Introduction
Wilmington, North Carolina, is a city that offers plenty of waterways to explore, thanks to its prime location along the Cape Fear River and along the barrier islands. Whether you’re interested in a romantic sunset sail, a lively island hopper cruise, or a private day on a catamaran, Wilmington’s boat tours deliver a taste of coastal life that is hard to match. The calm waters, abundant wildlife, and scenic vistas make these experiences stand out for both casual visitors and seasoned sailors.
In this guide, you’ll find a carefully curated list of the best cruises and boat tours available in Wilmington. We’ve included options for every budget and interest—ranging from quick, narrated river cruises to full-day private charters, and sunset cocktails to lively tiki boat parties. Each experience offers a distinct perspective on Wilmington’s waters, with highlights like dolphin sightings, historical insights, and the chance to relax with a drink in hand. Whether you’re seeking a romantic outing, a family adventure, or a group celebration, these tours promise a memorable way to see the coast from the water.
Quick Overview
This list includes seven different types of tours: scenic sailing trips, island-hopping cruises with wildlife sightings, narrated river cruises, evening cocktail sails, private charters, and festive tiki boat rides. Prices range from as low as $24 per person for a short narrated cruise to $1,200 for a comprehensive half-day private catamaran. Most tours are suitable for couples, families, or groups, with some offering intimate small-group experiences and others geared toward socializing with fellow travelers.
1. Sunset Sail Tour
The Sunset Sail Tour stands out for its relaxed, small-group atmosphere aboard a 42-foot yacht. For $125 per person, you get about 2 hours on the water, with options for morning, afternoon, or sunset departures. Soft drinks, juice, and light snacks are included, making it easy to unwind as you float past Wrightsville Beach’s barrier islands and Intracoastal Waterway.
What makes this tour special is the personalized service in an intimate setting. The captain shares insight into the landscape, local history, and wildlife, often with dolphin sightings as a bonus. It’s perfect for couples celebrating an anniversary, families looking for a scenic outing, or anyone wanting to learn about the coast while enjoying the sea breeze. The boat’s size allows for a quieter, more private experience compared to larger cruise ships.
Bottom Line: If you want a peaceful, scenic escape with informative commentary and dolphin sightings, this sail is a top choice. It’s a bit pricier but offers a level of intimacy that larger boats can’t match.
2. Island Hopper Cruise in Wrightsville Beach
At $50 per person, the Island Hopper Cruise combines fun, scenery, and socializing over approximately 2 hours. This lively tour takes you around Wrightsville Beach’s islands, with a bar, sound system, and LED lights onboard. It’s designed to be a laid-back, party-friendly experience, with opportunities to gather seashells on the sand or just relax with new friends.
The highlight here is the relaxed, party vibe. The crew takes care of sailing, so you can focus on enjoying yourself—cruise along the coast, spot dolphins, and soak in the scenery. Service animals are welcome, making it accessible for more travelers. The boat’s bar and entertainment system make it ideal for groups or those wanting a social day on the water.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers who want to mingle, enjoy a drink, and explore the islands at an easy pace. Perfect for groups or families with older children, but not ideal if you’re seeking a quiet, contemplative cruise.
3. Eagles Island 50-minute Narrated Boat Cruise
This Eagles Island narrated cruise, priced at just $24 per person, offers a quick but informative overview of Wilmington’s riverfront and historic sites. The tour lasts about 50 minutes and features live commentary about the area’s history, ecology, and shipwreck stories as you cruise along the Cape Fear River.
It’s a practical choice for visitors wanting a snapshot of Wilmington without the time commitment of longer tours. Depending on the time of day, you might cruise past Eagle Island, historic downtown, or under the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge. It’s also suitable for those with limited mobility, as the boat has restrooms onboard.
Reviews praise the friendly narration and scenic views, making it a good introduction to Wilmington’s river life. The tour is best suited for history buffs or travelers with limited time looking for a taste of the local culture and scenery.
Bottom Line: An affordable, short cruise that offers a good overview. Not ideal if you want a lengthy experience, but perfect if you’re passing through and want a quick scenic and historical fix.
4. Afternoon Sail
For those seeking a relaxing, all-included sailing experience, the Afternoon Sail offers $125 per person for about 2 hours aboard a 42-foot yacht. The tour includes an ice chest, corkscrew, glasses, and beverages like water and ginger ale. The captain handles all sailing duties, so you can sit back and enjoy the scenery, wildlife, and the salty breeze.
Limited to 6 passengers, this experience emphasizes intimacy and personalized service. The route covers the southern waterway, Masonboro Inlet, and Masonboro Island’s interior, making it ideal for a quieter, more immersive moment on the water. You may see dolphins, herons, and other coastal wildlife.
Reviewers praise the calming atmosphere and knowledgeable captain. It’s best suited for couples or small groups wanting a private, leisurely escape from the crowds.
Bottom Line: A well-priced, intimate sailing trip that’s perfect if you want personalized service and a tranquil experience. It’s less suitable for larger groups or those looking for a lively party.
