Most popularFrom $160
Pontoon Boats
Classic and luxury pontoons for up to 12 guests. No boating experience needed.
- Up to 12
- 2–8 hrs
Panama City · St. Andrews Bay
Your best day in Panama City starts at our dock.
Pontoon boats, paddleboards, hydrobikes and guided dolphin tours — right in the heart of downtown on the calm water of St. Andrews Bay.
- Open daily
- 8am – 6pm
- Guests aboard
- Up to 12
- Dolphin sightings
- Nearly every trip
- Launch point
- Downtown PC
What we rent
Pick your ride on the bay
Rentals, cruises and beach setups — all from one downtown Panama City shop on St. Andrews Bay.
Beginner friendlyFrom $20
Stay dryFrom $20
GuidedFrom $299
Dolphin & Snorkel Adventure
Guided dolphin sighting and snorkel trip through St. Andrews Bay and Shell Island.
- Up to 6
- 3 hrs
PrivateFrom $299
Sunset Cruise
A private, captained cruise across the bay as the sky turns gold over Panama City.
- Up to 6
- 2 hrs
GroupsFrom $399
Sunset Beach Bonfire
We take care of the setup — you bring the crew, kick back by the fire and watch the sun go down.
- Up to 12
- 2 hrs
All dayFrom $20
Beach Chairs & Umbrella
Comfortable chairs and an umbrella to keep you cool and shaded for a stress-free beach day.
- Per set
- Full day
Why Bayside
Easy, friendly and right on the water
We're a local, family-run rental shop — not a big chain counter. We'll set you up properly and point you toward the good spots.
Downtown on the bay
Step off West Beach Drive and straight onto the water — no trailer, no ramp, no hassle.
Full safety briefing
Every renter gets an orientation and all required safety gear before leaving the dock.
Shell Island in minutes
Clear water, sandbars and dolphins are a short, easy cruise from our slip.
Something for everyone
Pontoons, paddleboards and hydrobikes — all in one place, all day long.
Reviews
Guests love their day on the bay
A few of the reviews our guests have left on Google, TripAdvisor and Yelp.
5.0 on Google(184 reviews)
Our family had the absolute BEST time out on the water with Captain Aaron for the dolphin & snorkel tour. We saw so much wildlife. The dolphins were amazing! He takes you to several neat spots. We will definitely be back. It was a great experience!!
Dianna Cochran
Google · 2026
Best pontoon rental in Panama City! Customer service is absolutely amazing and cannot be beat! They also have paddle board and bike rentals so you can explore the downtown area! Location is convenient and beautiful with a beach and clear water! Highly recommend Bayside Rentals if you're looking to get out on the water!
Haley
TripAdvisor · Jul 2023
The owner and the employees helped load and unload all are gear for or trip. Really friendly staff. we got there early before or scheduled time and they let us leave earlier instead of making us wait. would recommend to everyone.
Joshua L
TripAdvisor · Jun 2024
On the water
Photos from the bay
Real days out with real guests in Panama City, Florida.
Good to know
Questions guests ask most
Do I need a boating license to rent a pontoon boat?
If you were born on or after January 1, 1988, Florida law requires a Boating Safety Education ID Card to operate a vessel with 10 HP or more. You can complete the temporary certificate online before your trip, and our team will walk you through it when you book.
Do I need any experience to rent a boat?
No. Every renter gets a full orientation on the boat before leaving the dock — controls, safety gear, where to go, and where to avoid. Our pontoons are forgiving and easy to handle, and we're a phone call away the whole time you're out.
What size motors are on your pontoon boats?
Our Classic Pontoon runs a 60 HP motor, which is plenty for cruising St. Andrews Bay and easy for first-time captains to handle. The Luxury Pontoon has a much larger 115 HP motor, so it gets you across the bay to Shell Island and back faster. Both carry up to 12 guests.
Where are you located?
We're at 111 West Beach Drive in downtown Panama City, right on St. Andrews Bay. Parking is nearby and you board straight from our dock.
Book Now
Reserve Your Day on the Water
Pick your date and we'll have everything ready at the dock. Call us for same-day availability or send a request and we'll confirm right back.
Request a reservation
Tell us the date, how many guests and what you'd like to rent. We'll confirm availability right away.
“Our family had the absolute BEST time out on the water with Captain Aaron for the dolphin & snorkel tour. We saw so much wildlife. The dolphins were amazing! He takes you to several neat spots. We will definitely be back. It was a great experience!!”
Dianna Cochran · Google