At OCA Watersports in Ocean City, MD, jet skis offer a fast, high-adrenaline ride for 1-2 people with 70 minutes on the water, while pontoon boats provide a relaxed cruising experience for groups of up to 6-10 passengers over 2 or more hours. Both options include access to the Famous 6 Mile Ride along Assateague Island. The right choice depends on your group size, budget, comfort preferences, and how much speed you want.

The Quick Comparison

Feature Jet Ski Pontoon Boat
Passengers 1-2 per ski Up to 6-10
Duration 70 minutes 2+ hours
Speed High — full throttle in open water Cruising speed
Experience Adrenaline, freedom, adventure Relaxed, scenic, social
Best For Couples, teens, thrill-seekers Families, groups, all ages
Min. Driver Age 16 18
6 Mile Ride Yes — self-guided Yes — at cruising pace
Bring Coolers/Gear No Yes

The Jet Ski Experience

Jet ski rider on the open bay in Ocean City Maryland

A jet ski rental at OCA Watersports is built for people who want speed, freedom, and the feeling of being fully in control on the open water. You get 70 minutes — not 60 — and the clock does not start until you are actually on the water.

From our dock at 12817 Harbor Rd, you ride south through the bay toward Assateague Island. There are no escort boats following you. No guided circles around a buoy. OCA gives you the biggest riding area in Ocean City and trusts you to explore it. That is the core difference between renting here and renting somewhere else.

Each jet ski accommodates 1-2 riders. Single riders get the full experience solo. Double riders share the ski — the driver controls the throttle while the passenger holds on and enjoys the ride. Drivers must be at least 16 years old and meet the minimum weight requirements.

Jet Skis Are Best For:

  • Couples looking for an adventure together
  • Teenagers and young adults who want speed
  • Anyone who has always wanted to try jet skiing
  • Competitive friends who want to race (safely) on the open bay
  • Repeat visitors who already know they love being on the water

The Pontoon Boat Experience

Pontoon boat at the OCA Watersports dock in Ocean City MD ready for a bay cruise

A pontoon boat rental at OCA Watersports is the social, all-ages option. The boat accommodates up to 6-10 passengers depending on the vessel, and the rental runs 2 or more hours — giving you plenty of time to cruise the bay, explore sandbars, and take in the scenery at whatever pace your group wants.

Pontoons are stable, flat-decked boats that ride smoothly even in light chop. You can bring a cooler with drinks and snacks. Kids can move around safely. Older family members can sit comfortably in the shade. It is the closest thing to a private bay cruise without chartering a yacht.

From OCA's dock, pontoon boaters follow the same general route as jet ski riders — south along Assateague Island, past sandbars and dolphin feeding areas. The difference is pace. You cruise instead of sprint. You can anchor at a sandbar, swim, fish, or simply sit and watch the wild horses on the island shoreline.

Pontoon Boats Are Best For:

  • Families with young children
  • Multi-generational groups (grandparents, parents, kids)
  • Groups of friends who want to hang out on the water
  • Bachelorette or bachelor parties
  • Anyone who wants a chill, scenic bay day without high speeds
  • People who want to bring food, drinks, and a Bluetooth speaker

Can You Do Both?

Absolutely — and many groups do. A common setup at OCA is to book a pontoon boat for the family while the adrenaline seekers in the group rent jet skis and ride alongside. Everyone gets to experience the bay, Assateague Island, and the 6 Mile Ride in their own way, and you can meet up at a sandbar in the middle.

How to Decide

Ask yourself these three questions:

  1. How many people are in your group? If it is 1-4 people and everyone wants to ride, jet skis are usually the move. If it is 5 or more, or you have kids under 16, a pontoon makes more sense — or book both.
  2. Do you want speed or scenery? Jet skis deliver speed, wind, and adrenaline. Pontoons deliver scenery, conversation, and time on the water. Both are great — they are just different.
  3. What is your budget per person? For larger groups, a pontoon often costs less per person. For smaller groups or couples, jet skis are the better value because you are paying for 70 minutes of intense, personal experience.

Book Your Ride

OCA Watersports is located at 12817 Harbor Rd, Ocean City, MD 21842 — right on the bay with direct water access to Assateague Island. Whether you choose a jet ski, a pontoon, or both, every ride includes access to the largest riding area in Ocean City and the Famous 6 Mile Ride.

Book online or call 410-629-RIDE (7433). Summer weekends sell out — reserve early to lock in your preferred time slot.