Beachside Circle Boat Rentals and Sales is a family-owned operation working out of Romar Marina on Cotton Bayou in Orange Beach, renting small electric “circle boats” — round, single-person craft with a quiet electric motor — for puttering around the protected water off the marina. It is a different proposition from a pontoon: simpler, slower, and you do not need a boating license to drive one. Robinson Island and Bird Island are a short run from the launch, which is the whole reason the location works.
What it is
The boats come in a single seater, rated for one adult up to 300 pounds, and a double that fits one adult and one child (the company is clear it will not carry two adults). Each runs a five-speed electric motor built for no-wake zones, so think slow float rather than joyride. Rentals include a life jacket, a safety briefing, a full battery charge, a paddle, a whistle, and a phone holder — which tells you what everybody is really doing out there. Half-day rentals are split into morning or afternoon blocks; full-day is also offered.
Good to know
Add-ons include coolers, fishing poles, floating chairs, and floating mats. They also rent towable floating docks in three sizes, including a “Doggie Dock” with a weighted mesh ramp so the dog can climb back on. Since the boats are electric, a full day means managing your speed and your battery; the briefing covers it. Wind and boat wakes in the bayou can push a light craft around, so beginners should stay close to the marina side and out of the main channel. Check their site for current rates. See Perdido Pass marinas for nearby options, and on the water for the bigger boats.