5. Private Tiki Boat Tour on Cape Fear River
At $299 per group (up to 6 people), the Private Tiki Boat Tour offers a lively, island-inspired experience on the Cape Fear River. This “tiki bar on water” allows guests to sip drinks, listen to music via Bluetooth, and enjoy panoramic views of Wilmington’s waterfront and landmarks, including the Battleship North Carolina.
The highlight of this tour is its festive ambiance. It’s a flexible experience, with guests working with the captain to customize their route and stops. The boat doesn’t have a restroom or slide, but the lively atmosphere and scenic views more than compensate. It’s perfect for celebrating special occasions or just having a fun, tropical-themed day on the water.
Reviewers mention the friendly crew and the fun, relaxed vibe. It’s best suited for groups of friends or families who want a more energetic, social outing.
Bottom Line: A unique, party-style cruise that’s ideal for small groups wanting to combine sightseeing with fun. Not recommended for those seeking a quiet, traditional cruise.
6. Wrightsville Beach Sunset Cocktail Sail
This Sunset Cocktail Sail on Bella, a 44-foot catamaran, costs $150 per person for about 2 hours. It’s a picturesque way to wind down the day, with a Caribbean-inspired cocktail served onboard as you cruise the waterways and watch the sunset over Masonboro Island.
What makes this tour stand out is the chance to see Masonboro Island’s uninhabited beaches from the water, along with a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere. The captain and crew are experienced, and if the weather permits, the boat will turn off the engines to enjoy the tranquility of sailing. The ecological insights about Masonboro Island Reserve add an educational touch.
Reviews highlight the friendly hosts and beautiful views. This sail is best suited for couples or small groups seeking a romantic or peaceful experience.
Bottom Line: A romantic, scenic sunset experience with drinks and wildlife, ideal for winding down after a busy day.
7. 2 Hours Cocktail Sail Aboard Bella
Another option aboard Bella, this Cocktail Sail, offers a 2-hour cruise with a relaxed vibe, serving drinks, music, and scenic views. While it currently has no reviews, it promises similar comfort and enjoyment as the sunset sail, with the added flexibility of enjoying the local waters any time of day.
The boat features air conditioning, a sound system, a grill, and plenty of comfortable spots. It’s a good choice for travelers wanting a flexible, private experience on the water with the option to bring their own drinks and snacks.
Bottom Line: A versatile, comfortable cruise for small groups or couples, ideal if you want a customizable, leisurely day on the water.
8. Wrightsville Beach Day Sail Private Catamaran Charter
For those seeking total privacy, the Wrightsville Beach Private Catamaran offers a 4-hour tailored experience at $1,200 per group (up to 1 person booking). You work directly with the captain to craft your perfect itinerary, whether that’s exploring remote islands, cruising along the coast, or anchoring for a swim.
The fully equipped boat includes air conditioning, a generator, a sound system, and a grill. You can dinghy around to nearby spots or just relax onboard, enjoying the views and wildlife. This is a flexible, all-inclusive option ideal for families, special celebrations, or those wanting a bespoke day on the water.
Reviews are scarce but the high price reflects a premium, personalized experience. This tour is best for travelers who prioritize privacy and customization over cost.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for groups wanting exclusivity and full control of their day, but definitely a splurge.
9. Wrightsville Beach Winter Sailing
The Winter Sailing, at $360 for about 2 hours, offers a rare chance to sail during the colder months while still enjoying the beauty of Masonboro Island. Guests can help with trimming sails and take the wheel if they like, making it a more engaging experience.
This tour is suited for those comfortable with a bit of physical activity and looking for an active, hands-on sailing adventure. The captain provides commentary on the flora, fauna, and history as you cruise through Masonboro Inlet, giving a dynamic perspective on the coast’s ecology.
Reviews are limited, but the experience promises a memorable winter outing for sailing enthusiasts and those wanting to learn basic sailing skills.
Bottom Line: Ideal for active travelers or sailors wanting a more involved experience during the off-season. It’s a unique take on Wilmington’s water-based offerings.
How to Choose
When selecting a boat tour in Wilmington, think about your budget, how much time you want to spend, and your interests. For romance and scenic beauty, the Sunset Sail or Wrightsville Beach Sunset Cocktail Sail are excellent. If you’re traveling with family or friends and want a lively, social experience, the Island Hopper or Tiki Boat Tour fit the bill. For a private, personalized day, the Wrightsville Beach Private Catamaran offers ultimate flexibility. Budget travelers might prefer the quick Eagles Island Narrated Cruise or the shorter winter sail, which deliver a lot of value for less.
Booking early is advisable, especially for the most popular tours like sunset sails and private charters, which fill up quickly during peak season. Consider the weather and season—summers are ideal for outdoor sailing, but winter options can be memorable for those comfortable with cooler temperatures.
To sum it up, Wilmington offers an impressive variety of boat experiences that can suit any style of water adventure. The scenic, relaxed nature of the Sunset Sail makes it perfect for romantic evenings, while the lively Island Hopper is great for socializing and exploring the islands. For those wanting a totally private day, the Wrightsville Beach Catamaran is hard to beat, whereas the narrated river cruise provides a quick dose of local history. Whichever you choose, Wilmington’s waters promise a memorable way to see the coast, with plenty of opportunities for wildlife encounters, stunning views, and relaxing on the water. Book early and enjoy your maritime adventure!