Wilmington Water Tours

This morning, hour and three quarters long cruise goes up the Northeast Cape Fear River to the upper reaches of the black water system of this storied river. Captain Doug Springer will share his extensive knowledge of the history of the area while you take in the flora and fauna along the river banks. We will cruise through the Castle Hayne Aquifer and by the bluffs of the Rose Hill Plantation. Visit our full bar for a freshly brewed cup of coffee or the best Bloody Mary on the river.

This is a great cruise for photographers, birders and nature buffs. Bring your camera to capture the untouched beauty of this early morning adventure.

Join Wilmington Water Tours for a presentation of Outlander in the Cape Fear with Hunter Ingram, Asst. Dir. at Burgwin-Wright Museum. Based on “Burgwin-Wright Presents…Outlander in the Cape Fear” and the books by Diana Gabaldon, Hunter will share how Wilmington played a role in this beloved series–all while cruising the Cape Fear River.  This is one of our last cruises for Outlander, be sure to jump aboard.

Whether you’re a lifelong history buff or just curious about the forces that shaped this region, this is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to learn while enjoying a relaxing, scenic cruise. Topics rotate monthly, so every trip offers a new perspective on Wilmington’s place in American history.  For the month of June Dr. Fonvielle will discuss the Civil War in the Lower Cape Fear when Wilmington played a more important role in our nation’s history that at any other time.

“Wilmington Turned Topsy Turvy: Blockaders, Blockade Runners, and Bedlam.” The Civil War brought about great change in Wilmington as Union naval forces blockaded the increasingly important seaport, smugglers attempted to run past them, and the commotion that upended business and residents. Dr. Chris E. Fonvielle Jr., Professor Emeritus in the Dept. of History at UNC Wilmington, will discuss what Wilmingtonians experienced during those four years of upheaval, 1861-1865, what with hundreds of new incoming ships with foreign crews, thousands of Confederate military personnel, and yellow fever. He will also talk about the role that Wilmington women and African Americans played in the great drama. “A splendid time is guaranteed for all!”

Our boat, the “Wilmington” is a 49 passenger enclosed motor catamaran with comfortable seating and a restroom on board. Our full bar has refreshments and snacks for all ages. This is an 75 minute long cruise, $45, children $25. Boarding is 15 minutes prior to departure.

Local Film History Cruise aboard Wilmington Water Tours

There’s nothing quite like the Wilmington film industry, and its story is one made for the big screen. Join Wilmington Water Tours and film/TV writer Hunter Ingram for a cinematic river cruise through the history of local film, with behind-the-scenes insight into local projects like “Firestarter,” “Dawson’s Creek,” “One Tree Hill,” “Sleepy Hollow,” “Iron Man 3,” “The Conjuring,” “Scream,” “I Know What You Did Last Summer,” and the newest addition to ILM’s Hollywood legacy, Netflix’s “The Waterfront.” This is our most popular cruise yet!

Wilmington Independence Day Firecracker Cruise!

Festive 4th of July celebrations on the river….We will cruise the river for a sunset view of the downtown and the battleship returning to the dock at 9 pm for the fireworks display… We offer a full bar with a large variety of drinks available for purchase. We will have charcuterie’s for snacking and complimentary snacks. We will be back at the dock for the fireworks, so you will have an unobstructed view without the crowds. Your cruise will include a complimentary drink cup.

*Please arrive 15 minutes before your cruises departure time.

Join Wilmington Water Tours and Jill Peleuses from Wild Bird & Garden, for a peaceful morning birding excursion on the Cape Fear River. As we cruise down the river we will point out the birds we see and discuss their habitats and habits. The Cape Fear area is a perfect spot for our feathered friends. This birding trip will give you a look at the birds that make the Cape Fear River their home.. Along with the expertise of Jill Peleuses, we have three bird guides and binoculars aboard to help you spot and identify the bird species on this one-of-a-kind Cape Fear River tour!

Whether you’re a novice or a long-time nature lover, you are sure to appreciate the birdlife our area has to offer.  Get out on the Cape Fear River with Wilmington Water Tours for this Specialty Cruise.  Bring your camera to capture nature at its finest.

This is a 90 min. cruise from 10am to 11:30am.