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Vacation Planning and Real Estate Guide to Wilmington, NC Hotels, Resorts, Motels, Vacation Rentals, Golf Courses, Golf Packages, Shopping Weddings, Dining, Attractions, Real Estate

The Henrietta III Riverboat Cruise

Cape Fear Riverboats offers a unique venue for weddings, wedding receptions, anniversaries, birthdays and family reunions. Great for school, church, and club outings, as well as corporate functions. Have an evening of fun or romance on one of our dinner cruises, or take in the sights along the beautiful Cape Fear River in Wilmington, NC on one of our narrated sightseeing cruises… many options for a memorable event, suitable for any occasion.

“Welcome Aboard” is the motto of HENRIETTA III’s Captain Carl Marshburn and crew as they strive to offer the finest in Southern hospitality. A favorite for locals and visitors, HENRIETTA III is “the place” for special occasions in Wilmington, NC

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Henrietta III Riverboat Cruise

Cape Fear Riverboats offers a unique venue for weddings, wedding receptions, anniversaries, birthdays and family reunions. Great for school, church, and club outings, as well as corporate functions. Have an evening of fun or romance on one of our dinner cruises, or take in the sights along the beautiful Cape Fear River in Wilmington, NC on one of our narrated sightseeing cruises… many options for a memorable event, suitable for any occasion.

“Welcome Aboard” is the motto of HENRIETTA III’s Captain Carl Marshburn and crew as they strive to offer the finest in Southern hospitality. A favorite for locals and visitors, HENRIETTA III is “the place” for special occasions in Wilmington, NC

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The Riverboat Queen Is Back! Online Reservations Now Available!

Join us for our NEW Brunch and Supper cruises this Sunday, May 21st!

Be a part of our inaugural cruise this weekend!

The Riverboat Queen offers a unique way to tour the Historic Christina Riverfront, while enjoying Sunday brunch, Sunday Supper, or Thursday Sunset Dinner Cruises every week!

To book your cruise, please visit: www.RiverboatQueenWilm.com

THE 5 BEST Wilmington Boat Rides & Cruises

Boat rides & cruises in wilmington.

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1. Eagles Island 50 minute Narrated Boat Cruise

2. Island Hopper Cruise in Wrightsville Beach

3. Sunset Harbor Cruise Tour

4. Sunset Sail Tour

5. Sailing Charters in Wilmington

6. Black Water Adventure Cruise

7. Private Charter

8. Classic Yacht Charter around Wrightsville Beach

9. 2 Hours Cocktail Sail Aboard Bella

Keep the fun going with other experiences in the area.

Myrtle Beach Dolphin Cruise

Wrightsville Beach Fishing Trips

Private Kayak Tour in Oak Island

Paddle Pub at Myrtle Beach

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Water Tours & Scenic Cruises in Wilmington, NC

Located between the Cape Fear River to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east, Wilmington and its three nearby island beaches are steeped in nautical heritage and natural beauty. Let our waters transport and immerse you in exceptional vacation experiences, from scenic river cruises to island-hopping excursions.

Cape Fear River Cruises

Island cruises, fishing charters.

Board a vessel at the foot of Water Street in downtown Wilmington and see our award-winning Riverwalk from a unique vantage point. Cape Fear River Boats provides several sightseeing and sunset cruise options along the riverfront, as well as the Black River Nature Cruise up the cypress-lined Northeast Cape Fear River. In addition to private charters, Wilmington Water Tours  offers sunset cruises and narrated river rides like the educational Eagles Island Cruise. Take advantage of convenient transportation between the foot of Market Street and the Battleship NORTH CAROLINA from Bizzy Bee Water Taxi .

Be eco-friendly and travel along the Cape Fear River on a solar- and pedal-powered cruise with BrewBoat Wilmington . The 15-passenger vessel invites visitors to embark on a 90-minute BYOB excursion. Reserve your spot on a seasonal group cruise or a private charter.

Glide on the water with Soundside Adventures at Wrightsville Beach , offering island cruises, eco-adventures and charters to all visitors. For an unforgettable experience, book a private charter for up to six people aboard Bella, Soundside’s 44-foot-long catamaran. Consider joining Epic Excursions for an oystering excursion or an island-hopping charter with add-on options ranging from a private island dining experience to a guided stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) tour.

Join one of  Wrightsville Beach Scenic Tours ’ many expeditions, including pirate-themed family cruises, private charters aboard The Clover and eco-tours like the Airlie Garden/Bradley Creek Boat Trip, which offers views of the picturesque Airlie Gardens . For date night or a vacation excursion with friends, book a relaxed evening cruise experience with La Dee Dah Sunset Cruises .

With Shamrock Sailing Adventures , let an experienced captain sail you around to enjoy breathtaking scenery and spot wildlife like shorebirds and dolphins. Hop aboard with Wrightsville Performance Sailing  and take the helm aboard a beautiful J/80 or simply sit back and let an experienced captain lead your voyage. Gain confidence with an instructor through classes and sailing sessions that count towards ASA 101 Certification with Blockade Runner Sailing School .

