Wrightsville Beach Sunset Cruise: Dolphins & Island History

Watch the sun drop over the water while dolphins surface around the boat

A 1½-hour sunset cruise on Wrightsville Beach and the Intracoastal Waterway near Wilmington, where you relax aboard a spacious vessel while a guide shares the island's history and you watch for bottlenose dolphins at the time they're most active. Drinks are welcome; children from age 1 ride free; the boat departs in the evening as the light changes.

The experience

The Shamrock is a spacious cruising vessel built for this kind of evening: low-key, room to move around, designed so you can settle in with a drink and friends while the sun does the work. The 1½-hour tour runs the Intracoastal Waterway and the waters around Wrightsville Beach, the stretch where bottlenose dolphins surface most reliably at dusk. A live guide in English walks you through the island's history as the light shifts, so you're not just watching the sunset. You're learning what you're looking at.

The evening timing is the whole point. Dolphins feed and move through these waters as the day cools, and the golden hour light is when you actually see them break the surface. You bring drinks, bring friends or family, and the boat handles the route. Infants and small children can ride in a stroller or pram if you need that. Service animals are welcome.

What’s included

• 1½-hour sunset cruise on the Intracoastal Waterway and around Wrightsville Beach.
• live English-speaking guide sharing island history.
• best viewing time for bottlenose dolphins.
• spacious vessel with room for drinks and groups.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 17:00

AgesAdult (18 to 84 years) · Senior (85 and older) · Youth (6 to 17 years) · Child (3 to 5 years) · Infant (1 to 2 years)

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcome

Operated by Wrightsville Beach Scenic Tours

Is this one for you?The boat runs in the evening as the light changes, so you're watching the sunset in real time rather than chasing it. Bring drinks and settle in for the pace of the water and the dolphins' schedule, not a timetable.

Traveler reviews

4.52★★★★★★★★★★

79 verified traveler reviews

5 ★62

4 ★8

3 ★2

2 ★2

1 ★5

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (6 to 17 years); Child (3 to 5 years); Infant (1 to 2 years).

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.

What's the best time to spot dolphins on the Wrightsville Beach sunset cruise?

Bottlenose dolphins are most active at dusk, which is exactly when the sunset cruise runs. The evening hours are when they feed and surface in the Intracoastal Waterway and around Wrightsville Beach.

Can I bring drinks on the boat?

Yes, you can bring drinks with you aboard the Shamrock. The vessel is set up for you to relax with friends and family while you watch the sunset.

How long does the sunset cruise last?

The tour runs 1½ hours from departure to return, covering Wrightsville Beach and the surrounding islands and waterways.

What will the guide talk about during the cruise?

The live English-speaking guide shares interesting history about the island and its surroundings as you cruise the Intracoastal Waterway, so you learn the story of what you're seeing.

What kind of vessel is the Shamrock?

The Shamrock is a spacious cruising vessel designed for comfort and fun, with room to move around and settle in while you watch the water and the sunset.