Custom Boating Charters in Wilmington, NC: Sunset Cruises

Two hours on the water: island stops, local wildlife, and sunset from your own boat

A private two-hour boating charter in Wilmington, NC lets your group choose the route (island hopping, wildlife viewing, or a swim) with a live guide in English or Spanish, cooler of ice water included, and the option to bring your own drinks. Sunset cruises are available year-round. Contact the operator for other time slots. Groups are capped at six passengers.

The experience

You pick what the day looks like. The boat leaves from Wilmington and heads into the Intracoastal Waterway, where a certified guide steers toward Masonboro Island and other local spots you choose. Some groups want to island hop and explore the barrier islands. Others come to watch for native wildlife or to anchor and swim. The guide knows the water and the animals that live there, and can point out what thrives in each season. Sunset cruises run year-round, so there's always something to see.

The charter is yours alone: no strangers on board, no fixed itinerary beyond what you decide. Ice, bottled water, and a cooler come with every trip. You're welcome to bring your own drinks and snacks, or ask about adding a charcuterie board. If anyone in your group wants to learn to handle the boat, a certified instructor can teach boating basics at any skill level during the charter. The boat fits up to six passengers, so families and small groups travel together without splitting up.

Pickup is included, and the tour runs in English or Spanish. Infants sit on an adult's lap. The boat is wheelchair accessible, and service animals are welcome. If sunset cruises don't fit your schedule, contact the operator directly about other time slots.

What’s included

• Private guided charter for your group only.
• live guide in English or Spanish.
• cooler, unlimited bottled water, and ice.
• pickup included.
• choice of route and activities: island hopping, wildlife viewing, swimming, or sunset watching.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 2 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 10 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessiblePets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Carolina Salt Charters

Is this one for you?Two hours is short enough to fit around the rest of your day in Wilmington, but long enough to reach the islands and settle into whatever you choose: a swim, wildlife watching, or just the sunset from the water. If you need more time on the water or want to explore further, contact the operator about longer charters.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can we bring our own food and drinks on the charter?

Yes, the charter is BYOB, and the operator provides a cooler, ice, and unlimited bottled water. You can pack snacks or a full meal, or ask about adding a charcuterie board to your booking.

What wildlife might we see on the Intracoastal Waterway?

The guide will point out native animals that live in the area and change with the seasons. The tour highlights local wildlife and conservation efforts, so you'll learn what thrives in the barrier islands and waterway.

Is the boat suitable for young children and infants?

Yes, infants sit on an adult's lap, and the boat is suitable for all physical fitness levels. The operator welcomes families and groups up to six passengers.

Can someone teach me to operate the boat during the charter?

A certified boating instructor is available to teach private lessons at any skill level during your charter, so you can learn hands-on while exploring the water.

What if sunset cruises don't work for our schedule?

Sunset cruises are the current offering, but contact the operator directly to ask about availability outside those time slots. They may be able to arrange something else.