Cruises, Tours & Excursions

The Wilmington offers a variety of scheduled cruises and customizable private charters.  Cruises and tours are offered mornings, afternoons and evenings throughout the year. Schedules and specific cruises vary by season. Choose between historic eco-tours, sunset cruises or narrated tours of the beautiful Cape Fear waterways.  For a complete list of tours, please refer to our calendar of events.  The Wilmington offers a full bar including beer, wine, and mixed drinks.

read more about our excursions
Sunset Cruise | Eagle's Island Cruise | Blackwater | Full Moon Cruise | Capt's Lazy Day Cruise | Autumn Escape | Acoustic Spotlight

Winter Schedule: November 9, 2011 — March 10, 2012

BlackWater Adventure (Scenic & Historic Tours)

Note: Rates and schedules vary by season. All tours are not available throughout the year.
Not Available: WINTER 11/9/11 — 3/10/12
Rates: Adults $25, Children $15
Days Available: Tuesday through Saturday
Time: 10:00am to 12:30pm
Scheduled Stops: 0
Boarding: 15 minutes prior to departure
Departure: Cape Fear Riverwalk, Wilmington (click for map)
Complete Calendar: click here

This is the Captain’s favorite trip!
We head up the Cape Fear to explore the upper reaches and black water systems of the river. From the Rose Hill Plantation to the mysterious Black River the exploits of the early explorers and history of the basin comes alive. The Cape Fear is still largely unpopulated and looks much as it did when Wilmington, North Carolina was colonized in the late 1600’s.

You will be spellbound by the seclusion of the scenic cypress-lined banks as you wind your way through time. A relaxing scenic cruise from historic downtown Wilmington up river is the ideal way to spend a memorable afternoon or a day of your vacation. The journey is comfortable, relaxing and inspirational, offering views of unspoiled nature and a variety of wildlife. Photographers, birders and nature buffs will love the chance to see a wide variety of birds, alligators, bears, deer, wild turkeys, egrets, ibis, hawks, kingfishers, water snakes and many other native species.

The Cape Fear and the other “black rivers” that converge in Wilmington, NC have a long, rich history. The Native Americans of the vicinity, and the first European explorers successively established encampments, towns and forts as both homesteads and centers of commerce on the banks of the deep and navigable rivers. Colonial settlement continued, and Wilmington quickly became an important port city, born of the Cape Fear River. Both the city and the river share a fascinating heritage that includes such elements as great sailing ships, steamboats, civil war blockade runners, battleships, underground tunnels, cotton traders, rice plantations, and much, much more.

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Eagle's Island Cruise

Note: Rates and schedules vary by season. All tours are not available throughout the year.
Available Season: WINTER 11/9/11 — 3/10/12
Rates: Adults $10, Children $5
Days Available: Tuesday through Saturday
Time: 1pm and 2pm
Scheduled Stops: 0
Boarding: 15 minutes prior to departure
Departure: Cape Fear Riverwalk, Wilmington (click for map)
Complete Calendar: click here

Join us for a 50-minute cruise around Eagle's Island and along Wilmington's historic riverfront. This trip will introduce you to the beauty of the Cape Fear River and have you wanting more. Snacks and drinks are available for purchase on board.

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Sunset Cruise — Destination to Nowhere

Note: Rates and schedules vary by season. All tours are not available throughout the year.
Not Available: WINTER 11/9/11 — 3/10/12
Rates: Adults $25
Days Available: Tuesday through Saturday
Time: 7:00pm to 9pm (vary by season)
Scheduled Stops: 0
Boarding: 15 minutes prior to departure
Beverage: Complimentary 'Shoofly Punch'
Departure: Cape Fear Riverwalk, Wilmington (click for map)
Complete Calendar: click here

The perfect way to end a day or start an evening on the town!
Book early this is one of our most popular excursions. We will slip away from the dock in time for you to be fully relaxed as the sun sets over the Cape Fear River.

Watch the downtown waterfront transform as the last rays of sunshine sweep across the river walk and wake up the approaching evening. Our sound system and soft lighting only adds to the atmosphere. Dance, laugh, meet a new friend or just sit back and relax as you take in the fresh air and cool evening breeze.Complimentary Shoofly Punch included. We offer a selection of beer, wine, mixed drinks and food for purchase.

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Captain's Lazy day Cruise

Note: Rates and schedules vary by season. All tours are not available throughout the year.
Available Season: WINTER 11/9/11 — 3/10/12
Rates: call for details
Days Available: call for details
Time: call for details
Scheduled Stops: call for details
Boarding: 15 minutes prior to departure
Beverage: call for details
Departure: Cape Fear Riverwalk, Wilmington (click for map)
Complete Calendar: click here

Relax and enjoy your Sunday!
Relax and enjoy the afternoon breeze, Bloody Marys & Mimosa's, and all the relaxation that Sundays hold.

Sunday is the Captain's day to explore new destinations, sights and adventures. So join us while we delve into unchartered territory.

Sit back and embrace the wonderous scenery of the Cape Fear waterways as we embark on a new adventure every Sunday. Don't miss this personal, one-of-a-kind adventure. Sunday's will soon become your favorite day of the week!

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Full Moon Cruise

Note: Rates and schedules vary by season. All tours are not available throughout the year.
Not Available: WINTER 11/9/11 — 3/10/12
Rates: Adults $35
Dates Available: Saturday before/after full moon
Time: 7:00pm to 8:30pm
Scheduled Stops: 0
Boarding: 15 minutes prior to departure
Food & Beverage: Available for purchase
Departure: Cape Fear Riverwalk, Wilmington (click for map)
Complete Calendar: click here

The movement of the tides & moon energizes & stirs the imagination
Your sharpened senses clear your thoughts as you glide along the gently lit waterfront. You only wish that all of your friends could be with you to enjoy something so unique and special. A memory you will always cherish; a night under the stars on the famous and mythical Cape Fear River.

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Autumn Escape

Note: Rates and schedules vary by season. All tours are not available throughout the year.
Not Available: WINTER 11/9/11 — 3/10/12
Rates: Adults $25
Dates Available: through November 6th
Time: 5:30am to 12:30pm
Scheduled Stops: 0
Boarding: 15 minutes prior to departure
Food & Beverage: Available for purchase
Departure: Cape Fear Riverwalk, Wilmington (click for map)
Complete Calendar: click here

Join us for this incredible tour, only offered during our beautiful autumn season!
The "Autumn Escape" is a scenice, narrated, historic tour of the NE Cape Fear, NW Cape Fear and the Brunswick River.

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Acoustic Spotlight

Note: Rates and schedules vary by season. All tours are not available throughout the year.
Available Season: WINTER 11/9/11 — 3/10/12
Rates: Adults $25
Dates Available: Thursday nights only
Time: 5:30pm to 7:00pm
Scheduled Stops: 0
Boarding: 15 minutes prior to departure
Food & Beverage: Available for purchase
Departure: Cape Fear Riverwalk, Wilmington (click for map)
Complete Calendar: click here
'LIVE' Entertainment: provided

Join us for great local entertainment and a wonderful tour, only offered on Thursdays!
Enjoy the beautiful Cape Fear River tour while we showcase local musicians.