Sightseeing Cruises
1 hour
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 90% of travelers
90% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$24
per adult
Wilmington Water Tours
Wilmington Water Tours
Wilmington Water Tours
4.5
Historical & Heritage ToursBoat ToursSightseeing ToursBoat RentalsPrivate Tours
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Full view
About
Wilmington Water Tours is a 46' catamaran which accommodates up to 49 passengers. We offer daily cruises as well as private charters. Our daily cruises include but not limited to: Eco/History tours, Sunset Cruises with Live Music, Birding tours, Holiday Tours and all on the Cape Fear River and its nearby waterways. Our full schedule is listed on our website, call us or book online!
Wilmington, North Carolina
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours and Tickets by Wilmington Water Tours
Acoustic Concerts
1 hour
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
from
$25
per adult
Travelers talk about
Contribute
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
4.5
1,579 reviews
Excellent
1,284
Very good
181
Average
71
Poor
27
Terrible
17
lasullivan05
1 contribution
Jul 2021
With a max of 50 people on the boat, including staff, I went on a lovely sunset cruise with live music by a local musician. The hosts were so welcoming, the staff just as much, the boat clean (especially the bathroom, which was also super cute!), and the river enchanting. Love the added touch of the live music and with the right musician, it makes for a nice feature. I enjoyed the musician the night I was on the cruise. Would highly recommend any of their cruises, but most certainly, the sunset with live acoustic music. Well worth the price!
Written July 27, 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.
Explorer564602
1 contribution
Jul 2021
Overall nice tour! The captain was knowledgeable and had an obvious love of his work. His first mate was a pleasant young man who interacted with everyone on board and answered questions. The only negative comment is that when we first started the tour and the captain was telling his story on the microphone, the speaker box was located near the snack stand. The girl working the snack stand was having a loud conversation with a patron and because she was so close to the speaker she was talking very loudly and it made it hard to hear the captain who was at the front of the boat. We had to get up and ask her to lower her voice. She did, though she was not happy about it. Seems like it would be helpful for the staff to know not to speak over the captain as we not only pay for the boat trip but to hear the information about the area.
Written July 8, 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.
ang09092019
Alexandria, VA1 contribution
Aug 2021
We had a blast cruising the Cape Fear River on an afternoon tour! We had a really great tour guide who answered everyone’s questions and shared so much info and history about the area. They played music in between, and the on-board bar was a pleasant surprise. Having a frozen margarita on a gorgeous summer day with the wind in my hair was an excellent way to enjoy an hour on a very reasonably priced boat ride!
Written August 20, 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.
sheridan0308
Raleigh, NC1 contribution
Jun 2022
We booked the sunset cruise 7:30-9pm and it just wasn’t what what we expected. it was crowded, we had a hard time finding a seat and when we did we couldn't hear each other talk without yelling because it was full of big groups. We expected more of a romantic setting with a bunch of other couples trying to enjoy the views, but instead we just sat next to each other zoning out waiting for it to end. The live music was great though!
Written June 27, 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.
Our summertime sunset cruises with live music are very popular. For a more romantic sunset cruise, on Sundays and earlier in the week our sunset cruises typically have less people and our Captains have playlists for music, our boat staff is happy to answer questions and give you information about the area. Hope you'll consider cruising with us again.
Best, Diane & Crew
Written July 15, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Paul S
St. Augustine, FL20 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
I booked the 1-hr Wilmington Water Tour trip for 10 during a family (mostly adults) reunion. I had taken the trip several times myself and thought it would be a good way for them to see the Cape Fear and learn about Wilmington, its history and environment. It was a nice thing to do before having dinner on the Riverwalk. The speaker/driver of the boat was a little difficult to hear, but to be fair, everyone was talking/chatting during the ride, so that wasn't entirely the tour's fault. I would recommend this as an inexpensive way to see our local river and its environment and learn a little about Wilmington's history and ecology. Then have lunch, dinner, or a drink at one of the Riverwalk restaurants!
Written August 4, 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.
sean F
2 contributions
Jul 2021
The boats crew was friendly, safe, and very talkative about local experiences. The live music was amazing and interactive with the audience. They also took song request. They had a Large variety of alcohol for a small boat going out for an hour and a half. They have multiple beers, seltzer’s, and liquor as well as soft drinks and small snacks. Yes the boat does have a bathroom.
Written July 26, 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.
