End your day where the Crystal Coast is at its prettiest: on the water at golden hour. Our private 2-hour Sunset Cruise leaves the Emerald Isle Boat Ramp and runs along Bogue Sound and the Intracoastal Waterway toward Swansboro and Bogue Inlet, then heads home as the sky turns orange and pink over the marsh. The breeze cools and the water goes glassy. It's just your group on board.
$150 for your private boat with 2 guests, plus $50 for each extra guest (up to 6).
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
Route: Emerald Isle, toward Swansboro and Bogue Inlet, and back
Days: Monday through Saturday (no Sunday tours)
Good for: couples, families, friends, pets
As the light softens over the sound, keep watch for bottlenose dolphins surfacing in the sound and along the Intracoastal Waterway. Dolphins are often seen on most of our tours. On a private boat we can ease off and enjoy the moment when a pod comes by, always from a respectful distance. Dolphins are wild, so sightings can't be guaranteed, but the sunset makes every trip worth it.

Along with the sunset, watch for ospreys, eagles, rays, pelicans, egrets, deer and more. The route toward Swansboro and Bogue Inlet takes in marsh, barrier islands and open water, a relaxed way to see the best of the Crystal Coast at golden hour.

Sunset on the bow
Every cruise is booked by a single party, so you won't share the boat with strangers. Celebrate an anniversary or birthday, take the family out on the last night of vacation, or simply unwind together. Tell us what you're celebrating when you book. We are a small business, and we love sharing these waters with you. Bring snacks and drinks if you like (no open containers on the boat), and feel free to bring your dog. Please email us about your pet ahead of time.

Sun setting behind the wake
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.
A light layer, since evenings on the water can be breezy
Sunglasses and sunscreen
A camera or phone for sunset and dolphin photos
Snacks and drinks in a cooler (tell us the size)
Please arrive 20 minutes early. There's no bathroom on board, so use the restroom at the docks before we leave.
The Sunset Cruise runs toward Swansboro and Bogue Inlet, and our regular pickup is 6800 Emerald Drive in Emerald Isle. If you're staying in Swansboro, ask about a different pickup location, and let us know if you'd like to see tours departing from Swansboro. See boat tours near Swansboro, NC. Planning your trip? See things to do in Emerald Isle.
Will we see dolphins on the sunset cruise?
They're often spotted, but they're wild animals, so sightings can't be guaranteed.
What time does the sunset cruise leave?
Sunset departure times change with the seasons. You'll see the open times for your date when you click Book Now.
Is the sunset cruise good for couples and families?
Yes. It's private, so it suits a date night, an anniversary or a family trip. Children ages 1 and up are welcome.
Can I propose on the Sunset Cruise?
Yes. It's a private boat for just your group, and golden hour on Bogue Sound is a lovely time to ask. Call 910-448-4218 so we can help plan the moment.
Is there shade on the boat?
Yes. Our boat's T-top gives you some shade.
Can we bring our dog?
Yes, pets are welcome. Please email us about your pet when you book.
Want more daylight for wildlife?
Try the ICW Scenic Cruise, our 2-hour daytime cruise past Cedar Point and Downtown Swansboro.



Sunset over the Bogue Sound marsh

Golden hour on the bow

Warm light, salt air and the sound going gold around you. Come Catch the Sunset!
Questions? Call 910-448-4218 or email info@soundsidetours.com.
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Isaiah 43:19
Call 910-448-4218