Vacation Rental Information
OFFICE HOURS
IN-SEASON
Monday-Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM
Saturday-Sunday from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM
OFF-SEASON
Monday-Sunday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
OFFICE LOCATIONS
EMERALD ISLE OFFICE
200 Mangrove Drive
Emerald Isle, NC 28594
(252) 354-2323
For After-Hours Arrivals: Keys will be in the lockbox. Check your pre-arrival emails and Vacation Rental Agreement for the lockbox access codes.
For After-Hours Departures: Use the drop slot at 200 Mangrove Drive.
ATLANTIC BEACH OFFICE
407 Atlantic Beach Causeway, Suite 6D
Atlantic Beach, NC 28512
(252) 247-9200
For After-Hours Arrivals: Keys will be in the lockbox. Check your pre-arrival emails and Vacation Rental Agreement for the lockbox access codes.
For After-Hours Departures: Use the drop slot at 407 Atlantic Beach Causeway, Suite 6D.
Vacation Rental Policies
Reservations & Payments
RESERVATIONS You may book your Crystal Coast vacation online, by phone, or in-person at one of our rental offices. A completed Vacation Rental Agreement (“Agreement”) will be forwarded to you with specific terms & conditions by email. This Agreement will include all possible charges; however, you may elect to decline any “optional” charges by contacting our team of vacation planners via email at Reservations@BluewaterNC.com or by phone at (866) 231-5892.
PAYMENTS If you agree to the terms of the Vacation Rental Agreement, we require the initial payment to be made at the time of booking. The Initial Payment includes approximately 55% of the total rent amount, reservation fee, Travel Insurance premium (if purchased), and applicable taxes. If you are booking more than 30 days prior to your arrival, you and your vacationing party have the flexibility to make any payment, at any time, for any amount in your Guest Portal account following your Initial Payment. Your remaining balance, which includes the remaining rent balance, any add-ons (i.e., linens), and applicable taxes, must be paid in full 30 days prior to your arrival date. If you are booking less than 30 days prior to your arrival, you and your vacationing party will be required to pay in full. We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and ACH/eCheck. For customers who do not have access to email, the Agreement will be sent via fax or US Mail to be signed and returned within 7 days; however, your payment is still required at the time you book the reservation. After receipt of your initial payment and signed Agreement, we will send you a confirmation receipt.
Bluewater will place your reservation payments in an interest-bearing trust account at First National Bank, located in Jacksonville, NC with such interest earned by Bluewater Vacation Rentals. The Guest agrees to the advance disbursement of rents to the Owner prior to occupancy [not to exceed 50% (fifty percent) of the total rent] and disbursement of fees to Bluewater to pay for goods, services, or benefits secured for the Guest prior to occupancy.
Cancellation Policy
CANCELLATION TERMS
Should Tenant have to cancel for any reason, please notify Agent immediately in writing (fax 252-354-8965, email Accounting@BluewaterNC.com, or US Mail). Cancelled reservations are placed back on the rental market to be re-rented. If your cancelled reservation is booked for multiple weeks or a monthly stay, that time frame will be made available to rent as a shorter stay option to other guests.
a. If the property is re-rented for the specified period, monies will be refunded less a $250.00 cancellation fee, any discounts/expenses required to re-rent and the Travel Insurance Premium. Under the cancel/re-rent program all money paid will be forfeited unless the property is re-rented for the entire cancelled period and for the original rental amount.
b. If re-rented for the original rental amount, all monies paid will be refunded less the cancellation fee of $250.00, reservation fee and travel insurance premium.
c. If re-rented at a lower rental amount, your refund will be decreased by the difference between the original rental amount and the lower rental amount, as well as the $250 cancellation fee, reservation fee and any travel insurance premium.
d. Should Tenant require or request to be moved to a different property or a different date at the same property, which must be approved by the Owner, the Tenant will be charged a $250.00 non-refundable fee.
You will be notified of the re-rent status and any refund due to you via email once the property re-rents or the departure date has passed. Should the property not re-rent, you may choose to reinstate and use your reservation any time up to the departure date subject to availability. Agent reserves the right to book reservation for less than the contracted length. The reservation would need to be paid in full before arrival. If you wish to reinstate, email Accounting@BluewaterNC.com with that request. If you purchased travel insurance, you can contact RedSky Travel to make a claim. RedSky Travel Insurance 1-866-889-7409 www.SunTripPreserver.com. Agent reserves the right to automatically cancel reservation if payment is not received in full 30 days prior to the arrival date. Failure to cancel in writing will result in charging the final payment to the Tenant’s credit card.
