Frequently Asked Questions & Other Policies

The price for boat rentals on Lake Norman varies by type of boat, day of the week, and other factors.

Our pricing of a Lake Norman Boat Rental with driver (in our case Coast Guard Licensed Captain) is typically based upon the quality and maintenance of the boats and equipment, experience level of captains, and of course overall experience you ultimately receive.

As a fully insured, permitted, and licensed commercial boat charter on Lake Norman with new luxury boats and a worry free all-inclusive experience, we make it our priority to deliver the best value for your money, or as we like to say: make it your best lake day!

With that being said, boat rental pricing with driver and fuel included will mainly depend on the length of the charter begin on our luxury pontoon at $499 for 2 hours. The best way to see what your experience will cost is by checking our online booking calendar or calling us at 704-850-5727.

No! All fuel is included in your charter. There are no gas fees, no refueling charges, and no end-of-day surprises. Your price already includes the captain, fuel, and all standard equipment. In fact, our pricing is all-inclusive so the only extras would be if you chose add-on options such as watersports. Just don’t forget to tip your captain!

Luckily for you, we provided Captains who hold Merchant Mariner Master Level Credentials through the United State Coast Guard. So in our case, no, you don’t need a boating license! Even if you’re an avid boater, you’ll appreciate having a captain so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the time engaging with your favorite people.

Your captain has a passion for making sure you have the best experience possible and our team works diligently behind the scenes to make sure you enjoy your time onboard. Gratuities or tips are always appreciated and you’re welcome to tip before or after your trip!

Our Northern Marina is located at: Safe Harbor Skippers Landing Marina – 1152 Perth Rd, Troutman NC 28166

Our Southern Marina is located at: Safe Harbor Kings Point Marina – 18020 Kings Point Dr, Cornelius, NC 28031

Our West Marina is located at: Safe Harbor WestPort – 7879 Water Oaks Dr, Denver, NC 28037

Most likely! Enter your pickup address during online booking or share it with us over the phone for a custom quote. One of our captains will do our best to verify distance, scheduling, water depth, and dock accessibility to confirm if lakefront pickup is possible. We’ll ask you to double check also once you arrive that we can in fact access the dock (water depth), available boat slip, safe dock, etc. In many cases, we can even include the pickup in your charter price, just ask!

POSITIVITY! We want you to have the most fun possible. In order to do so, don’t forget:

• Sunscreen (please, no aerosols!)
• Ice, water, and drinks for the cooler (also available for purchase at the marina ships’ store)
• Your Favorite Boat Friendly Snacks/Beverages And Cups/Plasticware/Utensils If Needed on the Pontoons (please, no hard liquor per LNMC policies!)
• Towels (also available for purchase at marina ships’ store)
• Attire For Cooler Temperature Rides Or Windy Days
• Sunglasses
• A Change Of Clothes (if desired – our marina also offers on site showers!
• Cash Or Credit Cards (for lakeside dining, drinks, and/or gratuities)
• Phone Charging Cables
• Signed Waivers (please, ensure everyone from your party has completed our waiver prior to departure!)

• Please refrain from snacks that may leave crumbs, messes, or residue behind, including drinks with dyes that could stain if spilled (think red sports drinks and red wine).
• Heeled Shoes – Flip flops/flat soled shoes are acceptable on tritoon boats. On the wakeboard/wakesurf boats, we have a spot for your shoes to be left safely at the dock or a spot in the boat in case you visit a waterfront restaurant/bar.
• Coolers – Don’t worry, we have Polar Bear Coolers onboard for you to use! We don’t have anywhere to store your coolers if you arrive with one and don’t have a car at the marina to leave it in (i.e. use ride share).
• Too much “stuff” or too many bags – This may sound funny, but remember there’s limited space on boats, and our storage is taken up by essentials for being safe and having fun! As the number of people onboard with you increases, please consolidate non-essential belongings so you can move about the boat freely without hazards.
• Aerosol Sunscreens – Please bring lotion sunscreen and apply prior to boarding.
• Clear/Metallic Inflatables and/or Floats – These will cause significant damage to our vessels and equipment because they act like a giant magnifying glass in the sun.
• Cigarettes/Cigars – There’s no smoking allowed on our vessels, but if you smoke, we can coordinate stops so you can disembark.
• Illegal Substances – As a reminder, Lake Norman Marine Commission doesn’t permit hard alcohol onboard. Beer, (white) wine, seltzers, etc. are all acceptable for those of legal consumption age.
• Additional Vehicles – Please utilize ride sharing services if you’ll be consuming alcohol and carpool to follow parking policies as outlined in your confirmation email.

