Cape Fear Riverboats
Cape Fear Riverboats
4.5
City Tours • Historical & Heritage Tours • Boat Tours • Private Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours
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10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Full view
About
Cape Fear River Boats offers a wide variety of scenic water tours from historic downtown Wilmington. We offer daily 1-hour scenic tours through which our experienced captains discuss the history, legends, and culture of Wilmington while cruising along the Cape Fear River. Sites include the Battleship USS North Carolina, the murals and buildings of downtown Wilmington, Eagle Island, and the NC State Port. Our newest boat, the Henrietta, can hold up to 100 people for tours and is available for private charter. The Henrietta boasts A/C, a full-service bar, and multiple decks (indoor and outdoor) for viewing the Cape Fear and downtown Wilmington. We also offer twice monthly 4-hour nature tours to the pristine natural environment of the Black River. This is a photographer’s dream! Whether you're a local or visiting, we have an experience for you!
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Cape Fear Riverboats
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
393 reviews
Excellent
286
Very good
74
Average
23
Poor
6
Terrible
4
kc012023
Charlotte, NC1 contribution
Jul 2021
We had a good time overall. The captain was very informative. I was glad that we chose a later time slot as the boat can be a little hot with the sun beaming right down on you. I think it’s priced right at $15, I wouldn’t pay any more for the 50 minute sightseeing excursion. My only complaint is that the tour guide’s microphone could be a little louder and clearer, it was difficult to decipher some things that he was saying. It’s definitely something worth doing as you explore downtown Wilmington.
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.
muskratmh
1 contribution
Jul 2021 • Family
From Jacob, who booked our tour over the phone, to the on-board staff, everyone was courteous and concerned that we have a safe, fun trip. The informational "speil" while underway was informative and somewhat humorous. The cost was reasonable considering what it must cost to operate and insure the boat. The Maffitt does not have a snack bar, but refreshments are available from vendors and machine along the dock. My 5 year old granddaughter liked being able to change seats to get better views of what she was interested in. It was nice to have the shaded open-air advantage on such a hot day.
Written August 1, 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.
phiferrp
Hickory, NC1 contribution
Aug 2021
This trip allowed myself and family to experience firsthand the remarkable geographic and historical section of the two rivers we visited this past August. In particular what really brought the area alive for us was the guide Professor Woods.
He answered all personal questions as well as introducing the flora/ fauna and vast history of the rivers. Of greatest impact to me was the total remoteness of the Black River just outside the busy port city of Wilmington.
He answered all personal questions as well as introducing the flora/ fauna and vast history of the rivers. Of greatest impact to me was the total remoteness of the Black River just outside the busy port city of Wilmington.
Written September 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.
Jeannie J
Leland, NC1 contribution
Jul 2021 • Family
This was a lovely 4 hour cruise down the Cape Fear River to the mouth of the Black River and back. The onboard staff was top notch, the boat was very comfortable, clean, and offered beverages and snacks. Four hours might sound like a long time, but it was wonderful to be on top of the boat(or inside the A/C lower deck) looking at beautiful trees and learning about what lives in the waters and surrounding woods.
Written July 24, 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.
trpeaden30
Wilson, NC1 contribution
Jun 2023 • Family
This was a four hour cruise leaving out of Wilmington on the Cape Fear River to the entrance of the Black River. The ecologist was very knowledgeable and shared good information about the area. The young folks especially liked his presentation of the Venus flytrap, smallest frog, crayfish and other items passed around. We enjoyed seeing a Bald Eagle 🦅 flying near the boat. The cruise was especially nice for me because my ancestors immigrated to this area during the mid 1700’s.
Written June 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.
jm2hilo
Hilo, HI97 contributions
Aug 2021
This cruise is not what I expected. The boat is fairly large 'booze cruise' style vessel with a large open upper deck and an enclosed bar and dining room area below. You share the vessel with 30 or so people which was not a problem on our trip but could be an issue.
The route is up the Cape Fear River up to the Black River. The time on the Black is relatively short as it takes an hour and a half to get there, and same amount of time back. So roughly an hour on the black river. Because of the size of the boat, you stay in the channel and never get into the swampy areas or near the really ancient cypress trees. The landscape is interesting but not spectacular and wildlife and birdlife was sparse.
