The Best Boat Rentals in Wrightsville Beach

Most small motorboats and pontoons in Wrightsville Beach start around $90–$150 per hour, with captained center consoles and sightseeing boats typically $125–$250 per hour. Private sailboat charters often run about $175–$350 per hour, and premium yachts or party-friendly cruisers can range from roughly $250 to $500+ per hour depending on size and crew. As a planner, it helps to think in trip blocks: many half-day outings land between $400 and $900, while full days are commonly $800 to $1,600+. Pricing usually includes the boat, basic safety gear, and fuel for leisurely cruising; captained trips include a professional skipper. Taxes, gratuity, add-on water toys, or extra fuel for longer routes can be additional. When you inquire, tell the owner your group size and ideal itinerary so they can quote the most accurate all-in price.

You’ll find a broad mix perfect for every style of day on the water: roomy pontoons and deck boats for sandbar chilling, versatile center consoles for cruising the Intracoastal Waterway, classic sailboats for sunset sails, and mid-size yachts for celebrations. If you’re hosting a special occasion, look for boats with shaded seating, Bluetooth speakers, and an easy-on/easy-off swim ladder to keep the day comfortable for everyone.

If your goal is a smooth, fully hosted day—especially with kids or a celebration—a captained trip is the most relaxed option. Local captains handle navigation through the Intracoastal Waterway, shifting winds and tides near Masonboro Inlet, and busy weekend traffic by the drawbridge, while you focus on the fun. Confident boaters can book self-operated rentals for simple ICW cruising and sandbar time; just stick to marked channels, watch currents, and plan your route for the day’s tides and wind.

Common meeting points include the Wrightsville Beach Boating Access Area at 109 Causeway Drive (the public ramp near the drawbridge), Seapath Yacht Club on Motts Channel, Bridge Tender Marina on the Intracoastal Waterway just west of the bridge, and Dockside Marina along Airlie Road. Your captain will confirm the exact pickup spot and provide parking tips—paid parking is in effect most of the main season, so arrive a bit early.

Expect classic Carolina coastal scenery: the calm waters of Banks Channel, the jetties at Masonboro Inlet, and sweeping views of the Atlantic with landmarks like Johnnie Mercers Pier and Crystal Pier. Many trips idle past saltmarsh creeks and sandbars, and it’s common to spot bottlenose dolphins, pelicans, and ospreys. With longer charters, captains can add stops at nearby islands or slow cruises along the Intracoastal for sunset.

North Carolina requires anyone born on or after January 1, 1988 to have NASBLA-approved boater education to operate motorboats of 10 horsepower or more. For rentals, being listed as the authorized operator on a valid rental agreement or operating under the onboard supervision of a qualified adult can satisfy the requirement. If you prefer to skip paperwork and responsibility, book a captained charter—no license needed and far less to manage.

Yes—many charters welcome families. U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jackets are provided for every passenger, and children under 13 must wear one while a boat is underway. Let the owner know the ages and approximate weights of any children so they can have the right sizes ready. For little ones, plan shade, snacks, and a lightweight cover-up; morning trips are often the calmest for families.

Most boats allow you to bring your own food and beverages, and many provide a cooler with ice or have space for yours. As a courtesy, avoid glass and red wine if the owner requests it. If you’d rather keep it simple, ask your captain for easy pre-trip pickup suggestions near the marinas so you can step aboard with everything you need.

Many owners are pet-friendly and allow well-behaved dogs, often with a small cleaning fee or deposit. Confirm in advance, bring a non-slip mat or towel for deck comfort, fresh water and a collapsible bowl, and consider a canine life jacket if your pup is not a strong swimmer. Captains can steer toward calmer coves and sandbars to give dogs an easy place to hop in for a swim.

Coastal weather can change quickly, especially in summer. Captains watch the forecast and radar closely and will reschedule or refund if conditions are unsafe due to thunderstorms, strong winds, or tropical systems. Hurricane season runs June through November with a historical peak from mid‑August into October; during that window, flexible dates are smart. For routine pop-up showers, your captain can often shift departure times or adjust the route to keep you comfortable.

Absolutely. Wrightsville Beach is perfect for milestone days—think a mellow cruise down Banks Channel, a sandbar stop at an island cove, and a sunset pass by the piers. When you inquire, share your headcount, must‑have playlist vibes, and whether you want time ashore at a sandbar. Captains can tailor the route and recommend boats with the right seating, shade, cooler capacity, and sound system for your group.

Peak boating season runs from late spring through early fall, with Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day being the busiest weekends on the water and at parking areas. Late April–May and September–October offer warm weather with lighter crowds and great sunsets. Weekdays are calmer than weekends, and mornings typically bring the smoothest water and easiest sandbar anchoring. If you’re visiting around Thanksgiving, the NC Holiday Flotilla weekend draws big crowds and evening boat activity—plan early and build in extra travel time.

Popular, easy-to-love spots include the soundside beaches of Masonboro Island Reserve to the south, the sandbars near Mason’s Inlet by Figure Eight Island to the north, and quiet coves along Banks Channel and Motts Channel. These areas are ideal for wading, shelling, and picnic hangs. Your captain will time the stop with the tide, suggest the best anchorage for the day’s wind, and make sure you leave only footprints so the islands stay pristine for the next crew.