Experience the Magic: Sunset & Dolphin Cruise

"Just you and me and the colour of the sun." -- Colour of the Sun, song by Jimmy Buffett, Mac McAnally, Peter Mayer, & Roger Guth

"Picture yourself on the sea of a setting sun
The salty air and the taste of your lover's hair" -- La Costa, song by Natalie Cole

"Oh I am still a child when it comes to something wild
That was the night I painted the sky" -- Lyrics & Music by Jimmy Buffett 

"When these sails go up, mountains fade away
Stars come out, I’m finally free
It’s only the ocean and me."  -- Jack Johnson ~ Only the Ocean

As the sun begins its descent, immerse yourself in the enchanting lyrics of Jimmy Buffett, Natalie Cole, or Jack Johnson's songs and set the stage for a romantic and memorable evening aboard the H2O Captain's Sunset Cruise.

Custom Private Cruise: Embark on a journey tailored to your desires with our up to 3-hour custom private cruise. Revel in the beauty of the Crystal Coast as we navigate the scenic waterways, offering you a unique perspective on the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW), the NC State Port, Beaufort Inlet, Shackleford Banks with its wild horses, Rachel Carson Reserve, and the charming towns of Beaufort and Morehead City.

Wild Horses and Dolphins: Nature takes center stage on this cruise, providing opportunities to witness the untamed beauty of wild horses on Shackleford Banks and the playful antics of wild dolphins in their natural habitat. Captain Mark will share insights into the behaviors and habitats of these fascinating animals, along with human culture, adding a touch of wonder to your journey.

Exclusive Sunset View: Culminate your adventure with an unparalleled view of the sunset west of the Atlantic Beach/Morehead City Causeway. Bask in the warm hues of the evening sky as the sun dips below the horizon, casting its glow over the entire Bogue Sound. This unobstructed vantage point is a unique offering by H2O Captain, making your sunset experience truly one-of-a-kind.

Booking and Details: To reserve your spot on this romantic cruise, please call 202-369-1063. Confirm availability and schedule your departure time at least 24 hours in advance. The cost for this unforgettable experience is only $679, accommodating up to 4 passengers. Add $30 for each additional passenger for numbers 5 and 6.

Let the magic of the Sunset Cruise with H2O Captain create lasting memories as you paint the sky with the hues of the evening sun. Book your romantic escape now, and let the waters of the Crystal Coast weave a tale of love and adventure!  "From horses to horizons."

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For Those Who Have Visited Shackleford Banks Before

Journey to the Past: Ye Olde Cemetery & Beyond…

Graveyard on Shackleford
The trees are silent on the shore
And from the few time-rotted stumps
Which mark our fathers' resting place
There grow thick vines and briar clumps.
Tribal chief meets family head
In time rolled back through many doors
Ancestral Bankers talk tonight -
The trees are silent on the shore.  --Gretchen Guthrie from "Carteret Love Song"

Embark on a voyage through time as we transport ourselves back a couple of centuries to explore The Old Cemetery on Shackleford Banks, the only one of the two on this pristine island. In homage to those who came before us, we'll pay our respects to the departed before embarking on a scenic hike through the maritime forest, leading us to a tranquil clearing on High Hill. If the day permits, our adventure will continue as we descend to the plateau just beyond the dunes, shielding us from the North Atlantic Ocean. Here, we hope to catch sight of the wild horses indulging in the nourishing green grasses. Time and energy permitting, a stroll over the dunes will grant us a breathtaking view of the Sea. Our path will be mindful, following the trails carved out by the island's wild horses, residents for 400-500 years.

While the hike may pose challenges in terms of length, weather conditions, and insect activity, the reward lies in the sheer beauty and seclusion of this Custom Excursion—an exploration rarely ventured by others who visit the island.

This exclusive eco-tour private boat excursion caters to the intrepid and those familiar with Shack, providing a distinctive experience. Passengers are advised to consider additional physical requirements, so a preliminary call to Captain Mark at 202-369-1063 is recommended before securing reservations. It's essential to note that this exploration is not designed as a shelling tour.

The beach or the boat provides alternative spots for those less inclined to hike. Captain Mark can arrange a dining table on the boat, allowing guests to bask in the sun, enjoy the vibrant waters, and possibly catch a glimpse of dolphins or the wild horses passing by.

Special Pricing: $699 for up to 4 passengers. Add $30 for passengers #5 and #6. Duration: 5 hours. Departure time 10:30am.  Available Wednesday through Sunday.  For your convenience, complimentary parking is available at Coral Bay Marina in Morehead City.

Photos by Captain Mark.  The Cemetery and the wild horses at the plateau

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Whale Creek Exploration

If you've visited Shack before, perhaps with H2O Captain, what's next on the agenda? Passengers frequently inquire of Captain Mark, "Where do the horses find water to drink?" To their surprise, I elucidate the various places where fresh water can be sourced. One might assume that Whale Creek is the answer, but here's the twist – there is no Whale Creek! Nonetheless, the spot, particularly during low tide, is right on the beach where an aquifer surfaces. It operates incessantly, but its purity is evident at low tide, confirmed by a handheld refractometer.

