Boats, kayaks, and paddle boards… oh my! Whether you’re looking for an adventure out on the water or a day of poolside cocktails (sign us up please), we’ve got all the scoop a girl needs to beat the QC heat this summer.
Read below for all the water-tivities we’ve added to our summer bucket list, from Charlotte to beyond:
Boat Charters & Cruises near Charlotte
Day-time charters, sunset cruises, and waterfront restaurants – these tours offer it all.
Lake Norman
- Carolina Grace: Weddings, corporate events, private charters, holiday celebrations, all available on a 100-foot luxury yacht. Wellness on the water offerings are also available, featuring anti-aging and rejuvenation services
- Carolina Cruising Charters: All-inclusive luxury boat charters perfect for groups
- 77 Watersports: Weekday boat tours with a stop at a waterfront restaurant
- Party Pontoon: Sunset cruises, day charters, and even a lakeside bar hopping option
- Carolina Tiki: All-inclusive pontoons ready for your next party on the water
Lake Wylie
- The Carolina Angler: Fishing tours and guided trips.
- Lake Wylie Boat Rides: Chartered rides on 24 ft. performance pontoons, with an option to cool off at the main channel sandbar
Mountain Island Lake
- Mountain Island Lake Cruises: Customized cruise or tour options, yachting charters, and wellness-focused options
Boat Rentals near Charlotte
Want to steer your own course? Then these boat rentals are for you.
Lake Norman
- Waterdog Boat Rentals: Open 7 days a week and offers weekly rentals (full and half-day options). All pontoons accommodate up to 10 people, Huntersville
- Saltshaker Marine: Pontoon rentals, Mooresville
- Tailrace Marina: Secure covered and open boat slips, kayak and SUP rentals, a fully stocked ship store, picnic areas with grilling facilities, full bathrooms with showers, and ample parking shared with the JR Cash Grill & Bar
- Cornelius Pontoon Rentals: Variety of pontoon options, including family-friendly vessels, there’s something for everyone
- Cajun Carolina Adventures: Pontoon boat rentals, featuring slides and wet bar
- Carolina Boat Rentals: Pontoon, boat, and jet ski rentals
- What’s Up Lake Norman: Boat, paddle-board, kayak, and jet ski rentals
- Lake Norman Stay and Play: Pontoon rentals, Mooresville
- Freedom Boat Club: Members-only boat rentals, Mooresville, Denver, Davidson, Cornelius
Lake Wylie
- Lake Wylie Boat Rentals: Pontoon rentals with a sunset option, boat driving lessons, Belmont & Mt. Holly locations
- Tega Cay Marina: Fall day or half-day pontoon rentals, Tega Cay
- Destination Water Sports: Power Boat Rentals, kayaks, paddle boards, Lake Wateree & Lake Hartwell
- Freedom Boat Club: Members-only boat rentals, Lake Wylie
Lake Hickory
- Lakeside Marina: Deck and pontoon boats available for full and half-day rentals, Hickory
- Skyline Marine: Standard and premium pontoon rentals, Moravian Falls
- Lake Hickory Pub and Marina: Boat rentals and lakeside eats, Hickory
Jet Skis, Paddle Boarding, Kayaks & more
Adventure-goers, this one’s for you – Find your next kayaking, paddle boarding, jet ski, or fishing excursion below.
Charlotte Area
- Whitewater Center: Kayaking, rafting, flatwater paddling
- McDowell Nature Preserve: Access Lake Wylie through McDowell Nature Preserve, BYO canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddle-board and launch from the landing located near the waterfront deck
- Colonel J. Francis Beatty Park: BYO kayak or canoe
- Cane Creek Park: Canoe, kayak, and paddle-board, Waxhaw
Cedar Creek
- River Runner Outdoor Center: Rent a canoe or kayak from River Runner and explore Congaree National Park
- JK Adventure Guides: Guided kayak and canoe trips paddling through Cedar Creek
- Palmetto Outdoors: Explore the Three River region with a canoe or tubing trip
Rankin Lake
- Head to the Lake Office to rent kayaks or Jon boats, or you can bring your own. Be sure to check the boat rental hours before you head out on the water.
Lake Haigler
- Kayak, paddle-board, or fish on one of the many lakes and ponds at Anne Springs Close Greenway
Catawba River
- The Boathouse: Paddle boards, kayaks, and guided tours
- DIY Tubing on the Catawba River: Start with a full guide here
- Riverside Paddle and Row: Stand-up paddle boards, kayaks, and special offerings including night excursions and even a haunted kayak tour
- Landsford Canal State Park: Spider lily kayak tours led by NC Outdoor Adventures
- Rock Hill River Walk: For renting a kayak, check out Camp Canaan for a guided tour and all the equipment you need
Lake Norman
- Aquaventure Watercraft Rentals and Boat Club: Rental options for jet skis, ski boats, sailboats, pontoons or power boats
- Aloha Paddle Sports: Stand-up paddle boarding rentals, lessons, tours and yoga on the water
- Ride Wake & Surf: Wakeboarding and wake surfing lessons
Mountain Island Lake
- Mountain Island Lake Paddle Co.: Stand-up paddle boards and kayak rentals
- Latta Nature Preserve: Two launch options for canoes, kayaks, SUPs, plus guided programs
Hotel Pool Passes
Sunglasses: on, Cocktail: in hand, Sun: shining – Here’s your guide to poolside passes.
Omni Charlotte Hotel: Day passes and family passes, poolside food and drink service from The Coin Bar during operating hours, towel service, game viewing on Jumbo-Tron, lawn games, and parking through OMNI Charlotte Valet available for purchase
Aura Rooftop Pool: Poolside service and two cabana options: Premium Luxury Cabana for up to 4 adults and VIP Luxury Cabana for up to 8 adults
Sheraton Charlotte Hotel: Enjoy a heated pool, towel-service, and after your day of sun and swim, enjoy a meal at Social Bar and Kitchen or have a beer or cocktail at Craft City Sports Pub
The Ballantyne Hotel: Poolside cabanas are available for rent daily, enjoy summer cocktails, exclusive amenities, and a full bar featuring a delicious pool menu
The Ritz-Carlton: Non-hotel guests can purchase access to all spa facilities (including The Fitness Center and Aqua Lounge)
