Where do your boat tours depart from?
Our regular pickup is the Emerald Isle Boat Ramp, 6800 Emerald Drive, Emerald Isle, NC 28594. Staying in town? See things to do in Emerald Isle.
Do you have departures from Swansboro?
Our regular pickup is 6800 Emerald Drive in Emerald Isle. If you're staying in Swansboro, inquire about a different pickup location and let us know if you'd like to see tours departing from Swansboro. Call 910-448-4218 or email info@soundsidetours.com. Several of our routes, including the Sunset Cruise and the ICW Scenic Cruise, run along the ICW and Bogue Sound toward Swansboro.
Where exactly do we meet, and where do I park?
Meet at the Emerald Isle Boat Ramp, 6800 Emerald Drive, Emerald Isle, NC 28594. Keep right all the way down the hill and continue straight back to the single-car parking lot directly in front of the boat ramps. Please avoid the truck-and-trailer parking (the extra-long spaces). Arrive 20 minutes before your start time. Questions about finding us? Call Captain Edward at 910-448-4218.
Do you offer custom private charters?
Yes. If you'd like your own length, route or stops for a birthday, a family trip, a photo outing, shelling or a holiday outing, call or email us. See Custom Private Charters.
Can you take more than 6 guests?
Yes. Each boat takes up to 6 guests, and larger groups are welcome with advance notice. Call 910-448-4218 or email info@soundsidetours.com as early as you can so we can set it up.
Are the tours private?
Yes. Every trip is booked by a single party, with 2 to 6 guests per boat.
How do I book?
Check availability and book online with the Book Now button on this page, or call 910-448-4218.
When should I arrive?
Please arrive at least 20 minutes before departure. That gives you time to gather your things and use the restroom before boarding.
How much do your boat tours cost?
Every trip is private, so you pay for your boat, not by the seat.
- ICW Scenic Cruise (2 hours): $150 for 2 guests, plus $40 for each extra guest
- Sunset Cruise (2 hours): $150 for 2 guests, plus $50 for each extra guest
- Shark Tooth Adventure (2 hours): $185 for 2 guests, plus $50 for each extra guest
- Shelling Adventure (3 hours): $200 for 2 guests, plus $50 for each extra guest
- Serious Shellers Cruise (5 hours): $350 for 2 guests, plus $50 for each extra guest
- Christmas Light Cruise (1.5 hours, Nov 15 – Dec 25): $250 for up to 4 guests, plus $25 for each extra guest
All trips are for 2 to 6 guests. Large groups are welcome with advance notice. Call 910-448-4218 to plan your trip.
Is the price per person or per boat?
Per boat. Every trip is private for your group of 2 to 6 guests, and the price covers your boat.
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.
Do you run tours on Sundays?
Our boat tours run Monday through Saturday. The one exception is Bear Island Camping: we do drop-offs and pick-ups on Sundays too, so you can plan your camping trip around your schedule. Call 910-448-4218 to set it up.
Do you sell gift certificates?
Gift certificates are available in $50, $100, $200 and $500 amounts when you book online.
How far is Emerald Isle from Atlantic Beach, Morehead City, Beaufort and Raleigh?
All our tours depart from the Emerald Isle Boat Ramp, 6800 Emerald Drive, Emerald Isle, NC. From Atlantic Beach it's about 25 minutes, from Morehead City about 30 minutes, from Beaufort about 40 minutes and from Raleigh about 2½ hours. Plan to arrive 20 minutes before your trip.
