Cruisin’ Tikis Rehoboth Bay

Delaware sets no minimum age to operate an ordinary motorboat, but that does not determine whether a rental company will rent one to you. Under Title 23, Section 2221, anyone born on or after January 1, 1978 must complete approved boating safety instruction and carry the certificate when operating a registered or documented vessel. Personal watercraft have separate rules: operators may operate unsupervised at 16, while 14 and 15-year-olds may operate only under the direct supervision of a parent or legal guardian. Section 2213 also requires a personal watercraft renter to hold a valid automobile driver’s license. Each rental operator sets any additional minimum, so confirm it when booking.

Source: Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (delcode.delaware.gov)

Yes. Anyone born on or after January 1, 1978 must complete an approved boating safety course and carry the certificate when operating a motorized boat, including a personal watercraft, on Delaware waters. DNREC states no minimum mandatory age for boats other than PWC. PWC operators must be at least 14; ages 14 and 15 require direct parental or guardian supervision, while certified operators 16 or older may operate unsupervised.

Renters subject to the birth date rule are not exempt and must carry proof. Statutory exemptions cover valid U.S. Coast Guard captains and Delaware River and Bay pilots or equivalents; no temporary certificate exemption is listed. DNREC’s Office of Boating Safety and Education administers the requirement.

Source: Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (dnrec.delaware.gov)

From Dewey Beach, start on Rehoboth Bay, the shallow home water behind town. Follow the marked route into Indian River Bay, another shallow lagoon, or enter the narrower Lewes and Rehoboth Canal, where bridge openings can produce strong currents. Indian River Inlet connects the inland bays to the Atlantic Ocean; the inlet has strong current and shifting shoals, while the ocean is exposed open water.

Rental outings depart from Dewey Beach on Rehoboth Bay, while trailer boaters can use the public ramp at Indian River Marina beside the inlet.

Source: NOAA Office of Coast Survey (nauticalcharts.noaa.gov)

From Dewey Beach, three practical day-trip stops are the Massey’s Landing sandbar, Rehoboth Beach’s Grove Park Canal Dock, and Lewes Canalfront Park. The sandbar draws boaters to relax in the shallow water of Rehoboth Bay. Grove Park’s dock gives private boats a brief passenger and supply stop behind the Rehoboth Beach Museum. In Lewes, Canalfront Park sits beside the Lewes and Rehoboth Canal and offers marina slips, a canalfront boardwalk, green space, a fishing pier, and access to the historic lightship and lifesaving station area.

Source: City of Rehoboth Beach (rehobothbeachde.gov)