Wilmington Water Tours

Wilmington Under Enemy Occupation 

For the final Wilmington Water Tours’ commemoration of the United State’s 250^th anniversary, join Dr. Chris E. Fonvielle Jr., Professor Emeritus in the Dept. of History at UNC Wilmington, for a discussion about the “City By The Sea” under British occupation in 1781. Learn why British forces determined to capture the seaport and North Carolina’s leading revolutionaries, including William Hooper, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, who lived here. Major James Henry Craig would wage a reign of terror against American Patriots in southeastern North Carolina with Wilmington as his base of operations. Did you know that the famous General Charles Earl Cornwallis made Wilmington his headquarters and planned his ill-fated invasion that led to his defeat at Yorktown, Virginia in October that fateful year?

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 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.

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!