From small skiffs to luxurious pleasure boats, there is dock space for almost every type of boat on the Outer Banks. Most marinas require advance reservations. Space is extremely limited on summer weekends, so call as soon as you make plans to visit the area. Prices vary greatly, depending on the dock location, amenities, and type of vessel you're operating.

If you don't own your own boat, you can still access the sounds, inlets, and ocean around the Outer Banks by renting powerboats from area outfitters. Most store owners don't require previous boating experience. If you leave a deposit and driver's license, they'll include a brief boating lesson in the rental price. Whether you're looking to lease a craft to catch this evening's fish dinner or want to take an afternoon cruise, you can find a vessel to suit your needs at a variety of marinas. Slow-going pontoon boats are popular with vacationers because they're easy to handle and accommodate a crowd of boaters. Prices range from $15 an hour to more than $100 per day, depending on the type of boat. Some places require a two-hour or more minimum. Most accept major credit cards. See our Fishing chapter for charter information. If you're interested in a boat tour, see our Recreation chapter.

Public Launch Ramps

Marinas and Dock Space

The following Outer Banks marinas offer services to boaters, such as fuel, bait and tackle, ice, supplies, and weighing stations. If you're interested in dockage at a marina, see our Getting Here, Getting Around chapter. If you're interested in chartering a boat at one of these marinas, see our Fishing chapter.

Dock of the Bay
Bob Perry Road, Kitty Hawk
(252) 255-5578

Oregon Inlet Fishing Center
NC 12, Bodie Island
(252) 441-6301

If you don't own a powerboat but want to explore the vast waters of this region, rent one. Lots of places, even marinas or rent-all services, rent boats. Following are some reliable sources for motorboats.

North Duck Watersports
NC 12, Duck
(252) 261-4200

If you feel a need for speed and enjoy the idea of riding a motor-powered vehicle across the water, Outer Banks businesses rent personal watercraft by the hour. Personal watercraft (PWC) are most known and referred to by their brand names-Sea Doo, JetSki, and Wave Runner. No experience is necessary to ride these powerful boat-like devices, although a training session is a must if you've never before piloted a PWC. Unlike landlocked go-karts and other speedy road rides, there are no lanes on the open sound or ocean. But that doesn't mean you should ride with reckless abandon. With more and more people riding PWCs, it is imperative that each person practice responsible and safe riding.

Several styles of PWCs have developed over the past decade. Wave Runners allow drivers to maneuver these crafts sitting down with a second passenger holding on, also sitting, from behind. Most JetSkis don't have seats and accommodate only one person at a time in a standing or kneeling position. Newer Runabouts, also known as blasters, give riders the choice of standing or sitting. Wave Runners are the easiest style craft to balance and control. JetSkis are, however, more suitable for tricks-and prone to spills. Almost all of these motorized vessels cruise for up to two hours on five gallons of fuel.

PWCs are akin to motorboats with inboard motors that power a water pump. Like other motorized boats, however, PWCs are loud and are dangerous if you are not extremely cautious and aware. Most rental places include brief instructions and sometimes even a video on how to handle Wave Runners, JetSkis, and Runabouts.

While most rental shops are on the sound side of the Outer Banks, where the water's surface is generally slicker and depths are much more shallow, a few PWC outlets let you take the vessels into the ocean. There, shore break and offshore waves challenge experienced JetSki drivers. Watch out for surfers, swimmers, dolphins, turtles, sharks, and birds-and other JetSki drivers who might not see you coming.

Those who own their own PWCs can launch their craft at public boat ramps. Be aware, however, that PWCs are banned in certain areas of the Outer Banks. The National Park Service does not allow the launching of PWCs anywhere in Cape Hatteras National Seashore. The town of Southern Shores requires PWC launchers to get a permit from the police department. To get this permit, you must show proof of insurance and that you have taken a boating-safety course. You must stay at least 400 yards offshore in Southern Shores. In Nags Head, PWCs must stay at least 600 yards offshore and away from piers. Ocracoke Island forbids the use of PWCs.

When you're out riding through the waves, keep in mind these personal watercraft rules:

New PWCs sell for $5,000 to $10,000. Several Outer Banks rental shops sell used PWCs for cheaper prices at the end of the summer. You'll probably need a trailer to haul these vessels behind your vehicle. Shops from Corolla to Hatteras Island rent PWCs beginning at $30 for a half hour. Price wars occasionally result in very low prices. More powerful models are generally more expensive. Additional charges also sometimes apply for extra riders. PWCs also can be rented by the hour, day, or even week at some places.

Corolla Watersports at the Inn at Corolla Light
1066 Ocean Trail, Corolla
(252) 453-8602