Departures & Meeting Points

Map showing a section of highway near waterways, with icons indicating businesses like Coastal Passages Departure, Dudley's Marina Ice Fishing Spot, Crystal Coast Jet-ski Tours, Waterway Inn, and Bogue H.
Map showing parking area labeled 'Parking For Bear Island' and a marker indicating 'Coastal Passages Bear Island Departure' with coordinates 34.67011, -77.14035.

Coastal Passages offers three pickup locations.

Swansboro is our main departure location and is located next to Clyde Phillips Seafood at 114 West Corbett Avenue (we are the first slip at the boat ramp)

Our Emerald Isle departures leave from:

6712 Emerald Drive

If you have booked a campsite at Bear Island our departure location is from the BOAT RAMP docks at Hammocks Beach State Park:  1572 State Rd 1511, Swansboro, NC 28584

Please call if you need an alternate departure location. 9104210013

Map showing Emerald Isle Adventures, Emerald Isle Sailing, El Boat Ramp, Chapel By the Sea, and Coastal Passages Departures near Emerald Drive and Scotch Bonnet Drive.

You book, we confirm, you arrive ready.

Meeting points are selected to keep the ride smoother, improve safety, and make the trip better based on wind, tide, and boat traffic.

What you’ll receive after booking

  • Exact meeting location and arrival instructions

  • Parking guidance and any access notes

  • A contact number for day-of coordination

Arrival timing

Plan to arrive 15 minutes early for parking and a short safety briefing.

Scheduled Boat Tours

Standard departure location

Most scheduled tours depart from a Swansboro.

We also depart from Emerald Isle

If you are camping on Bear Island please call prior to checking in at Hammocks Beach State Park.

Alternate Departure Location

Important: If conditions require a change, the meeting point will still be a public access location and you will be given clear instructions.

Private Custom Charters

Custom charters are inquiry-only because pickup options and timing depend on the plan, group needs, and conditions.

What to expect

  • You submit a request with preferred dates, group size, and goals

  • We confirm what’s feasible and provide pickup options if available

  • Your final meeting point is confirmed in writing before the charter

If you have a preferred area, include it in your inquiry. We will be direct about what’s realistic.

What to Expect at the Launch

Parking and access

Public access points vary. Some have limited parking, seasonal congestion, and walking distance to the ramp or shoreline.

Restrooms

Restroom availability depends on the access point. If restrooms are important for your group, tell us ahead of time and we’ll factor it in when selecting the meeting location.

Accessibility

If anyone in your group has mobility limitations, tell us during booking or inquiry. We will choose the most appropriate access point when possible.

What to bring

  • Pack Light

  • Sun protection and water

  • A light layer during shoulder seasons or evening trips

  • Closed-toe water shoes for the oyster farm tour

If You Are Running Late

If you think you will be late, contact us immediately using the number in your booking email.

Late arrivals can shorten your time on the water and may result in forfeiting the trip depending on the schedule and conditions

FAQs

Do you always depart from the same place?

No. We select meeting points based on trip type and conditions. Your meeting point is confirmed in your booking email.

Why can the meeting point change?

We may change meeting locations to optimize time on the water or to ensure favorable conditions.

Where do scheduled tours usually depart?

Most scheduled tours depart from Swansboro or Emerald Isle

Can custom charters depart from somewhere else?

Sometimes. Pickup options depend on the plan, timing, and conditions. We confirm feasibility after you submit your request.

Ready to book?

Choose the experience that fits your group and select a date.