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 91% of travelers
91% 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
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LIKELY TO SELL OUT*
Spirit of the Holidays Catamaran Adventure
Spirit of the Holidays Catamaran Adventure
Likely To Sell Out
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
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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
1,590 reviews
Excellent
1,294
Very good
181
Average
71
Poor
28
Terrible
17
mjcarty61
9 contributions
Mar 2023
If you have an extra hour do yourself a favor and book a trip on the Wilmington Water Tour. This is a great narrated tour along the Cape Fear Rive in Wilmington. We learned a lot about the town's history including shipping knowledge. There's a north tour and a south tour. You can book them back to back and get a discount. Each tour lasts 50 minutes. Our captain/tour guide was extremely knowledgeable and engaging! The boat also had a bar and bathroom.
Written March 16, 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.
Dukefantoo
Wilmington, NC29 contributions
Sep 2023 • Family
We had family in town and decided to do the Sunset Cruise with acoustic music by Jim Nelson. It was a fabulous time! Jim was wonderful and would play any selection that you requested. The crew was helpful and accommodating. The evening was a perfect ending to a wonderful meal at Elijah's.
Written September 17, 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.
BillBfromNC
Holly Springs, NC159 contributions
Sep 2020 • Couples
There are multiple bout tours offered, Wilmington Water Tours made an hour boat ride special.
Nice boat ride with a very engaging staff. They shared information about the history of the area, local crabbers and fishermen as well as a few dining tips.
It doesn’t hurt that they have cocktails for those interested.
The river is beautiful. Wilmington Water Tours will os a great group and will make tour visit serene and tranquil, but be warned you may end up laughing once or twice.
Nice boat ride with a very engaging staff. They shared information about the history of the area, local crabbers and fishermen as well as a few dining tips.
It doesn’t hurt that they have cocktails for those interested.
The river is beautiful. Wilmington Water Tours will os a great group and will make tour visit serene and tranquil, but be warned you may end up laughing once or twice.
Written September 27, 2020
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 for taking the time to write this review, greatly appreciated.
Written October 1, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Christy L
Strongsville, OH272 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
We took the 90 minutes with Live Music cruise. Andrew was amazing, one man band. Suitcase for a drum, electric guitar, tambourine on his foot, all to produce a warm sultry blend of acoustics and songs while slowly floating down the river. The boat crew was also fantastic. Bathroom and bar was a definite must have. Boat is clean and tables, chairs and lights were just right for a relaxing ambiance. Definitely recommend doing at least once. Lights at dusk in historic Wilmington is something to see.
Written July 8, 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.
Christy, Thank you for your kind words and recommendation!
We have over 20 musicians that entertain onboard Thurday through Sunday. All local, most singer song writers, each one brings their uniqueness to our Sunset Cruises. Thanks for giving Andrew Covil a "shout out".
Best, Diane
Written July 13, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
willieb3077_12
Leland, NC144 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
The tour was very nice. The captain provided an entertaining narrative on the sights and history of downtown Wilmington and Eagle Island. The on board bar had a decent selection of beer, alcohol and soft drinks. Seating is not real comfortable but is adequate. All in all a good way to spend an hour or so on a nice day.
Written September 5, 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.
theladyq
Louisville, KY101 contributions
Oct 2020
Captain Chris and the staff were really great! It was a sunny, breezy afternoon on the water.
Let’s be honest, there’s not a lot to the shoreline in Wilmington, but it was nice to be on the water and see the buildings and the US North Carolina. The most interesting part was the information about the area.
They do a North and South tour, each one every other house. You can get a deal and do both back to back if you want to. I’m not sure what the discount is because we didn’t get to since we went at 4PM.
They also do sunset cruises with music, etc. The day cruise is only $15.
Let’s be honest, there’s not a lot to the shoreline in Wilmington, but it was nice to be on the water and see the buildings and the US North Carolina. The most interesting part was the information about the area.
They do a North and South tour, each one every other house. You can get a deal and do both back to back if you want to. I’m not sure what the discount is because we didn’t get to since we went at 4PM.
They also do sunset cruises with music, etc. The day cruise is only $15.
Written October 10, 2020
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.
m2394525
Asheville, NC1 contribution
Jul 2021
We booked the one hour Eagles island cruise on a Sunday after another plan got cancelled on us and we were very glad we did. The narration was great and informational, staff was friendly, the full service bar on board was a nice touch. Would recommend to anyone looking for a decent river cruise.
Written July 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.
smcintosh0920
Hampstead, NC1 contribution
Jul 2023
The trip would have been better if not going south and looking at the state port most of the time. Should have traveled north away from the storage tanks, cranes and tug boats.
Music was a joke, the guys looked like they where not professional,
Sad sad trip not worth $40 per person
Music was a joke, the guys looked like they where not professional,
Sad sad trip not worth $40 per person
Written July 19, 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.
So sorry to hear you considered one of our favorite cruises a sad, sad trip. Our Captains can choose a few different directions to cruise. North, South, West...With these sultry summer evening they typically cruise into the breeze which sounds like that evening was south passed the State Ports following alongside Eagles Island on the west side of the river, with great views of the sunset. We do encourage our guests to move about the boat freely to enjoy the 365 degree views of the river, photo taking, etc. We do encourage our staff including musicians to dress comfortably casual for the weather. In other words summer dress wear is acceptable.
Written July 23, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Doktor Z
1 contribution
Jul 2021 • Friends
I love being on the river with Wilmington Water Tours. My only criticism, and the reason for a 4 rating, for this July 16 Sunset Cruise is that the musician's (Justin Jernigan)volume was too loud. My friend and I were unable to have a conversation due to the excessively loud music.
Written July 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.
durantb720
Hemingway, SC1 contribution
Jun 2021
The tour was fully booked. There was a group of six to eight people in the rear of the boat that milled around and visited. They were loud and talked and laughed and paid no attention to the speaker. It was distracting and disrespectful to all. They made it difficult to hear the narration. Nothing was done to ask them to be quiet.
Written June 9, 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.
Sorry for the noise level. It is a very hard situation to control. We are thankful it does not happen often, but once in awhile you do get some rude folks that just don't care. If you are available to join us again, please give me a call & would love to treat you to another cruise.
Written June 14, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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
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*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.