Pamlico Sound Escape: Private 12-Passenger Pontoon in Nags Head

Set off from Whalebone Watersports at 7517 S Virginia Dare Trail in Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, and spend two easy hours aboard a private 12-passenger pontoon tailored for family fun on the sound. The shallow, protected water of the Pamlico Sound stretches here behind the Outer Banks barrier islands, where salt marshes, sand bars, and wide views make for an easy, flexible outing: cruise, anchor for a swim, picnic, chase dolphins, or try casual nearshore fishing. This rental is straightforward: the boat comes with U.S. Coast Guard life jackets for all, a swim ladder, an anchor, and one tank of fuel; renters can travel up to five miles from the dock. No boating license is required, though the driver must be at least 18 and have a valid driver’s license—making this option accessible to groups who want independence without complex paperwork. Dogs are welcome, so bring the whole family. What makes this experience special is the soundside character of the area. Pamlico Sound is unusually shallow and warm compared with open-ocean surf, creating calm water for paddling and swimming and attracting bottlenose dolphins and diving terns. Look for oyster beds, eelgrass flats, and the long, low profiles of the Outer Banks’ sand dunes and marshes. On clear days the low shoreline silhouette includes the Wright Brothers National Memorial in nearby Kill Devil Hills—a compact historical note amid natural scenery. Practical advantages set this rental apart. The two-hour window gives enough time to reach quiet sand bars or protected coves without committing a full day; the included fuel and life jackets simplify logistics; and the pontoon’s capacity means multi-generation groups can spread out comfortably. It’s ideal for first-time boaters, families with small kids, dog owners, or anyone who prefers a relaxed, social pace. Plan around tides for the best swimming and sandbar access, and keep waste contained—leave the wildlife and marsh intact. This operator’s base at 7517 S Virginia Dare Trail places you minutes from soundside exits, nearby parking, and the amenities of Kill Devil Hills and Nags Head. Whether you want a calm cruise to spot marine life, a lazy swim at a sandbar, or an uncomplicated fishing outing, the 12 Passenger Pontoon Rental delivers a low-friction way to own the sound for a short stretch of time. Bookings are easiest by reserving online in advance through the operator’s FareHarbor page, and same-day slots sometimes open for flexible plans. Bring a cooler with ice, reef-safe sunscreen, and a towel; the pontoon’s flat deck makes set-up for a picnic or a birthday celebration simple. Keep an eye on weather and local advisories—sound winds pick up fast—and plan to return with daylight in reserve so docking is easy and tide awareness.