Wilmington's coastal charm goes beyond its sun-soaked beaches—it also offers unforgettable experiences on the water. Whether you're interested in sightseeing, enjoying a glass of wine as the sun sets, or an adventure with a themed sailing adventure, the boat tours and dinner cruises along the Cape Fear River provide magical moments and fun for the whole family. Here’s our guide to the best water charters around Wilmington.
Wilmington Water Tours
Wilmington Water Tours provides a range of daily and specialty cruises that you can easily include in your itinerary during your stay. Their main attraction is a 60-minute Cape Fear River cruise in Wilmington, NC, that takes you to Eagles Island. On this cruise, you'll learn about the area's natural eco-history while keeping an eye out for local wildlife. They also offer daily sunset cruises, with live music featured on weekends.
We can not forget about their specialty cruises! Wilmington Water Tours hosts a variety of cruises that target all kinds of guests. They offer wine cruises, history cruises, film cruises, and more! But you'll need to check the specialty cruises page on their website to stay up to date on the latest tours!
Private Charters are also available for special events, including wedding receptions, dinner cruises, corporate functions, birthdays, family reunions, and more.
Cape Fear Riverboats
Explore the sights with Cape Fear Riverboats! They offer a variety of cruise options aboard two vessels, the Henrietta, with a max capacity of 110 people, and the Osprey, with a max capacity of 35 people. The main attraction is the Wilmington Sightseeing Cruise, which takes you around the Cape Fear River for a scenic tour of historic downtown Wilmington. As you cruise, the ship's captain will share insights about the rich history of our beautiful coastal city.
If you prefer, you can also enjoy the sightseeing tour at sunset, where you'll witness the city bathed in stunning golden light. Additionally, you have the option to pair this tour with other experiences, such as the Black River Nature Sightseeing Cruise or tickets to the Battleship North Carolina.
If you're looking to take a special cruise around the river, turn it into a dinner cruise of Wilmington, NC. Cape Fear Riverboats has partnerships with local caterers to help you achieve the perfect dinner cruise!
BrewBoat Wilmington
Make your boat cruise in Wilmington an adventure! BrewBoat Wilmington is the perfect company for this! A perfect combination of boating, biking, and drinking, this boat crew is ideal for a great afternoon or evening with friends! You and your friends can join some other people on this 15-person cruise, or you can book a private party exclusively for your group!
Whether you're 21 or not, this is fun for everyone! You can bring whatever your drink of preference is; however, you must be 21 with proof of ID to bring any alcohol on board. They will have cups, koozies, coolers, ice, and a Bluetooth speaker on board to have a good time. If you're going with a fun group of friends, this boat cruise in Wilmington, NC, is the one for you!
La Dee Dah Sunset Cruises
For a more intimate setting, La Dee Dah Sunset Cruises is the one for you. You and up to 6 guests can climb aboard the La De Dah, a 27-foot Coastal Yacht, for a perfect golden hour adventure. Included with your cruise are complimentary hors de'oeuveres and drinks. Cruise around Wrightsville Beach with you and your partner, or small group, as you watch the sunset on the horizon.
Frequently Asked Questions about Wilmington Water Tours in Wilmington, NC
How much does a dinner cruise cost in Wilmington?
Expect to pay around $40-100 per person, depending on the cruise, including amenities like meals or drinks. Specialty cruises vary, so check for details.
Which companies offer boat tours in Wilmington?
Top picks include Wilmington Water Tours, Cape Fear Riverboats, BrewBoat Wilmington, and La Dee Dah Cruises—each offering unique ways to explore the river.
Where do dinner cruises in Wilmington go?
Most sail along the Cape Fear River, with scenic turns at Eagles Island and riverfront locations. Sunset cruises soak in coastal views as daylight fades.
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Whether you're looking for a sightseeing adventure, sunset views, or looking for a private setting, Wilmington's boat cruises can deliver an unforgettable water adventure. Of course, you'll need a place to stay while you adventure in Wilmington and its Beaches. Browse our Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, or Kure Beach Rentals to start planning your next North Carolina vacation!