Scenic Cruises
Cape Fear River Sightseeing Cruise
Welcome aboard the Capt. J.N. Maffitt, and Jacob’s Run! You will be cruising along downtown Wilmington via the Cape Fear River, a vital lifeline for the South for more than 300 years. Sit back, relax, and enjoy learning about the history of the area from one of our local captains.
Black River Nature Cruise
A true adventure. This tour showcases parts of North Carolina nature that are practically impossible to explore any other way! Experience the beauty and natural history of the Cape Fear region during a narrated nature cruise along these scenic and historic coastal rivers.
Scenic Evening Cruise
You will experience the river in its most serene state as Mother Nature slows down and prepares for the evening. The spectacular sunsets we often experience from downtown are best viewed from the water. Oftentimes, the sky and river both look like they’re exploding with fire.
Henrietta Sunset Cruise
Take our newest Henrietta out on the river for a 1 and-a-half hour Saturday sunset cruise! The on-board bar will be open and light snacks will be available. This cruise is all about relaxing and taking in the sites of downtown Wilmington with friends and family.
Welcome aboard the Capt. J.N. Maffitt! You will be cruising along downtown Wilmington via the Cape Fear River, a vital lifeline for the South for more than 300 years. Sit back, relax, and enjoy learning about the history of the area from one of our local captains. You’ll learn about:
- The importance of the Cape Fear River throughout both North Carolina and Southern history
- Local legends and stories
- Historical developments and happenings in downtown Wilmington
- The construction and importance of North Carolina’s State Port, just south of downtown
Delicious food and drinks can be purchased dockside from Anne Bonny’s Bar & Grill and brought aboard. Anne Bonny’s offers a wide selection of beer, wine, and cocktails with full ABC permits. How about a frozen daiquiri to beat the midday heat? You can also pack your own lunch and bring your own coolers if you prefer. We offer clean, handicap-friendly restrooms at our boarding area.
We look forward to having you aboard to experience the river’s beauty and charm with the best southern hospitality around. Our 1-hour history tour is an interesting affordable option for those that want to experience downtown Wilmington!
Cost: $15.00 per person
Visiting the Black River is a true adventure. This tour showcases parts of North Carolina nature that are practically impossible to explore any other way! Experience the beauty and natural history of the Cape Fear region during a narrated nature cruise along these scenic and historic coastal rivers aboard the Capt. J.N. Maffitt or Jacob’s Run. Cruises are scheduled twice a month from May-October on a Wednesday morning. Since it’s a 4-hour trip, feel free to bring your own food and drink aboard for this enjoyable cruise!
On this 4 hour Black River Nature Cruise, just minutes after leaving the dock, guests will experience:
- Miles of scenic wilderness just outside downtown Wilmington
- Expert narration on the local plant and wildlife from local coastal ecologist Andy Wood, a local legend!
- A river that appears almost as it did to the early explorers
- The relaxing sounds of the breeze through beautiful trees
Nature enthusiasts and photographers alike will enjoy the slow-moving, amber-colored waters, framed by spectacular swamp forests. Highlights include seasonal wildflowers and ancient old-growth cypress trees.
Enthusiastic, thoughtful, and knowledgeable narration from Andy Wood set this tour apart from any other nature tour in the area. You quite simply will not forget this experience.
Cost: $50.00 per person
On our Scenic Evening Cruise, you will experience the river in its most serene state as Mother Nature slows down and prepares for the evening. The spectacular sunsets we often experience from downtown are best viewed from the water. Oftentimes, the sky and river both look like they’re exploding with fire. The colors are vibrant, unique, and unforgettable. It’s a great time to relax and enjoy happy hour Wilmington-style.
Don’t forget to bring your camera as photo opportunities abound. This tour is also narrated by one of our experienced Captains, so you will learn just as much as you would on our one-hour day tours.
Join us aboard and experience the river’s beauty and charm with the best southern hospitality around!
Cost: $12.00 per person
Take our newest Henrietta out on the river for a 1 and-a-half hour Saturday sunset cruise! The on-board bar will be open and light snacks will be available. This cruise is all about relaxing and taking in the sites of downtown Wilmington with friends and family. Come check out the new boat if you haven’t yet…locals and visitors welcome!
Tickets are $25 ($10 for kids under 12) for a 1 and-a-half hour cruise with air conditioning, handicap access, and on-board restrooms. Hope to have a full boat!
Cost: $25.00 per person
Book online now!</p>