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Our review focuses on a highly-rated private coastal excursion offered by Nautical Excursions in North Carolina’s stunning Crystal Coast. This four-hour adventure takes travelers beyond the typical sightseeing tour, with opportunities to see dolphins, wild horses, and collect seashells and sand dollars—all from a comfortable, private boat. While we haven’t personally taken it, multiple sources rave about the value and authenticity of this experience. It offers a chance to step away from crowded beaches and enjoy peaceful, personal time on the water.
One potential consideration for visitors is that the tour’s availability and duration depend on the weather and the season. Since outdoor water activities hinge on good conditions, you’re wise to plan for potential weather cancellations or changes, especially in off-peak seasons.
What we especially love about this tour is the personalized nature of the experience, which maximizes both fun and comfort for small groups — perfect for families, friends, or couples seeking a quiet escape. Plus, the chance to spot dolphins and wild horses while cruising along scenic waterfronts offers unforgettable wildlife encounters. However, the moderate price point might be a stretch for travelers on a tight budget, but in terms of value—considering the proximity, exclusivity, and variety of activities—it’s a money’s worth experience.
Highlights:
- Private Booking: Your own group gets the boat, creating a personalized environment.
- Wildlife Viewing: Dolphins and horses are common sightings, adding a sense of adventure.
- Shell and Sand Dollar Collection: Explore beaches and islands for natural treasures.
- Sunset Cruises: Relax and unwind during a scenic evening voyage with beautiful sunset views.
- Multiple Locations: Visit the Morehead City Waterfront, Beaufort Waterfront, and islands like Carrot Island and Shackleford Banks.
- Water Activities: Swim, lounge on floats, or get pulled on a towable tube for added fun.
Nautical Excursions offers a customized window into North Carolina’s charming waterfronts, whether you’re after relaxing rides, wildlife hunting, or beachcombing. The private nature of the tour, capped at four participants, means no crowded boat experiences here. Think of it more as a boat day with friends or family—intimate, relaxing, and highly flexible.
The 4-hour trip includes explorations around notable spots — the Cape Lookout National Seashore, Shackleford Banks, Bird Shoals, and the waters surrounding Beaufort and Morehead City. You’ll have plenty of opportunities for picture-perfect moments, from dolphins swimming beside the boat to horses grazing on distant islands.
Prices are set at $235 per group, accommodating up to four people, which offers a solid value if you’re sharing it with friends or family. Comparing the cost against the personalized experience and wildlife encounters makes this experience attractive for those wanting more than just a quick boat spin.
Starting at 100 Frontage St in Beaufort, your adventure begins with a boat ride that is wholly tailored to your group’s interests. The captain, Dwayne, reportedly earns glowing praise for being knowledgeable and engaging, which adds educational value to the fun. That review quote, “the best time ever!!!,” suggests most travelers leave glowing, especially when they get a good guide who doubles as a naturalist.
Your trip includes stops at popular waterfronts like Morehead City and Beaufort, where the scenery is colorful and full of local character. These waterfronts give a sense of North Carolina’s maritime heritage, blending lively fisherman’s docks with laid-back charm—a place where you’ll find some of the coast’s most authentic flavors and vistas.
Nature lovers will gravitate toward returning to Sand Dollar Island and Carrot Island, where collecting shells and sand dollars becomes a highlight. The tour’s ability to give everyone a chance to search for seashells adds a tangible souvenir to their trip, and the areas are noted for their abundance of shells and scenic beauty, ideal for relaxed beachcombing.
Spotting dolphins is a common delight—many guests mention it as a highlight of their trip. The boats often cruise near these playful mammals, sometimes quite close, giving memorable photo opportunities. Wildlife enthusiasts are likely to appreciate the chance to see wild horses on Shackleford Banks, a rare treat for many visitors. The calm waters and natural landscape create a perfect setting for these animals to graze, making the sighting feel quite authentic rather than managed.
