Step aboard Tiki Time, Southport Water Tours’ private floating tiki bar. Customize your cruise with dolphin watching and visits to hidden sandbars along North Carolina’s scenic coast.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2+ hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; mostly seated with some standing and walking on board
Wildlife
History
Southport's maritime history dates back to the 18th century, serving as a key port in shipping and naval operations.
Conservation
Efforts to protect the delicate coastal habitat include careful route planning to minimize disturbance to wildlife and shorelines.
Southport Water Tours
Step aboard Tiki Time, Southport Water Tours’ private floating tiki bar. Customize your cruise with dolphin watching and visits to hidden sandbars along North Carolina’s scenic coast.
Southport Water Tours operates guided and private boat excursions from Southport, North Carolina, offering sightseeing, sunset, and customizable private cruises along the Cape Fear River and Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. The company runs a narrated 50-minute Sightseeing Cruise aboard the Sally Ann, intimate private options including the Private Sunset Cruise and Private Sightseeing Cruise, and specialty vessels such as the 25ft Parker pilot house River Runner and the floating tiki bar TIKI TIME.
Trips accommodate a range of group sizes and purposes, from quiet wildlife viewing and family outings to celebratory events like weddings and sunset gatherings. Several offerings explicitly invite guests to bring drinks and playlists, while the River Runner serves as a flexible water taxi and private cruiser for up to six passengers. TIKI TIME private cruises support up to 12 passengers and emphasize laid-back island-style experiences.
Captains provide light narration on historical sites, local ecology, and coastal landmarks, enhancing each voyage with regional context. Operating from Southport, the company focuses on safety, punctual departures, and scenic routes through the Intracoastal Waterway and Cape Fear River.
Reservations can be made for scheduled public cruises or arranged as private charters tailored to specific itineraries and durations. The business highlights local knowledge of Southport and nearby Oak Island, delivering memorable waterfront experiences for visitors and residents seeking guided tours, sunset cruises, or custom private trips. Schedules vary seasonally; peak months offer more departures while off-peak periods allow flexible private charter scheduling and personalized route planning. Reservations are recommended for private trips.
Location
Southport, NC
On the Cape Fear River
Fleet
Sally Ann, River Runner, TIKI TIME
Varied boats for different group sizes
Max Group Size
12 passengers
Largest private trips accommodate twelve
Trip Lengths
50–90 minutes
Short tours and longer sunset cruises
Book the Sally Ann, River Runner, or TIKI TIME for a narrated tour, sunset cruise, or private charter in Southport, NC.
Arrive Early
Plan to arrive 15-20 minutes before departure for a smooth check-in and briefing.
Bring Sun Protection
Even with shaded areas, sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats keep you comfortable on the open water.
BYOB Policy
Pack your favorite beverages and snacks to enjoy; ice and Bluetooth speakers are provided on board.
Weather Watch
Cruises may be rescheduled or refunded if weather conditions become unsafe; light rain under the tiki roof is usually fine.
Sunscreen
Protects skin from UV rays during sun-filled cruises.
spring
Sunglasses
Reduces glare across open water for comfortable sightseeing.
summer
Light Jacket
Keeps you warm during cool coastal breezes.
fall
Swimsuit
Optional for those who want to swim at beaches or sandbars.
summer