The captains were ABSOLUTELY incredible! They were conversational, knowledgeable, funny and showed us an amazing time. However, the bar service was a complete vibe killer. It took 30+ minutes to get anything from the bar. Our whole group didn't get a drink or anything until the boat ride was basically over. They really need to ether hire a new bartender or get her support. To make it worse after we waited 30+ mins we finally got to front and she said "I'm going to go take sunset pictures" it will be one minute. That really made us feel completely disregarded. read more

The holiday themed A Colonial Apparition tour along the Cape Fear River went well beyond my expectations despite the weather. Honestly, the dreary day may have made the cruise even more suited for the story Hunter Ingram, Burgin Wright House & Gardens Assistant Museum Director, shared with us on our voyage along the riverfront. The cruise was cozy with holiday theme beverages available for purchase, and the history lesson and the story written by James Sprunt in the 1800s told by Ingram was well worth the ticket price. I absolutely have to do more of the historic tours offered by Wilmington Water Tours. A couple of hours on this river cruise is definitely time well spent. read more

Wilmington Water Tours - Boat Charters Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

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Enjoyed the scenery. WOW! Perfect weather/time of year. Good length of time. All four of us enjoyed the cruise and were glad we had included it in our weekend plans. Late April must be the "sweet spot" for this cruise. The weather was perfect! The water was calm and we appreciated that we saw both daylight and dark during the cruise. The number of folks on the boat was good - we never felt too crowded; do not allow any more, though. The biggest thing that dinged the stars to four - and, I really was unhappy about this - was the volume of the singer. She was very good; she is talented and her selections were appropriate but TOO, TOO LOUD. The four of us could not hear each other talk (or, yell). It is a small boat; any amp at all is too much. I did (discreetly) mention something to one of our tour guides about asking her to decrease her volume. It was completely IGNORED. We booked this cruise because there was to be "entertainment" perhaps that was a poor choice. Value/fee was good - should not be any more. read more

Wilmington Water Tours - Boat Charters Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

Wilmington Water Tours offers cruises on the Cape Fear River. You can either buy your ticket ahead of time on the website or at the ticket office. Only the Eagle Island Cruise was being offered when I was in town but a sunset tour is available during part of the year. On even hours, the cruise goes north and you get to see more nature and scenery. This is what I did for my first tour with the company. We did look for alligators but did not spot any. I enjoyed the commentary along the way and the peaceful ride. I enjoyed the tour so much, I returned the next afternoon to take the south tour on odd hours. This one goes under the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge and you see more industrial things with the container ships and cranes. We did see the wood chipping in progress so that was interesting. Then seeing all the international cargo ships loading and unloading containers. Again, there was commentary along the way. The boat was clean and has a large restroom and sells drinks and snacks. I'd take more tours with the company as both were enjoyable and I learned about the area. read more

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Could not see fireworks well sitting on the boat. River cruise part was boring, little narration and uncomfortable seats for 2 hours. Had to twist around to look out your side of the boat. Drinks were sliding off tables and splashing on people, e.g. drink holders? Secure tables maybe? read more

We did an hour long tour of Eagle Island today. The captain and staff were great and entertaining. The boat has a bathroom, and a bar. The seats were comfortable and they all kinds to choose from I thought the pricing was great at $20.00 It was very relaxing. read more

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Staff were nice and knowledgeable. This was such a relaxing boat ride with lots of fun info sprinkled in about the area -science and history. We didn't partake but they do have a bar and a bathroom on the boat. For $20 this 50 min tour was well worth it. Be sure to tip the staff - they were great! read more

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Quick Summary - Couple of daily cruises to choose from as well as special event cruises - Water tours of the Cape Fear river - Right on the boardwalk in downtown (look for the pirate) - Standard tours are $15 for adults, $7 for kids - You can book online or at the booth on the boardwalk - Assigned seating for COVID-19, and you have to wear a mask - Full bar on the boat - Very informative tour Longer Version We had a great time and would highly recommend. We took the Eagle Island tour, which is about 50 minutes. As part of their COVID-19 protocol, everyone has to wear masks and the seats are assigned. The captain was great and provided a lot of information about the river and other sights along it. They did a good job navigating the boat to allow for pictures. I did not order from the bar but I please the option was available. Tips - Book online - If possible, try to get a seat along the edge, versus in the middle of the boat. Better for picture taking. - Don't forget to bring cash to tip the crew read more

