Holden Beach Marina provides MANY SERVICES. Find some answers to frequently asked questions about our marina, the services we provide and what our policies are below:

General Questions

Do you have boat launch facilities at the marina?

There is no ramp at marina, but NC Wildlife boat ramp is located directly across the waterway from the marina, underneath the bridge on the island.

Do you offer fuel at the marina?

We offer convenient, from-the-water fueling with both 90 octane Non-ethanol gas on Pump 3 and 4, and Off-Road Diesel on Pump 1.  You can only get Diesel from the Diesel slip that is located directly beside the launch pad.  You can get non-ethanol on the gas dock right at the bridge or any slip in front of the marina building.  Walk up the ramp to the gas pump and push the intercom button for service.  Pump will not start until turned on upstairs.  Come upstairs to pay after fueling.  NOTE:  We do not offer fuel from land at Holden Beach Marina.

How long does it take to get to the open ocean from your marina?

Lockwood Folly Inlet is located at the east end of Holden Beach about a mile from the marina and Shallotte Inlet is located at the west end of Holden Beach approximately 11 miles from the marina.

Is there free parking?

Yes.  We offer free parking at Holden Beach Marina for our guests.

Can I fish off your docks?

No.  Fishing is not allowed from our docks.  You can fish from our parking lot directly under the bridge.  Be courteous and watch for boat traffic.

Can we drink alcohol at the marina?

Yes.  We have our on-premises permit and serve draft beer, beer/malt beverages by the can, and wine slushies upstairs in the Ship’s Store.  You can sit out on the deck or down at the picnic tables to enjoy.  Please do not drink and drive.

Is your marina/gift shop open to the general public?

Yes!  Please come in to use restrooms, drink a beverage, or buy some merchandise.  The store is open to the public, even if you do not have a boat!
Holden Beach Boat Rentals
holden-beach-Marina-frequently asked questions

Rental Questions

Do I need a Boater's License to Rent a Boat or Jet Ski?

For Jet Skis:  You must be 21 years old+ and have a valid car driver’s license to be the signed Renter for your jet ski rental. To drive the jet ski, you must be 18 years old+ and have a valid car driver’s license. You must bring your valid driver’s license to your rental. You DO NOT need a boater’s license.
For Boats:  You must be 25 years old+ and have a valid car driver’s license to be the signed Renter for our boat rentals. To drive the boat, you must be 21 years old+ and have a valid car driver’s license. You must bring your valid driver’s license to your rental. You DO NOT need a boater’s license.  Some boater’s experience is required.  Please do not rent if you have never driven a boat before or do not have someone in your party over 21 that has.

What is the minimum age limit to be a passenger on a jet ski?

Passengers must be at least 5 years old, and their feet must reach the floor. If any passenger on a PWC is under 18 years of age, the driver of the PWC must be 21 years of age or older. Any participant under 18-year-old (minors), must have a legal parent/guardian present (with ID) at the beginning of the rental to verify signing of legal document. If a parent or guardian cannot be present, you must provide a notarized power of attorney giving an adult in your party (with ID) the legal right to sign for the minor.

How many people can ride on a jet ski?

Passengers must be at least 5 years old, and their feet must reach the floor. If any passenger on a PWC is under 18 years of age, the driver of the PWC must be 21 years of age or older. Any participant under 18-year-old (minors), must have a legal parent/guardian present (with ID) at the beginning of the rental to verify signing of legal document. If a parent or guardian cannot be present, you must provide a notarized power of attorney giving an adult in your party (with ID) the legal right to sign for the minor.

Do I need to be able to swim to rent a jet ski?

All participants must be able to swim and climb aboard the jet ski from the water on to the back of the jet ski safely. You must be able to lift your own weight out of the water.

Can I keep the boat at our rental home during multiple day rentals?

Yes, IF you are staying at a home on a canal.  If not, the boat has to be back at the marina 30 minutes before sunset or earlier and can be picked back up 30 minutes before sunrise or later the next morning.

