Atlantic Beach, Emerald Isle, Beaufort boat tours wild horses shelling
Best Boat Tours Emerald Isle, Atlantic Beach, Beaufort, Morehead City, Swansboro, New Bern, Crystal Coast, NC
"The Gold Standard on The Crystal Coast, and Southern Outer Banks of NC," for travel, adventure tourism, and hospitality for outdoor activities. At the intersection where Safety, Fun, Comfort, and Education meet.
- Offers Trip Protection Insurance
- Offers a Waiting List
- Join our satisfied passengers and experience the adventure that has earned us all 5-Star Reviews on Google! (Scroll to the bottom to view these reviews)
- Accredited Business maintaining an A+ Rating with the Better Business Bureau
- Listed in TripAdvisor's Best Tours & Activities in Morehead City
- Listed in Yelp's Best Boat Tours near Morehead City, NC
- LUXlife Magazine has awarded H2O Captain the 2025 Travel and Tourism Award for Best Boat Excursions in NC
- Listed in the 2025 Carteret Curated People's Choice Awards for Favorite Outdoor Adventure Activity
- Offers Gift Vouchers
- Tours from only $539 for the boat, including its Captain and fuel!
Exploration: the action of traveling in or through an unfamiliar area to learn about it. H2O Captain Eco-Tour Private Boat Excursions is an authorized tour operator of the National Park Service's Cape Lookout National Seashore to be able to perform boat tours and on-land guide services to view the wild horses and discover great shelling on Shackleford Banks, our MOST POPULAR excursion.
Our Eco-Tour Private Boat Excursions run 2-12 hours depending on which tours you choose. The itinerary is flexible.
• The typical departure time is 11:00 am from the peaceful waters of Coral Bay Marina in Morehead City. From this departure point, you will first ride on the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) to your destination(s).
• H2O Captain offers eco-conscious terrestrial and marine life sightseeing along the Crystal Coast. From our wild horses to enjoying pods of dolphins PLUS our magical sunsets.
• H2O Captain is NOT a ferry. Passengers can see and talk with each other as well as with the Captain, and can sit very comfortably for an extended period on our premium cushioned seats. Captain Mark can even set up a dining table for your Sunset Cruise or lunch if you wish to dine on the H2O Captain Ultra Elite boat!
• To get out of the direct sun or Mother Nature's rain, we have a bimini to stand under.
• Any excursion going to discover great shelling will receive, as their keepsake, an official H2O Captain shelling bag!
Regarding safety, Captain Mark is the creator, producer, writer, and voice of the public service announcements, Boating Safety Minute heard throughout the season on FM107.1, presented by the USCG Auxiliary.
The H2O Captain boat has been examined by the USCG and shows their Annual Decal on the boat as proof, along with our National Park Service Decal on our windshield.
The best days of the week for serenity to create a delightful experience are weekdays. 
We believe in the power of bringing water and people together. This is why our excursions create compelling Instagramable memories that deliver life-changing experiences! This is a bucket list item for most visitors! Welcome Aboard, and enjoy your Nautical Adventure Travel!
"The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever." --Jacques Cousteau
If you do not see our 5-Star Reviews below, please CLICK HERE and scroll to the bottom.
Local Knowledge for Mariners and Private Lessons for Boat Handling
PRIVATE EXCURSIONS FOR BOATERS (2-4 hours)
Local Knowledge for Mariners / Boat Handling
What's going on in this photo? There are eight (8) aids to navigation…but are they really helpful?
A professional captain should be viewed as an important step in becoming familiar with a new boat or new area of boating. While some may see it as a necessary evil and expense, I have long argued it is perhaps one of the best things one can do to become a responsible and confident mariner. Especially for people who tend to avoid instruction in an academic environment, the hands-on experience of working and learning from the right captain makes all the difference in the world.
