FAQs

Q: What is a Cycleboat Cruise?
A: Our Cycleboat Cruise is Delaware’s first and only human-powered cycleboat! A 31-foot-long catamaran. The Cycleboat is propelled through the water by a large rear paddle wheel that’s powered by the pedaling of our riders! We can accommodate up to 15 guests, (10 at pedal stations surrounding a central bar/cooler and 5 others on comfortable bench seating), and embark on daily cruises on the waters of the Rehoboth Bay and Canal.

Q: How do I book a tour?
A: Whether your purchasing individual tickets or reserving the entire vessel for your group, booking your Cycleboat Cruise is as easy as 1, 2, 3.

  1. Go to book online now and select your date/time.

  2. Choose either a full boat rental or individual tickets and checkout with a credit card using our 2048-bit encrypted payment platform.

  3. Read and electronically sign your waiver.


Q: Where do we board?
A: We’ll pick up you (and your group) at the dock located behind the Rusty Rudder Restaurant at 113  Dickinson Beach, DE 19971.  Parking is available up and down Dickinson St. or you can use the Rusty Rudder parking lot if you choose to eat or drink there before or after our cruise. It is one of the best places in Dewey Beach for food, drinks and fun. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled cruise time.

Q: Can I drink aboard the Cycleboat?
A: Yes!  We recommend canned drinks.

Q: Do you provide food or beverage?
A: With the exception of a few specialty tours, the Cycleboat is strictly BYOB and BYOFood.
*If you want, you may bring your food directly from the Rudder for any of our cruises. Your drinks will have to be purchase from one of the nearby stores. The drinks from the Rudder are not allowed off the dock.*

Q: Do I need to bring a cooler or ice?
A: No. The Cycleboat has 2 large coolers built right into the bar that come fully stocked with ice and water for your cruise.

Q: Is there a bathroom on board?
A: The Cycleboat does not have a bathroom on board, so please plan accordingly! Based our own on extensive researched, we’ve refined our route time to a length that works for almost every bladder, and we make sure to remind our guests to go before the cruise.

Q: How long is a cruise?
A: Regular cruises run approximately 1.5 hours from beginning to end, including a quick safety speech before we depart.

Q: Is it difficult to pedal?
A: No. There are no hills to go up out on the water, and we can raise or lower the paddle wheel to reduce or increase resistance. We also have a backup motor if you feel like just being lazy, (It’s electric powered by the sun and solar).

Q: How many people can ride the Cycleboat?
A: The Cycleboat can safely accommodate up to 15 passengers per cruise, with a maximum weight capacity of 2,960 pounds. Seating includes 10 pedal stations surrounding the central bar and a comfortable bench for 4 non-pedalers.

Q: What's the minimum number of riders needed operate the Cycleboat?
A: As few as 6 riders can pedal the boat. We will contact you if there are less than 6 seats booked for your time slot.  If the cruise has to cancel due to this minimum, we will refund your payment if we are unable to reschedule your reservation.

Q: Are kids allowed to ride?
A: Cycleboat Cruises are designed for 21 and over, but children are permitted to ride if they can power an adult size bike. All minors must be accompanied by an adult over the age of 25.

Q: Do you provide the driver?
A: Yes. All Cycleboat captains are US Coast Guard certified Master Captains.

Q: Does the Cycleboat do private parties?
A: Yes! You may reserve the whole boat for a discounted price and play your own music.

Q: What if it is raining on the day of my cruise?
A: The Cycleboat sails rain or shine, thanks to a collapsible canopy that covers the entire deck. In the case of extreme weather, (thunder, lightening or heavy winds), the captain reserves the right to cancel the tour and
will provide each passenger with a refund if you cannot be rescheduled.

Q: Can I leave a tip for the crew?
A: If they did a great job, please feel free to tip your crew members at the end of your cruise.