If I rent a boat for multiple days, can I have the boat out at sunset/sunrise?

Boating is not allowed when dark!  For safety, our boats are not allowed out from 30 minutes before sunset through 30 minutes after sunrise. No exceptions! HOWEVER, if you wanted to enjoy a Sunset Cruise on the Intercoastal while in Holden Beach, we do offer a 3-hour sunset cruise aboard a luxury Bennington tritoon, captained by a U.S. Coast Guard licensed captain, IF you’re interested in booking it.

Do you provide life jackets?

Life jackets are provided for everyone except infants.  For any infant/child under 30 pounds, you must bring your own life jacket or purchase one upstairs in the Ship’s Store.  All children under 13-years-old must wear a life jacket at all times while on the boat/water. Anyone who is not a strong swimmer should wear a life jacket at all times.  All jet ski riders must wear life jackets at all times.

Can I bring food/drinks/alcohol on the rental boat?

You are welcome to bring food, just be sure to clean up. A cleaning fee will be charged for any boat left excessively dirty. Beer, wine, and malt beverages are allowed on the boat.  Consumption must be responsible and only by those 21-years old and up. The driver(s) of the boat cannot consume any alcohol.  Glass bottles and liquor/spirits are not allowed and red liquids are not recommended.

Am I allowed to smoke on the boat or jet ski rental?

No smoking/vaping; no illegal drugs. If ANYONE in your rental party shows up to the beginning of the rental intoxicated or smelling intoxicated–on alcohol or drugs (including marijuana)–your rental will be canceled; and your rental fee will not be refunded.

Where do I park?

You can park in the sand lot under the bridge or along the grass.  Follow parking pattern.

Boat Storage Questions

What are my storage options?

We offer outside, partially covered, and fully covered boat storage options.  Availability and pricing depend on the size of your boat.  Give the office a call for availability and pricing.

What is required to store my boat at the marina?

We require that your boat is insured and provide us with a copy of your insurance declaration page.  We also require a $300 refundable security deposit.  It is refundable once your contract is complete, the account is paid off, and your boat is removed from storage.  Your boat must also have a battery switch, 2 dock lines, and 2 bumpers.

How soon can you have my boat in the water?

Give us a call one hour before you’d like to arrive to use your boat.  During this call, let us know if you would like us to fill up your gas tank.  Please arrive on time or call to let us know you’ll be running late.  The boat will be pulled out of storage, sprayed off and in the water waiting for you to arrive.  Every once in a while, we will have to “Launch on Arrival”.  This generally only happens on busy summer holidays.

Do you clean/flush my boat?

When we pull a boat out of storage, we rinse the dust off the boat before we put it in the water.  When we pull your boat out of the water, we flush your engine(s) with fresh water and rinse the saltwater off the boat.  If you would like a deep clean boat wash, please call the office in advance to schedule.  This more than likely cannot be done same day.

How late/early can I have my boat launched?

If you call the day prior for a “First Launch”, we will try our best to have your boat launched by 8:30-8:45am.  “Last Launch” of the day is 4:30pm during season and 4pm during off-season.  Call for a “Last Launch” if you will be arriving to use your boat after the marina closes or the next morning before we open. 

What do I do if I arrive back with my boat after hours?

Dock your boat and securely tie it up with 2 dock lines.  Leave your bumpers out.  Place your keys in the key drop beside the garage door downstairs.  If you would like your boat pulled out the next morning, bow in and please put down your antenna or bimini top.  This will signal to us that you are ready to be pulled out the next day.

Can you charge up my trolling motor?

Yes.  If you give us a call the day before you’d like to use your boat.  We will put it on charge overnight, so it’ll be charged up the next morning when you call for a launch.  There is a $10 fee per charge.

Do you offer storage for just the summer?

No.  We only offer yearly contracts for storage.