Absolutely — fuel the fun! You’re welcome to bring snacks and food onboard, and our boats have tables for easy setup whether we’re cruising or stopped at an island. Don’t forget to pack the basics like cups, plates, napkins, and utensils. Want something easier? We can arrange catering or take you to a lakeside bar or restaurant during your charter. Visit our About Lake Norman page to see the options!

Just a quick note: please skip foods and drinks that can stain (red sports drinks, red wine, Cheetos, brownies, etc.).

Yes! Please contact Chef Peter at Carolina Gourmet on (980) 348-7357 or visit carolinagourmet.com.

There is no bathroom onboard our boats, but your captain is happy to stop at the nearest marina or lakeside facility anytime during your charter. Restrooms are also available at our departure marina before and after your trip.

Once you book, the boat is reserved exclusively for your group. We never combine groups or add other guests to your charter.

Please note: reselling seats or tickets to our private charters is strictly prohibited and will result in immediate charter termination with no refund.

Fishing is not allowed on our Lake Norman charter boats. Our luxury vessels are designed specifically for cruising, entertainment, and private charter experiences—not fishing.

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To ensure a safe, enjoyable, and premium experience for all guests, please review and comply with the following charter rules:

✅ Safety & Compliance

All passengers must sign a liability waiver prior to departure. Minors under 18 must have a parent or legal guardian sign on their behalf.
At least one guest aged 21+ must book the reservation and remain onboard for the entire charter.
Life jackets are required for all passengers under 13 while the boat is in motion, as required by law.
Any guest who cannot swim must wear a life jacket at all times and may not participate in watersports.

✅ Responsible Enjoyment

Alcohol is allowed in moderation for guests 21+. Beer, cider, champagne, and non-red wine are permitted.
Hard liquor, spirits, and mixed drinks are not permitted per Lake Norman Marine Commission policies.
No illegal drugs, controlled substances, or weapons of any kind are permitted onboard.

✅ Food, Drinks & Cleanliness

BYOB food and drinks are welcome.
No red liquids (e.g. red wine, fruit punch) and no artificially dyed snacks like Cheetos or chocolates due to staining risks.
Aerosol sunscreen is not allowed as it damages vinyl, flooring, and seating—lotion sunscreen only, please.
Additional cleaning, damage, and administrative fees may apply for significant spills, stains, or biohazard cleanup (e.g. vomit, urine) and for damage to flooring, seats, upholstery, or equipment.

✅ Respect for the Boat and Equipment

No smoking onboard. For guests who wish to smoke, we are happy to arrange marina or island stops when possible.
Vapes and electronic cigarettes are permitted with legal substances only.
Please wear flat, boat-safe footwear—no pointed heels or shoes that may damage flooring.
No animals are permitted onboard.

⚠️ Important Charter Disclaimer
Failure to follow safety instructions, captain requests, or company policies may result in immediate charter termination without refund. Carolina Cruising Charters reserves the right to charge for damages, excessive cleanup, lost equipment, and violations of policies, including related administrative and processing fees.

Payment & Cancellation Policy
Full payment is required at the time of booking to reserve your private vessel. This secures your licensed captain, crew, and preparation for your experience.

Standard Cancellation Policy (Non-Holiday Dates)
Refunds or credits depend on how far in advance you cancel before your charter:

• 30+ days: 90% refund or credit (less taxes & fees)
• 14–30 days: 80% refund or credit (less taxes & fees)
• 7–14 days: 60% refund or credit (less taxes & fees)
• 3–7 days: 40% refund or credit (less taxes & fees)
• 0–3 days: No refunds or changes unless CCC cancels for unsafe weather or operational concerns

Rebooking applies once per reservation and must occur outside 14 days of your scheduled charter.
All refunds and credits exclude taxes, fees, and optional add-ons.

If Carolina Cruising Charters must cancel a trip due to other operational concerns (unrelated to weather) and no viable replacement option or comparable rebooking is available, guests will receive a 100 % refund of all monies paid to their original payment method.

Reservation Protection (Optional Add-On)
Cancel for any reason up to 48 hours before departure (non-holidays) for a full refund (less taxes, fees, and Reservation Protection cost) or a full-value credit to rebook once within the same calendar year ending 12/31.
 Each boat in a multi-boat booking must have its own plan and reservation protection coverage applies to full-trip cancellations only and does not change or enhance the partial-weather credit policy.
 The 48-hour window does not apply on holidays, but refund protection still applies if CCC cancels due to weather.

