One look at the photo to the right shows you what kind of incredible boating potential exists in and around Emerald Isle. Emerald Isle is a boating paradise offering endless miles of boating possibilities.

Located at the junction of several distinct bodies of water fed by the warm waters of the Atlantic and the black water rivers of mainland North Carolina, the waters around Emerald Isle combine a rich nautical history with stunning natural beauty. This satelite view of Emerald Isle further illustrates the the intermingling bodies of water which make up our boating playground.

At the heart of the systems of waterways surrounding Emerald Isle is the Intracoastal Waterway. The ICW is the freeway system for boating, offering day trippers the option of exploring the area by water. The historic towns of Swansboro and Beaufort have many restaurants offering piers that boaters can tie up at to enjoy a leisurely brunch or dinner before heading on to other adventures.

It's no surprise that these waters were some of the favorite haunts for pirates like Blackbeard. Bogue Inlet is one of the oldest charted coastal features in the country, having been mapped on some of the earliest nautical charts made of the eastern seaboard.

Unlike much of the Outer Banks, which is separated from the mainland by a vast open body of water, Emerald Isle is quite close to the mainland, so the Bogue Sound is nestled between the mainland and the outer coastline, creating a beautifully sheltered system of waterways weaving through thousands of tiny islands.

And when you're done exploring the sound, you can either venture out into the open Atlantic to view our island from offshore, or head inland up the White Oak River to explore some great black water boating.

Whether you have a boat or need to rent one for the day or week, there are plenty of marinas and businesses waiting to help you with what you need.

Rentals run the gamet from sail boats and wave runners to skiffs, motor boats and even houseboats. So get out on the water and experience coastal boating at it's finest in and around Emerald Isle!

The lengthy listings below begin with the area marinas. Click this link if you'd like to jump ahead to the listings for boat rentals.