The 4 Best Cruises And Boat Tours in North Carolina
North Carolina offers more than its charming cities and scenic mountains—its coastline is a treasure trove of unique water experiences. Whether you want a private adventure on local waters, a leisurely sunset cruise, or a hands-on crabbing tour, the coast has something for every sailor and explorer. The beaches and backwaters near places like Shackleford Banks, Beaufort, and Belhaven pack a punch with their wildlife, history, and stunning views.
In this guide, you’ll find four top-rated boat tours, each with its own flavor. From private eco tours with local guides to sunset cruises that promise a peaceful end to your day, these options showcase the diversity of North Carolina’s aquatic attractions. We’ve included detailed insights on what’s included, who it’s best for, and what makes each one stand out—helping you pick the perfect water-bound adventure.
Quick Overview
This selection covers a range of North Carolina boat experiences. The first is a private island eco tour on a small boat, perfect for those wanting an intimate, off-the-beaten-path adventure. The second is a coastal and sunset cruise that combines sightseeing with relaxation. The third offers a crabbing and backwater experience, blending nature with hands-on activity. Lastly, a sunset cruise along the Pungo River provides a serene, romantic way to finish your day.
1. Private Island Eco Tours on a Private Boat from Shackleford Banks
This $600 group tour (up to 6 people) lasts around 4 hours and offers a truly local perspective on North Carolina’s coastline. Led by Captain Chris, a lifelong resident and seasoned fishing guide, you’ll venture away from the crowded ferry routes to see spots most visitors miss. The small boat setup means you’ll have close-up views and the ability to access secluded areas. Captain Chris’s local knowledge shines—he’s happy to answer questions, share stories, and even help you find a toadfish if you’re lucky.
What makes this tour standout is its emphasis on personalized exploration. It’s perfect for wildlife enthusiasts, nature lovers, or anyone craving a more intimate experience. You might spot dolphins, herons, or even find rare shells, all while avoiding the typical tourist traps. The reviews are glowing, with one visitor calling it “amazing” and praising Captain Chris’s expertise.
Bottom Line: If you’re after a private, flexible, and eco-focused boat tour with a local guide, this is hard to beat. It’s an immersive way to see the coastline away from crowds, just be prepared for the price tag.
2. Coastal Excursion/Sunset Cruise/Sand Dollars/Sea Shells/Horses
For a relaxed, all-in-one boat outing, this $235 group tour (up to 4 people) offers approximately 4 hours on the water. Nautical Excursions provides options from coastal excursions to sunset cruises, which take you along the waters of Morehead City and Beaufort. The emphasis here is on leisure—dolphin watching, shell collecting for sand dollars, and swimming on the Crystal Coast.
The Sunset Cruise stands out as a peaceful way to unwind, with gentle rocking and the chance to witness the coast’s stunning evening colors. The tour includes time for relaxing and soaking in the scenery, making it ideal for couples or small groups looking for a low-key experience. Bringing your own snacks or drinks is easy, but you can also sit back and enjoy the quiet beauty of the coastal evening.
Reviewers note that the tour is “very relaxing,” and many enjoy the opportunity to see dolphins and explore shoreline treasures. It’s best suited for those seeking calm scenic views rather than action-packed adventures.
Bottom Line: This is a great choice for couples or small groups wanting a scenic, tranquil cruise with plenty of wildlife viewing and shell collecting, all at a reasonable price.
3. Private 4 Hour Cruise Tour and Crabbing Experience
Priced at $199, this flexible 1 to 4-hour tour takes you through the backwaters of the Pungo and Pamilico rivers. It’s ideal for nature and activity enthusiasts who want a hands-on experience. The tour includes exploring birdlife, shellfish, and finfish, with opportunities for crabbing for blue crabs and fishing for trout, flounder, and drum.
What makes this tour distinctive is the crabbing and fishing component, offering a real taste of local life. You’re likely to see dolphins, eagles, and ospreys, plus possibly alligators, which adds excitement for wildlife fans. The experience is very flexible—you can choose to make it a daytime exploration or a sunset cruise, complete with a bottle of wine if you prefer a relaxing evening.
This tour is best suited for those who enjoy active outdoor pursuits, are comfortable with a bit of mess, and want to learn about the area’s ecology. The lack of reviews makes it a bit of a gamble, but the description promises a comprehensive backwater adventure.
Bottom Line: For a hands-on, ecological experience that combines crabbing, fishing, and wildlife viewing, this tour offers good value and authentic local flavor. It’s ideal for curious travelers eager to get their hands dirty.
4. Pungo River Sunset Cruise
This $308, 2-hour sunset cruise along the Pungo River is designed for those seeking a peaceful, scenic evening. From the comfort of the boat, you’ll watch the sun dip below the horizon while sipping on a glass of wine, making it perfect for a romantic outing or a relaxing way to end a day of sightseeing.
The tour departs from Belhaven, NC, and includes a quiet glide through backwaters, offering stunning views of the fading sunset. It’s a simple experience, focusing on the natural beauty of the coast and the changing colors of the sky. You’ll end the cruise back at River Forest Manor, where dinner reservations can be made—ideal for combining a water tour with a delicious local meal.
While it has no reviews yet, the itinerary promises a classic, tranquil experience ideal for unwinding. It’s best for visitors who want a calming, scenic moment without too much activity or crowd.
Bottom Line: If a short, scenic sunset is your goal, this cruise provides a beautiful, romantic setting. It’s suited for those wanting a quiet, picturesque evening without fuss.
How to Choose
Picking the right North Carolina boat tour depends on your interests and what kind of experience you’re after. If you prefer a private, eco-focused adventure with a local guide, the first tour delivers personalized exploration. For relaxing, scenic cruising with dolphin sightings and shells, the second is ideal. The third offers hands-on wildlife and fishing for active travelers, while the fourth is perfect for a romantic sunset to finish your day.
Consider your budget—these range from around $200 to over $600—and how much time you want to dedicate. Booking early is advisable, especially for popular dates or sunset tours, and think about the best season: summer months tend to be warmer, but fall can bring spectacular sunsets.
To sum it up, North Carolina’s water tours span the gamut from private eco trips to sunset cruises, making it easy to find one that suits your travel style. If you want an intimate, off-the-beaten-path adventure, the private island tour is unmatched. For a relaxing evening, the sunset cruise delivers serenity and stunning views. The crabbing and backwater tour adds a dash of hands-on activity, perfect for nature lovers, while the sunset river cruise offers a quiet, romantic finale to your visit.
No matter which you choose, these tours promise an authentic taste of North Carolina’s coastal charm—so book early, bring your sense of adventure, and enjoy the water.