Beach Rentals + fishing charters
There’s a whole other side of Pleasure Island waiting beyond the sand. With the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Fear River, Intracoastal Waterway, Snow’s Cut, and surrounding barrier islands all within easy reach, Carolina Beach and Kure Beach are perfect for getting out on the water.
Whether you want to learn to surf, paddle through quiet coastal waterways, spend the day fishing offshore, cruise at sunset, or simply have your beach chairs waiting for you when you arrive, there are plenty of local options to make it happen.
Surfing & Surf Lessons
Never surfed before? Carolina Beach is a great place to learn.
Tony Silvagni Surf School & Beach Rentals offers private and group surf lessons, surf camps, stand-up paddleboard experiences, kayak tours, and beach equipment rentals.
Lessons are available for a range of experience levels, making this a fun option for kids, families, groups, or anyone who has always wanted to give surfing a try.
They also offer delivered beach gear throughout Carolina Beach and Kure Beach, so you can spend less time hauling equipment and more time actually enjoying your vacation.
Scuba Diving
The waters off the North Carolina coast are known for incredible wreck diving, marine life, and even opportunities to search for prehistoric Megalodon teeth.
Carolina Beach Scuba is a local full-service dive operation offering equipment, instruction, and dive charters. Experienced divers can explore offshore wrecks and reefs, while newer divers can look into training and certification opportunities.
Because offshore diving is highly dependent on weather and ocean conditions, reserve ahead and confirm your trip before heading out.
Kayaking & Paddleboarding
For something a little slower paced, head to Carolina Beach State Park, where you can explore the Cape Fear River and surrounding waterways by kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard.
Paddle NC operates from the marina area at Carolina Beach State Park and offers kayak, canoe, and SUP rentals along with guided and self-guided paddling experiences.
It's a beautiful way to experience a completely different side of Carolina Beach, with opportunities to spot coastal birds, wildlife, marshes, and scenic stretches of the Cape Fear River.
Carolina Beach State Park itself is also worth exploring while you're there, with hiking trails, picnic areas, a marina, and approximately nine miles of hiking trails.
Beach Chairs, Umbrellas & Vacation Gear
You came to the beach to relax not to spend half the morning dragging six chairs, an umbrella, a cooler, and half your house across hot sand.
Pleasure Island Rentals offers a large selection of vacation equipment, including:
Beach chairs and umbrellas
Bikes
Surf and water-sports equipment
Coolers and beach gear
Baby and children's equipment
Kayaks and paddleboards
Delivery and beach setup options are available for many rentals, making this especially convenient for families or guests staying for a full week.
There are also local full-service beach setup companies that can have chairs, shade, coolers, games, and other gear waiting for you, basically the vacation version of work smarter, not harder.
Jet Ski Rentals
Want a little more speed?
Carolina Beach Jet Ski Rentals currently operates from a private launch near Snow’s Cut and the Intracoastal Waterway and offers Yamaha WaveRunner rentals along with guided excursions.
They're typically open seasonally, and reservations are a good idea during the summer months.
Jet ski operators may be subject to age, identification, boater-safety, and other requirements, so check the current rules when booking.
Fishing Charters
Carolina Beach has a long fishing tradition, and the Carolina Beach Municipal Marina is home to charter captains offering everything from beginner-friendly nearshore trips to full-day offshore adventures.
Depending on the season and the trip you choose, charters may target species including:
Spanish mackerel
King mackerel
Mahi
Grouper
Amberjack
Tuna
Various reef and bottom fish
Options generally range from shorter inshore and nearshore trips to half-day, full-day, offshore, and Gulf Stream excursions.
Private charters are especially fun for families and groups because the captain can often tailor the experience to your skill level and what you're hoping to catch.
Summer dates can book well in advance, so fishing is one activity we recommend reserving before you arrive.
Boat Rentals & Cruises
Fishing isn't the only reason to get on a boat.
The waterways surrounding Carolina Beach are perfect for cruising, sightseeing, dolphin spotting, sunset trips, and exploring places you simply can't reach by car.
Depending on the experience you're looking for, local operators offer:
Pontoon rentals
Private captained cruises
Sunset cruises
Tiki boat cruises
Wildlife and sightseeing tours
Barrier-island excursions
Cape Fear River and Intracoastal Waterway cruises
Sea Legs Pedal Pub offers a completely different way to experience the water with its pedal-powered boat experience in Carolina Beach.
You'll also find small private charter operators offering trips through the Carolina Beach Yacht Basin, Snow's Cut, Cape Fear River, and surrounding waterways.
Try a Tiki Cruise
One newer option worth adding to your vacation list is a private or small-group tiki cruise.
Local operators offer relaxed cruises around Carolina Beach with options that may include sunset trips, sightseeing, celebrations, and seasonal fireworks cruises.
It's an especially fun choice for couples, groups of friends, birthdays, or anyone who wants to get out on the water without actually having to captain the boat.
Before You Book
Water activities around Pleasure Island are heavily influenced by weather, tides, wind, and ocean conditions. Operators may reschedule or cancel excursions when conditions aren't safe.
During peak summer weeks, we recommend reserving surf lessons, fishing charters, jet skis, boat trips, and larger beach-equipment orders in advance rather than waiting until you arrive.
Vesta Tip
Don't limit your Pleasure Island vacation to the oceanfront. Some of the area's best views are actually from the water. For a laid-back day, rent a kayak or SUP at Carolina Beach State Park. For families, try a surf lesson or shorter fishing charter. And if you're traveling with friends, book a sunset or tiki cruise and see Carolina Beach from an entirely different perspective.
Whatever you choose, book early during summer, pack the sunscreen, and leave a little room in your itinerary for an adventure beyond the beach.