Pet Policy
Some properties do not allow pets anywhere on their property, including on the deck or in the yard. If the property you have rented allows dogs, either through the “All-Inclusive Pet Program” or if an additional pet fee is required, it will be stated within the property description and a specified fee is charged per pet if applicable. Please note that this is limited to dogs only and, in most cases, a maximum limit of 2. If you do not notify the Bluewater of a dog or the actual number of dogs on the premises and pay the specified fee, eviction without refund may apply and Bluewater reserves the right to charge your credit card for pet fees. Cats are never allowed in any property at any time. Any guest bringing a pet into a “No Pets” property will be evicted without a refund. Pets are not allowed in pools or hot tubs. “Leash Laws” apply and the law requires you to clean up after your pet.
Private Pool & Hot Tub Policy
POOL Tenant is responsible for the proper care of the swimming pool. Pool use is “At Your Own Risk”. It is a parent or guardian’s responsibility to watch children at all times during pool use. Children must not be left unattended during pool use. No diving into the pool is ever allowed since serious injury, paralysis, or even death could occur. Damage to the pool itself due to tenant misuse will result in additional charges.
HOT TUB Tenant is responsible for proper care of the Hot Tub. Suggested Hot Tub occupancy in the Instruction Manual must not be exceeded. The Hot Tub must be covered when not in use to retain heat. Do not sit on the hot tub cover or use it for storage. Damage to cover or Hot Tub due to misuse will result in additional charges. Please do not set the Hot Tub thermostat higher than 104 degrees. Due to high temperatures, Hot Tubs are not suitable for small children or pregnant women. Children under the legal age should not be left unattended. It is not wise to sit in the Hot Tub longer than 15 minutes at a time.
It is imperative everyone (adults and children) shower before entering the Pool or Hot Tub to remove sand and suntan lotion from their feet, hands, and body. An instruction manual is provided for the Hot Tub. Any questions regarding the safe use and operation of the Pool and Hot Tub should be referred to Bluewater Vacation Rentals (252) 354-2323.
The Tenant does hereby covenant and agrees to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless both the owners of the property and their Agent, Bluewater Real Estate, from and against all liability, loss, damage, claims, or actions (including costs and attorney fees) for bodily injury, paralysis or death, and/or property damage, to the extent permissible by law, arising out of or in connection with the misuse of Pool and/or Hot Tub.
Golf Cart Policy
GOLF CART POLICY Privilege Disclaimer: I, and my guests, acknowledge that the use of any Golf Cart is “At Our Own Risk”. By entering into a rental contract, we agree to relieve and hold harmless Bluewater Vacation Rentals and Real Estate and the Homeowners of the property for any and all debts which might occur from accidents involving the golf cart. Bluewater Vacation Rentals and Real Estate and the Homeowners of the property are not liable for any damages or bodily harm incurred with guests’ use of golf cart. We understand that there is no insurance of any type on said Golf Cart. We also agree to pay for any damages done to the Golf Cart itself. The Golf Cart must stay in the subdivision where the rental property is located and stay on paved areas only. The Golf Cart Driver must abide by all Stop and Speed Limit signs. Golf Carts may not be operated at a speed that is greater than reasonable and prudent under existing conditions and in no circumstances at a speed greater than 20 MPH. Reckless driving will result in the revocation of Golf Cart privileges for all rental guests for the entire rental period. Golf Carts may not be operated in a careless or reckless manner. No one under the age of 18 is allowed to operate a Golf Cart. Anyone operating a Golf Cart must have a valid state-issued driver’s license in their possession while operating a Golf Cart and must comply with all conditions and restrictions on their license. Golf Carts are required to be operated in accordance with all state motor vehicle laws, local traffic laws, and local ordinances. Golf Carts may not be used to tow another cart, trailer, or vehicle of any kind including a person on roller skates, bicycles, skateboards, or other devices. Golf Carts are required to yield the right of way to traditional motor vehicles.
Beach Equipment Policy
BEACH ITEMS MUST BE REMOVED NIGHTLY. The town of Emerald Isle has adopted a new ordinance that requires all unattended beach equipment (including shade tents, canopies, volleyball nets, chairs, umbrellas, etc) be removed from the beach each night. All unattended items left on the beach between 7pm and 8am are now illegal and will be confiscated and removed by town staff.
Partial Week or Additional Day Rentals
Most vacation homes are available to rent for less than a full week. Full week rentals have first priority and partial week (2- or 3-night minimums) or additional day rentals cannot be made more than seven days in advance during the summer season. The nightly rate for partial week rentals is calculated by dividing the weekly rate by 4. Therefore, if you stay for 4 or more days, the cost will be the normal weekly rate. Travel Insurance rates are the same for partial week rentals. Partial week rentals must be made by phone, as all Internet reservations are for full weeks only. Please call us to inquire about a nightly stay.
