It’s heating up in the Queen City, but lucky for us there are plenty of ways to get on the water and cool off this summer. Don’t have a boat or pool? Not to worry, from Lake Norman to Lake Wylie, the Catawba River and beyond, here’s your guide to water activities around Charlotte.
Boat Charters & Cruises near Charlotte
Whether you opt for a sunset sail or a bar-hopping trip, leave the driving and planning to the professionals while you relax on the water.
Lake Norman
- Carolina Grace: 100-foot luxury yacht perfect for parties, weddings or other celebrations. They also offer a unique wellness offering featuring antiaging and rejuvenating services on board and yoga classes.
- 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 drive your own boat around an area lake? You have plenty of options.
Lake Norman
- Waterdog Boat Rentals: Pontoon rentals, Huntersville
- Saltshaker Marine: Pontoon rentals, Mooresville
- 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, Belmont & Mt. Holly locations
- Tega Cay Marina: Pontoon rentals, Tega Cay
- Destination Watersports: Power Boat Rentals, kayaks, paddle boards, Lake Wylie
- 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: Pontoons, Hickory
Cane Creek Park
Cane Creek Park: Canoe, kayak and jon boat rentals, Waxhaw
Jet Skis, Paddle Boarding, Kayaks & more
If adventure and thrills are more your speed, check out these exciting ways to enjoy the water.
Lake Haigler
- Kayak, paddleboard 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.
- U.S. National Whitewater Center: Kayaks, paddle boards and of course, whitewater rafting inside the facility.
- Riverside Paddle and Row: Stand up paddleboards, 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
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 even yoga.
- 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 and SUPs, plus guided programs.
Hotel Pool Passes
Prefer a float and a cold drink under a cabana? Here are some local hotel pools where you can enjoy a well-deserved daycation.
Omni Charlotte Hotel: Outdoor pool access, poolside food and drink service from The Coin Bar, towel service and more starting at $54.
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: Spend the day relaxing in the pool then make time for a delicious meal at Social Bar and Kitchen or have a beer or cocktail at Craft City Sports Pub. A day room includes amenity access for up to four guests.
The Ballantyne Hotel: Poolside cabanas are available for rent daily.
The Ritz-Carlton: Non-hotel guests can purchase access to all spa facilities (including The Fitness Center and Aqua Lounge) for $175/day.
SEND US THE SCOOP: Did we miss your favorite? Please send us that info by filling out this form here. We love hearing from you! Thanks 🙂
