If this is your first time renting a jet ski or pontoon boat, you’ve probably got one big question before anything else: Do I need a boating license?
For eligible renters at Hudson Marina, you generally won’t need to complete a separate Alabama boater safety course before your rental. Alabama provides an exemption from its normal boater safety certification requirement for qualifying rental customers when the required safety instruction, rental agreement, and other legal conditions are completed.
Below, you'll learn what you’ll need to bring, what to expect when you arrive, and how our Orange Beach boat rental requirements work. Still have questions? Please give us a call for more information:
Alabama generally requires people operating motorized vessels to have a boater safety certification. However, state law includes a specific exemption for people using qualifying rental vessels from properly licensed rental businesses.
To use this exemption, the operator must be at least 16 years old, receive proper instruction on operating the vessel safely, complete and sign the required rental agreement, and confirm that their boating privileges aren’t currently suspended or revoked. A copy of the rental contract must also remain aboard the vessel while it’s being operated.
Our team will guide you through the required orientation and paperwork before you leave the dock. You generally don’t need to complete an Alabama boating course ahead of your visit solely for your Hudson Marina rental.
Keep in mind that this exemption applies only to the qualifying rented vessel during the rental period. It isn’t a substitute for the certification you may need when operating your own boat or another vessel outside the rental agreement.
Before arriving for your rental, make sure you have:
Our jet skis don’t have built-in rental timers, so it’s your responsibility to keep track of your return time. A parent or guardian will also need to complete the appropriate waiver for a minor.
Hudson Marina uses the following age policy for both jet ski and pontoon boat operators:
For a jet ski rental, an operator under 21 may ride their own jet ski as long as the accompanying adult is present on the water on a separate jet ski.
For a pontoon rental, the adult must be present aboard the boat.
These are Hudson Marina’s rental requirements in addition to the conditions established by Alabama law. Contact our team by phone before booking if you have questions about the ages of the people in your group or who will be operating the watercraft.
We won’t simply hand you the keys and send you on your way. Before leaving the dock, each renter receives safety and operating instructions from our staff.
The orientation covers important topics such as:
You’ll also complete the required rental paperwork before departure. A copy of the applicable agreement must remain aboard the vessel during the rental.
Our team works in partnership with the Alabama Marine Police to help keep our rental process safe and consistent with Alabama boating requirements.
Hudson Marina’s jet skis and pontoon boats must remain within the approved bay area. You may not travel under the Perdido Pass Bridge, enter Perdido Pass, or take a rental into the Gulf.
Before departure, our team will explain the boundaries that apply to your specific watercraft and rental duration.
Jet ski renters can ride within Hudson Marina’s approved bay riding area, including Terry Cove and portions of Perdido Bay. Longer rentals may provide enough time to explore connections toward Wolf Bay.
You may also be able to cruise near well-known Orange Beach locations such as Robinson Island, Bird Island, and portions of the Ono Island shoreline. Exact boundaries, no-wake areas, no-motor areas, and wildlife-viewing rules will be reviewed before you leave.
Entering a prohibited area may result in the immediate termination of the rental without a refund.
Pontoon renters can explore the approved bay area at a more relaxed pace. Depending on your rental, destination, conditions, and the instructions provided by our team, your day may include cruising near local islands, stopping around sandbars, anchoring for a swim, looking for dolphins, or visiting a boat-accessible restaurant.
Always follow the map, boundaries, and operating instructions provided by Hudson Marina.
Out-of-state visitors can also qualify for Alabama’s rental-vessel exemption. When all of the exemption’s requirements are satisfied, you generally don’t need to obtain an Alabama boater safety certification or certification from your home state solely to operate your Hudson Marina rental.
Bring your valid driver’s license and major credit card, arrive in time to complete the paperwork and orientation, and our staff will walk you through the rest.
This exemption applies only to the qualifying rented vessel during your scheduled rental. Different certification rules may apply if you plan to operate a privately owned boat or another vessel while visiting Alabama.
Looking for a faster, more independent ride? Our jet ski rentals are available for hourly, half-day, and full-day adventures. They’re a fun choice for riders who want to explore the approved bay area while enjoying a more active experience on the water.
Traveling with family or a larger group? Our pontoon boat rentals include options that can accommodate up to 12 passengers. Pontoons offer a comfortable way to cruise, sightsee, anchor, swim, and enjoy the bay at your own pace.
No previous boating or jet-ski experience is required. Show up with the required identification and payment method, complete your safety instruction and rental paperwork, and we’ll help you get ready for a safe day on the water.
Eligible renters generally don’t need a separate Alabama boater safety certification when using a qualifying rental vessel from a properly licensed rental business. The operator must be at least 16 and complete the required safety instruction, rental agreement, and related paperwork. Operators under the age of 21 must be accompanied by a responsible adult age 21 or older.
Not generally, provided the rental qualifies for Alabama’s rental-vessel exemption and all required conditions are completed. The exemption applies to qualifying rental customers regardless of their state of residence.
Operators must be at least 16 and have a valid driver’s license. Anyone under 21 must be accompanied by a responsible adult age 21 or older. Operators age 21 and older may operate without an adult chaperone.
Bring a valid driver’s license and a major credit card for the damage deposit. Jet ski renters should also bring a waterproof watch or another safe way to keep track of the rental time. Sunscreen, swimwear, and sunglasses are strongly recommended.
Yes. Before departure, our staff will review safe operation, approved riding boundaries, restricted areas, safety equipment, and emergency procedures.
No. Hudson Marina rentals must remain in the approved bay area. You may not travel under the Perdido Pass Bridge, into Perdido Pass, or into the Gulf.
The exact approved area depends on your watercraft, rental duration, current conditions, and Hudson Marina’s instructions. Jet ski rentals generally include Terry Cove and portions of Perdido Bay, with possible connections toward Wolf Bay on longer rentals. Pontoon renters can explore the approved bay area according to the map and instructions provided before departure.