Wilmington Water Tours - Boat Charters Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

We decided one day to be tourists in our own city, and take our toddler on one of the boat tours. We picked one that was in the later evening, mainly to escape some of the heat but still be able to have daylight to see the views. We walked right down the riverwalk to their storefront and were met by two very friendly workers who signed us up. We had a little bit of time to kills, so we wondered around but ended up back at their store front where they had one snacks and beverages. Once we boarded the boat, they have a bar in the back with non alcoholic drinks, frozen drinks, beers, and much more. We grabbed a drink and sat near the front to hear the guide explain the history of the area and the river. It was really interesting and he snuck in some jokes throughout which made it alot of fun. In the end, they had a treasure chest on the boat where kids would get a golden token and a pirate patch which our daughter was thrilled about. We do want to go back and try one of their other cruises that goes down the other side of the river! read more

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We had a great time and met great people! The crew was very friendly as well as the lady that set us up. The sunset cruise was so much fun. The live music could've been better, but wasn't terrible. read more

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Our much anticipated Sunset water tour was a bit of a bust for several reasons. 1) The musician was not very good. He played guitar well but could not sing. 2) We had curiosity about area details but since this was an all music tour we realized we would not be getting any commentary from the boat crew. This was our oversight and poor planning not theirs. 3) One of the couples brought with them a very unruly toddler. This family was located very near where we were sitting and with her loud screams, crying, etc all I heard was this child NOT much of the music. I do believe it was the responsibility of one of the crew to nicely ask the couple to try to keep their child quieter. I would say this issue very much ruined my trip. It was rather inconsiderate of this couple to bring a child that was not calm and quiet. I'm sure they knew how their kid would behave. It was disruptive to everybody on the boat. Again, this was something that should have been addressed by the crew. I don't think I would go on another boat tour with Wilmington Water Tours read more

We purchased $49.82 worth of tickets on the Wilmington Water Tours website on Sunday September 22nd at 12:24 AM for their 3:00 PM cruise. We arrived at 2:00 PM to find Market Street flooded. We called Wilmington Water Tours at 2:44 PM and was told that the boat was down for maintenance even though the website took money for that exact date and time. I called back at 3:03 PM for a refund and was told that they had a 48 hour refund policy, but we could go another time. I asked for the owner to call me back. We immediately left to go to the arcade in Carolina Beach. The following day after calling Wilmington Water Tours again, the owner, Diane Upton called back with significant attitude denying that I had called at 2:44 PM prior to the boat ride and I was told that they had a 48 hour refund policy. So, no refunds. The whole disaster was strictly documented. I went to small claims court and won. These were nasty people to deal with. read more

Decent tour. Did the Eagle Island tour. I expected more narration throughout the tour to be honest. The crew was lovely. As was the strawberry mango frozen drink. read more

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This was a great water tour. Our captain Doug was very knowledgeable and told us so many things including that one of the condos I was thinking about buying was infested with black mold. I did not ask him this but he let us know that the whole building has been evacuated due to mold infestation. Everything else was really pleasant and useful - Many historical facts about Wilmington and the local ecology and where the alligators left...informative and Doug was a wealth of knowledge. I invested in a nine dollar rum punch at the floating bar in the back of the boat and boy how do you did it punch me out I was gone for about two hours after having it. Well worth the nine bucks, but watch your step on the way off the boat The tour lasted an hour and was incredibly pleasant and I would go north or south and do this tour every time I come to town. It's just a wonderful way to start off the evening. Make a reservation at one of the riverfront restaurants then get off the boat and go to dinner! Watch the sunset! Wilmington is amazing and this is a great local gem! read more

Wilmington Water Tours - Dock - Boat Charters Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

Outlander tour was long and boring. Certainly not worth $35 with no senior discount and not even a bottle of cold water offered gratis on a 94 degree day. Seating was cramped and really nothing to see. Just listen to tour guide tell how many flaws were in the book in regard to actual US history and what might have happened to two people who never existed. Expensive 1.5 hour boat ride. Never again. read more

