Boat Cruises in Wilmington, NC
on the Cape Fear River

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.

Unwind with a scenic cruise aboard The Wilmington, our comfortable, fully enclosed 49-passenger catamaran, offering panoramic views of the Cape Fear River and surrounding landscapes. This leisurely evening cruise glides past Wilmington’s vibrant downtown waterfront and along the serene edges of Eagles Island, offering a front-row seat to a breathtaking sunset. Sip on a handcrafted cocktail or your favorite drink from our full-service bar while enjoying a laid-back soundtrack curated by the captain. As day turns to night, watch the river glow with the final golden light, then take in the charm of  the Wilmington riverfront lit up after dark. A perfect outing for couples, groups and anyone looking to end the day in a beautiful way.

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 August topic is “Fonvielle’s Favorites.” Chris E. Fonvielle Jr., Prof. Emeritus in the Dept. of History at UNCW, will reveal some of his top 10 favorite stories and legends of people and places in Wilmington and the Lower Cape Fear. Learn about the infamous pirate Captain James Kidd and his buried booty on “Money Island;” the famed tunnels below the Wilmington’s streets; the “Dram Tree;” the fate of Nance Martin who was buried in a cask of rum in historic Oakdale Cemetery; the daring “Great Escape” of William Benjamin Gould and other enslaved people from Wilmington during the yellow fever epidemic of 1862; the Horne brothers who fought against one another in the Wilmington Campaign of 1865; the young German immigrant who died with his faithful dog by his side in a fire in downtown Wilmington in 1880; and more.

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.

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.

Join Wilmington Water Tours for a presentation of Outlander in the Cape Fear with Hunter Ingram, Asst. Dir. at Burgwin-Wright Museum. 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.

Birding cruises on August 28 and October 30.

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.

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!