Speciality Cruises

 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, $40. 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.

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.

Our October 25 cruise will cover Cape Fear History Mysteries

During the spooky season, join Dr. Chris E. Fonvielle Jr., Professor Emeritus in the Dept. of History at UNCW, as he reveals some of the Lower Cape Fear’s strange, supernatural tales. Was Samuel Russell Jocelyn Jr. really buried alive in the graveyard at St. James Church after a horseback riding accident in 1810? Was the inexplicable glowing orb known as the Maco Light seen by thousands of people, including Dr. Fonvielle, for at least 100 years really the ghost of Joe Baldwin, a railroad conductor killed in a terrible train wreck, looking for his decapitated head? Is Thalian Hall really haunted by the spirits of actors and actresses who performed there in the past?

Our boat, the “Wilmington” is a 49 passenger enclosed motor catamaran with comfortable seating and a restroom on board. Our full cash 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.

Cape Fear Legends & Lore

Get to know the Cape Fear’s most enduring legends with this special cruise charting the stories that don’t always get told. From the tunnels underneath the city to the colonial imposter who tempted fate by claiming to be royal, this cruise will traverse the last 250 years of local history to get at the heart of what’s fact and what’s fiction. Were rum runners captured on the river during Prohibition? Did Lord Cornwallis during his Revolutionary War visit to town occupy a downtown house and let his soldiers crash on the property while keeping Patriot prisoners in the basement? And the time Yellow Fever turned the city into a ghost town, and the rebellious age of Prohibition. Hunter Ingram, historian at Burgwin-Wright House, will share these stories and more.

October 30 –  6 PM
December 5 – 1:30 pm and 3:30 pm

This is one of Wilmington’s most authentic ghost stories that takes place on the Cape Fear River during the Revolutionary War era.  The story takes place aboard the Steamer Wilmington and draws from an encounter with the ghosts of two Scottish Highlanders with ties to the Revolutionary war. The story was written in 1898 by James Sprunt. Don’t miss this holiday event like no other. Wilmington Water Tours and Hunter Ingram with the Burgwin-Wright House have partnered to offer a river cruise based on this story.

Friday, Saturday & Sunday November 27 through December 30 and again Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday December 21-23, 26-30 at 5:30 and 7:00 PM

In conjunction with the “Holidays On Water” events in downtown Wilmington, we are proud to present our Holiday Lights River Cruise!

Step aboard Wilmington Water Tours for a festive evening on the Cape Fear River where your historic Wilmington Riverfront Cruise glows with holiday lights, seasonal music, festive drinks at our cash bar and complimentary sweet treats.  Enjoy views of the illuminated riverfront from our 46-foot enclosed catamaran, The Wilmington, while local musicians perform holiday favorites. Bring your family and friends for this special seasonal cruise, offered on select evenings in November and December. Starting Friday, November 27 and through December 30 at 5:30 pm and 7:00 pm. A full cash bar with refreshments for all ages is available. Book early–this popular cruise often sells out.

Included in this one-hour cruise are complimentary sweet treats, local live music and festival cocktails and hot chocolate purchased from the bar.