Topsail Island Wildlife And Waterways
After going under the swing bridge that passed from the mainland to the island, our first encounter was with an osprey. Captain Mike had named her Collin and her nest was atop a channel marker. She was roosting with her babies and we seemed to have ruffled her feathers a bit. We got some good pictures of her, her wings stretched out in a Kung Fu position of defense. She was amazing!
Mike began pointing out the various creeks that flowed into the ICWW and showed us where, depending on the tides, good fishing areas were. We even got a few lessons in oystering and clamming. We were hoping to see dolphins. He said that often they would follow the boats and play in the wake of the water. We didnt see any that day but maybe next time we will!
We gassed the boat up at the Harbour Village Marina, where we were greeted by Harbor Master Mike Muran. He and Mike were talking about the how busy Memorial Day Weekend had been on the water. They said the fact that the weather was perfect for three days made for fantastic business. It was interesting to hear about the holiday from their business perspective.
Boating Topsail Sound With Captain Mike
We met Mike the next day at the boat dock and after spending a few minutes with him discovered he was a very qualified captain and guide. The companys boats were located at 203 N. New River Drive at the Blue Water docks just to the right of Topsail Island Trading Company, Surf City, NC. As we walked down the dock and got onto our boat, he pointed out the group of eight boats the company owned and said that within the next few weeks, two others were being added to the Topsail Boat Rental fleet. The company was expanding to meet the demands of its growing business.
Captain Mike had chosen a boat that seated eight people and had a canopy or top over it for shade. Since there were only four of us, we had an ample amount of room for our adventure. The boat was extremely clean and he had stocked up on ice cold bottled water for us.
As we took our seats, we noticed that there was a GPS and depth finder by the wheel of the boat. Mike told us that all of the boats at Topsail Boat Rental had these devices. That way, theres always a path set and even if youre not a local and know the waters, you can navigate your way around in safety.
Wow, I thought. When the kids come and visit, were going to have to rent us a boat. Today, well just watch Mike and see where he takes us.
A Little Bit About Us
Topsail Boat Rental LLC is for people who know that a day on the water is nature’s best therapy but the hassle of owning a boat is not. We make boating all fun and no fuss. Show up at the dock , take the keys and you’re off for a day of fun and memories with with your family. We rent power boats to families and friends vacationing on Topsail Island. You will find the right vessel for your group in our fleet of Triumph boats and pontoon boats.
We will take care of your group as we would our family. Topsail Boat Rental LLC has received TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence for 2016 as the Top ranked Tour/Rental on Topsail Island.
Captain Mike Peoples wants your family to have a safe and wonderful boating experience. Nothing is more satisfying to Captain Mike and our team than to see smiling faces when you return to the dock.
You asked and we listened. We have 2 brand new pontoon boats for rent that are super comfy living rooms on the water with bimini tops for sun protection , lots of storage and places to sit and enjoy a meal and time together while cruising the island. Check them out at the OUR BOATS tab. The toons are super popular for the 2016 season so get your reservation in as early as possible – large groups of up to 14 people are able to cruise comfortably on our toons. For a complete relaxing and fun experience you can hire a captain to pilot your boat.
P.S. Rent a boat today! Call 910-833-2273.
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Cruisin With Captain Mike: Topsail Boat Rental
In my blog post last week, you may remember that after living for four years in the Topsail Island area, I decided that it was high time I became a tourist. Whats the point of living in a vacation destination if you dont explore what this part of coastal Carolina offers?
I headed straight for the Topsail Island Tourism Information Center and talked with the knowledgeable ladies there and came away with so many brochures explaining about the things to do on and around our island that I was overwhelmed! Thats when I decided Id come up with a Bucket List of things Id like to do in the Topsail area. I cant believe its only been one week and I just crossed off #1 on my list: Explore Topsail Island by water.
Southport Boat Rentals Southport Nc
Southport Boat Rentals gives you the ability to see as much of the Carolina coast and waterways as possible. Go fishing, check out the local islands or even take a tour for a special adventure that doesnt have you at the helm. Wildlife tours and sunset tours are available, all you need do is ask the devoted staff to create an itinerary that suits your needs.
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A Great Day To Be On The Water
- A wonderful Day to be on the water. Come Join us for a wonderful experience that you will truely enjoy. We want to make your day fun. Reasonably priced. Call today. Must be 26 years old with id to rent vessel. $25 pet fee on pets. Must have boating experience.
Looking for family fun
Always ready to help make your boating experience a great one. We provide you with honest, and sincere information about what we offer. We make things simple for you so you are able to enjoy your entire time on the water. Come by and talk with us or Give us a call. Our half day times are from 8am to 1pm and from 1.15pm to 6:15pm. Full days are from 8am to 5pm or 9am to 6pm. We will always provide you with great service. Been in the watersports buisiness for 25+ years. We are looking forward to making it a great experience for you and your family.
