Catch the last light of day on the Cape Fear River with Southport Water Tours’ Tiki Time Sunset Cruise. Feel the island vibe aboard a unique tiki boat as the sun sets over Southport’s scenic shores.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Minimal physical effort required; suitable for most ages and fitness levels.
Wildlife
History
Southport’s waterfront has long served as a strategic port since the 18th century, blending maritime history with modern recreation.
Conservation
Efforts to protect the Cape Fear River estuary balance sustainable tourism with preserving critical habitats for local flora and fauna.
Southport Water Tours
Catch the last light of day on the Cape Fear River with Southport Water Tours’ Tiki Time Sunset Cruise. Feel the island vibe aboard a unique tiki boat as the sun sets over Southport’s scenic shores.
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 for Seamless Boarding
Plan to arrive 15–20 minutes before departure to ensure a relaxed check-in and settling aboard the tiki boat.
Bring Your Own Drinks and Snacks
The cruise is BYOB—pack your favorite beverages and light snacks to complement the atmosphere.
Dress for Breeze and Sun
Light layers and a hat protect you from evening chill and sun exposure while on the open water.
Check Weather Before Booking
Rain can be accommodated under the tiki roof, but unsafe conditions may require rescheduling or refunds.
Sunglasses
Protect your eyes from low-angle sun during the evening cruise.
summer
Light Jacket or Windbreaker
Keep warm against the cool breeze over water at sunset.
fall
Non-slip Shoes
Ensure safe footing on a boat deck during boarding and while underway.
Cooler Bag
Keep your drinks and snacks chilled during the BYOB cruise.