Southern Tide Boat Rentals is a veteran-owned, locally operated boat rental business serving the Sneads Ferry and Topsail Island areas of North Carolina, launching boats out of New River Marina. Owner Ken, a retired USMC veteran, personally handles every customer, offering pontoons and skiffs for family outings, fishing trips, and days exploring nearby sandbars and waterways.

Reservations run by appointment only, with Ken personally loading boats, walking renters through operation instructions, and sharing local knowledge of the area’s history, geography, and best boating spots — including nearby sandbars perfect for a relaxing afternoon. Life jackets are provided for passengers of all sizes, and parking is available on-site.

Guest reviews are overwhelmingly glowing across TripAdvisor, Yelp, and Facebook, with reviewers consistently describing Ken as honest, flexible, and genuinely dedicated to customer service — swapping boat types last-minute without hassle, personally resolving any on-water issues, and going out of his way to make every trip memorable, from bachelorette parties to family outings with grandkids.

For families, groups, and visitors near Sneads Ferry or Topsail Island looking for a personal, veteran-owned pontoon or skiff rental, Southern Tide Boat Rentals offers a highly reviewed, family-run operation with owner Ken at the helm.