ICW Scenic Cruise: Emerald Isle Dolphin and Eco Tour to Swansboro
Looking for a dolphin tour in Emerald Isle? The ICW Scenic Cruise is a private 2-hour trip on Bogue Sound and the Intracoastal Waterway for your group only. We leave the Emerald Isle Boat Ramp, pass under the famous Emerald Isle bridge and cruise toward Downtown Swansboro, with salt air, open water and plenty of time to watch for dolphins, ospreys and eagles. It's also our Emerald Isle Eco Tour, an easy, seated look at the salt marshes, oyster beds and barrier islands that make Bogue Sound so full of life.
$150 for your private boat with 2 guests, plus $40 for each extra guest (up to 6).
Dolphins on the ICW
A dolphin jumping in Bogue Sound on one of our private cruises. Dolphin watching on Bogue Sound.
Trip at a Glance
Length: 2 hours
Group: Private, one party, 2 to 6 guests
Boat: 24 ft Carolina Yachts boat, custom-made for touring
Captain: Captain Edward, USCG-certified, more than 10 years on Crystal Coast waters
Departs: Emerald Isle Boat Ramp, 6800 Emerald Drive, Emerald Isle, NC 28594
Days: Monday through Saturday (no Sunday tours)
Good for: families, nature lovers, first-time visitors, grandparents, pets
The Route: Emerald Isle to Downtown Swansboro
From the boat ramp we cruise the ICW under the Emerald Isle bridge and continue past:
Cedar Point, NC
Beautiful remote islands
Downtown Swansboro, NC
Hubert, NC
Salt marshes
Wind and boat traffic can change the exact route on the day.
Settled in for a scenic ride
Dolphin Watching on Bogue Sound and the ICW
Dolphins are often seen on most of our tours, rolling through the calm, shallow water of Bogue Sound and the Intracoastal Waterway. On a small private boat we can ease off the throttle when someone spots a fin and give everyone time to watch. Dolphins are wild, so we can't promise a sighting on any one trip, but our captain knows these waters and keeps an eye out the whole way. We watch from a respectful distance and let the dolphins set the pace.
Other wildlife you may see:
Ospreys and eagles
Pelicans and egrets
Rays
Deer along the shoreline
Dolphins on the ICW Scenic Cruise
An Eco Tour of Bogue Sound and the ICW
The ICW Scenic Cruise doubles as our Eco Tour. Along the way, we'll point out how this stretch of coast works: salt marsh grasses that shelter young fish, shrimp and crabs; oyster beds that filter the water; and the barrier islands that guard the sound from the open ocean. Ospreys nest on channel markers in spring and summer, and egrets, great blue herons and pelicans hunt the marsh edges. It's an easy way to see a living coastal ecosystem up close, from Emerald Isle to Swansboro.
Why Choose a Private Dolphin Cruise
Your group has the boat and Captain Edward to yourselves, so there are no crowds at the rail and no strangers on board. It's a relaxed, seated trip that works well for young kids, grandparents and anyone who wants to sit back and take in the views. We are a small business, and we love sharing these waters with families. Bring snacks and drinks (no open containers on the boat), and bring your dog too. Please email us about your pet ahead of time. Staying in Swansboro? Ask about a different pickup location. See boat tours near Swansboro, NC.
Safety on board: Type I US Coast Guard approved life jackets are on board, and children under 13 are required to wear an approved life jacket. Children ages 1 and up are welcome.
Want something different? See our Custom Private Charters. Planning your trip? See things to do in Emerald Isle.
What to Bring
Sun hat, sunscreen and sunglasses; polarized sunglasses make it easier to spot dolphins (our T-top gives you some shade)
Non-marking shoes
Binoculars or a camera if you have them
Snacks and drinks in a cooler (tell us the size)
Please arrive 20 minutes early and use the restroom at the docks. There's no bathroom on board.
ICW Scenic Cruise FAQ
Will we see dolphins?
Often, along with ospreys, eagles, pelicans and egrets. They're wild animals, so sightings can't be guaranteed.
Is this a good dolphin tour for kids?
Yes. It's a relaxed 2-hour trip with mostly seated cruising. Children ages 1 and up are welcome, and children under 13 wear an approved life jacket.
Where does the dolphin tour leave from?
The Emerald Isle Boat Ramp at 6800 Emerald Drive, Emerald Isle, NC 28594. Keep right down the hill and park in the single-car lot in front of the ramps.
Do you offer dolphin tours from Swansboro?
The cruise passes Downtown Swansboro, and our regular pickup is in Emerald Isle. If you're staying in Swansboro, ask about a different pickup location.
Do you offer an Eco Tour in Emerald Isle or Swansboro?
Yes. The ICW Scenic Cruise is our 2-hour Eco Tour on Bogue Sound and the Intracoastal Waterway, past salt marshes, oyster beds and barrier islands to Downtown Swansboro. Our regular pickup is in Emerald Isle, and Swansboro guests can ask about a different pickup. Want island stops too? The 3-hour Shelling Adventure is an island hopping Eco Tour with stops at shelling spots and shark tooth spots.
Can I see dolphins at sunset too?
Yes, on our Sunset Cruise. Want shelling stops with your wildlife? Try the 3-hour Shelling Adventure.
Can I propose on the ICW Scenic Cruise?
Yes. It's a private boat for just your group, cruising Bogue Sound and the Intracoastal Waterway, and proposals are welcome. Call 910-448-4218 so we can help plan the moment.
Book Your ICW Scenic Cruise
Marsh grass, open water and the whole Crystal Coast sliding by. Come Cruise the Sound!
Pick your date and time and reserve online. Questions? Call 910-448-4218 or email info@soundsidetours.com.
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Isaiah 43:19
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