Emerald Isle Boat Tours

Every Soundside trip is a private charter for your group only: one boat, one party, 2 to 6 guests. Cruise Bogue Sound and the Intracoastal Waterway, watch for dolphins and shore birds, hunt for shells or catch the sunset. Celebrating a birthday, an anniversary or a family visit? Tell us when you book, or ask about a custom private charter with your own length and route.

All tours are private: one party per trip, 2 to 6 guests. Prices start at $150 for 2 guests; see open times when you click Book Now.

Shark Tooth Adventure – 2 hours – $185 for 2 guests, plus $50 per extra guest

Shelling Adventure – 3 hours – $200 for 2 guests, plus $50 per extra guest

Serious Shellers Cruise – 5 hours – $350 for 2 guests, plus $50 per extra guest

Sunset Cruise – 2 hours – $150 for 2 guests, plus $50 per extra guest

ICW Scenic Cruise – 2 hours – $150 for 2 guests, plus $40 per extra guest

Christmas Light Cruise (Nov 15 – Dec 25) – 1.5 hours – $250 for up to 4 guests, plus $25 per extra guest

Bear Island Camping Drop-Off and Pick-Up – your times – $100 for up to 4 campers and gear

Custom Private Charter – your choice – call 910-448-4218 for a quote

Do you run tours year-round?

Yes. We run all year. Tours run Monday through Saturday. Bear Island Camping drop-offs and pick-ups are available 7 days a week, including Sundays. The Christmas Light Cruise runs November 15 through December 25. Click Book Now to see open times for your dates. Dolphins are often seen on most of our tours.

Shelling and island hopping

Our Shelling Adventure and Serious Shellers Cruise take you to shelling spots and remote islands where you can search for sand dollars, Scotch bonnets, olive shells, whelks and shark teeth. They're one of the most popular things to do in Emerald Isle with kids and shell collectors. Want to hunt for fossil shark teeth? Try our 2-hour Shark Tooth Adventure.

Sunset cruises

The Sunset Cruise leaves Emerald Isle and heads toward Swansboro and Bogue Inlet before returning, so you can watch the sunset from the water.

Scenic wildlife cruises

The ICW Scenic Cruise passes Cedar Point, remote islands, Downtown Swansboro, Hubert and the salt marshes. Keep an eye out for dolphins, ospreys, eagles, pelicans, egrets, rays and deer.

Holiday lights

From November 15 to December 25, the Christmas Light Cruise shows off waterfront homes, docks and boats decorated for the holidays, with hot chocolate and cookies on board.

Custom private charters

Want a different length, your own route or a trip built around a birthday, a family visit or a photo outing? Our Custom Private Charters are planned around your group. Call or email Captain Edward to start.Camping on Bear Island? See our Bear Island Camping Drop-Off and Pick-Up.

Dress for sun and spray. Bring hats, sunscreen, sunglasses and non-marking waterproof shoes.

Expect to get a little wet, especially on shelling trips where you'll walk along the water's edge.

Weather can change quickly on the Crystal Coast. If conditions look unsafe, we'll contact you within 4 hours of your trip to talk about rescheduling.

Have a large group?

Large groups are welcome with advance notice. Call 910-448-4218 to plan your trip.

Have more questions? Visit our FAQ.

Looking for more to do while you're in town? See our guide to things to do in Emerald Isle.