The Best Boat Rentals Near New Bern

Most private powerboats and pontoons in the New Bern area run about $100–$200 per hour with a two- to three‑hour minimum, or roughly $350–$700 for a half day and $600–$1,200 for a full day, depending on size, season, and whether a captain is included. Shared sightseeing cruises on the Neuse and Trent Rivers are usually about $45–$55 per person for a 90‑minute ride. Your booking generally includes required safety gear and life jackets, and captained trips include the captain’s time. Fuel may or may not be included on self‑operated rentals, and taxes or marina fees can be added at checkout, so always review the listing details before you book.

You’ll find comfortable pontoons and deck boats for relaxed cruising, center consoles and bay boats for fishing the Neuse and Trent, classic sailboats for a breezy afternoon under canvas, and small cabin cruisers or yachts for celebrations. If you’re planning a mellow sightseeing day, a pontoon or deck boat is ideal; for fishing or exploring farther afield, consider a center console; and for special occasions, captained cruisers make it effortless for the organizer.

If you want a hands‑off day where someone else handles docking, routing, and weather calls, choose a captained charter—it’s the simplest option for groups and events. Confident boaters often love self‑operated pontoons or center consoles for flexibility, but the operator must meet North Carolina rules and be comfortable with local winds and currents on the wide Neuse River. When in doubt, go captained to keep the planning easy.

Common meeting points include the New Bern Grand Marina & Yacht Club on the downtown waterfront near the DoubleTree, the public boat ramps at Union Point Park by the confluence of the Neuse and Trent Rivers, and Lawson Creek Park on Country Club Road. Some trips also stage from Northwest Creek Marina in Fairfield Harbour or Bridgeton Harbor Marina across the river. Your exact pickup is confirmed in your booking messages.

Expect a postcard view of historic downtown and the green‑roofed gazebo at Union Point Park as you cruise past the meeting of the Neuse and Trent Rivers. Along the Trent you can spot the South Lawn of Tryon Palace, the Alfred C. Cunningham drawbridge, and waterfront neighborhoods in Trent Woods and River Bend. Wildlife lovers often see ospreys and herons, and on calm, warm days it’s not unusual to spot bottlenose dolphins in the estuary.

In North Carolina, anyone born on or after January 1, 1988 must complete a NASBLA‑approved boating safety course to operate a motorized vessel of 10 horsepower or more. If you book a captained trip, you don’t need a license because the captain operates the boat. Bring a photo ID, and have your boater education card handy if you plan to drive.

Yes—families are welcome. U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jackets are provided, and North Carolina law requires children under 13 to wear a life jacket while a vessel is underway. Let your host know the ages and approximate weights of children so the crew can have the right sizes ready. Most boats also carry a basic first‑aid kit and required safety equipment.

Most hosts allow you to bring snacks, picnic items, and beverages; many even suggest a small cooler. Glass is commonly discouraged and red liquids can stain upholstery, so pack cans and resealable containers. The boat’s operator must stay sober—boating under the influence is illegal—so plan drinks accordingly and confirm any restrictions in your listing before departure.

Many casual cruises and pontoons are dog‑friendly at the captain’s discretion. Ask ahead, keep pets leashed, and bring a towel, water bowl, and any needed pet PFD. A cleaning fee or security deposit may apply for four‑legged guests.

Your captain or owner will monitor the marine forecast and river conditions. If conditions are unsafe—think strong thunderstorms, high winds, or lightning—trips are usually rescheduled or refunded under the listing’s weather policy. Summer afternoons can bring pop‑up storms and choppier water on the wide Neuse, so morning departures are often the smoothest ride.

Absolutely. Captained cruises make hosting easy, with simple per‑hour pricing and flexible routes for photos near downtown or a sunset run on the Trent. Bring a playlist, snacks, and decorations that won’t blow away, and share your celebration plan in the booking chat so the captain can suggest the best timing and views.

Peak boating runs from late spring through early fall, with May through September the busiest months. Major boating holidays—Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day—book up fast, and July 4th fireworks are launched near Lawson Creek Park with great views from the water. Signature local events like the Great Trent River Raft Race in June and MumFest in downtown New Bern (October 11–12, 2025) add extra waterfront buzz. For calmer water and easier parking, choose weekdays or morning departures; for golden‑hour scenery, book a sunset cruise.

Relaxed 90‑minute river cruises are a staple for first‑time visitors, while anglers book inshore charters for redfish, speckled trout, and seasonal drum on the Neuse. Sailboat outings and dinner‑time sunset trips are perfect for couples and small groups. If you want a longer adventure, ask about a downriver run toward Oriental for open‑water sailing on the Neuse.

Yes—many groups time evening cruises to the free Footloose on the Neuse concerts at Union Point Park or to watch the July 4th fireworks from the water. Your captain will observe any safety zones and anchor at an appropriate distance, so book early for those dates and plan extra time for post‑event traffic on the river.