Hop aboard a private boat and get up close to Cape Lookout's towering lighthouse. Discover maritime history, scenic views, and enjoy the thrill of a personalized Outer Banks adventure with H2O Captain Eco-Tour Private Boat Excursions.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; minimal physical activity involved
Wildlife
History
Cape Lookout Lighthouse has been guiding mariners safely since the 1800s, playing a key role in local maritime navigation.
Conservation
Tours support local preservation efforts, encouraging eco-friendly practices and awareness of coastal ecosystems.
H2O Captain Eco-Tour Private Boat Excursions
Hop aboard a private boat and get up close to Cape Lookout's towering lighthouse. Discover maritime history, scenic views, and enjoy the thrill of a personalized Outer Banks adventure with H2O Captain Eco-Tour Private Boat Excursions.
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.
Book in advance
Private boat tours fill up quickly, especially in peak season, so reserve early for the best dates.
Wear weather-appropriate clothing
Bring layers and sun protection; conditions at sea can change rapidly.
Bring binoculars and camera
Capture the views and observe wildlife like seabirds and dolphins along the way.
Check tidal conditions
Tides influence boat access; plan your trip during moderate tide levels for smooth navigation.
Sunscreen
Protect your skin from strong sun exposure while on the water.
summer
Hat and sunglasses
Shield yourself from glare and UV rays during the boat ride.
summer
Light jacket or rain gear
Be prepared for wind and possible showers in cooler months.
spring|fall|winter
Camera or smartphone with zoom
Capture the stunning lighthouse views and wildlife along the coast.
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