Boat Rentals in Biloxi, MS

April, May and October are usually the best months for boating Biloxi’s stretch of Mississippi Sound. Gulfport-Biloxi climate normals show milder spring and fall air than midsummer, while NOAA coastal stations on either side of Biloxi show water in the low 70s in April, upper 70s in May and mid-70s in October. Summer water reaches the mid-80s, but June through August have the most frequent measurable rain, so the day’s forecast matters more. For comfort, think April through October as the practical season; nearby coastal water averages from the mid-50s to low 60s in winter.

Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (ncei.noaa.gov)

From Biloxi, you can boat the Mississippi Sound, Biloxi Bay, Back Bay of Biloxi, and the Biloxi and Tchoutacabouffa rivers. For broad coastal water, use the Biloxi Small Craft Harbor ramp and follow the marked Biloxi Channel into Mississippi Sound; Deer Island shelters the city waterfront. Hiller Park gives quick access to Biloxi Bay, the marked connection between the Sound and Back Bay. Back Bay is the protected choice, with good small-craft anchorage; Forrest Avenue and Lee Street ramps put you directly on it. Popp’s Ferry Causeway launches into the river system near where the Biloxi and Tchoutacabouffa meet and flow into the bay.

Source: City of Biloxi, biloxi.ms.us and discover.biloxi.ms.us (biloxi.ms.us)

From Biloxi, boaters make day trips across Mississippi Sound to Deer Island, Ship Island and Horn Island. Deer Island, just off Biloxi, is a secluded choice for boating, canoeing and paddleboarding. Ship Island draws beachgoers with a designated swim beach and historic Fort Massachusetts. Horn Island offers a more undeveloped wilderness outing, with fishing, hiking and wildlife watching among the activities promoted for Mississippi’s barrier islands.

Source: Mississippi Gulf Coast National Heritage Area (msgulfcoastheritage.ms.gov)

Mississippi does not issue a traditional boating license, but operators born after June 30, 1980, must complete an approved boater education course and carry proof when operating a boat or personal watercraft on public waterways. Operators under 12 must have the certificate and be accompanied onboard by a parent, guardian, or other qualified person at least 21 years old.

State law exempts someone operating a motorboat rented from a motorboat rental business from the requirement to possess the certificate. MDWFP also allows someone replacing a lost card to download a temporary card. The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks administers the program.

Source: Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (mdwfp.com)

Mississippi boaters should carry one wearable U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket per person, and children 12 and younger must wear one while underway in a vessel under 26 feet. Boating under the influence is illegal, with a blood alcohol limit of 0.08 percent. Motorized boats and sailboats must be registered, display validation decals, and carry the registration certificate onboard.

Operators born after June 30, 1980, need approved boater education; an operator under 12 also needs someone at least 21 onboard. On Mississippi marine waters, observe no wake rules within 100 feet of public harbors, marinas, and boat ramps.

Source: Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (dmr.ms.gov)

Under Mississippi’s operating age rule, a person must be at least 12 to operate a motorboat or personal watercraft without the special accompaniment requirement. An operator under 12 must be accompanied onboard by someone who is at least 21. The same rule applies to personal watercraft.

The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks requires people born after June 30, 1980, to complete an approved boating education course, and required operators must carry their certificate onboard. A rental operator sets its own booking minimum, so confirm the rental age when reserving.

Source: Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (dmr.ms.gov)

Alongside the boat rentals on this page, Biloxi has 2 boat clubs, 6 marinas and 1 boat dealer.