Learn more about boating in the great state of North Carolina and the data that makes it a top boat rental location in the United States

Table of Contents

Overview of Boating in North Carolina

North Carolina boasts a network of over 5,000 miles of navigable waterways, including the Atlantic coast, inland rivers, and lakes. As of 2022, the state recorded over 340,000 registered boats, equating to an average of 7.5 vessels per 100 residents, and ranking it in the top 10 states for recreational boating registrations. Notable boating destinations include the Outer Banks, a barrier island chain renowned for its maritime heritage, and Lake Norman, the state’s largest artificial lake and a hub for recreational water activities. The boating industry contributes significantly to North Carolina’s economy, supporting tourism, marine services, and local businesses.

About This Report

This report analyzes North Carolina's top boating locations based on proprietary data from Getmyboat, the world's largest boat rental marketplace. The analysis incorporates data-driven insights on vessel preferences, availability, rental trends, and the defining characteristics contributing to each location's significance as a boating destination.

Methodology

To develop this report, locations were determined by the registration details provided by boat owners. Popularity rankings were determined by demand data from boat rental inquiries and confirmed bookings for each location. Additionally, rental types were categorized into primary vessel classifications to facilitate a structured evaluation of boating trends across the state.

North Carolina 2025

2025’s Top Boating Locations in North Carolina

  1. Lake Norman

Most Popular Style of Boat: Pontoons

Number of Vessels Available: 111

As the largest man-made lake in North Carolina, Lake Norman is the #1 boating hub with over 520 miles of shoreline. It’s the state’s largest man-made lake, spanning over 32,000 acres, and there are many cities dotted around the perimeter that offer great boat rentals. Less than an hour’s drive from Charlotte, its vast expanse provides ample room for various water sports, including boating, fishing, and water skiing. It’s the perfect weekend getaway from the busy city, and there’s a lot to do at the waterfront restaurants and marinas scattered throughout the shoreline

2. Wrightsville Beach

Most Popular Style of Boat: Yachts

Number of Vessels Available: 11

As one of North Carolina’s most picturesque coastal destinations, Wrightsville Beach offers a quintessential coastal boating experience with its pristine waters and sandy shores. Boaters can cruise along the Intracoastal Waterway, anchor near Masonboro Island, or venture into the open ocean for deep-sea fishing. The beach's vibrant boating scene, waterfront amenities, and lively atmosphere make it a must-visit destination for boaters and beachgoers alike.

3. Wake Forest

Most Popular Style of Boat: Powerboats

Number of Vessels Available: 4

With access to Falls Lake, Wake Forest offers excellent opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and pontoon boating. The lake spans 12,000 acres and features multiple boat ramps, catering to recreational and serious boaters

4. Wilmington

Most Popular Style of Boat: Center Consoles

Number of Vessels Available: 17

As a major port city, Wilmington provides access to the Cape Fear River and the Atlantic Ocean. It’s known for charter fishing, sunset cruises, and yacht rentals. The city’s vibrant tourism industry fuels demand for boat rentals year-round. There are tons of spots to explore and enjoy activities on the water here.

In Summary

Thanks to its impressive coastline and various lakes and rivers, North Carolina is one of the better states for boating and boat rentals. The high availability of rentals in favorite spots like Lake Norman helps to keep prices affordable for most, and the range of boat styles available to rent helps fulfill boating preferences of all kinds. For fishing enthusiasts, the diverse ecosystems supporting different fish species offer a range of opportunities to make the ideal catch. In North Carolina, outdoor recreation thrives, especially during the summer months.

From the vast expanse of Lake Norman to the coastal waters of Wilmington, North Carolina offers diverse and thriving boating destinations. High demand for boat rentals across these top locations underscores the state’s strong boating culture. Whether for fishing, watersports, or leisure cruising, North Carolina remains a top choice for boaters.

Citing This Report

Media professionals are welcome to utilize this data for journalistic reporting purposes, with a citation and link to Getmyboat. For any questions, or for any other data not found in the below report, reach out to pr@getmyboat.com. Our data and press team can provide further analysis, press quotes, and any other information needed for press stories.


About Getmyboat

Getmyboat is the biggest and best marketplace for boat charters and rentals, worldwide.

Launched in 2013 with the vision of making the joy of boating accessible to everyone, the company has since grown into the largest boat rental and charter marketplace globally, with over 150,000 listings in 184 countries covering 9,300 destinations.

By giving a platform to both individual boat owners and professional charter businesses, Getmyboat makes the experience of getting out on the water more accessible to everyone — from a weekend jet ski rental in the local lake to a vacation yacht charter to a bachelor party pontoon, and everything in between.

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