The Best Boat Rentals Near Biloxi

Most small private charters and casual cruises in Biloxi start around $100–$150 per hour, with pontoons and deck boats commonly in the $70–$150 per hour range or roughly $400–$600 for a full day. Inshore fishing charters are typically $500–$800 for 4–6 hours, while offshore trips can run $1,200–$2,500+ depending on duration and distance. Small motor yachts for celebrations often start around $250–$400 per hour. Captained trips usually include the boat, safety gear, and fuel for normal cruising; fishing trips commonly include tackle and bait. Taxes, captain’s gratuity (15–20%), and add-ons like coolers, ice, or water toys are usually extra.

You’ll find an easy mix of pontoons and tritoons for sandbar-hopping, center consoles and bay boats for fishing, deck boats for scenic cruising, plus a handful of cabin cruisers and small yachts for private celebrations. Sailboats are less common than powerboats here, but the fleet covers everything most groups need—from family-friendly cruising to serious offshore fishing.

If you want a stress-free day, a captained charter is the simplest option—your captain handles the route, docking, and local navigation, and can tailor the trip for wildlife viewing, island time, or fishing. If you plan to operate a boat yourself, Mississippi requires anyone born after June 30, 1980 to complete an approved boater education course and carry the card; kids under 12 may not operate unless an adult age 21+ is on board. For visitors unfamiliar with the Mississippi Sound’s shallow flats and channels, a captain is the most relaxed choice.

The two most common departure points are Biloxi Small Craft Harbor at 679 Beach Boulevard (right by the lighthouse and downtown) and Point Cadet Marina at 119 Beach Boulevard (behind the Golden Nugget). Some trips may also meet at Popp’s Ferry Causeway Park on the Back Bay for easy access to calm, inshore waters. Always confirm your exact meet-up spot with your captain after booking.

Expect classic Gulf Coast scenery: the Biloxi Lighthouse and beachfront skyline, shrimp boats working the Mississippi Sound, pods of bottlenose dolphins on calm days, and nearby islands like Deer Island just offshore and, farther out, Ship Island with historic Fort Massachusetts. Cruises in Biloxi Bay and Back Bay bring views of the Biloxi Bay Bridge, waterfront neighborhoods, and quiet marshes filled with pelicans and herons.

For self-operated rentals, Mississippi law requires anyone born after June 30, 1980 to complete an approved boater education course and carry proof while operating. Operators under 12 must be accompanied on board by someone at least 21 years old. If you book a captained charter, you don’t need a license—the captain runs the trip.

Yes. Family outings are common, and every legal charter provides U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jackets. In Mississippi, children 12 and under must wear a life jacket while underway on boats under 26 feet, and many captains prefer kids in PFDs at all times regardless of boat size. If you have infants or toddlers, ask your captain to confirm properly sized life jackets or bring your own Coast Guard–approved PFD for the best fit.

Most private charters allow you to bring snacks, picnic-style foods, and beverages. Cans are preferred over glass on boats, and open flames are not allowed. If your trip includes landing on an island, note that Ship Island prohibits glass and pets, while Deer Island is pack-in/pack-out with minimal facilities. Many captains can provide a cooler and ice on request—confirm when you book.

Pet policies vary by boat. Some captains welcome well-behaved dogs with advance notice; others do not allow pets due to deck materials or upholstery. If you plan to go ashore, keep in mind that Ship Island does not allow pets (service animals excepted), while Deer Island permits leashed pets and is a primitive coastal preserve. Always confirm pet rules before booking.

Summer brings hot, sunny days with occasional pop-up thunderstorms; June through November is hurricane season on the Gulf. Captains continuously monitor marine forecasts and will reschedule or cancel if conditions are unsafe. If the captain cancels for weather, you’ll typically receive a refund or be offered a new date. To beat heat and breezes, morning departures are often calmer and more comfortable.

Peak boating runs April through October, with the warmest water in late May through September. Memorial Day, July 4th (“Fireworks Over the Sound”), and Labor Day are the busiest holiday weekends on the water. Notable local events include the Blessing of the Fleet in early July, the Biloxi Seafood Festival in mid-September, and Cruisin’ The Coast in early October, which can make traffic and parking near marinas busier. Weekdays and morning trips usually mean smoother water, easier parking, and better rates and availability.

Absolutely. Choose your preferred boat size, pick a time (mornings are cooler and calmer), and share your headcount and any must-haves—like swim stops, a sandbar hangout, island time, music, or light decorations. Most captains are happy to set an easy route, suggest playlists, and advise on catering or BYO. For groups, booking a few weeks ahead—longer for holiday weekends—is the simplest way to lock in your ideal boat and time.

Two favorites are dolphin-spotting cruises across the Mississippi Sound and island time at Deer Island, just minutes from shore, where you can swim and relax on quiet beach stretches. Longer private charters can run to Ship Island for beach time and a look at Fort Massachusetts; the public ferry from nearby Gulfport takes about an hour each way if you prefer a simple out-and-back beach day. Your captain will match the plan to your group, weather, and tide for a smooth experience.