The Most Popular Private Boat Excursions in North Carolina for 2025
"So be my guest, you got nothin' to lose
Won't you let me take you on a sea cruise?" --from "Sea Cruise" by Huey "Piano" Smith
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 barrier islands.
As an authorized tour operator of the National Park Service, we prioritize your safety with a USCG Licensed Master Captain at the helm. Our excursions highlight comfort with cushioned seats and we are pioneers in engineering safe, enjoyable, and educational journeys. Depart stress-free and enjoy complimentary parking for all your vehicles at Coral Bay Marina.
BWB Repeat - Boat, Walk, Beach...Repeat a.k.a. Wild Horses & Shelling!
“Wild horses couldn't drag me away.”
Songwriters: Keith Richards / Mick Jagger of The Rolling Stones
Embark on the ultimate trifecta of excursions, adored by all our passengers – the Boat, Walk, Beach...Repeat experience. Journey to the remote and uninhabited barrier island of Shackleford Banks, home to the renowned wild horses, and indulge in fantastic shelling opportunities. This tour is the epitome of an Instagram-worthy day and stands as our most sought-after adventure travel!
Our excursion commences on the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW), guiding you through the NC State Port, passing USCG Station Ft. Macon, crossing the Beaufort Inlet, and navigating approximately 4+ miles along Shackelford Banks' protected waters to our primary destination.
Led by Captain Mark, a guided land tour awaits, exploring one or two trails to the ocean side of the island. Traverse a maritime forest, grasslands, and dunes while anticipating sightings of the famed wild Shackelford Banker Horses.
Reaching a pristine beach seemingly untouched, revel in the solitude as we identify shells, including the Lettered Olive, scallops, and hopefully helmets. The beauty of the dunes and waves becomes our companions along this secluded shoreline, far from the reach of ferry routes.
As we seamlessly transition back into the dunes, a breathtaking scene of the sound with its picturesque colors unfolds. A refreshing dip in the protected waters of "Shack" is the perfect respite for families of all ages on a warm day.
Returning to the boat, Captain Mark navigates alongside the far eastern portion of Bird Shoals, an island in the Rachel Carson Reserve, searching for more wild horses.
Our final visit includes a passing through the Morehead City waterfront, adorned with restaurants and bars, before concluding our approximately 4-hour private excursion. Prices start from $549.
For those who want more info:
CLICK HERE for detailed info on the wild horses,
For a deeper dive into the intricacies of horse language CLICK HERE.
For details on native plants encountered during our walk. CLICK HERE.
Explore common shells found on our Shackelford excursions, CLICK HERE.
Photo right: Meeting at USCG Station Ft. Macon with Keith Rittmaster (R), Director of Bonehenge Whale Center in Beaufort, NC. with Captain Mark Sonder, Flotilla Commander holding the bottom jaw bone of a bottlenose dolphin! H2O Captain is a Bottlenose Dolphin Level Donor at Bonehenge.
Photo top: Four wild Shackleford Banker Horse on the side of one of our trails! Photo by passenger Steve W.
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'Round We Go! For the Visitor Looking to Get Out on the Water!
Welcome aboard the H2O Captain's ‘Round We Go! private tour, a delightful 2.5-3 hour excursion designed for those seeking a refreshing escape on the water. While we stay in the boat you can immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the Crystal Coast, exploring the vibrant waterways and landscapes that make this region truly special.
Intracoastal Waterway Bliss:
Embark on a short scenic journey along the picturesque Intracoastal Waterway (ICW). Feel the gentle breeze, soak in the sunshine, and let the tranquil waters surround you as the Captain puts the boat on plane.
Nature's Wonders:
As we navigate the waters, encounter the natural wonders of the Rachel Carson Reserve (RCR) and Carrot Island. Take in the beauty of these preserved areas, home to diverse ecosystems and wildlife. Keep an eye out for the wild horses along Shackleford Banks and/or Bird Shoal in the RCR, offering a glimpse into the untamed beauty of the Crystal Coast. We will also see Sugarloaf Island as we venture through the waterfront of Morehead City with its bustling restaurants.
Historic Charm of Beaufort:
Experience the charm of the historic town of Beaufort as we motor along Front Street. Marvel at the well-preserved architecture, quaint shops, and bustling activity that define this coastal gem. Your journey provides the perfect vantage point to appreciate the unique character of Beaufort, NC
Whether you're seeking a leisurely cruise, a taste of fine scenery, or a nature-filled setting, the H2O Captain's “Round We Go! adventure is the perfect choice. Join us for an unforgettable experience that combines the best of the Crystal Coast's beauty. Book your excursion now and let the waters of “Round We Go! reveal the magic of this coastal paradise! Wow! From $539.
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Cape Lookout Lighthouse
I'm a lonely lighthouse, not a ship out in the night
I'm watching the sea
She's come half-way round the world to see the light
And to stay away from me. "Lighthouse" Song by James Taylor
Cape Lookout, the southern tip of the Outer Banks, is a natural barrier island on the Atlantic coast of North Carolina, located east of the Southern Outer Banks on The Crystal Coast. There are no wild horses at Cape Lookout.
Authorized in 1804, the light station at Cape Lookout sits on four acres of land purchased from Joseph Fulford and Elijah Piggot. The original lighthouse, built in 1812, stood at 96 feet but proved too short for mariners navigating the hazardous Diamond Shoals. The current lighthouse, a 163-foot red brick tower, was constructed to replace the initial structure and was first lit on November 1, 1859. It features a spiral iron staircase and a first-order Fresnel lens, which projects a fixed light visible up to 18 miles in good weather. Although automated in 1950 and now using LEDs visible for 12 miles, the lighthouse retains its unique daymark with black diamonds oriented north-south and white diamonds east-west.
On May 20, 1861, North Carolina joined the Confederacy, and lenses from coastal lighthouses were removed to hinder Union navigation. Despite an attempt by Confederate troops in 1864 to destroy the Cape Lookout Lighthouse, it survived with some damage. The original Fresnel lenses, found in Raleigh in 1865, were restored post-war. In recent years, safety concerns have led to the lighthouse being closed to the public for climbing, with the earliest reopening projected for 2027. However, the Cape Lookout Lighthouse Keepers Quarters Museum remains open, offering free entry. A short walk on the boardwalk will bring you to toilet facilities, along with the National Park Service Gift Shop.
North Carolina boasts seven coastal lighthouses, spanning from the Outer Banks to the Brunswick Islands: Currituck, Bodie Island, Hatteras, Ocracoke, Cape Lookout, Oak Island, and Bald Head Island. Unlike the others, Cape Lookout is inaccessible by car. H2O Captain Eco-Tour Private Boat Excursions, an authorized National Park Service permittee, is the recognized and reliable boat charter service to visit this iconic lighthouse.
Take your family on an adventure to explore all seven lighthouses and discover the rich maritime history of North Carolina!
For more information on the Cape Lookout Lighthouse and The Cape Lookout National Seashore, please CLICK HERE.
Photo by Captain Mark. 5 ladies who just wanna have fun!
Photo bottom: H2O Captain's 1st Mate...The Late Lucky the Dog
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