Cleaning
Upon arrival to your rental home, please notify us immediately if you are not satisfied with the cleanliness. We will send Bluewater housekeeping staff to address the cleaning deficit. If Bluewater has not heard to the contrary within one hour of check-in, we assume that you have found your rental home in acceptable condition. No discounts will be given at a later point for lack of cleanliness.
Maintenance
Each Bluewater rental property has an informational guide that addresses general maintenance concerns. Specific issues are posted on the refrigerator at each rental property to address things specific to your vacation home.
All efforts will be made to expedite repair, but no refunds will be made for mechanical failures of appliances and/or electronics or interruption and/or loss of utilities (including internet and cable). Please also report any inoperative and/or missing equipment to our maintenance department.
For routine maintenance problems during business hours, please call (252) 354-6128 between 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM in the off-season and 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM during the in-season. For after-hours emergencies only, please call (252) 354-2323 and follow the prompts. Remember, Bluewater-authorized maintenance technicians have the legal right to enter your rental home as required to accomplish needed repairs.
Mail & Packages
If you are receiving correspondence via US Mail, FedEx, or UPS during your vacation, please have it sent to Bluewater Vacation Rentals at 200 Mangrove Drive, Emerald Isle, NC 28594. Please make sure to tell the sender to put the name of your rental home on the address label. Please do not have anything sent to your rental property as there are no mailboxes available.
Rental Properties for Sale
Occasionally, a rental property may go on the market for sale. In such a case, we reserve the right to show the property to qualified buyers. We will make every effort to schedule the showing at a convenient time and to avoid interrupting your vacation. Your cooperation is appreciated. If your rental property is sold within 180 days of your rental departure date, your lease will be enforced. If the property is sold more than 180 days from your departure date and is no longer offered for rent, we will make every effort to accommodate your needs or refund your money.
Selection of Rental Properties
All vacation homes rented by Bluewater are furnished and decorated by the individual homeowner according to their personal taste. Since the majority of our homes are rented sight unseen, you should do all you can to communicate your expectations and needs prior to your arrival. All of our rental homes have complete interior, exterior, and view photos available online for your vacation search. Simply go to a specific rental home’s page and use the photo gallery to view the entire home. If you need further information about any specific home or condo, one of our vacation planners is here to help! Need help planning? Send an email to Reservations@BluewaterNC.com or call (866) 231-5892 to get started!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a "Hold" online?
Our Hold It option when booking a reservation online allows you to hold your desired vacation rental property without submitting a deposit. During those 24 hours, one of our certified vacation planners will contact you to address any and all questions you may have and help you complete the booking process. If you wish to release your 24-hour hold, you may do so by contacting our team of certified vacation planners by email or phone to cancel your tentative booking at any time.
What is the Military Discount?
The Military Discount is available to you if you or a member of your vacationing party is an active or retired military service member. You can save up to 15% on a reservation with a base rental rate of $4,999.00 or less. If the base rental rate is $5,000.00 or more, the Military Discount will reflect a total discount of $750.00. Please Note: This discount is only available for participating properties.
Does my rental property have air conditioning?
Yes – All of our vacation rental properties are equipped with heating and cooling systems. Please Note: Air conditioning is provided at all properties, but may be delivered using various equipment (i.e., central air, window units, etc.). Please refer to the property’s detailed description on our website for more information specific to your vacation rental property.
Do you have a waitlist for cancellations?
Unfortunately, we do not keep a running waitlist for cancellations. However, our website is updated every hour on the hour and any cancellations and openings will be posted back online for the public.
If a property is not pet friendly, can the homeowner make an exception?
Non-pet-friendly properties are non-negotiable due to the possibility of homeowners and other vacationing guests have severe pet allergies. No exceptions will be made.
Does the property have beach equipment?
The majority of our vacation rental properties do not provide their own beach equipment for guest use. However, if you would like to rent beach gear, our friends on the island can help! CLICK HERE for more information on rental beach gear for your stay.
Is beach equipment set up service available?
Unfortunately, there is no beach equipment setup service available on the island to set up beach chairs, umbrellas, etc. each morning during your stay. We recommended renting or buying a beach cart to help tote all of your gear down to the beach.
Does my rental have linens and towels provided?
For information specific to your rental property regarding linens and towels, please refer to your Vacation Rental Agreement – available in your email – or in the detailed property description on our website.
If your vacation rental property does not offer linens and towels, you may reach out to our team of certified vacation planners by phone or email to add a linen package to your reservation.
What is included in a linen package?
Each linen package is packed according to the specific configuration of your property to include bed linens, 1 bath mat per full bath, 2 bath towels per occupant (based on max occupancy of the property, not the size of your vacationing party), as well as kitchen towels.
May I bring my golf cart?
Golf carts are highly utilized as a method of transportation on our island; however, there are rules and regulations to be followed should you choose to bring your own golf cart. In fact, some complexes, communities, and rental properties prohibit the use and parking of golf carts on the premises. This information can be found in your Vacation Rental Agreement or in the detailed property description on our website.