Water activities such as swimming and tubing are optional but commonly enjoyed, thanks to the calm waters and availability of floats and towables. The experience is flexible enough that you can choose a leisurely day of sunbathing or actively searching for marine treasures.
For those seeking serenity, the Sunset Cruise promises a peaceful two hours on the water, away from crowds, during which you can kick back and watch the sky change colors over the coast. Starting during sunset, this ride is perfect for photographer types or anyone craving a quiet moment of natural beauty. While the exact times vary depending on the season, the payoff is a stunning view of the setting sun reflected off the water—a view widely appreciated by travelers who want memorable, tranquil moments.
The Sunset Cruise operates seven days a week during the season, including weekends during the off-season, offering decent flexibility for planning. Passengers have raved about its tranquillity, with one reviewer calling it “a very relaxing and quiet cruise,” perfect for unwinding after a day of adventure.
Meeting at 100 Frontage St in Beaufort, the tour is designed as a private activity. This focus means your group won’t have to share the boat with strangers, contributing to an enjoyable, personalized experience. The mobile ticket system makes booking straightforward, and most travelers tend to book around 39 days in advance—a good indication of its popularity.
Price-wise, $235 for up to four people breaks down to roughly $58 each, which is quite fair considering the personalized approach, wildlife viewing, and multiple stops. Including US Coast Guard approved life jackets and the possibility of fishing (requires NC inland fishing licenses for those 16 and older) makes it a well-equipped experience.
The tour offers full cancellation options, which is helpful in case of bad weather, and it emphasizes safety and accessibility, allowing service animals and most travelers to participate.
The broad appeal of this trip is due to its flexibility and the quality of wildlife encounters. Families with children will enjoy the chance to see dolphins and horses, while friends might cherish the intimate, leisurely boat ride. Nature and photo buffs will love the variety of scenery and the chance to collect seashells. It’s particularly suited for travelers seeking authentic, non-commercialized experiences a bit off the beaten path.
Those concerned about budget should compare this with other group or shared tours, but considering the entire package—private boat, wildlife sightings, scenic highlights—it’s a compelling option for value-focused travelers. For anyone one looking to blend relaxation, wildlife viewing, and the whisper of the ocean, it ticks many boxes.
This private Norfolk-grown adventure offers a mix of relaxation, wildlife, and local flavor—all wrapped up in a flexible, well-organized trip. The personalized experience gives you the thrill of wildlife sightings without the hustle of larger tour boats. The inclusion of multiple scenic stops, shell collecting, and memorable wildlife encounters make it a solid choice for those looking to truly connect with the coast.
It’s best suited for small groups craving authenticity and quiet beauty, from families to couples to solo travelers with a sense of adventure. The good value for the experience and personalized nature makes it stand out in the crowded tourism scene of the North Carolina coast.
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Can I book this tour for only two people?
Yes, the price is per group up to four people, so a party of just two can comfortably partake in the same cost.
What if the weather isn’t good on the day of my tour?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and if the weather cancels the trip, you’ll be offered an alternative date or full refund.
Are life jackets provided?
Yes, US Coast Guard approved life jackets are available for all guests, ensuring safety during swimming and water activities.
Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, and children under 13 are required to wear life jackets. The experience tends to be engaging for kids who enjoy wildlife and the water.
How long is the Sunset Cruise?
The Sunset Cruise lasts about 2 hours, offering a peaceful, scenic view perfect for unwinding at the end of your day.
Where does the tour start and end?
It starts and ends at 100 Frontage St, Beaufort, NC, making logistics straightforward and easy to plan.
Do I need a fishing license if I want to fish?
Yes, travelers 16 years and older need a North Carolina inland fishing license if they plan to fish during the trip.
In pursuit of authentic coastal fun filled with wildlife, shells, and sunsets, this boat tour blends relaxation with adventure—assuming good weather, it’s an experience you won’t soon forget.
