Cape Lookout by Sail: Six Hours to the Diamond Lighthouse
Swim, snorkel, shell, and step into lighthouse history—by stable 45-foot catamaran from Beaufort.
The rigging chatters like impatient gulls as the catamaran noses off Beaufort’s waterfront, and the tide, already pulling seaward, seems to beckon you across the sound. Within minutes, rooftops slip behind and the 45-foot cat slices a clean path toward the open Atlantic. Pelicans draft the breeze off the bow, the current pushes forward as if eager to show off this coast’s best-kept secret, and far ahead, the black-and-white diamonds of Cape Lookout Lighthouse wink like a signal from another century. You settle into the shaded bench, sunscreen tacky on your forearms, and watch the color of the water shift from estuary green to that clear, swimmable blue that makes you think of summer even in shoulder season.
Trail Wisdom
Bring Your Own Snorkel
Masks and fins aren’t provided—pack your own for the clear shallows near the point and along sandbar pools.
Reef-Safe Sunscreen Only
Protect the marine ecosystem and your skin. Apply before boarding and reapply after swims.
Water Shoes Help
Shell-rich beaches can be sharp underfoot. Lightweight water shoes make beaching and shelling more comfortable.
Motion-Sensitive? Prep Early
If you’re prone to seasickness, take doctor-approved medication the morning of your cruise; seas are typically calm but can get choppy.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Walk the short path behind the Keeper’s Quarters for a quiet angle on the lighthouse away from the dock crowd
- •Hunt the lower tide line after a breezy day—whelks and moon snails often concentrate near the point
Wildlife
Bottlenose dolphins, Brown pelicans
Conservation Note
You’re visiting a sensitive barrier island ecosystem—avoid dune grasses, give shorebirds space, and leave shells with live creatures where you found them.
Cape Lookout Lighthouse, completed in 1859, uses its black-and-white diamond daymark to indicate cardinal directions for daytime navigation.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Cooler temps, Lighthouse photography
Challenges: Breezy days, Cooler water temps
Mild air and thinner crowds make spring peaceful, with crisp visibility and active birdlife. Water can be chilly—plan more beach time than swim time.
summer
Best for: Swimming and snorkeling, Family outings
Challenges: Heat and sun exposure, Afternoon pop-up storms
Warm water and steady sea breezes set the tone for long swims and easy shelling. Hydrate, use shade, and watch for quick storms.
fall
Best for: Prime shelling, Golden-hour light
Challenges: Hurricane season, Variable wind
Post-Labor Day calm returns along with warm water and standout shelling after storms. Keep an eye on forecasts and flexible dates.
winter
Best for: Empty beaches, Birdwatching
Challenges: Cold winds, Limited operating days
Few crowds and beautiful low-angle light. Dress warm; check the schedule as departures may be less frequent.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
UPF Long-Sleeve Rash GuardEssential
Provides sun protection and quick-dry comfort during long, bright days on the water.
Water Shoes or SandalsEssential
Helpful for shell-rich beaches and stepping on/off the beached catamaran.
Dry Bag (5–10L)
Keeps your phone, camera, and a spare layer protected from spray and sand.
Polarized SunglassesEssential
Cuts glare on the water for spotting wildlife and improves visibility for photography.
Common Questions
Where does the cruise depart from?
Departures are from the Beaufort, NC waterfront; specific dock details are provided in your confirmation after booking.
Is lunch included?
Yes. A catered lunch from Beaufort Grocery Co. is included and served during the beach stop at Cape Lookout.
Can I bring a cooler or my own drinks?
Personal coolers aren’t permitted. Guests 21+ should bring a valid ID for any alcoholic beverages served on board.
Is snorkeling gear provided?
No. Bring your own mask, snorkel, and fins if you plan to explore the shallows.
Is the cruise suitable for young children?
Under most circumstances, the six-hour duration is too long for children under five. Families with young kids should consider shorter outings.
Is the boat accessible for wheelchairs?
The crew can accommodate wheelchair users with some limitations. Call the office before booking to discuss specific needs.
What to Pack
Reef-safe sunscreen to protect skin and marine life; water shoes for shell-rich beaches; a compact dry bag for valuables and a spare layer; motion-sickness tablets if you’re sensitive to swell.
Did You Know
Cape Lookout Lighthouse’s diamond pattern is a navigational daymark—black diamonds point north–south, white diamonds east–west—and the current brick tower was completed in 1859.
Quick Travel Tips
Arrive 30 minutes early for boarding and parking on Beaufort’s waterfront; bring snorkel gear if you want to swim—none is provided; check weather the morning of your trip and pack a light wind layer; no personal coolers allowed—lunch is included.
Local Flavor
Post-cruise, wander Front Street for coastal eats. Grab dinner at Moonrakers’ rooftop for sunset over Taylor’s Creek, or keep it casual with a sandwich and craft beer at Beaufort Grocery Co. Sailors’ favorite Backstreet Pub is a cozy spot for a pint. If time allows, the NC Maritime Museum dives deep into Blackbeard’s local lore.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: EWN (Coastal Carolina Regional, New Bern), ~38 miles. Departure: Beaufort waterfront dock (exact details in confirmation). Drive time: 10 minutes from Morehead City. Cell service: Generally good in town; spotty at Cape Lookout. Permits: None required for the cruise; lighthouse climbs are seasonal and ticketed separately.
Sustainability Note
Cape Lookout National Seashore is a nesting area for shorebirds and sea turtles—pack out all trash, use reef-safe sunscreen, and avoid walking on dune vegetation or marked nesting zones.
Continue Reading
Throttle Into Lake Wateree: Jet Ski Rental Days That Fly
Carve coves, chase open-water straights, and let South Carolina’s Lake Wateree show you how a day on a jet ski can fly. Here’s the how, when, and where to make the most of a half- or full-day rental.
Camden, South Carolina
Lake Champlain, Your Way: A Private Day Cruise From Burlington
Settle into a 90-minute private yacht cruise on Lake Champlain, where you call the shots—BYOB, picnic on deck, and soak up Adirondack-to-Green Mountain views. It’s an easy, flexible way to see Burlington’s waterfront and the region’s quiet grandeur from the best seat in the house.
Burlington, Vermont