For more information on the local rules and regulations on golf carts, please CLICK HERE.
Are pets allowed on the beach?
Yes – Pets are allowed on our beaches year-round. Please Note: Pets must be on a leash at all times and please be sure to clean up after your pets.
What amenities are standard in every kitchen?
All kitchens should be stocked will all of your standard cooking and kitchen needs such as pots, pans, baking sheets, plates, utensils, glasses, etc.
Do properties come equipped with paper products?
Unfortunately, our rental properties are not stocked with paper products such as toilet paper, paper towels, toiletries, etc. Please remember to bring your own paper and soap products or purchase them when you arrive.
Can I check-in early or check-out late?
Our apologies – Due to staff shortages, we are unable to accommodate early check-ins and late check-outs for the 2021 rental season.
Can I park at the property prior to the scheduled check-in time to visit the beach?
Unfortunately, we are unable to allow you to park at your vacation rental property before the designated check-in time. This is to ensure easy accessibility to and from the property for our housekeeping, maintenance, and linens teams working hard to ensure all is in order for your stay.
If you’ve arrived early and wish to visit the beach before checking in, you are more than welcome to park at one of our offices and walk to the nearest public beach access.
If an additional parking pass is needed, am I able to get one?
We are unable to guarantee additional parking passes as they are issued by complex and community associations. However, you are always more than welcome to park an extra vehicle at one of our office parking lots if needed.
PLANNING YOUR VACATION
ONCE YOU’RE HERE
VACATION GUIDES
Trip Preserver™ from Red Sky Travel Insurance
You’ve been planning this vacation since it was cold enough to see your breath, and just before you leave, your child comes down with a nasty fever. Or maybe your company has decided to transfer you to the new West Coast office. Or more likely, you’ve been keeping an eye on a storm over the Atlantic, and it’s starting to look like your plans are going to intersect.
Fortunately for you, Trip Preserver™ vacation rental insurance can reimburse you for the nonrefundable deposits and other costs you’ve incurred.
Trip Preserver™ vacation rental insurance offers generous liability limits, including up to $100,000 reimbursement for rental costs, $200 per day ($750 maximum) for expenses related to a trip delay (such as hotel accommodations) up to $25,000 emergency medical coverage, and $400 baggage delay coverage (to help cover the cost of replacing the clothing in delayed baggage).
Trip Preserver™ covers trip cancellation or interruption due to:
- A named hurricane or other natural disasters
- Uninhabitability of the destination vacation home caused by a natural disaster
- Uninhabitability of your primary residence or your traveling companion’s primary residence caused by a natural disaster
- Sickness, injury, or death of you, a family member, or traveling companion
Also included:
- 24 hour worldwide travel assistance
- Identity theft recovery assistance
BLUEWATER & REDSKY TRAVEL INSURANCE
Trip Preserver™ by Red Sky Insurance is offered to every guest and you may choose to accept or decline coverage at the time of booking; you will then be required to confirm your selection on your Vacation Rental Agreement. If you chose to accept or decline this coverage at booking and now wish to change your selection, please reach out to one of our vacation planners via email at Reservations@BluewaterNC.com or by phone at (866) 231-5892. If you decline the Travel Protection Insurance, Bluewater is under no obligation to refund monies in the event of cancellations (including hurricane evacuations) unless we are able to re-rent the property.
Should you decide to purchase this coverage, you must pay the premium with your initial payment. If you initially decline this insurance, it may still be purchased prior to making the final payment. This insurance coverage not only protects your vacation investment against hurricanes but also covers other unforeseen circumstances that could cause cancellation of your trip and forfeiture of payments, such as a member of your vacationing party falling ill. It even covers some circumstances that might affect other members of your group who would be vacationing with you. If you have any questions regarding specific coverage, please call RedSky Insurance at (866) 889-7409.
Want to give Trip Preserver a try? You will be honored a 14-Day Free Look Period once initially booking your vacation rental property.
You may cancel coverage under the policy by reaching our to our team of vacation planners within the first to occur of the following: (a) 14 days from the Effective Date of Your coverage; or (b) Your Scheduled Departure Date. In doing so, Bluewater will refund your premium paid provided you have not filed a claim under the policy.
Want to learn more? Trip Preserver™ Policy Details*
* Click on the link above to download a copy of the policy detail in Adobe PDF format.
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Advance Reservations
Bluewater Vacation Rentals strives to have you return year after year. Tentative Advance Reservations will be accepted for the following year, but cannot be guaranteed. This year’s guests have priority for the same property for the same week(s) next year, assuming that the homeowner makes the property available; however, you must book your reservation for next year by your respective check-out date. Please contact our office for further details.