Hop onboard H2O Captain’s Sunset & Dolphin Cruise for an evening of wildlife, stunning sunsets, and tranquil waters. Experience playful dolphins and wild horses in their coastal habitat straight from the boat, creating memories that last a lifetime.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; minimal physical activity required
Wildlife
History
The waters around Morehead City have historically supported the region’s fishing heritage, dating back over a century.
Conservation
H2O Captain emphasizes eco-friendly practices, ensuring minimal disturbance to marine life and supporting local conservation efforts.
H2O Captain Eco-Tour Private Boat Excursions
Hop onboard H2O Captain’s Sunset & Dolphin Cruise for an evening of wildlife, stunning sunsets, and tranquil waters. Experience playful dolphins and wild horses in their coastal habitat straight from the boat, creating memories that last a lifetime.
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.
Bring Camera and Binoculars
A camera will help capture the stunning sunset and wildlife sightings, while binoculars enhance your chances of seeing dolphins and horses at a distance.
Dress in Layers
Evenings can be cooler on the water, so layering ensures comfort during your cruise regardless of the weather.
Apply Sunscreen Before Boarding
Protect your skin from UV rays, especially during spring and summer trips when the sun is strong.
Arrive Early for the Best Spot
Getting to the boat port early allows for orientation and securing prime viewing positions for sunset photos.
Sunscreen
Protects your skin during daytime hours in the sun.
summer
Light jacket or sweater
Adds warmth as temperatures can drop in the evening.
spring|fall|winter
Binoculars
Helps spot distant wildlife more clearly.
Water
Stay hydrated during your cruise, especially on warm days.