We carry life vest for all customers from infant to adult. Bring your coolers food and drink and experience a day of family fun on the water. Please apply sunscreen prior to boarding. Driver may not drink alcohol. 0% tolerance.
We want everyone to have a safe and fun boating experience. Boats full of gas when you depart dock. If you use more than a half tank of gas, you pay for anything used above half a
About Freedom Boat Club Of Topsail Island
Welcome to one of the best kept secrets of the North Carolina coast! Topsail Island is 26 mile long barrier island featuring beautiful beaches, laid back atmosphere, and small town charm. This idyllic getaway is even better when explored from the water! Whether you want to fish, cruise, or find a secluded spot to spend the day youll find it here at Topsail Island. We are located in Topsail Island Marina right after the bridge so youll be on the water and having fun in no time! Come and find your freedom today.
Independently owned and operated by Freedom Boat Club of Wilmington
We Take Care of It All…Including the Boats
Pay a 1x Entry Fee and Monthly Dues
Just pay a one-time entry fee and select one of our membership plans. Your local Club will have a variety of plans to match your recreational boating needs.
Get Unlimited Training from Licensed Captains
Your safety is our No. 1 concern. So we give all our members unlimited training with certified captains. And if you wish to boat in a new location, theyll show you the waterways.
Take Any Boat Out as Often as You Wish
- Worlds oldest and largest membership boat club with over 30 years of experience
- Reciprocal access to 360+ Locations in the US, Canada and Europe
- We take care of the maintenance, cleaning, repair, insurance and storage
- Fleet includes bowriders, pontoons, offshore/inshore fishing boats , deck boats and wake boats
- Insurance coverage of liability, hull and machinery
- 1-on-1 training by licensed captains
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The 10 Best Boat Rentals In North Carolina
If youre planning to enjoy the beautiful coast of North Carolina, theres no better place to do it than from the water. With a variety of boat types available for rent from easy to drive pontoons to serious speedboats, youll find all kinds of boats that suit your needs. Spend a day fishing or just enjoy the scenery with the best boat rentals in North Carolina, on lakes, rivers and the coast.
Topsail Boat Rental Surf City Nc
A favorite on TripAdvisor and with locals, Topsail offers the peace of mind of enjoying a boat without the stress of ownership. Pontoon boats allow you to enjoy the comfort of a living room on the water and the company also offers a variety of other boats to make your time on the water as peaceful as possible.
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The Founder Of Aquaholics Boat Rentals
Randy Chapman
Randy Chapman, 37 years old and a resident of North Carolina. I started the boat rental business because I love fishing, boating, and I enjoy meeting new people.
Our company truly cares about our customers experience while renting with us. Please feel free to let us know what we did to WOW you and what we could do to improve.
Love the LIFE you live! Im always doing things I didnt think I could do!
Cancellation Policy:
We need a 3 day notice for full refund minus process fees. Anything less than 3 days would be $50 charge. If we have to cancel the day of due to capacity issues- meaning your group is OVER the capacity limit in numbers and/or weight you will lose the FULL rental amount. *Capacity is STRICTLY enforced*
We understand that life happens and things come up, and we will do our best to work with you. If you need to re-schedule or cancel, please call us ASAP. Dont wait until your rental time to call and cancel or re-schedule! If possible we will reschedule your appointment later in the season or issue a gift card.
Rain Policy:
If it is raining at the time of your rental, you are not charged a cancellation fee and we do our best to reschedule for a time that works for you. We do not cancel reservations based on a forecast. However, if a complete washout is forecasted for the entire day, we may cancel all reservations for the day. We contact you if this happens.
Meeting Location:
Surf City Surf School
Surf City Surf School, owned and operated by island native Cody Leutgens and a topnotch crew of instructors and knowledgable staff, is here to serve Topsail Island with professional surf instruction for any age or ability, from toddlers to grandparents! During our daily shred lessons or private lessons, we pride ourselves in safety, ocean knowledge and, of course, SURFING! Located in the heart of Surf City, we are the only surf school on all of Topsail’s 26 miles. Every skill level, any individual, anyone and everyone! With our ever-growing number of students, we remain at a 100% success rate in instruction, and we take pride in that fact. The reasons, the drive, the inner sources behind Surf City Surf School go on and on. There’s no cap, nor top to why we love to teach surfing. However, if you wanna give us a call, we’d love to tell ya about it. Or better yet, let’s get you on a board!
Beach, Get Outdoors, Attractions, ,
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Explore Topsail Island By Water
Bill came home from work one day last week and told me about a boat rental company that was going into its second year of business in Surf City, Topsail Boat Rental. Somehow, he had met its manager/co-owner, Mike Peoples though a colleague at Treasure Realty. Knowing that the first item on my Bucket List required a boat, he asked Mike about it and before I could say anchors aweigh, we had scheduled a boat tour for the next day.
