Wilmington Water Tours

This morning, hour and three quarters long 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.

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.  For the month of June Dr. Fonvielle will discuss the Civil War in the Lower Cape Fear when Wilmington played a more important role in our nation’s history that at any other time.

The July topic is “Yankees on the Doorstep.” Union blockading ships prowled the coast searching for Confederate commerce vessels attempting to smuggle supplies into the Cape Fear River, but Wilmington eluded wartime fighting for 3 ½ years. All that changed when Federal forces attacked Fort Fisher guarding New Inlet twenty miles downriver from Wilmington. Chris E. Fonvielle Jr., Professor Emeritus in the Dept. of History at UNC Wilmington, will talk about the battles of Fort Fisher, the two largest Union naval bombardments and combined operations of the Civil War and their military operations to capture the city, control of the Cape Fear River, and Wilmington’s key rail lines. Revealing the great importance of Wilmington to the Confederate war effort, General Robert E. Lee warned: “If Wilmington falls, I cannot maintain my army.” The survival of Confederacy by 1864 depended upon the survival of Wilmington remaining open to trade with the outside world. Dr. Fonvielle will also discuss the role United States Colored Troops played in the Wilmington Campaign

Our boat, the “Wilmington” is a 49 passenger enclosed motor catamaran with comfortable seating and a restroom on board. Our full bar has refreshments and snacks for all ages. This is an hour and 45 minutes long cruise, $45, children $25. Boarding is 15 minutes prior to departure.

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!

Wilmington Independence Day Firecracker Cruise!

Festive 4th of July celebrations on the river….We will cruise the river for a sunset view of the downtown and the battleship returning to the dock at 9 pm for the fireworks display… We offer a full bar with a large variety of drinks available for purchase. We will have charcuterie’s for snacking and complimentary snacks. We will be back at the dock for the fireworks, so you will have an unobstructed view without the crowds. Your cruise will include a complimentary drink cup.

*Please arrive 15 minutes before your cruises departure time.

Join Wilmington Water Tours and Jill Peleuses from Wild Bird & Garden, for a peaceful morning birding excursion on the Cape Fear River. As we cruise down the river we will point out the birds we see and discuss their habitats and habits. The Cape Fear area is a perfect spot for our feathered friends. This birding trip will give you a look at the birds that make the Cape Fear River their home.. 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.