Cruises

Looking for a fun way to end your fun day in Wilmington? Look no further! Come aboard The “Wilmington”, our comfortable 49 passenger motor catamaran, for a Sunset Cruise on the Cape Fear River. Our full bar offers refreshments and snacks for all ages.

The perfect blend of education and relaxation—ideal for locals wanting a fresh perspective or visitors looking to soak up Wilmington’s soul. This scenic 50 minute narrated cruise is very informative about the history and workings of the Cape Fear River and our historic waterfront in downtown Wilmington with close up views of the Battleship. Enjoy 360 degree views of unspoiled nature and a variety of wildlife daily while our Captain will delight you with anecdotes about the Cape Fear River and our historic town.

Choose between two different routes, each offering a unique perspective on Wilmington’s history and ecology. Bring your camera along; there are photo ops in every direction.

On the even hours we cruise north along the Historic Downtown and Eagles Island where you see the past come alive. Capture unique views of the Battleship, learn about rice plantations and view shipwrecks, flora and fauna on this 50 minute adventure.

On the odd hours we head south under the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge to the State Ports and learn some maritime history of a WWII Wilmington shipyard along with current facts while watching tug boats, container ships and pleasure boats.

A full cash bar with snacks and refreshments for all ages is available onboard. You can also bring your own snacks if you wish (please, no drinks).

And, if 50 minutes isn’t enough and you want to stay onboard for the next cruise you can do both directions for $44. Just let the office or first mate know and they will hook you up with a ticket.

Continuing Wilmington Water Tours’ commemoration of the United State’s 250th anniversary, join Dr. Chris E. Fonvielle Jr., Professor Emeritus in the Dept. of History at UNCW continues discussing the decline of the British Empire after the French and Indian War in 1763 and the rise of a great nation by 1887.  This cruise covers an in-depth discussion about Great Britain’s grand plan for a military campaign against the Southern colonies by way of the Cape Fear River in 1776; and the decisive Battle of Moore’s Creek Bridge based on Dr. Fonvielle’s latest research and forthcoming book. Did you know that, as a result of the battle, North Carolina put in writing its commitment to independence, the first of any of the thirteen colonies?   Fonvielle will also reveal the truth about the famous story of the “Midnight Ride of Polly Slocumb.”

Whether you’re a lifelong history buff or just curious about the forces that shaped this region, this is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to learn while enjoying a relaxing, scenic cruise. Topics rotate monthly, so every trip offers a new perspective on Wilmington’s place in American history.  The three cruises will be March 22, April 26, and May 24.

Our boat, The Wilmington, has comfortable seating for up to 49 passengers, refreshments for all ages at the bar and a restroom on board. This is a 90 minute cruise $45 adults, $25 children. Boarding is 15 minutes prior to departure.

This morning, 90 minute cruise goes up the Northeast Cape Fear River to the upper reaches of the black water system of this storied river. Captain Doug Springer will share his extensive knowledge of the history of the area while you take in the flora and fauna along the river banks. We will cruise through the Castle Hayne Aquifer and by the bluffs of the Rose Hill Plantation. Visit our full bar for a freshly brewed cup of coffee or the best Bloody Mary on the river.

This is a great cruise for photographers, birders and nature buffs. Bring your camera to capture the untouched beauty of this early morning adventure.

Join Wilmington Water Tours for a presentation of Outlander in the Cape Fear with Hunter Ingram, Asst. Dir. at Burgwin-Wright Museum. This is in conjunction with the Nation’s America 250 celebrations.  Based on “Burgwin-Wright Presents…Outlander in the Cape Fear” and the books by Diana Gabaldon, Hunter will share how Wilmington played a role in this beloved series–all while cruising the Cape Fear River.  This is one of our last cruises for Outlander, be sure to jump aboard. There are 3 opportunities to catch this popular cruise – 10 am, Noon and 2 pm. Book your seat now!

Birding Cruise in Wilmington with Jill Peleuses of Wild Bird & Garden

Join Wilmington Water Tours for a peaceful morning birding excursion on the Cape Fear River. The Cape Fear area is a perfect spot for our feathered friends, as they are either nesting for winter or stopping by on their journey south. Along with the expertise of Jill Peleuses, we have three bird guides and binoculars aboard to help you spot and identify the bird species on this one-of-a-kind Cape Fear River tour!

Whether you’re a novice or a long-time nature lover, you are sure to appreciate the birdlife our area has to offer.  Get out on the Cape Fear River with Wilmington Water Tours for this Specialty Cruise.  Bring your camera to capture nature at its finest.

This is a 90 min. cruise from 10am to 11:30am.

The Wilmington is available for private charters, wedding receptions, dinner cruises, corporate functions, planning committees, birthdays, family reunions, church groups, and tour groups.

Local Film History Cruise aboard Wilmington Water Tours

There’s nothing quite like the Wilmington film industry, and its story is one made for the big screen. Join Wilmington Water Tours and film/TV writer Hunter Ingram for a cinematic river cruise through the history of local film, with behind-the-scenes insight into local projects like “Firestarter,” “Dawson’s Creek,” “One Tree Hill,” “Sleepy Hollow,” “Iron Man 3,” “The Conjuring,” “Scream,” “I Know What You Did Last Summer,” and the newest addition to ILM’s Hollywood legacy, Netflix’s “The Waterfront.” This is our most popular cruise yet!