I decided to do a little homework before getting on the boat. By reading the brochures I brought home from the Tourism Center and googling Topsail Island, I found out a little bit about the geography of our fair island. Topsail Island is a barrier island off the coast of southern North Carolina, just south of Jacksonville and the Outer Banks. Its a twenty-six mile long stretch of pristine beaches and maritime forests. Topsail Sound lies between the island and the mainland and is part of the 3,000 mile Intracoastal Waterway system that begins in Norfolk, Va. and runs down to the Florida Keys. I knew I couldnt sail down to the Keys, but I was about to discover how amazing and magical our local waterways were.
Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue Rehabilitation Center
Located on the mainland side just west of the Surf City Bridge, the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue Rehabilitation Center is a nonprofit organization whose mission is the rescue, rehabilitation and release of sick and injured sea turtles. An important component of the mission is education outreach pertaining to sea turtles, the ocean and conservation. Come and see the recovering turtles and take a tour of our facility. Tours are available June through December. Check our website and Facebook page for seasonal hours which vary. We have lots of turtle items in the gift shop that are sure to delight you and their purchase helps to fund our program. We are an all volunteer-run organization and appreciate your support. For more than twenty years volunteers with the Topsail Turtle Project have monitored the beaches of Topsail Island, staking off and protecting the nests of endangered sea turtles. Visit our website or Facebook for more information.
Attractions, Beach, , ,
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Meet Topsails Captain Mike
Captain Mike turned out to be a no joke captain. He had twenty-six years of experience on the water, including time in the US Coast Guard, sailing in the Caribbean around Jamaica, Barbados, Cuba, Haiti and off the shores of Florida. Plus, he had also earned his Master Captains license! I realized that if anyone was capable of showing us around Topsail waterways, it was him!
Mike also owns his own company, a sister business to Topsail Boat Rental: Surf & Sound. This company rents any kind of water sports toy imaginable kayaks, paddle boards, wave runners and surf boards. You can call them at 910-328-RENT to make your day at the beach perfect! Mikes wife holds down the fort with Surf & Sound while he takes care of tours like ours with Topsail Boat Rental. As a matter of fact, when he started out our tour, he quoted Confucius, Choose a job you love and youll never work a day in your life. We could tell he totally loved his job, the sea and boats!
Lea Island Serenity Point And Beyond
We went South, all the way down to the end of Topsail Island. On the mainland, to our right, was Hampstead. We veered left and left the ICWW and went toward the New Topsail Inlet. Captain Mike wanted to show us Lea Island. There is a boating tradition in the area of people taking their boats to the island, dropping anchor and going ashore to sunbathe or walk the white sands and hunt for shells. No one lives on the island and you can only reach it by boat. Its a bird and turtle sanctuary and many folks go to birdwatch or hopefully see a sea turtles nest hatch. Nature at its finest, Lea Island is a beautiful place and Mike said Topsail Boat Rental often takes boating parties there on a three-hour tour. Two hours traveling on the ICWW by boat and one hour on Lea Island. Id love to make a reservation for that trip!
Across the inlet was Serenity Point, the end of Topsail Island. We saw beach goers walking around on powdery sands, just like they were on Lea Island. We slipped into the Topsail Sound and carefully made our way north for several miles. The tide was low and the depth finder was steering us from sandbars. During that time we saw, in the sliver of land between Topsail Sound and the ICWW, a Confederate Flag flying in the breeze. Mike said that it marked the place where the Underground Railroad hid the slaves that were trying to escape the South. Who knew that bit of history could be on a sliver of land off the mainland, almost in my backyard? It was fascinating.
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Carolina Skiff Rentals Fishing Boat Fun
Fishing Boat Rental Made the Hard Way
The Carolina Skiff has a very quiet and fuel efficient 115hp Suzuki motor. It is perfect for a fishing trip with your buddies or with the family. Enjoy the beautiful Intracoastal Waterway while you cruise around and even do a little island hopping.
An excursion through the waters and doing a little fishing is made easy for those renting out Made The Hard Way. There are six rod holders, which should give you plenty of fishing options. There is also a live well for your bait and to keep what you are sure to catch alive until you are ready to head back for the day.
Made The Hard Way is great for fishing but can do much more. If you want to take a break from fishing or want a party boat fishing experience near Wilmington, N.C., the Carolina Skiff can pull a one or two-person tube. In fact, we have tubes for rent to add more fun to your day. There is lots of storage, so you can bring supplies for a picnic on one of the islands, games, water toys and whatever you can think of to add to your relaxing and fun day.
Fishing Boat Rental Hall Pass
Pontoon Boat Rental NC
Our pontoons are perfect for the families that just want to take it slower and relax on the Intracoastal Waterway!
Tritoon Boat Rental
Our tritoon boats have all the amenities and features you need to enjoy a relaxing day on the Intracoastal Waterway from Surf City, NC.
