Wilmington, NC Water Tours & Scenic Cruises

Cape Fear River Cruises

Board a vessel at the foot of Water Street in downtown Wilmington and see our award-winning Riverwalk from a unique vantage point. Cape Fear Riverboats provides several sightseeing and sunset cruise options along the riverfront, as well as the Black River Nature Cruise up the cypress-lined Northeast Cape Fear River. In addition to private charters, Wilmington Water Tours  offers sunset cruises and narrated river rides like the educational Eagles Island Cruise. Or, take a 2-hour private or public sailing adventure on the Cape Fear River with Ravens Nest Sailing.

Island Cruises

Glide on the water with Soundside Adventures at Wrightsville Beach, offering island cruises, eco-adventures and charters to all visitors. For an unforgettable experience, book a private charter for up to six people aboard Bella, Soundside’s 44-foot-long catamaran. Consider joining Epic Excursions for an oystering excursion or an island-hopping charter with add-on options ranging from a private island dining experience to a guided stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) tour.

Join one of  Wrightsville Beach Scenic Tours’ many expeditions, including pirate-themed family cruises, private charters aboard The Clover and eco-tours like the Airlie Garden/Bradley Creek Boat Trip, which offers views of the picturesque Airlie Gardens. For date night or a vacation excursion with friends, book a relaxed evening cruise experience with La Dee Dah Sunset Cruises.

With Shamrock Sailing Adventures, let an experienced captain sail you around to enjoy breathtaking scenery and spot wildlife like shorebirds and dolphins. Hop aboard with Wrightsville Performance Sailing and take the helm aboard a beautiful J/80 or simply sit back and let an experienced captain lead your voyage.

Grab your crew and pack your own beverages, then sip, pedal and cruise around Carolina Beach on Sea Legs Pedal Pub. With Carolina Beach Pontoon Rental, choose to chart your own course or have one of their captains lead the way. Hop aboard Island Cruises' double-decker catamaran for a family-friendly sunset cruise, or reserve a half-day charter for up to six guests with Island Time Water Tours.

Discover historic treasures, explore coastal sights and hear stories about our island beaches with additional water tours throughout Carolina Beach, Kure Beach and Wrightsville Beach.

Fishing Charters

Book an area fishing charter and enjoy time spent angling on the water. If you're looking for a family adventure in Carolina Beach, board a half-day charter at the Carolina Beach Fishing Center and Marina in the morning, and you'll still have time to spend the afternoon on the beach. A number of fishing charter companies are available to take you to prime offshore spots. Several fishing charters also operate out of Wrightsville Beach, where most boats dock and unload at Bridge Tender Marina and Dockside Marina.