The naturalist on board, however, was excellent. He was knowledgeable, engaging and funny. His stories and demonstrations made the trip worthwhile.
The route is up the Cape Fear River up to the Black River. The time on the Black is relatively short as it takes an hour and a half to get there, and same amount of time back. So roughly an hour on the black river. Because of the size of the boat, you stay in the channel and never get into the swampy areas or near the really ancient cypress trees. The landscape is interesting but not spectacular and wildlife and birdlife was sparse.
The naturalist on board, however, was excellent. He was knowledgeable, engaging and funny. His stories and demonstrations made the trip worthwhile.
Written August 29, 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.
cynjoyce43
Wilmington, NC1 contribution
Jun 2021
45 folks from the Wilmington Newcomer’s Group spent 4 hours out on the Black River with Andy Wood, an ecologist who gave s extensive history of the river & it’s inhabitants. A picture perfect day cruising slowly up the river. Captain & staff took good care of us.
Written June 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.
bearfeline15
Kernersville, NC1 contribution
Nov 2021
Had a great time. Trip was relaxing and informative. The boat isn’t booked to capacity in order to allow passengers to meander about without being on top of each other. The staff was extremely friendly and the bar was stocked with snacks and drinks. Came back with great memories and some added knowledge of the area’s history as well as it’s Rick ecosystem. Really my only complaints are that they didn’t offer coffee, and I have to wait til spring to go again!
Written November 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.
kathyY492ER
1 contribution
Jun 2023
Andy Wood, the naturalist on board for the tour, provided an outstanding history of the rivers and the swamp. We learned so much and Andy painted one clear picture after another of what we would've seen 50 years ago, 100, 200. Fascinating! The Henrietta crew was wonderful. It was a perfect day, thank you!
Written June 23, 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.
kenmooresigns
Wilmington, NC1 contribution
Aug 2021 • Family
I took my grandchildren for a birthday cruse and they had a great time. We all had a good time there was seven of us. The crew were very friendly and very helpful. I would recommend it to anyone that wants to learn a little about Wilmington history and see it from the water.
Written August 7, 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.
Angela S
Phoenix, AZ17 contributions
Sharing info from our booking in case it is helpful:
What to wear
Please wear comfortable clothes and dress according to the weather. It is often cooler on the water, so we recommend wearing layers.
Our vessels go out rain or shine, so please dress appropriately for the forecasted weather conditions. The lower deck is enclosed and air conditioned.
Meeting Location
Our cruises and shows all start by checking in at our ticket booth. The closest GPS address is 106 S Water St in Wilmington, NC 28401, at the foot of Dock Street on the corner of Water and Dock Streets. You will check-in at our ticket booth located on Dock St. to receive your boarding ticket and further instructions. There are several paid parking lots in the dock area. If you have any trouble locating the boat or are lost, call (910) 343-1611.
Susan E
Clinton SC, United States55 contributions
I took this Cape Fear Riverboat tour again on Sunday. To enter, you go thru Anne Bonny's which is a barge that has been converted in bar and grill...after walking thru there, it's back on the river walk and then to enter the boat there is a small wooden step to help you get into the boat. I don't think a wheelchair could use this Entrance. One of the bigger Cape Fear River Boats may be handicap accessible.
mc4317
2 contributions
Can the boat be chartered for a small group to go down the cape fear river all the way to mouth of the river where it enters the Atlantic?
Susan E
Clinton SC, United States55 contributions
I don't know if charters are available. I would suggest calling., I would also like to suggest to keep in mind, weather conditions when making plans...summer storms can pop up and the water can become rough when storms are approaching.
ptlaramie
Wilmington, NC
Its schedule, its prices for seniors, adults and children. How far in advance do you need to make a reservation?
ptlaramie
Wilmington, NC
Schedule, and price for seniors, adults and children?
ptlaramie
Wilmington, NC
There is no where on your website for a phone number. I would like to know the schedule of these dinner cruises (how long will it be out on the water), and the price for each person, 2 seniors, 4 adults, 1 child.
Is this information available somewhere and I am just not seeing it?
Cape Fear Riverboats - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Cape Fear Riverboats Information
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