NAGS HEAD BOAT RENTAL FIELD GUIDE
Be Your Own Captain: Two Hours on a 23' Pontoon of Roanoke Sound
A two-hour pontoon rental out of Nags Head for up to 12 people—ideal for a short cruise, fishing, or dolphin watching on the Roanoke Sound.
Be Your Own Captain: Two Hours on a 23' Pontoon of Roanoke Sound.
Set off from Nags Head onto the wide, shallow sweep of the Roanoke Sound aboard a spacious 23-foot pontoon. These two-hour rentals put you in command for a brief, manageable stretch of coast—enough time to cruise for dolphins, drop a line inshore, or anchor at a nearby sandy beach for a swim without committing to a half- or full-day outing.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Quick Roanoke Sound Loop
Two hours is designed for a short, flexible run across the Sound: scan for dolphins, cruise sheltered channels, and anchor off a sandy spit for a swim or a quick shore picnic—an efficient way to sample the Outer Banks from the water.
23' Pontoon: Simple, Stable, No Head
The fleet are 23-foot pontoons powered by 50hp Yamaha 4-stroke engines, built to carry up to 12 passengers. They’re easy to handle for first-time captains but do not include an onboard bathroom, so plan accordingly.
Tackle, Bait and Last-Minute Essentials On Site
An on-site tackle shop stocks bait, ice, rods, reels, and tackle—carrying brands such as Fish Bites, Daiwa, and Gulp—so you can pick up what you need before casting off.
What the day feels like
What Two Hours on the Water Feels Like
Board, brief the captain, and glide out into the Sound: the outing flows from a short launch to relaxed throttle-down cruising, interspersed with stops to watch for dolphins, try an inshore cast, or drop anchor at a shallow sandy beach for a swim—wrapped up with a straightforward return to shore within a two-hour window.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this rental suits—and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Boats are available between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. (the operator is open 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.). Plan for a two-hour block that fits within those launch windows.
Bring sun protection, swimsuits, towels, and any food or drinks you’ll need—there’s no bathroom onboard. Youth life jackets are provided; personal life jackets may be used if U.S. Coast Guard–approved.
A North Carolina fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older when fishing; licenses can be purchased in-store on arrival or online in advance. Crabbing does not require a license.
Stop by the on-site tackle shop before departure for bait, ice, rods, reels, and tackle from brands like Fish Bites, Daiwa, and Gulp. The shop can also confirm gear availability by phone.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the rental?
The rental duration is two hours.
How many people fit on the pontoon?
The 23' pontoon can accommodate up to 12 passengers.
Do I need a fishing license?
Yes—anyone 16 and older needs a North Carolina fishing license to fish; licenses can be bought in-store upon arrival or online in advance. Crabbing does not require a license.
Are life jackets provided?
Youth life jackets are provided and children 13 and under must wear a life jacket at all times. Personal life jackets are allowed if U.S. Coast Guard–approved.
Is there a bathroom onboard?
No—the pontoon does not have a bathroom onboard.
Do you sell bait and tackle?
Yes—there is an on-site tackle shop selling bait, ice, rods, reels, and tackle from brands like Fish Bites, Daiwa, and Gulp.