Just purchased a boat new to you? Have you just moved to the neighborhood, or wish to keep the gel coat on but are a little unsure of the “skinny” water we have in and around this area? If this is you then this Excursion is for you as Captain Mark offers this personal boat training session to help build your cruising confidence with hands-on coaching.
Areas covered:
• All of Bogue Sound along the ICW west to Swansboro.
• North along the ICW to Oriental, up Adams Creek, and crossing the Neuse River.
• East to the Cape Lookout Lighthouse and Cape Lookout Bight going on the inside where there are NO USCG Aids to Navigation!
• Morehead City Waterfront
• Beaufort Waterfront
• The “sneak” route from Beaufort to Harkers Island
• Crossing or going South in/out of the Beaufort Inlet into the ocean.
The above can NOT be covered in one outing, so please communicate to Captain Mark your immediate needs. This excursion runs at all tide levels. Please note this is NOT a fishing trip.
A conversation of various apps for your phone or tablet will be discussed to assist in your navigational needs if you’d like.
In addition to Local Knowledge, you can experience handling the boat from Captain Mark, including Navigation Rules, Docking, Boat Handling Underway, Anchoring, Emergencies, Line Handling, and Knots.
Although all the above can be performed on the H2O Captain boat, it can also be performed on your vessel powered by an outboard engine(s). Furthermore, Captain Mark is available to Captain any vessel of up to 100 gross tons and up to 100 miles off the coast. If you wish Captain Mark to captain your boat, please specify him (Mark Sonder) as an additional insured on your boat insurance so your policy will cover liability caused by another operator other than the owner. $539. Up to 4 hours.
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EXCLUSIVE for Boaters: Teaching Tuesdays
Are you an owner/operator of a boat but not sure or do not have enough confidence in how to run it? Just welcome Captain Mark aboard YOUR boat at your marina/home, from Emerald Isle to Beaufort, on any Tuesday during the season for a 2 or up to 4-hour lesson ON YOUR BOAT.
A teaching captain should be viewed as an important step in becoming familiar with a new boat. While some may see it as a necessary evil and expense, I have long argued it is perhaps one of the best things one can do to become a responsible and confident mariner. Especially for people who tend to avoid instruction in an academic environment, the hands-on experience of working and learning from the right Captain makes all the difference in the world. Furthermore, and at no additional charge, Captain Mark will give your boat a Vessel Safety Check leading to a visible decal on your windshield so law enforcement can see it before possibly boarding your vessel. Cost: $249 for up to 2 hours or $499 for 4 hours.
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Adventure Travel Private Excursion Packages
“Father, oh father, Please let me go with thee. I long to see old England, across the deep blue sea.” — From “The Rum Barrel Girl of Beaufort, NC” by Gumbo Lily
Fulfilling our mission to spread the power of bringing water and people together we take pleasure in creating unforgettable experiences for visitors amid the charm of our scenic waterways and islands.
As an authorized tour operator of the National Park Service at Cape Lookout National Seashore, we prioritize your safety with a USCG Licensed Master Captain at the helm. Our excursions highlight comfort with cushioned seats and are pioneers in engineering safe, enjoyable, and educational journeys. Depart with ease and enjoy complimentary parking for all your vehicles at the tranquil waters of our marina, Coral Bay Marina in Morehead City!
Money On The Horses: A Two-Island Tour of Sand Dollar Island and Shackleford Banks
Our private excursion begins along the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW), passing the NC port of Morehead City before crossing Beaufort Inlet to Sand Dollar Island. Here, we will beach the H2O Captain boat, allowing you the pleasure of discovering sand dollars scattered along the shoreline.
Quick Tip: If you find an intact, white, and smooth-to-the-touch sand dollar, it's likely a dead, dried-out specimen with a hard exoskeleton, often featuring a flowery star-shaped pattern. These creatures resemble a flattened version of their relative, the sea urchin. While you're welcome to collect these delicate treasures, handle them with care, as they can easily crumble.