Holiday Bookings
Holiday bookings are non-refundable and cannot be rescheduled once booked, except in the event that Carolina Cruising Charters cancels due to weather or operational concerns.

If a holiday booking is canceled by CCC:

• Guests with Reservation Protection will receive a full refund (less taxes, fees, and the Reservation Protection cost) or a full-value credit (including all taxes, fees, and Reservation Protection cost) to rebook once within the same calendar year.
• Guests without Reservation Protection will receive a credit only to reschedule once within the same calendar year ending 12/31—no refunds are provided.

Designated Company Holidays (2026 Season):

• Easter (Apr 3–6)
• Mother’s Day (May 8–10)
• Memorial Day (May 22–25)
• Father’s Day / Juneteenth (Jun 19–21)
• Independence Day (Jul 2–5)
• Labor Day (Sep 4–7)
• Columbus Day (Oct 9–12)
• Thanksgiving (Nov 26–29)

(Holiday dates are updated annually and may vary slightly.)

Additional Notes

• No refunds or credits for unused add-ons.
• Incorrect pickup details may incur a 10% admin fee or travel charge if updated after booking.
• If your private dock isn’t safely accessible, you may be asked to meet at a marina and forfeit any lost travel time.
• Credits expire December 31 of the same calendar year and are non-transferable.

View Full Policy: carolinacruisingcharters.com/cancellation-policy

Weather & Safety Policy
Carolina Cruising Charters operates rain or shine and does not cancel based on forecasts—only when conditions are deemed unsafe by our captains and management team.

Final weather calls are made 30–60 minutes before departure using real-time radar and lake data.

If unsafe weather prevents departure or causes early return of more than one hour, you will be eligible to:

• Extend your time later in the same day (if safe and feasible), or
• Receive a pro-rated credit for unused time, valid toward a future charter within the same season.

Shorter interruptions (under one hour) do not qualify for refunds or credits.

If Carolina Cruising Charters must cancel entirely due to weather or safety conditions:

• Guests with Reservation Protection will receive a full refund (less taxes, fees, and the cost of Trip Protection) or a full-value credit (including all taxes and fees) to rebook once within the same calendar year.
• Guests without Reservation Protection will receive a reschedule or credit only—no refunds.

If a charter must be canceled due to operational concerns (unrelated to weather) and no comparable replacement option is available, guests will receive a 100% refund to their original payment method.

View Full Policy: carolinacruisingcharters.com/cancellation-policy

Reservation Protection is offered during checkout and provides enhanced flexibility and peace of mind.

• Cancel for any reason up to 48 hours before departure (non-holidays) for a full refund (less taxes, fees, and the cost of Reservation Protection), or
• Receive a full-value credit—including all taxes, fees, and Reservation Protection cost—to rebook once within the same calendar year ending 12/31.

Guests with Reservation Protection may modify or cancel within the 14-day window, provided the request is made at least 48 hours prior to departure and it’s not a designated holiday.
Each boat in a multi-boat booking requires its own plan to be covered.

Please note:

• The 48-hour Reservation Protection window cancellation does not apply on designated company holidays as Holidays are non-cancellable.
• If  Reservation Protection was purchased for a holiday booking, it still provides refund protection if CCC cancels due to weather-related concerns.
• Reservation Protection coverage applies to full-trip cancellations only and does not change or enhance the partial-weather credit policy.

Contact us! Communication is key since no one likes being ghosted.

If your party does not arrive within 30 minutes of your scheduled booking start time and we haven’t heard from you and you haven’t heard from your captain, it will be deemed a no-show and no refunds or credits will be issued.

If part of your party has arrived within 30 minutes of the scheduled time and confirmed their presence with the captain on site, your captain will wait for the remaining guests to arrive. The reservation end time will not change.

Ask your captain! In the instance that you’d like to extend your booking and our schedule allows, the hourly rate will be charged to your card on file based upon the hourly rate of your booking. All extensions will be charged based upon the closest 1 hour when arriving back to the dock.

Check out our pontoons vs. tritoons page to learn more!

Yes, alcohol is allowed on Lake Norman. However, glass containers and hard liquor are not permitted per lake regulations. All beverages must be in cans or plastic.

Boating-while-impaired laws are strictly enforced and follow the same standards as operating a motor vehicle.

