Sunset Sail Tour
5
Recommended by 98% of travelers
98% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
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Take a break from the bustling mainland on this small-group sailing excursion from Wrightsville Beach, with a choice of daily departure times for your convenience. Enjoy complimentary refreshments served on board as you absorb sweeping views of the region and benefit from the insider knowledge of your captain to optimize your chances of spotting marine life and coastal landmarks as you sail.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation

Ages 6-99, max of 6 per group
Duration: 2h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More

Highlights
  • Rest weary legs on a sailing tour of North Carolina’s coastline
  • Enjoy complimentary refreshments and snacks served on board
  • Admire coastal vistas and spot porpoises, sea birds, and more
  • Hear personalized stories and insights from your small-group captain

  • Boat Captain
  • Beverages- Ginger Ale
  • Bottled water
  • Passengers are invited to bring wine & beer- We provide ice chest, cork screw/bottle opener, & glasses
  • Welcome to bring your own beer or wine onboard
What's not included
  • Gratuities


Start:
  • Shamrock Sailing Adventures, 609 Trails End Rd, Wilmington, NC 28409, USA
    Your sailing charter departs from the Access Ramp at the end of Trails End Road, Wilmington, NC. Please arrive 15 minutes early and call when you are parked. Gratuity is optional but much appreciated on departure from the cruise. Please call me at (919) 302-3421 if you have any questions.
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    • Not wheelchair accessible
    • Near public transportation
    • Infants must sit on laps
    If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 53559P1

    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
    • Reservations are cancelled for any guests not on location at docks 10 minutes prior to departure time.
    • Children must be accompanied by an adult
    • Minimum age is 6 years
    • Most travelers can participate
    • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
    • This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 6 travelers

    • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

    If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 53559P1

    From
    $125.00
    per adult
    Select date and travelers

    Similar experiences

    Itinerary
    • 609 Trails End Rd, Wilmington, NC 28409, USA
      Your sailing charter departs from the Access Ramp at the end of Trails End Road, Wilmington, NC. Please arrive 15 minutes early and call when you are parked. Gratuity is optional but much appreciated on departure from the cruise. Please call me at (919) 302-3421 if you have any questions.
    • Pass by
      North Carolina Coast
    About the operator
    Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
    • Shamrock Sailing Adventures
      217
      United States
      Joined in June 2017
    • T1388OPlindan
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Holiday Favorite
      Always a good time with Captain Jim - Enjoyed the Wrightsville Beach Floatilla on the water with a pre-sail - saw porpoises, lots of birds and the nice waters of Wrightsville. Thank you and Happy Holidays - Linda Nelson
      Written December 3, 2024
    • billiejemail
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Shamrock Sailing Cruise
      My family and I thoroughly enjoyed our recent Sunset Cruise with Captain Jim along the ICW. Captain Jim was very personable, pointing out area wildlife and interesting facts about the area. We would highly recommend this cruise.
      Written November 12, 2024
    • marymears2024
      0 contributions
      4.0 of 5 bubbles
      Something Different!
      We really enjoyed our cruise. I was a little concerned at first because I'd never been sailing before, but it was just great. This was a Christmas gift from my husband's sons. It took us about 9 months to get it scheduled because of our travel schedule, but we couldn't have had a nicer day to go sailing. Captain Jim was extremely friendly and easy to work with. I'd do it again and will keep it in mind if we want to entertain friends or family
      Written October 16, 2024
    • scw5043
      0 contributions
      4.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great captain, disappointing conditions