Upon anchoring the H2O Captain boat in the sheltered waters along Shackleford Banks, a 20-minute walk leads us to Whale Creek and its clandestine puddle. Here, we may witness up to two herds competing for a specific freshwater "pool." Captain Mark has observed two stallions engaging in a fierce struggle for their herd's priority in drinking. It can be quite intense. However, when only one herd is present, a more orderly rotation unfolds within the social hierarchy.

Before securing your spot for this adventure, please reach out to Captain Mark at 202-369-1063, as the timing must align with the tides to encounter our wild horses at this unique location.  From $569 for up to 4 passengers, with an additional $30 for passengers #5 and #6.  Complimentary parking is available at Coral Bay Marina in Morehead City for your convenience.

Photo by Captain Mark of the wild horses at Whale Creek

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Serenity Now

Indulge in the ultimate blend of relaxation and tranquility with our Serene Getaway Private Excursion! Envision the H2O Captain boat gracefully anchored in the turquoise waters just off the beach, setting the stage for a serene experience as we eagerly anticipate the potential arrival of the wild horses. Pack a delectable lunch, and we'll furnish a roomy, iced cooler for you to stow it away during this exclusive private adventure. An idyllic Bahamian-inspired spot featuring a carefully placed picnic table nestled among the enchanting Shackleford trees, just a few steps from the water's edge. This secluded oasis promises a private retreat, complete with an all-sandy beach on the sound side – a secure and easily accessible area for individuals of all ages to relish in a refreshing swim. From $569 for up to 4 passengers, with an additional $30 for passengers #5 and #6. Complimentary parking is available at Coral Bay Marina in Morehead City for your convenience.

Photo by passenger Dave Tolley taken at the picnic table looking out to the water

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A Most Secluded Place

The Ultimate Retreat Spot Discover the Hidden Picnic Table on Shackleford! Consider leaving your lunch behind for this exclusive journey, as this secluded picnic spot is discreetly tucked away amidst the cordgrass dunes at the heart of the island. Accessible via a 20-minute walk, it provides unparalleled privacy. Please note that on warmer days, this area can be 10 degrees hotter than our beach landing spot. However, the upside includes a strong likelihood of encountering the renowned wild Shackleford Banker Horses on our way to this unique destination. From $569 for up to 4 passengers, with an additional $30 for passengers #5 and #6.  Complimentary parking is available at Coral Bay Marina in Morehead City for your convenience.

Photo by Captain Mark.  The wild horses near this Secluded Place

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Burial at Sea

After all this time, after all of these seasons
After your own decision to go to the water for reason
It's only the ocean and you
And all of these lines will all be erased soon
They go out with the tide and come back with the waves, so
It's only the ocean and you.  --Jack Johnson - "Only the Ocean"

To Whom It May Concern:

For those bereaved families who feel that an alternative to a traditional land burial would befit their dearly departed, H2O Captain LLC would like to introduce our continuing service of Burial at Sea.  If the sea is where your loved ones felt the most connection to life, considering a sea burial or scattering their ashes over the water might be a fitting tribute. This method of final rest bypasses the need for a land burial plot, headstone, or mausoleum, often resulting in a more economical option compared to traditional onshore burials.

My name is Captain Mark Sonder. I am a USCG 100 Ton Master Captain and serve in the USCG Auxiliary, Department of Homeland Security. In addition, I am an Admissions Partner to the USCG Academy which trains future USCG Officers.

I have found that families prefer this kind of farewell in private and serene settings. I perform this service in the Beaufort, Emerald Isle, Shackleford Banks, and Cape Lookout waterways and always receive positive feedback and testimonials.

H2O Captain Eco-Tour Private Boat Excursions offers respectively priced options to meet the needs of families. This includes a professional, licensed, insured, and experienced Master boat captain for a dignified ceremony during the season of late March through election day in November for burial at sea.  Other times may be available.

What are they saying about their experiences:

"Captain Mark,
Thank you so much for making sure our day saying goodbye to our mother was about as peaceful and magical as we could have imagined. We appreciated your calm reassurance and your acknowledgment of her presence being there with us. We will not forget the dolphin escort or the dolphin and pelican salute at the end. I am convinced she sent them to wish us well and let us know that she is okay."

"Thank you again for your professionalism and sensitivity. Carol and her siblings felt very good about how the day went. Hope to cruise with you in the future!"

"Thank you so much. It was great to have you as our Captain. The boys and I all felt we gave Mike the best sendoff possible. Your "tour" and your words at the ceremony could not have been more perfect ... it was very meaningful for us. Do you by any chance have a copy of some of the words/quotes you read?"

"Thanks so much. The words are beautiful and I will treasure them always.."

Option A
Leaving from Morehead City, NC, and carrying up to 6 passengers, the Captain will bring your family and friends, along with the cremated remains of their loved one(s), to a Federal, State, or family-approved location for a proper burial at sea. This would include a brief ceremony and marking the scattering of the ashes with a latitude and longitude Certificate.

Option B
For your family and friends of the deceased who cannot be present, I offer an unattended Burial at Sea in which the cremains are taken to a preselected location to be released. The day, time, and location of the spreading, will be recorded with longitude and latitude coordinates as well as with a Certificate. This allows the family to revisit the location should they desire. The family will need to arrange for the delivery of the cremains to H2O Captain LLC.

Please call 202-369-1063 to inquire.

Wishing everyone, Fair Winds and Following Seas.

Captain Mark
H2O Captain Eco-Tour Private Boat Excursions