We had such a wonderful time on the sunset cruise with live music! The staff was wonderful and SO friendly. The artist was great and the scenery was beautiful. Definitely a great value for what you pay for. The ride was not too long and not too short, just perfect. There were delicious drinks on board and this momma to be even got a virgin piña colada compliments of the awesome bartender. The ambiance was so beautiful with the lighting and candles. So romantic for a date night. Highly recommend. read more

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What a great way to spend time after dinner in Wilmington! Friendly crew, beautiful weather and smooth sailing! Would highly recommend. Took about 1 and 1/2. Very relaxing. Frozen adult and virgin drinks on board read more

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Something fun to do while visiting Wilmington. The boat ride was guided but because we sat in the back we couldn't hear anything. There is a bathroom on board. A bar area with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks available. A few snacks available for purchase too. read more

This delightful icon of Wilmington is not to be missed; Especially, at sunset! It is well & safely run by a very congenial crew. They have food & drink available on board. It is a picturesque view of the city & river, with historic stories to go with it. read more

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One of the best tours in Wilmington. Capt. Doug is an informative, congenial host who knows the Cape Fear Riverways like the back of his hand. Definitely a "must do" when in Wilmington, NC! read more

We just took our second cruise with WWT. The first on a Saturday morning, peaceful, informative and enjoyed it so much, we booked a second cruise - the Sunset Cruise on a Friday evening. Captain Judd was great, we didn't realize it was more of a "party cruise" which wasn't the experience we were looking for, but sitting up in the front of the boat and hearing some of the local history was more what we had in mind. The reservation said acoustic music - the electronic keyboard was loud and definitely hard for conversation but the ride was great. We brought our 5 year old granddaughter and she thoroughly enjoyed it. read more

We had a great time on our sunset cruise. The weather was perfect, the drinks were good, and the music was excellent. What more can be said?

I had a very nice time on the boat. Everyone of the staff was friendly and hospitable. I will tell others about it.

Such a great time! The music was amazin, the bar was amazing and the staff was amazing would definitely recommend giving a visit!!

Captain was very knowledgable and enjoyable. We took the sunset and day cruise within the same week. It was a great experience but the woman in the office was extremely rude both times we came in and was miserable to deal with. She had the worst attitude and really made us feel uncomfortable. read more

Captain Ed and Wendy did a fabulous job! We were a party of four and had the boat to ourselves! We went down river and got a great view of a working port! Saw loading and unloading of wood chips and gypsum. On the trip back it was great to see the city all lit up from the water. Drinks and appetizers were a treat too. Try them out! read more

Reasonable price and a nice size boat. There are padded benches all around the edges, a few bar seats in the middle, some stand alone chairs in the back and a full bar. The night we went Friday September 2, 2022 for the sunset cruise there as a live singer. I could have taken or left that as the two girls that were with him sat right in front of him and talked so loud I could barely hear the singer. LOL EVERYONE was talking and having fun so I'm not sure if a live show is needed. He was pretty good though for a young guy with guitar. I wish I had worn bug spray. The mosquitos ate me up - did not even think about needing that but my fault. The bartender was the highlight she was delightful and the frozen drinks were simple and refreshing. The prices were not any higher than restaurants. She was working hard too. The captain was easy going and it was not a TOUR (and that is what I wanted as I have lived in Wilmington before). It was just an easy breezy tour up and down the river. We got a pretty sunset and my husband go to see some cargo ships. I would call this a booze cruise and know that it is a mixed crowd of young college kids (21 and over) and the older crowd (I'm in my 50s and there were plenty of us and older too). I think it is worth spending an hour just to relax and enjoy a quiet ride on the water. They have chips and snacks you can buy or you can bring your own but you can not bring your own booze- I mean you can in your belly but you know what I mean. LOL Warning: while there is a "bathroom" on board go before you board and try to hold it until you get off unless you like sharing a single bathroom with EVERYONE including the drunks. hint hint. read more

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I took the sunset river cruise with live music and the atmosphere was phenomenal. Everyone was super kind and so accommodating. Could not recommend this more. read more

If you want to get a quick history lesson of the Wilmington river area this tour will be great for you. The captain and first mate do a great job of describing the sights you see and give some history. The neat thing was that they could answer individually questions on the side. After a while they even give the narration a break and just let the passengers enjoy the ride. read more