Jeff R
Athens, GA14 contributions
Nov 2022
My wife and I and another couple had a delightful time. Beautiful time of evening and a great combination of the sunset in the beginning and the River Walk lights towards the end. The crew was kind and attentive. The acoustic music was a great backdrop (albeit a tad quieter would have made conversation a bit easier) and the musician was very talented. Get there early to get a good seat if there are more than two of you. I very much recommend this if you are looking for a chill way to spend an evening with that special person(s).
Written November 8, 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.
Thank you for cruising with us on one of our Sunset Cruises with live music. The great thing about our boat is if you don't like your seat,if you want to get up and move around or engage more in conversation you can find a place to do that. Hope you'll consider another one of our many cruises next time you are in the area.
Written November 10, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Molly B
Leland, NC3 contributions
Jun 2022
Glorious night, awesome music. It was so much fun to see the Wilmington shoreline from the water, especially as the sun set and the lights went on. We left on schedule and arrived on schedule. The captain was adept at minimizing wave action from passing boats. The crew was so nice. And drinks were not expensive!
Written June 27, 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.
Glad to know you enjoyed our Sunset Cruise with Live Music. Thanks for your review!
Diane & Crew
Written July 15, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Shelley3222021
Wilmington, NC1 contribution
May 2021 • Family
I took my elderly parents and my son for my mother's day gift on a lovely one hour trip on the Cape Fear River with Wilmington Water Tours. It was a lovely day and a little choppy on the water which added to the fun of the experience. Our captain was very knowledgable about the history of the river, readily answered questions, and we got an opportunity, from the water, to see the USS North Carolina a little more closely. A wonderful experience that all aboard seemed to enjoy by their comments and joy on their faces! Thank you Wilmington Water Tours!
Written May 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.
GrandparentsofMIHW
Wilmington, NC1 contribution
Jul 2021 • Family
We took our 4 young grandchildren downtown specifically to do this water tour for a local summer adventure. We were not disappointed. The Captain was kind enough to position the active young boys up front on stools with binoculars. We all enjoyed the information shared about our waterway and the surrounding area. Even after 22 years in the area we learned new things. We will definitely bring visitors and suggest this tour to others.
Written August 4, 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.
Is there a restroom available?
Written September 13, 2024
Hi I just booked the sunset cruise with live music can't wait what else included drinks, apps thank you
Written June 19, 2019
There is a small bar but you pay for your drinks. I don’t recall any apps. We had 2 good guitar players. One was from Peru I believe. The captain was very knowledgeable.
Written June 20, 2019
Is the cruise enclosed for the cold nights. Would a jacket or heavy coat be recommended?
Written April 15, 2019
The boat is partially enclosed, with heavy plastic windows.
We were cold; unfortunately, the hot drinks we were told would be available for purchase were not.
A blanket is strongly recommended.
Written April 15, 2019
columbatexco
Butner, North Carolina
Is for kids because I have 1 in he have 2 years
Written July 12, 2018
Hello,
Thank you for your interest in Wilmington Water Tours. Our tours are for all ages. We have kids come on our cruises all the time.
Written July 20, 2018
What time does the sunset cruise actually begin?
Written June 6, 2018
A Tripadvisor member
Wilmington, North Carolina
3 contributions
Thank you for your question! We are completely wheelchair accessible. We have a wheelchair that customers can use and we have a very safe way that we get you down the ramp. There is a ramp that goes down to the boat and a small ramp that goes up to the boat itself. The bathroom on our boat is also wheelchair accessible. If you have any other questions, feel free to call us at 910-338-3134.
Written February 8, 2018
HI, This looks like a fun way to see the sights. How much they charge for this tour? How long is it? Is it easy to get to from downtown? Thanks!
Written January 20, 2018
A Tripadvisor member
Wilmington, North Carolina
3 contributions
We actually changed our prices after nine years in business. Our Eagles Island Cruise is $12 for adults, $6 for kids ages 4-12, and ages 3 and under are free. For the rest of February we will only be running Friday, Saturday, and Sunday 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, and 4pm. Our cruises are weather depenent. Thank you for your interest in Wilmington Water Tours!
Written February 8, 2018
how would you dress for the sunset cruise
Written September 17, 2016
There is no dress code to my knowledge. It is a catamaran with a nice bar, but if you happen to be celebrating and want to wear fancy evening wear, go for for it, nobody would care. Maybe bikinis would be inappropriate unless your whole party is heading to a pool party afterwards. Be happy...Look pretty and you will be fine anywhere on the river walk or the historic river front district. But beware there's lots of cobblestone streets and sidewalks, so heels might be dangerous and really not good on any boat deck.
Written September 18, 2016
Showing results 1-10 of 12