Grab your crew and pack your own beverages, then sip, pedal and cruise around Carolina Beach on Sea Legs Pedal Pub . With Carolina Beach Pontoon Rental , choose to chart your own course or have one of their captains lead the way. Hop aboard Island Cruises' double-decker catamaran for a family-friendly sunset cruise, or reserve a half-day charter for up to six guests with Island Time Water Tours .

Discover historic treasures, explore coastal sights and hear stories about our island beaches with additional water tours throughout Carolina Beach , Kure Beach and  Wrightsville Beach .

Book an area fishing charter  and enjoy time spent angling on the water. If you're looking for a family adventure in Carolina Beach, board a half-day charter at the Carolina Beach Fishing Center and Marina  in the morning, and you'll still have time to spend the afternoon on the beach. A number of fishing charter companies are available to take you to prime offshore spots. Several fishing charters also operate out of Wrightsville Beach, where most boats dock and unload at Bridge Tender Marina and Dockside Marina .

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Dinner Cruises in NC

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Are you looking for a fun dining experience? Check out these dinner cruises in NC! Enjoy a nice dinner while overlooking the amazing views when you are a dinner cruise in NC. 

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Island Dining Experiences

Are you craving an outing that’s totally unique and different from anything you’ve ever experienced? An Island Dining Excursion is your answer! Get ready for the ultimate cruise and beach dining adventure on a barrier island surrounding Wrightsville Beach.  Panoramic views of water, sand dunes, and nature await your arrival!

There’s no restaurant around that can match the experience of dinner on the beach with your feet in the sand. The relaxing atmosphere and beautiful views that you will have dining on an uninhabited island on the Wilmington, NC coastline can not be beat! Get ready…you are in for a treat!

• Customer Favorite!
• Tags Island Dinners

Steam Pot Seafood Boil Excursion

Enjoy a private cruise over to one of the islands for a steam pot low country boil with spectacular views! Relax and enjoy some island time while your captain prepares your customized steam pot dinner on the beach.

• Hour Glass 3 Hours

Catered Island Seafood Boil

A boat cruise from Wrightsville Beach to one of the barrier islands where you will find a table set up with seating for your “catered” seafood boil dinner!

Chef Dinner Experience with True Blue Butcher & Table

Cruise with us to an uninhabited island where a culinary experience awaits. Experience panoramic views of water and nature as a chef from True Blue Butcher & Table prepares dinner on an open fire.

We partner with companies that setup styled picnics and charcuteries, along with a fantastic margarita bar company that can accompany private excursions as well! We can put anything together and suggest options to enhance your events and experiences! Please call us to plan your event!

Romantic Dinner Cruises in NC

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Enjoy a romantic North Carolina dinner cruise on one of the many majestic waterways of this fantastic state, from ocean to river to lake. With the moonlight, fine cuisine, and magical settings, it will be an evening made of memories.

The Belle of Topsail, Topsail Island

If you want to cruise the sunset in style, then the Belle of Topsail is not to be missed. This ship is in the style of a 19th-century paddleboat. Enjoy a sunset cruise along the North Carolina Intracoastal Waterway and the waters around Topsail Island by the state's eastern coast, about 2 hours from Fayetteville.

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The Sunset Dinner Cruise is $35 for adults and offers an informal buffet, including seafood, fajitas, desserts, and drinks. There is also a Moonlight Cruise (21 years and over) for $15, without dinner and with a paid bar. You must arrive at least 30 minutes before the cruise begins.

Contact the company directly for upcoming schedules.

Bayonet Enterprises Cruises, East Coast

Board an intimate, luxury yacht for a romantic cruise along the New River, and view the quiet beauty of the region. Owned by a retired military couple, Bayonet offers guests the chance to experience the luxury of a private yacht without breaking the bank.

The 3-hour cruise includes beverages, hors d'oeuvres, dinner, dessert and anchorage time. At $275 for a couple ($60 for additional persons), it's a very special getaway evening. Bayonet also offers overnight getaways for $575 per couple.

Bayonet Enterprises is located in Jacksonville and can be reached at 910 554-8672. Book cruises directly on their website.

Queens Landing Dinner Cruises, Lake Norman

Lake Norman is conveniently situated only 30 minutes north of Charlotte and is the largest man-made lake in the Carolinas. It is 34 miles long with more than 500 miles of shoreline. Queens Landing Sightseeing & Dinner Cruises is located in Mooresville and offers you two ships to choose from for your dinner cruise: one elegant and one a bit more casual.

Book your dinner cruise on Eventbrite for the Lady of the Lake or the Catawba Queen . Alternatively, you can call Queens Landing at 704-663-2628.

The Lady of the Lake

The Lady of the Lake is a 95-foot luxury yacht that offers an elegant, romantic dinner cruise that lasts more than two hours.

Passengers will experience full-service bars, fine dining and enclosed salons on the upper and lower levels, along with exquisite views of the lake and outstanding service. Cruises are offered year-round and dinners have included salmon, surf and turf, salads, side dishes and outstanding desserts. Menus change regularly.