Returning to the boat, our journey continues to the heart of Shackleford Banks, which is inaccessible to ferries. Here, we'll either beach the boat or anchor a short distance from the shore, allowing you to explore, guided by your Captain, one or two trails in search of the renowned Shackleford Wild Horses. A walk across the island to the oceanside promises excellent shelling opportunities, with each party receiving an official reusable H2O Captain Shelling Bag.
As we navigate back to our marina, we'll slowly cruise through the Rachel Carson Reserve and the waterfronts of the charming town of Beaufort and through the seaside village of Morehead City.
Before booking, please contact Captain Mark at 202-369-1063 to ensure favorable conditions for visiting Sand Dollar Island, as high tides render the island submerged. In such cases, we often opt for Carrot Island in the Rachel Carson Reserve as an alternative.
Duration: Up to five hours. $699 for up to four passengers ($729 on weekends and holidays), with an additional $30 per passenger for parties of five or six. Prepare to bet on the horses!
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Double Trouble: Shack Attack and a Lighthouse!!
This excursion is the epitome of what The Crystal Coast, The Outer Banks, and The Southern Outer Banks have to offer at The Cape Lookout National Seashore in North Carolina. Whether we travel through the North Atlantic Ocean to get to our destinations or in the protected waters of Back Sound our goal is to find the wild horses of Shackleford Banks for you amongst the dunes with the Cape Lookout Lighthouse as our backdrop, as well as to walk along the Boardwalk to touch the Cape Lookout Lighthouse, walk through the Lightkeepers quarters which has been turned into a small museum and breathe the wonderful salt air from its porch while sitting on its rocking chairs, as well as visiting the National Park Service's Gift Shop a short walk from the Lighthouse. Please note: The Lighthouse is closed again for climbing in 2025.
The iconic landmark is a 163-foot-high lighthouse located on the most southern point in The Outer Banks. It flashes every 15 seconds and is visible at least 12 miles out to sea. It is one of the very few lighthouses that operate during the day. It became fully automated in 1950.
On our return, we will go through the quaint town of Beaufort, the seaside fishing village of Morehead City, and the Rachel Carson Reserve.
This excursion, lasting approximately 5-6 hours, can be tailored to your preference for walking. Special Rate: $799 for up to 4 passengers, with an additional $30 per passenger for parties of 5 and 6.
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A Three-Island Tour: Sand Dollars, Wild Horses, and a Lighthouse Adventure!
Depending on the time of day and tidal conditions, our journey begins as we navigate the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) towards the NC State Port, then cross the Beaufort Inlet, a natural gateway to the North Atlantic Ocean. Here, amidst the shallow waters and along the beach of this ephemeral island, you'll have the chance to discover Sand Dollars, treasures awaiting discovery on this fleeting landmass that disappears beneath the waves at high tide. Please note: It's important to consider the environmental impact before collecting Sand Dollars from the beach.
Next, we'll return to the H2O Captain boat and anchor just yards from the shoreline of Shackleford Banks, an area inaccessible to ferries. Here, we'll embark on one or two trails, tailored to your preference for walking, and explore the pristine shores, including the opportunity for excellent shelling. Each party will receive an official H2O Captain Shelling Bag as a memento. Keep an eye out for the island's famed wild horses, inhabitants for over 400-500 years!
Continuing our voyage, we'll head towards the third island, the iconic Cape Lookout Lighthouse, navigating protected waters for an up-close view of this historic landmark. You'll have the chance to explore the lighthouse and the former Lightkeeper's home, now a charming museum. On our return journey, we may cruise through the quaint town of Beaufort or pass alongside Bird Shoal, an island within the Rachel Carson Reserve, where we might catch a glimpse of more wild horses. Our route also takes us through the picturesque seaside village of Morehead City.
