The Best Boat Rentals in Wilmington

Expect most small powerboats and pontoons to start around $100–$150 per hour, with half-day outings commonly $400–$700 and full days $700–$1,200 depending on size, season, and day of week. Private sightseeing and sunset cruises with a captain often run $250–$600 for 2–3 hours, while larger yachts and specialty charters can range from $300–$500+ per hour. Listings typically include the boat, required safety gear, and for captained trips the captain’s time; fuel, taxes, and service fees may be included on a flat-rate tour or charged separately on hourly rentals. Gratuity, ice, and premium add‑ons (water toys, catering, extend‑time) are usually extra. Pricing rises on summer weekends and holiday periods like July 4th.

You’ll find a wide mix for the Cape Fear River and Intracoastal Waterway: pontoons and deck boats for easy sandbar days, bowriders and center consoles for cruising and inshore fishing, sailboats and sailing yachts for afternoon and sunset sails, and larger motor yachts for upscale celebrations. Many charters focus on sightseeing, island-hopping, and wildlife viewing, while fishing‑forward vessels are set up for inshore or nearshore trips when conditions allow.

If you plan to operate the boat yourself, North Carolina requires anyone born on or after January 1, 1988 to have a NASBLA‑approved boating safety certificate to run a motorized vessel of 10 horsepower or more. Booking with a licensed captain is the simplest option for visitors and groups—no certificate required, and your captain handles navigation, tides, bridges, and docking so you can focus on the fun.

Common pickup points include marinas and public docks on both the river and the beach side. Popular launch spots are Port City Marina and the Wilmington City Docks along the Riverwalk downtown, Bridge Tender Marina and Seapath Yacht Club in Wrightsville Beach, and the public Wrightsville Beach Boat Ramp near the drawbridge. South of town, departures often use the Carolina Beach Municipal/State Park marina area or the Snow’s Cut boat ramp. Your exact meeting point will be confirmed after booking to match your route and tides.

On the Cape Fear River side, you’ll cruise past the downtown Riverwalk and dramatic views of the Battleship North Carolina, with wide marshes and big‑sky sunsets toward Eagles Island. Along the Intracoastal Waterway you’ll thread between Wrightsville Beach, Figure Eight Island, and Masonboro Island Reserve—an undeveloped barrier island with pristine beaches, dunes, and tidal creeks. Expect frequent dolphin and seabird sightings, working shrimp boats, and classic Carolina waterfront homes. On calm days some trips poke out through Masonboro Inlet to the ocean for a short look offshore.

Yes—families are welcome. North Carolina requires children under 13 to wear a U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jacket while a boat is underway unless they are in an enclosed cabin, and your boat will carry the needed PFDs for every passenger. If you have infants or toddlers, ask the owner to confirm availability of the correct sizes in advance. Captains provide a safety briefing at boarding and can recommend the calmest routes and times of day for little travelers.

Most private charters are BYO for snacks and beverages, and many supply coolers with ice or have catering options. Cans are preferred over glass, and red wines or staining mixers may be discouraged. Passengers may drink responsibly, but the person operating the boat must remain sober—book a captain if your group plans to celebrate. Always confirm specifics (cooler size, ice, and any restrictions) with your host after booking.

Many Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach charters welcome well‑behaved dogs, especially on spacious pontoons and sightseeing trips. Pet policies vary by boat and may include size limits, a clean‑up fee, or a requirement to bring a towel or mat. If your itinerary includes beach landings at Masonboro or other islands, let the captain know so they can steer to pet‑friendly spots and avoid signed wildlife areas.

Coastal North Carolina sees quick pop‑up showers in summer and stronger fronts in spring and fall. Captains continuously monitor marine forecasts, tides, and lightning risk and will adjust the route, delay departure, or reschedule if conditions are unsafe. Most listings offer a weather‑based refund or credit if the captain cancels for safety. As a planning tip, mornings are typically smoother before the afternoon sea breeze and boat traffic build, and the Intracoastal Waterway or river can be a calmer backup if the ocean is choppy.

Absolutely. Private charters make hosting simple: meet at the dock, load your cooler, and your captain handles the rest. Many boats comfortably host up to six guests; larger headcounts can be accommodated with larger vessels or a small fleet cruising together. Popular celebration plans include a scenic Riverwalk and battleship cruise at golden hour, a sandbar or Masonboro Island beach stop, or a harbor loop with a waterfront restaurant pull‑up.

Peak boating season runs May through September, with warm water and long days. April and October offer great shoulder‑season conditions with fewer crowds. Major boating holidays—Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day—are the busiest on the water and price‑sensitive. For the smoothest ride and easiest parking, book weekdays or early‑morning departures; afternoons and Saturdays fill first, especially near the Wrightsville Beach drawbridge and Masonboro Inlet.

Yes—demand jumps during signature waterfront events. The North Carolina Azalea Festival arrives in early April and packs downtown; Wilmington Riverfest typically lands the first weekend of October; July 4th fireworks launch downtown on the river; and the NC Holiday Flotilla lights up Wrightsville Beach over Thanksgiving weekend. For these dates, reserve a few weeks early and allow extra time at bridges and marinas. Your captain will advise on safety zones and the best viewing spots on the water.

Island‑hopping to Masonboro Island Reserve for a beach picnic or shelling is a local favorite, as is cruising Snow’s Cut where the Intracoastal meets the Cape Fear. Fossil‑hunters love low‑tide outings to Shark Tooth Island in the river, while nature lovers head to the quiet flats near Zeke’s Island Reserve by Fort Fisher. Downtown sunset cruises are a must for skyline and battleship views, and on calm evenings a short sail outside Masonboro Inlet adds a taste of the Atlantic before heading back inside for a smooth ride home.