas to fish, float, or jump in.
What the day feels like
How the outing feels
Boarding a 22' Sweetwater pontoon is an unhurried affair: the retractable bimini drops or rises with the sun, the 60 HP Mercury motor settles into an easy cruise, and up to eight people can move about the deck for fishing, sunning, or a brief swim—dog-friendly and tuned for leisure or a focused day on the water.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this pontoon suits—and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Swimsuits, coolers and snacks, sunscreen, sandals, and hats are recommended for comfort on deck and in the water.
Rentals are offered from short 2-hour excursions up to multi-day bookings (up to two weeks); arrive 15–20 minutes before your reservation for orientation and paperwork.
Personal Flotation Devices are included; children under 12 must wear a PFD at all times. Grills are not allowed; coolers and snacks are welcome. Towing or pulling behind any rental is not permitted.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
When should I arrive for my reservation?
Please arrive 15–20 minutes before your reservation start time for orientation and paperwork.
Are Personal Flotation Devices provided?
Personal Flotation Devices are included with the rental.
Do children need to wear PFDs?
Children under 12 are required to wear a PFD at all times.
Can I bring my dog?
Pontoons, speedboats, fishing boats, and tandem kayaks are dog-friendly.
Can I grill or tow a tube behind the boat?
Grills are not allowed. Towing or pulling behind any rental is not permitted, although tubing and skiing charters with licensed captains are available separately.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-08-13T00:32:02.951Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.