Ocean City is surrounded by water. In fact, statistically, the city is actually nearly 90 percent water. Of the 36.4 square miles that make up Ocean City, 31.8 of them are made of water. That translates to miles and miles of shoreline, plenty of public access points and hundreds of ways to enjoy the bays, river, oceans and inlets that make up this beautiful coastal community.
From the Assawoman Bay to the Atlantic Ocean, Ocean City’s waterways are perfect for dozens of water activities. Whether you want to cool off from a hot day in the sun, try to reel in some dinner, or just enjoy a leisurely time surrounded by our beautiful blue waters, you’re sure to find an activity the whole family will enjoy. Here are a few of our favorite ways to get on the water:

Jet Ski
These personal watercrafts are simply a blast to ride. Speed across the water and over waves as the water sprays up behind you. Venture out with a friend, and try to spot dolphins in the surf. Most rental companies give you a designated riding area to explore, ranging in size. Be sure to ask ahead of time where your area begins and ends. Of course, safety is always key, and our outfitters make sure you are properly trained before driving the craft. Remember to always keep on the lookout for those sharing the waterways with you—that goes for other boating enthusiasts and wildlife!

Parasail
What can beat soaring above the beach on a smooth parasail ride? For 25 years, more and more people have been discovering the joys of defying gravity and flying among the clouds. One of the most popular beach activities, parasailing, can actually be done without even getting your feet wet. Most parasail companies ask if you’d prefer to take off and land from the boat or the water. Either way, as you float higher and higher in your harness, the last thing you’ll be thinking about is the water. You’ll be too busy enjoying the breathtaking view and unbelievable feeling of flight.

Rent a Boat
Pontoons, jet boats, deck boats, cruisers, skiffs—the possibilities are endless. Just choose your craft and set out on your own voyage in the surrounding waters. Pontoons and deck boats are great for families—enjoy an afternoon cruising, swimming, snacking and sunning. Or if you’re craving some speed, rent a speedboat or cruiser. Some companies even offer free water ski, tube and wakeboard rentals, so you can enjoy a full day of water sports. And of course, experienced anglers can skip the charter and rent their own skiff for a solo fishing adventure. Whatever your passion, renting a boat is one of the best ways to experience the abundant and beautiful water that surrounds Ocean City.

Surfing
It’s a passion shared by millions around the world—the coveted feeling of riding a wave. Surfing is a sport followed by people of all ages and is one of the best ways to enjoy the beach while also getting quite a bit of a workout. Sure, from the beach it looks easy, but surfing actually requires strong swimming skills, good balance, arm strength, and a whole lot of determination. That said, once you spot that perfect wave and find yourself suddenly standing on the board as the wave brings you ashore, you’ll be hooked. The best way to get a good start surfing is by taking a lesson or two for the basics. Area surf schools will teach you how to get from lying down on your board to standing up (without toppling over), how to pick the perfect wave and how to fall without hurting yourself. By the end of the day, you may be a little water-logged, but you’re sure to have had some fun.

Kayaking
Great for exploring remote coastal areas, kayaking gives people an up-close view of some of our country’s last preserved natural beaches. Spot wildlife and migrating birds, coast through tall marshes, and enjoy the quiet solitude of nature. Take a kayak tour and let a guide lead you through unspoiled areas while explaining the eco-system and wildlife around you. Or just rent a two-person kayak, and explore wherever your hearts desire.

Cruises
From nature excursions to high-speed cruises, there is a wide variety of public cruises to choose from in Ocean City. Kids and families will love the pirate-themed cruises for quality entertainment on the water, while couples may enjoy a sunset cruise aboard a sailboat or yacht. There are also excursions for dolphin watching, fishing, bird watching and nature viewing.

Maybe you’ll want to try one of each!

Listings are being updated for summer 2012. Check back soon!

48th Street Watersports Located directly behind the Princess Bayside Hotel Ocean City, MD 410-524-9150 Action Watersports 52nd Street (Bayside) Ocean City, MD 410-524-4769 www.actionwatersportsoc.com Advanced Marina 66th Street & the Bay Ocean City, MD 410-723-2124 advanced-marina.com Aqua Watersports Dorchester St. & the Bay Ocean City, MD 410-289-1001 www.OCAqua.com Assateague Adventure Departs from Talbot Street Pier 311 Talbot Street on the Bay 410-289-3500 www.talbotstreetwatersports.com Ayers Creek Adventures Berlin, MD 888-602-6288 ayerscreekadventures.com info@ayerscreekadventures.com Bahia Marina Located between 21st and 22nd Street Ocean City, MD 410-289-7438 888-575-DOCK www.bahiamarina.com Bayside Boat Rentals behind Chauncey's Surf Shop & Macky's 5307 Coastal Highway Ocean City, MD 410-524-1948 www.baysideboatrentals.com Duckaneer Pirate Ship Departs from Talbot Street Pier 311 Talbot Street on the Bay 410-289-3500 www.talbotstreetwatersports.com Explorer Nature Cruise Departs from Talbot Street Pier 307 Dorchester St. 410-289-0004 www.talbotstreetwatersports.com Inlet Sea Doos On the Inlet, next to Oceanic Motel Philadelphia Ave., near Trimpers Rides Ocean City, MD 410-289-1488 OC Bayside Rentals Dorchester St. and the Bay Ocean City, MD 410-289-7112 www.ocbaysiderentals.com OC Baysports 22nd St. & the Bay (next to FishTales) Ocean City, MD 410-289-2144

OC Parasail 54th St. Bayside. Next to Macky's Restaurant. Also Talbot St. Pier next to the Angler Restaurant. Ocean City, MD 410-723-1464 www.ocparasailing.com OC Rocket Departs from Talbot Street Pier 311 Talbot Street on the Bay 410-289-3500 www.talbotstreetwatersports.com OC Screamer 50th St. & the Bay (next to Seacrets) 410-723-4227 www.odysseawatersports.com Ocean City Watersports 1st St. & the Bay Ocean City, MD 410-289-RUSH (7874) www.ocwatersports.com Ocean Princess Deep Sea Fishing Located 2 Blocks South of the Route 50 Bridge Dorchester Street & the Bay Olde Town Marina Next to Marina Deck Restaurant 410-289-6226 www.theoceanprincess.com Odyssea Watersports 50th St. & the Bay (next to Seacrets) 410-723-4227 www.odysseawatersports.com Paradise Water Sports Next to Rt. 50 Drawbridge Ocean City, MD 410-213-SOAR (7627) Paradise-Watersports.com Pirate Adventures 142nd St. & Bay (behind Harpoon Hanna's) 302-539-5155 www.PirateAdventuresOceanCity.com Sea Rocket Adventures 700 S. Philadelphia (Inlet) and Wicomico St. and the Bay 410-289-4FUN www.searocket.com Shark's Cove Watersports Located at Catch 54 Restaurant on Rt. 54 Fenwick Island, DE 302-436-8500 866-436-8500 www.sharkscovemarina.com Surfside Parasail on the docks of 221 Wicomico Street Ocean City, MD 410-289-4FUN Talbot Street Watersports 311 Talbot Street on the Bay 410-289-3500 www.talbotstreetwatersports.com West OC Marina Located at the docks of Hooper's Crab House Ocean City, MD 410-213-2FUN (2386) www.westocwatersports.com