That’s why our service is for a Lake Norman boat rental with a driver. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the time with your favorite people while our licensed captain handles the rest and enhances your experience!

Unfortunately, pets and animals including dogs, cats, and other companion animals are not allowed onboard any of our vessels. We love our furry friends, but for the comfort and safety of all guests, our tours are pet-free.

Our boats accommodate 10 to 16 passengers, plus our captain, depending on the vessel, and each boat’s maximum capacity is clearly listed when booking. Since this is a private boat rental with a captain, you choose who joins you; whether it’s just one person or the full allowed capacity.

Please note that all ages legally count as passengers, including infants and kids or children. For your comfort, consider the number of guests, their sizes, and how much personal space everyone prefers. The more people you bring, the less gear and personal items you should plan to bring so everyone has adequate room onboard.

The person booking and paying for the charter must be 21 years of age or older. This ensures compliance with our insurance and payment policies.

Yes! Passengers of all ages are welcome. Only the individual paying must be 21+ years old. We love hosting families and groups of all kinds. Children, kids, and infants count toward total passenger capacity, and life jackets are provided for all ages and sizes.

Weekends, holidays, and peak-season afternoons often sell out weeks or even months in advance. Online booking closes 48 hours before departure, so we recommend reserving as early as possible to secure your preferred boat, time, and marina. Please note that online bookings close 48 hours before departure, so if you’re hoping to cruise within the next two days, call or text us directly at 704-850-5727 to check for last-minute availability.

We’ve designed our pricing so everyone automatically qualifies for savings — no special codes or groups required!
Our system automatically applies built-in discounts of up to $350 off during select off-peak times throughout the season. Rather than limiting offers to certain groups, we wanted every cruiser to enjoy the same value.

For even more savings, check out our Carolina Cruising Club Memberships — members receive 15% off every booking all season long, plus exclusive perks and bonuses.

With that being said, pricing with captain and fuel included varies by charter length. Our Luxury Pontoon starts at $499 for 2 hours and accommodates up to 10 passengers.

The best way to see your exact rate is by checking our online booking calendar or calling 704-850-5727 for assistance.

No! Every Carolina Cruising Charters experience includes a licensed U.S. Coast Guard captain who handles all navigation, docking, and safety. You and your favorite guests with you can simply relax and enjoy the lake.

Every cruise includes:

• A USCG-licensed captain

• Fuel (all included)

• Floating games and water toys (beer pong table, footballs, pool toys, etc.)

• Coolers

• Karaoke

• Life jackets for all ages

• Photo memories delivered after your trip

Everything you need for “Your Best Lake Day” is already included.

Yes! Our Double Decker with WaterSlide Boat is one of the most popular options on Lake Norman. It features two levels, a waterslide, premium bluetooth audio system, and space for up to 15 passengers. It’s perfect for families, birthdays, or any group looking for a little extra fun on the water.

We offer a variety of optional watersports and on-water add-ons for guests who want an action-packed lake day!

Our 400HP Super Pontoon (Northern Marina), 350HP Ultimate Pontoon (Southern Marina), and 250HP Performance Pontoon (West Marina) can all accommodate tow-behind watersports including tubing, banana boat tubing, waterskiing, kneeboarding, and wake skating.

All boats also offer optional paddleboard rentals and floating island add-ons for extra fun and relaxation while anchored in a cove.

These experiences are tailored to your group’s comfort and skill level, with all equipment provided by our team.

Yes! Carolina Cruising Charters operates year-round, weather permitting. Winter and off-season charters are available, and we’ll provide recommendations on what to bring on colder-weather cruises so your group stays comfortable. Sometimes we can even do custom or unique requests for cruises like Christmas boat parades! If you’re unsure, just ask us, we’re here to help!

We do not accept walk-ups. All charters must be booked in advance through our online calendar or by calling our team. This ensures we schedule your captain, prepare your vessel, and deliver the full experience.

Yes! Our pricing automatically includes dynamic discounts for off-season and off-peak dates, weekday bookings, and morning charters. These built-in savings can reduce pricing by up to $350+ depending on the boat and time selected.

Absolutely! You can add multiple boats to your cart or contact us for custom bookings with up to all or our boats! The largest group we can currently accommodate with all four of our boats is 54 passengers. This is perfect for bachelor/bachelorette groups, corporate events, retreats and reunions, birthdays, and fleet-style lake days.

Yes, as well as overflow parking at no additional cost. After booking and signing your waiver, every guest receives our arrival and parking guide video, showing exactly where to park at your selected marina.