What You Can Rent
Jet Skis / Waverunners
Rent by the hour off the beach or at soundside ramps. Helmets and life vests included; expect guided ride zones near the island.
Boats & Pontoons
Half- and full-day pontoon and skiff rentals for the Intracoastal and sound — great for crabbing, shelling and sandbar hangs.
Kayaks & SUPs
Paddle the marsh creeks and behind-island flats — quiet, wildlife-rich, and kid-friendly. Guided eco-tours available.
Water Toys
Banana boats, tubes, wakeboards and parasail rides launch from the beach and soundside — book a slot early in summer.
Before You Go
- NC requires a Boating Safety Education Card for anyone born on/after Jan 1, 1988 operating a vessel over 10 hp — PWC included. Take the free online course before you rent.
- Renters must be 18+ to sign; the minimum age to operate a PWC in NC is 14 with the safety card.
- Wear your life jacket — it's required for PWC operation and strongly recommended for everyone on the water.
- Mind no-wake zones near marinas, the Intracoastal Waterway and residential canals; fines are steep.
- Watch the weather — afternoon thunderstorms pop up fast in summer; head in at first rumble.
- Book ahead mid-June through August; jet-ski and pontoon rentals sell out on weekends.
Need your NC Boating Safety Education Card? Take the approved online course at theeducatedcaptain.com — required for anyone born on or after Jan 1, 1988 operating a vessel over 10 hp (PWC included). Print your card and bring it to the rental counter.
Where to Rent
11 spots
Salty Paws Fishing Charters
Half- and full-day inshore and offshore fishing charters with local captains.
Topsail Island Kayak Rentals
Guided eco-tours and hourly kayak rentals through the salt marshes.
Surf City Marina
Full-service marina at the base of the high-rise bridge with transient slips, a fuel dock, and easy access to the Intracoastal Waterway. A popular departure point for dolphin and eco cruises.
Bottlenose Dolphin Sound Cruise
Resident bottlenose dolphins cruise the Intracoastal Waterway year-round. Guided cruises launch from area marinas for close, respectful looks on calm mornings.
Topsail Parasail & Jet Ski
Parasail flights, jet ski rentals, and banana boat rides off the Surf City pier.
Port City Marina
Full-service marina on the Intracoastal Waterway with transient slips, a fuel dock, pump-out, and easy access to the inlet for offshore runs. Ice, bait and ship's store on site.
Topsail Outfitters
Kayak, paddleboard, and fishing gear plus outdoor apparel and rentals.
Waves Surf & Sport
Surfboards, paddleboards, rentals, and apparel for all water sports.
East Coast Sports
Fishing, beach, and water sports gear plus bait and tackle.
New River Marina
Marina on the New River offering wet slips, dry storage and boat lifts with a quick run to the inlet for offshore and inshore anglers.
Sloop Point Marina
Soundside marina with transient dockage, bait and ice, and a protected launch for kayaks and small skiffs exploring the marsh creeks.