Top North Carolina Water Tours

Our friendly staff and brand new custom built vessel create a memorable experience that encourages new friends to be made while enjoying the wildlife and scenic beauty of the Wrightsville Beach area.

For those who want to bypass the crowds in Wilmington, but still want to get an overview of the area, this Eagle Island Narrated Boat Cruise is a great choice. Depending on what time you book, you’ll either cruise along the historic downtown and Eagle Island, or you’ll go under the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge. Both options provide live commentary for you to enjoy as you cruise.

Recipe for a perfect day: Floating down an ancient river, cooling your toes in the water, laughing with good friends... all within reach of award-winning breweries serving up fresh craft beverages and tasty treats. We will paddle down one of the oldest rivers in the world and guide you to great breweries that are within 5 minutes of the river. Non-drinkers will have plenty of sight-seeing options nearby as well.

Get onto the clam waters of Bent Creek near the Biltmore property in Asheville on this self-guided kayak tour. Your kayaks, paddles, and life jackets are all provided for you, so all you need to do is show up ready to have an adventure. When you’re finished kayaking, wind down at the Outpost with a beer.

Paddle through the Outer Banks' Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge for a fun adventure. Join a small group and learn about the old logging and whiskey distilling community that once thrived during Prohibition as you navigate the waterways. Keep your eyes peeled for several wildlife species including alligators, bald eagles, turtles, river otters, and even a black bear.

End your day with a beautiful sunset and a relaxing kayak during your time in Corolla. Board your sit-in kayak and paddle around the waterways of Currituck Sound in the Outer Banks. Navigate bays, canals, and sheltered islands and keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife in the area.

Live out your *Dirty Dancing* dreams with this kayak tour of the famed Lake Lure. Following your naturalist guide, you’ll explore these blue waters under a blue sky, getting to know the local flora, fauna, and more. When you’re ready, feel free to jump in for a swim—and have the time of your life.

Take a kayak trip along the French Broad River with this semi-private tour led by a naturalist. You'll paddle through town, passing local attractions such as the Biltmore Estate along the way. Your guide will be on hand to provide narration and answer any question you have about the natural world around you.

Discover the calm waterways and local wildlife of Kitty Hawk Woods Coastal Reserve during this kayaking excursion. Join a small group and paddle on a glassy creek that winds through the deciduous maritime forest. Learn about the local ecosystem from your guide and keep your eyes peeled for osprey, egrets, herons, turtles, and even river otters.

While in Wilmington, book this Cape Fear River cruise and guarantee a fun time on the blackwater river. As you cruise, take in views of the nearby bluffs, as well as the native plants and wildlife. Listen to the onboard commentary as you make your way on the blackwater to learn about the area and the city’s history, too.

Make getting out onto Wilmington’s waters a sit-back-and-relax kind of adventure. With this yacht experience, you and your intimate crew will hop aboard the 42’ sailing vessel, following your captain along the waterways and barrier islands off Wrightsville Beach. While catching wildlife sightings is likely, phenomenal views and salty sea breezes come guaranteed. And if you BYOB, your favorite drinks will be on the menu.

Enjoy a relaxing time out on the waters of Pamlico Sound on a kayak tour to Cape Hatteras. Join a small group and paddle out onto the calm waterways just around the sunset hour. Keep your eyes peeled for local birds like ospreys, pelicans, egrets as well as sea turtles, rays, and river otters.

Book this private charter to explore secluded anchorages, do some offshore sailing, or even transfer from Wilminton or Southport. It’s up to you to decide where you’d like to sail. This is perfect for your group of up to six guests for comfort. Your captain will tell you stories of the area while you either help sail or relax aboard your vessel.

Kayaking the waterways along North Carolina is a favorite pastime of locals. Fall in love with the same picturesque views during this private guided kayaking tour around Oak Island. Island locals will lead you through the Montgomery Slough and Davis Canal as you spend the day at a relaxed paddle.

Paddle 7 miles (11 km) with a private guide on the picturesque French Broad River. You’ll pass by Asheville’s massive Biltmore Estate and hear about its history. Learn stand-up paddleboarding tips and techniques from your SUP instructor and keep an eye out for native wildlife like turtles, herons, otters, and osprey. Enjoy the fresh air and exercise during a morning or afternoon.

With more than 150 miles of shoreline—and resting at the base of the spectacular Linville Gorge— Lake James is a kayaker’s delight. With a guide, it’s even better: On this half-day adventure, you’ll explore with a naturalist, learning all about this region’s flora, fauna, natural history, and more. One of the most biodiverse areas on the planet, you’ll get grade-A time with Mother Nature, guaranteed.

Enjoy a private boat experience without the hassle and costs of renting one yourself, on this half-day tour from Wrightsville Beach. Available morning, afternoon, or the full day, the experience is fully customizable to your interests, whether it’s fishing, crabbing, island hopping, scenic sightseeing, or dolphin spotting.

Experience what the Outer Banks is truly all about. Take in either a sunrise or sunset tour and get a chance to experience one of the most beautiful, peaceful moments the Outer Banks has to offer. Tours are generally scheduled for two hours. They would leave from either Pirates Cove or Duck depending on weather. What to Bring- Be sure to dress appropriate for the weather. There will be a cooler on the boat, please be sure to bring whatever drinks or food you would like to have while aboard. Please send the Captain a note for any special requests. Please contact the Captain at outerbanksboating@ gmail.com with any additional questions.

Wrightsville Beach, Wilmington and the surrounding area have a plethora picturesque locations to explore that are best and in some cases only reachable by boat. You are in control of your own charter aboard Eleanor and determine the locations you visit and the places you drop anchor. Bluewater anchorages, un touched sandbars or quaint waterfronts restaurants are in easy reach! Eleanor is a timeless 1995 36' Hinckley Picnic Boat designed to transport up to 6 passenger in comfort and un rivalled style! She is the only Hinckley available for charter in North Carolina and provides and uniquely fast and comfortable way to explore the storied coastline and inlets of Wilmington. Eleanor will run at 20 knots if you want to cover some ground but is also uniquely capable of reversing up to a sandbar to unload passengers in 18" of water.