This unforgettable adventure can last up to six hours, depending on your desired duration on each island. Please note: This excursion is subject to specific times and tide levels. Call us at 202-369-1063 before booking online to ensure favorable conditions. Special Rate: Starting from $899 for up to 4 passengers, with an additional $30 per passenger for groups of 5 and 6. In the event of unfavorable conditions at Sand Dollar Island, we may opt for an alternative excursion to Carrot Island, where we'll explore its boardwalk and venture into the Rachel Carson Estuarine Sanctuary.
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FOR THOSE WHO HAVE DONE IT ALL...Livin' The Dream! (3-5 hours)
I can turn the gray sky blue
I can make it rain, whenever I want it to, oh I
I can build a castle from a single grain of sand
I can make a ship sail, on dry land
-- "I Can't Get Next to You" Song by Barrett Strong & Norman Whitfield and sung by The Temptations
The Canals of Pine Knoll Shores and Livin’ the Dream on Spooners and Pelletier Creeks
We start our trip in the quiet waters of Pelletier Creek at Coral Bay Marina, then head over to the Canals of PKS. In the 1960’s building a canal system as part of a real estate development was a common practice up and down the east coast. From a governmental regulatory perspective, constructing a canal system in the late 1960s and even the marinas at Beacon’s Reach and Sea Isle in the 1980s was significantly easier than it is today. What with environmental sensitivity, wetland designations, wildlife and endangered species concerns, plant and habitat issues, water table and wastewater disposal and groundwater contamination considerations, the requirement for Environmental Impact Statements, and other county, state, and federal regulations it would be a hard slog to develop a community today with similar amenities to what we have.
In addition to providing many recreational benefits, the canal system lowers the water table, which improves the operation of everyone’s septic system, helps drain the land, enhances the dispersal of stormwater, and eliminates the need for roadside drainage ditches. All of which contribute to keeping the mosquito population at a tolerable level. The ownership and responsibility for maintaining the waterway is spread among several groups. The contents of the canal are federal/state waters, the bottom of the canal was deeded to Pine Knoll Association by the Roosevelt family, and the bulkheads are the responsibility of adjacent landowners as specified by town ordinance. Maintaining navigable depth is the responsibility of PKA.
Afterward, we set a course to Spooners Creek on the other side of Bogue Sound. It will be an interesting contrast to what we have already seen, before heading back on the ICW and Pelletier Creek. From $549 for up to 4 passengers. Please add $30 for passengers #5 and #6.
* Excerpts above written by Walt Zaenker, part of the history of the PKS Waterway
Photo by Captain Mark. 2 passengers taking photos/videos of the houses on the canal system of PKS
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T
he Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) heading south, from Mile Marker (MM) 209, with lunch in Swansboro, MM 229, including viewing Gull Harbor and Spooners Creek. Maximum 4 passengers. Approximately 5 hours $799.
Our journey sets sail from the serene Coral Bay Marina in Morehead City. Departing the harbor, we swiftly navigate onto the Intracoastal Waterway (the ICW), heading southward. Captain Mark regales you with tales of its rich history along the way. En route to Swansboro, we pause to admire Spooners Creek, adorned with opulent residences and vessels worth millions. Our next stop offers a striking contrast as we gaze upon Gull Harbor and its community marina—a place close to Captain Mark's heart. Feel free to inquire about its significance.
Continuing our southern course, we dock the boat either downtown in Swansboro or at a private of one of the area's esteemed restaurants. You have the privilege of choosing among the dining establishments in "the Boro." Simply inform Captain Mark of your preference, and we'll handle the reservations. Please note that the cost of lunch is not included in the price of your private excursion.
The Best Bagels, Giovani’s Brooklyn Bagels (nice Jewish name 😊) is also available in Swansboro. Captain Mark will walk you to this specialty shop should time allow.
Alternatively, you can explore the charming streets of this coastal village at your leisure!
Photo: Two Captains. One famous. One is your guide. You may meet the famous one just outside one of the eateries!
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