Wilmington Water Tours - Boat Charters Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

The tour was about an hour long. The crew on the boat provided drinks and snacks. I ordered the Rum Punch per the crew bar tenders recommendation. It was sweet and yummy. The tour consisted of a narration across the harbor of the history and upcoming lifestyle of Wilmington. With Covid as well, the tour ensured assigned seating and that everyone was socially distant. Overall 10/10 experience. read more

Wilmington Water Tours - Rum punch - Boat Charters Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

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Kinda average all the way around, music, boat, price. We signed up for the sunset cruise and ended up watching the sunset from the docked boat because four people were running late. Once we finally departed it was almost dark. There was no narration, no trivia, no nothing. Just sitting listening to you run of the mill karaoke singer for an hour and a half. We did enjoy the ride, it just wasn't anything special. read more

This is a great sunset cruise. First mate Brandon and Captain Cory did a great job! Highly recommend.

I found the Sunset cruise to be mediocre. It appeared that the cruise was overbooked. we were crammed into the back of the boat on folding chairs. This seating arrangement allowed only a small peak of the sunset. I believe it wasn't the safest seating for a boat ride. The guitarist played relatively obscure songs, lyrics were inaudible. I live in the area and will not recommend this cruise to anyone! it's a shame because the day cruises are so informative and enjoyable! overpriced to be squished into the rear of the boat without shade. read more

I booked this last minute during a romantic dinner with the wife during our anniversary. It was lovely. John Wolf sang & played guitar, very nice voice. I kept an open tab for the bar, we weren't big on the punch but the frozen daiquiris were delicious! The crew were very sweet, one took a picture for us. I highly recommend you taking ya love on this sunset cruise! It was a good price too. 10/10 read more

My wife and I booked both the North and South Tour back to back. We had so much fun. Captain John and Tyler were a blast not to mention they both were very knowledgeable concerning the area. Captain John had the passengers rolling with laughter with his great personality. The bartender was so sweet, she prepared us a delicious strawberry smoothie. Overall the entire staff was extremely friendly and it's well worth the few dollars for so much fun. read more

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I love that I've lived in Wilmington for 2 1/2 years now and I still learn new things all the time about this charming city. Captain Wendy was very knowledgable and friendly and gave all kinds of interesting tidbits about Wilmington. You can tell she really loves the Port City. Her crew is very competent and eager to make your experience a positive one. Even something as small as coming to where you're seated to ask of you need a drink or to take an empty water bottle so you don't have to walk around. The ride was smooth and very enjoyable. There was no needless rocking or jolted movements by either her or her first mate. You never can tell if you're going to get an inexperienced boat pilot! :) read more

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I highly recommend this cruise. It was highly educational, low-key, and simply a lot of fun. The speaker was incredibly well informed about the history of the Cape Fear region, the river, the wildlife and other factors over time, such as the history dating back to the 1600s and how things have evolved. This is a "do not miss" when you are in Wilmington. read more

The sites on this river tour were great and so was the music and drinks, but the captain was very rude and so was the other guy tying up the boat. we were able to ignore this and have a great time anyway. We loved the entertainer and the bartender, but we might look elsewhere next time due to the attitude of the other two people. read more

You know those experiences where you have a smile on your face from start to finish? That was this. Booking the trip and getting checked in was an absolute breeze. Everyone working on the boat was so informative, kind, accommodating, and thoughtful. From teaching us about local history to offering to rinse out my kid's souvenir cups (after they finished their ridiculously delicious smoothies) the entire experience was a pleasure. We will definitely be booking again next time we are in Wilmington! read more

This was my second time on a Wilmington Water Tour and it did not disappoint!!! We had a complimentary ticket because our very talented friend Kim Dicso from the band Folkstar was playing live music for the sunset cruise (check her out, her music is meaningful and just all around amazing)! From the minute we stepped on the boat, the feel was as if you were on island time! The boat offered their legendary Rum Punch with a complimentary Wilmington Water Tours cup with the drink purchase, and they offered a few snacks as well. Some of the people on the tour even brought their own food aboard! The captain provides unique history as you cruise along the Cape Fear River and you CANNOT beat the views on the river at sunset (as you will see in my pictures)! Also if you are thinking of going, purchase a ticket in advance because the tours sell out frequently!!! read more

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