Two New Hanover spots named among top places for boaters in NC. Here's why
Getmyboat, a boat rental marketplace, recent published a report of North Carolina's top boat locations for boat rentals and charters, based on proprietary booking and demand data.
The 2025 report ranked Wrightsville Beach at number 2 and Wilmington fourth for the top boating destinations in North Carolina.
Here's why Wrightsville Beach and Wilmington made the list.
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, according to the report. The yachts are the most popular style of boats to rent.
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, according to the report. The most popluar syle of boat to rent is center consoles.
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Topping the report was Lake Norman, the largest man-made lake, with over 520 miles of shoreline.
Wake Forest came in at third because of access to Falls Lake, which spans 12,000 acres and features multiple boat ramps, catering to recreational and serious boaters.
Here are some boat rental places for 2025 listed in Trip Advisor for Wrightsville Beach and Wilmington.
Sea Gate Boating
Nauti Times Boat Rentals
Yacht Source
Airlie Pointe Yacht Charters
Entropy Boat Rentals
Cape Fear Boat Rentals
Cheryl M. Whitaker covers community news for the StarNews. Reach her at cheryl.whitaker@starnewsonline.com.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Wrightsville Beach, Wilmington among top places for boaters in NC
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