Set sail from Morehead City on a 5.5-hour boat adventure that uncovers Cape Lookout's lighthouse, wild horse herds, and charming coastal towns. An unforgettable coastal expedition awaits—perfect for history lovers and wildlife fans alike.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
about 5.5 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should be comfortable sitting for extended periods and managing boarding and disembarking from boats.
Wildlife
History
Cape Lookout Lighthouse, built in 1859, has guided mariners for over 150 years and remains a prominent feature of this coast.
Conservation
H2O Captain emphasizes eco-friendly stewardship, ensuring marine habitats and wild horse populations are protected for future generations.
H2O Captain Eco-Tour Private Boat Excursions
Set sail from Morehead City on a 5.5-hour boat adventure that uncovers Cape Lookout's lighthouse, wild horse herds, and charming coastal towns. An unforgettable coastal expedition awaits—perfect for history lovers and wildlife fans alike.
H2O Captain Eco-Tour Private Boat Excursions provides private, small-group boat charters along North Carolina’s Crystal Coast. Captain Mark leads guided eco-focused trips to Shackleford Banks, Sand Dollar Island, Cape Lookout, and local creeks, highlighting wild Shackleford Banker horses, dolphin encounters, shelling, and coastal history. Trips include sunset cruises, two-island adventures, half-day lighthouse tours, serene beach picnics, canal explorations, and custom charters designed for families, shellers, photographers, and new boat owners. Every excursion emphasizes respectful wildlife viewing, low-impact anchoring, and shoreline stewardship to protect fragile habitats.
The fleet offers comfortable, private vessels equipped for short to half-day outings ranging from three to five and a half hours. The two-island tour supplies reusable shelling bags for participants; other itineraries feature guided walks, lighthouse visits, and secluded picnic spots reachable only by boat. Custom itineraries can include overnight plans, navigation coaching, and targeted mariner guidance for shallow-water routes.
H2O Captain Eco-Tour maintains local knowledge of currents, tides, and seasonal wildlife behavior, ensuring safe, memorable, and educational experiences. Booking is private by design, allowing personalized pacing and focus on each group’s interests. The operation serves visitors to Beaufort, Morehead City, Atlantic Beach, and surrounding waterfront communities, providing clear meeting points such as Coral Bay Marina. Reviews consistently praise natural encounters, Captain Mark’s local expertise, and thoughtful trip planning. For visitors seeking an intimate, conservation-minded way to experience the Crystal Coast’s wild horses, beaches, and waterways, H2O Captain Eco-Tour Private Boat Excursions delivers tailored, trustworthy adventures.
Advance reservations are recommended year-round for popular seasonal trips.
Captain
Captain Mark
Known local guide
Destinations
Shackleford & Cape Lookout
Wild horses, sand dollars, beaches
Trip Lengths
3–5.5 hours
Short to half-day adventures
Keepsake
Reusable shelling bag
Included on 2-island tour
Secure a tailored Crystal Coast boat excursion—wild horses, shelling, dolphins, and sunset trips sell out fast.
Wear sun protection
Bring sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to stay comfortable during extended time on the water.
Bring binoculars
Enhance wildlife viewing with binoculars, especially for spotting wild horses and seabirds.
Dress in layers
Weather on the coast can shift; layer your clothing for warmth or cooling as needed.
Stay hydrated
Bring water and snacks to stay refreshed during the approximately 5.5-hour trip.
Sunscreen
Protects your skin from harsh UV rays during long hours on the water.
summer
Binoculars
Helps in spotting distant wildlife, especially wildlife on Shackleford Banks.
Hat and sunglasses
Shield your eyes and face from sun exposure.
summer
Layers of clothing
Adjust to changing weather conditions throughout the day.