In case you haven’t heard the news, Earth recently experienced its hottest month on record — and I’ve been seeking out opportunities to get out on the water ever since. If you don’t own a boat, don’t worry — pedal boats, kayaks, canoes, and paddle boat rentals abound in Wake County, you just need to know where to look. Interested in motorized rentals or tubing adventures? Don’t worry, we’ve got those, too.
Fred Bond Metro Park
801 High House Road, Cary
Bond Park has boat rentals for all ages and abilities, including pedal boats, kayaks, canoes, and rowboats — all for $8 an hour. Sunfish sailboats are $12 an hour with a 2-hour minimum. All life preservers are provided as part of the boat rental. No experience is necessary for most rentals (except sailboats). Bond Park also has a wide range of classes available, including sailing, kayak, and canoe lessons for all age groups. Visitors can find bait, cane poles, snacks, ice cream, snow cones, drinks, and more for sale at the Boathouse.
Lake Crabtree County Park
1400 Aviation Parkway, Morrisville
All rentals are FREE for 2 hours, and require a valid photo ID to rent. Rentals are on a first-come, first-served basis and cannot be reserved in advance. Life vests and paddles are provided. Available for rent:
- Single Kayaks
- Double Kayaks
- Canoes
- Stand-Up Paddle Boards
- Pedal Boats
Bass Lake Park
900 Bass Lake Road, Holly Springs
This park offers rentals 7 days a week from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Non-motorized boats rent for $10/hour, motorized boats for $15/hour.
565 Farrington Road, Apex
Looking to boat on Jordan Lake? Crosswinds Boating Center offers rentals on single kayaks, tandem kayaks, and stand-up paddle boards. Prices below.
Stand-Up Paddle Board: $20 for 1 hour, $40 for 2 hours, $55 for 3 hours
10′ Single Kayak: $15 for 1 hour, $30 for 2 hours, $40 for 3 hours
12′ Tandem Kayak: $20 for 1 hour, $40 for 2 hours, $55 for 3 hours
For information on power boat rentals, click here.
Lake Wheeler Park
6404 Lake Wheeler Road, Raleigh
Ready to get out on the water, but prefer a little bit of supervision? Lake Wheeler Park is offering a variety of paddle programs and lake kayak tours this summer, for all skill levels!
Pullen Park
520 Ashe Ave., Raleigh
During the summer months, pedal boats at Pullen Park are open 7 days a week for rides around Lake Howell. The boats require a separate ticket ($7) for the use of one boat for up to 30 minutes.
100 S. Main St., Lillington
Trust us, this experience is worth the drive! Lazy River Tubing, offered by Cape Fear Adventures in Lillington, takes you 2 miles down the Cape Fear River. A regular tube rental will cost $29, premium tubes are $34, and double tubes are $69. Children 3-12 are $22. Cooler carrier tubes are available for an extra $12. Prices are per person and include life jackets, tube, and return shuttle.
Cape Fear Adventures also offers hourly rentals for kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boarding. Click here for rates!