Cruise schedules vary by season, although dinner cruises are generally offered Fridays with a boarding time of 6:30 p.m., plus Saturdays and Sundays with boarding times of 5:00 p.m. It is strongly suggested that you call for reservations and times.

Prices for the dinner cruises range from $87 for adults and $81 for seniors, tax and gratuities included. For an additional $225, you get the VIP treatment, which includes separate, private seating, a bottle of Dom Pérignon, special service, and more. You can also order chocolate covered strawberries for dessert at an additional cost.

The Catawba Queen

The Catawba Queen offers the nostalgic treat of dinner on a Mississippi riverboat. Although popular with families, this cruise also provides a step back in time to a more romantic era.

Dinners are buffet style, from salads to desserts, and the cost is around $76 for adults and $69 for seniors, taxes and gratuities included. You share tables with other diners. Boarding times are 6 p.m. Fridays, and 5:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.

Like the Lady of the Lake, $225 VIP dinners are also available aboard the Catawba Queen. This includes private seating, a bottle of Dom Pérignon, and special service, as well as the option for chocolate covered strawberries for dessert (six for $22 or 12 for $40).

Lake Hickory, Central

Lake Hickory Adventures offered the first (and only) dinner, party and private charter boat cruises on Lake Hickory in Hickory, NC in the central state region. The yachts have restrooms, outdoor and indoor seating, and even fireside dining in cooler weather. Live entertainment is aboard, and menus include steak, seafood, Italian, and other specialties, varying by date.

Tickets are $59, not including tax and gratuities, with discounts for clergy, seniors, and other groups. Romantic evenings include Valentine's Day , with dinner for two for around $70 each, plus holiday caroling tours. Note that the ship does not sell or provide wine or liquor, but passengers 21+ may bring their own drinks.

Dinner cruises depart at 6:30 p.m. and board at 6707 Limbaugh Lane in Hickory. Call 828-358-2384 to inquire.

Crystal Coast Lady Cruises, Northeast

North Carolina's Crystal Coast offers stunning seascapes, sunsets, and romance. Lookout Cruises cordially invites you for a splendid two-hour sunset cruise that provides a gourmet buffet along with breathtaking views of water and sky.

Cruises are offered nightly in season from 7 - 9 p.m. and Sundays from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $38 plus tax and gratuities, and there are discounts for military and seniors. Diners share tables. This ship also offers specialty cruises to see the wild horses and dolphins.

For more information, contact Lookout Cruises in Beaufort by calling 252-504-SAIL.

Dinner Cruise Considerations

Nothing is more fun than a romantic cruise, and nothing is worse than unforeseen problems. Don't forget the following.

• Always check on cancellation policies before you book tickets. Can you get a refund? Or will you have to dine ashore or accept a later cruise in the event of a problem?
• Boarding times and sailing times are different, sometimes up to one hour earlier. Ask before you go.
• Three or more may not be all the company you want on a romantic cruise. Most dinner cruises require that you share tables, so ask about upgrades or private seating. That will cost more, but may be worth it.
• Not all facilities are created equal. If restrooms or stairs are a concern, ask about them ahead of time.
• Ask about dress codes or suggestions for each cruise.
• If you get seasick on the open ocean, you may be perfectly fine on a river. But once you set sail, there's no turning back.
• Schedules change by day and season and cruises can take several hours. Cruises can also book up early for popular times (like summer weekends). Call at least two weeks in advance, more if you are looking at holiday dates for your romantic cruise.

A Quintessential North Carolina Experience

Whether you decide to sail on a lake or drift quietly on a river, a romantic North Carolina cruise can be an unforgettable night with memories to last a lifetime. Plan your vacation around a voyage, any time of the year, and the lure of the sea will call you back time and again.

Sunset Cruise

Quick Details

• Clock Duration: 1.5 - 2 Hours
• Users Ages: All Ages

Relaxing Sunset Cruise

This is a relaxing cruise that calms your soul and lets your worries float away.

• Chevron down Cancellation Policy
• Individual Tickets: We offer a full refund for cancellations made at least 24 hours in advance of the departure date.
• Group Charters: We offer a full refund for cancellations made at least 2 weeks in advance of the departure date.
• We offer a full refund if we cancel due to weather.
• Patrons who are not present at the time of departure will be charged the full charter price.

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• Users All Ages
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The Most Exciting Thing to Do In Wilmington!

Ahoy! Welcome to the BrewBoat Wilmington, a one-of-a-kind BYOB cruise on the Cape Fear River alongside Wilmington's beautiful downtown riverwalk. The BrewBoat combines beer, biking, and boating to provide one memorable adventure. The boat can accommodate up to 15 passengers and is perfect for families, friends and parties ready to have a great time on the water. Jump aboard, choose your seat at the bar, and start pedaling!

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1. book a time, 2. grab your drinks, 3. enjoy the ride, be sure to read and check out our frequently asked questions here before you ride, join the wilmington riverfront's most exciting party, stay up-to-date with our schedule, upcoming events, special offers and promotions.