      The purpose of this review is to aid others in rightly setting expectations. Captain Jim is a most pleasant person and is obviously a highly skilled, experienced captain who loves his boat (as he should); he personally deserves highest marks. He conducted our cruise even though we were the only passengers for that trip-a kindness much appreciated by us. However, the day itself was cloudy so there was no beautiful sunset to view on our “sunset cruise “ and wind conditions were such that we had to sail under motor power rather than sails most of the time. While we enjoyed the ride and the company of the captain, we ended up feeling that the experience was no more enjoyable than a two hour cruise in our own little bow rider on our home lake. So, while we can readily recommend Captain Jim personally, we would caution everyone to be aware that conditions beyond his control may well impact your experience.
      Written October 6, 2024
    • evintunador
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      good time even in mediocre weather
      It was a little drizzly with poor wind direction but we were more than entertained by the wealth of local wildlife knowledge that is captain Jim and still got to sail the jib back into the harbor. All the other passengers were friendly and enjoyed themselves as well
      Written August 30, 2024
    • robertsbei
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      richard roberts
      we had a splendid time on the water with Captain Jim. I recommend Shamrock to all that enjoy time on the water.
      Written August 30, 2024
    • Genevievebygrace
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Relaxing, and so worth it!
      We searched online for a sailboat cruise and chose Shamrock Sailing Adventures. The beautifully maintained sailboat and Captain Jim are a joy! We took a sunset sail with them on our recent vacation and it was delightful and relaxing. Captain Jim is friendly, easy to communicate with, and is keen to a wide variety of historical, local, and native wildlife facts which he shares in a comfortable, conversational way. His knowledge and sailing experience are evident and appreciated. The beauty and diversity of the intercoastal waterway was on full display. We enjoyed jumping dolphins, Ospreys hunting, skimmer gulls, and pelicans. We thoroughly enjoyed the friendly conversation between others on board. This experience was absolutely worth the time and money we spent for wonderful vacation memories.
      Written August 30, 2024
    • davelW5337BE
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great Sailing Trip
      We had a great time with Jim, and we will be back again soon. He was friendly and informative. He treated my entire family like we were old friends.
      Written March 30, 2024
    • Amy B
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Enjoyable evening cruise
      Fantastic evening cruise. Fun and exceeded all of our expectations. Capt. Jim is an excellent host and easy in every way. Very Personable, outgoing and knowledgeable and made for a pleasant experience with varied topics covered in conversation.
      Written September 19, 2023
    • Abrowka
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      The Fantastic Voyage
      Very informative and relaxing outing. Everything we hoped the trip would be. A classic girl that elegantly carried my wife and I and 2 other couples on a pleasant evening cruise.
      Written September 14, 2023
    • gallenisme
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Perfection!
      From the minute we boarded, to meeting Captain Jim and the other parties, we loved everything about this adventure! I'm a local and will be sailing with Shamrock Sailing Adventures again and again!
      Written September 4, 2023
    • suzannem456
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Perfect day for a sail!
      Perfect sailing day! We enjoyed the scenery, local history and wildlife, both sea and land. Highly recommend Captain Jim…. Very knowledgeable and personable! We hope to return soon. Highly recommend!
      Written August 26, 2023
    • toddg1975
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Fun and Knowledgeable
      We had a great time on Captain Jim and wife Debby's sailboat. They were both very knowledgable and fun. My fiancé and I learned a lot of fun facts about the intercostal, North Carolina, the ocean, local wildlife, sailing, and the history of their one of a kind sailboat!
      Written August 22, 2023
    • RuthT524
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great Afternoon Sail
      We had a relaxing 2 hours on the afternoon cruise. Captain Jim did a wonderful job of pointing out wildlife as well as discussing the history of the area. Highly recommended!
      Written August 11, 2023
    • H9767XFpatriciar
      0 contributions
      4.0 of 5 bubbles
      NA
      Was a very nice trip and afternoon. The only thing better would have been if we could have used the sails. Very informative guide and enjoyed him very much. Thank you for a wonderful afternoon.
      Written August 9, 2023
    See all 217 reviews
    These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

    Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

    Popular mentions

    5.0
    5.0 of 5 bubbles61 reviews
    Excellent
    56
    Very good
    4
    Average
    0
    Poor
    0
    Terrible
    1

    Remington55
    Raleigh, NC7 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    May 2023 • Friends
    Captain Jim does a great job hosting up to 8 guests on his motorized sailcraft. Don't worry, you will NOT sit below deck, but you will sit on the front bow or on the outside seat cushions in the back by the steering wheel. Captain Jim is very knowledgeable about sailing and the history of the coast. Some advice, bring a windbreaker in May or September, summer you should be fine in shorts and a short-sleeved shirt. They serve cold water bottles on board. Arrive early to get preferred seating. The least favored seats on the cushions on the right side of the boat by the rear steering wheel; this is because he sails/motors on the right side of waterway up and back, which means the right side of the boat is closest to the good views of the architecture along the shore, and you don't want your back to the right side of the boat. If you tour during the day, you are going to get more sun on the bow of the boat, so where ever you sit, wear lots of sunscreen during the day tour at 2:00. The tour will take 2 hours. The scenery is lovely and the tour captain is very knowledgeable. If want to hear the stories, sit on the back cushions with captain Jim, and the best seats there are the cushions on the left side of the craft. Enjoy your trip.
    Written May 14, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Thanks for sharing detailed observations of the sailing experience we strive to elevate every time we cast the lines. I'll add that sitting in the cockpit area provides a front row seat to understanding the physics of sailing a 17 ton sailing vessel. The sailboat controls and helm are located here, which means the captain will be in close conversation with visitors as he sails with the wind and motors when necessary against tidal currents and head winds. I really appreciate the recommendations provided by this review, and add that every cruise I plan is altered when we observe marine life and can safely move into a position where all visitors gain the best view. Sailing experiences are dynamic, requiring the captain to shift course and narrative when weather and natural states require a new course.
    Written May 15, 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    ddtrigon
    Bahama, NC1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Aug 2023
    On August 20,2023 at 5:30pm we boarded Jim’s world traveled, one of a kind sailboat and set sail. Doug and I were two of six excited and happy passengers along with our captain Jim and his wife Deb. The weather was perfect, skies clear,swells low with beautiful hue to the ocean and cool, pleasant wind speed of 10-15 knots. Conversation was lively and enjoyable. We shared much about our lives and found we had experiences in common. It was my first sail. It was exhilarating, peaceful,calming,delightful,refreshing…I wanted to remain on the ocean, sailing. The sunset was breathtaking, spectacular. “ I must go down to the seas again…all I ask is a tall ship….the wheels kick, the wind’s song, white sails shaking…” Highly recommend this sailing adventure with Jim.
    Written August 22, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    ghobiecat
    Leland, NC1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jun 2022 • Family
    We couldn’t have had more fun on our evening sailing cruise. The weather was perfect - cool and we had the perfect breeze coming our way. It was great to sail along Masonboro Island watching ospreys catching their evening meal. But then it really got exciting when we reached the open waters. Our captain cut off the engine and the boat went off full speed. It was so exciting, the boat was heeling and we were holding on tight. It was so much fun! To top it off we had a beautiful sunset.
    Jim is a great captain who shared a lot of great stories with us and kept everyone entertained. He has a beautiful 42 foot classic sailboat. We are ready to go on another adventure sail - maybe the Bahamas? Again, thanks Jim we loved it - Annette, Frank, Roy and Daniel
    Written June 5, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Casey P
    8 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jul 2021
    Instead of opting for the typical crowded sunset motorboat tour, I found Captain Jim’s sunset sailing tour online. So glad that we did! Not only did he share the history of the town, he also shared many personal stories that made us feel like close friends. Much appreciation for this tour and our wonderful captain. If we get the chance to come back, you can bet captain Jim will be our first stop! :)
    Written July 13, 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Kim C
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    May 2021 • Couples
    Captain Jim was very knowledgeable about the area and very personable. It was an unseasonably cold day. It was cloudy but Captain Jim made sure to make several passes to get a glimpse of a sunset when the sun poked through the clouds towards the end of our adventure. This time on the water filled us up after a very depleting year.
    Written May 31, 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Thanks so much Kim. Sunsets and quiet waterway places reveal a natural order and calm we rarely find in a busy life. Our cruise forecast featured clouds and temps well below seasonal norms; however, in the moments before sunset low level clouds lifted revealing a striking sunset! The scene was spectacular, and I simply had to make an extra pass by Whiskey Creek for a second view! Until the next adventure, Captain Jim
    Written June 1, 2021
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Lauren V
    11 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We're local to the area, but decided to splurge on this sail for our anniversary. It was such a lovely way to experience the area from a viewpoint we're not used to seeing. Based on a prior review we aimed to be the first one's there so we'd get first pick of seats. We sat all the way up on the bow with a bottle of wine and it was perfect! We also had great conversation with some other guests on the cruise as well as the Captain. We had some storms in the area that made our trip particularly atmospheric! We would highly recommend!
    Written August 29, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Thanks Lauren, I'm so glad you decided to celebrate your anniversary with us on SV/Shamrock. I'll look forward to celebrating many more anniversaries with you on the bow of SV/Shamrock. Happy Anniversary, Captain Jim
    Written September 8, 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Isabella G
    Raleigh, NC1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jul 2022
    We had such a great time on the sunset sail! We were at the beach for our anniversary and this sail was such a perfect ending to our trip. It was both of our first time ever sailing and Captain Jim was so kind and is extremely knowledgeable about the history and wildlife of the area - it was a real pleasure listening to all of his stories and he made us feel very comfortable and in good hands. 10/10 would do again for sure!
    Written July 25, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Beachlover
    10 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jun 2022
    Captain Jim treats his guests like old friends, in the best way possible. He has tons of stories about the area and the waterways, and gave us a great tour. Jim also showed a lot of consideration and concern for others on the water; when it appeared one small boat might be heading for trouble, he made sure to keep an eye on it and asked another captain to keep watch. Luckily, the little boat got turned around in time. We returned to the slip just as the sun was setting- what timing! I highly recommend Shamrock Sailing!
    Written June 12, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Thanks for the wonderful comments about our sunset cruise adventure. Every trip has its own character. Our little adventure with the Sunfish sailor going out the inlet highlights the code between sailors to take care of each other regardless of hull size. What wonderful experience sharing the waterways and inlets around Wrightsville Beach. Best wishes, Captain Jim
    Written June 23, 2022
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    DonnaKWA
    Leland, NC2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Oct 2022
    Booked a sailing trip after reading great reviews - we were not disappointed! The weather was perfect and it was smooth sailing topped off with a gorgeous sunset. Jim was full of historical information regarding the Wilmington, NC area. We saw dolphin up close, lots of jellyfish swimming and osprey flying overhead. Our group had a wonderful and relaxing time - we hope to go again!
    Written October 25, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Dave S
    Cary71 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Apr 2021
    This was a surprise birthday sailing with Jim, and it was a 5-star experience. Weather was accommodating, but it was Jim's easy manner, vast knowledge of local history and all the waterways around Wrightsville that made it very special. Fun to get acquainted with Jim. :-)
    Written April 19, 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Showing results 1-10 of 61
    *Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

    Sunset Sail Tour provided by Shamrock Sailing Adventures

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