Are Tours Private Or Shared?

Tours are private. Your booking reserves the boat for your group.

How Many People Can Go?

Up to 6 guests per vessel for scheduled tours and single-boat charters.

How Does Pricing Work?

Scheduled tours are priced per boat for up to 4 guests. Guests 5 and 6 can be added during booking.

Do You Offer Custom Charters?

Yes. Custom charters are inquiry-only so we can confirm timing, logistics, and conditions before you commit.

Is gratuity included? What is a typical tip?

Gratuity is not included. If you feel your captain and guide delivered a great experience, 15 to 20% of the trip total is a common range. Tips are always optional and always appreciated.

Your meeting point is confirmed in your booking email for scheduled tours. For custom charters, your meeting point is confirmed in writing after your request is reviewed and approved.

Do You Always Depart From The Same Place?

No. Meeting points are selected based on trip type and conditions.

Where Do Scheduled Tours Usually Depart?

Most scheduled tours depart from an Emerald Isle public access point.

When Do You Use Cedar Point?

Cedar Point departures are only used when explicitly offered for that time slot, or when conditions require a change and you are notified in writing (text or email) no later than the day before whenever possible.

How Early Should We Arrive?

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

What Happens If The Weather Is Bad?

If conditions are unsafe, the captain will cancel. When Coastal Passages cancels due to weather or safety, you can choose a full refund or reschedule credit.

Who Decides If A Trip Runs?

The captain makes the final call on whether a trip runs and how it is routed.

Can The Route Change After We Book?

Yes. Routes and activities may change due to tide, wind, visibility, boat traffic, or safety considerations. A route change is not a cancellation.

Are Dolphins, Wildlife, Or Sunsets Guaranteed?

No. Wildlife is never guaranteed. Sunset quality depends on cloud cover and visibility.

What If We Are Running Late?

Use the Contact page as early as possible so we can advise you.

What Happens If We Miss Departure?

Late arrivals can shorten your time on the water. If you miss departure, the booking may be treated as a no-show with no refund.

How Do Custom Charters Work?

You submit a request with your goals, date range, group size, and duration. We confirm feasibility based on conditions and logistics, then provide written confirmation.

Can You Pick Us Up At A Specific Location?

Sometimes, but pickup locations are not guaranteed. Meeting points are confirmed after review.

Can We Combine Dolphins, Sandbar Time, And Scenic Cruising?

Often, yes, if conditions allow. We will recommend a plan that fits your time window.

What Should We Bring On Any Tour?

Sun protection and water are the basics. A light layer is recommended for mornings, evenings, and windy days.

Comfortable clothing that can handle sun and salt. Bring a light layer. For any sandbar stop, wear shoes that can handle sand.

Do We Need Water Shoes?

For the Marsh Island Oyster Farm Tour, closed-toe water shoes or sturdy sandals that can get wet are strongly recommended.

Can We Bring A Camera Or Binoculars?

Yes. If you have a preferred pair of binoculars, bring them.

Are Tours Good For Kids?

Yes. Families are welcome. If you have very young children, include that in your booking notes so we can plan the smoothest route possible.

What If Someone In Our Group Has Mobility Limitations?

Tell us during booking or in your charter request. We will plan the most accessible meeting point and route when possible, and we will be direct about what is realistic.

Pets are not permitted unless explicitly approved in advance for a private charter request.

Will We Definitely Stop For Shelling?

Stops depend on tide, wind, and safety. If a stop is not safe or worthwhile, we will focus on wildlife and exploring calmer areas instead.

Usually, yes, but rules can vary by location. We will give guidance before the stop.

Can We Bring Snacks Or Drinks?

You can bring water and light snacks. If you plan to bring anything else, use the Contact page before your trip so we can confirm what is allowed.

Do You Provide Coolers?

There is limited cooler space onboard. If you have specific needs, mention it during booking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find quick answers below. If you do not see your question, use the Contact page and we will respond as soon as possible.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are Tours Private Or Shared?
Tours are private. Your booking reserves the boat for your group.
How Many People Can Go?
Up to 6 guests per vessel for scheduled tours and single-boat charters.
How Does Pricing Work?
Scheduled tours are priced per boat for up to 4 guests. Guests 5 and 6 can be added during booking.
Do You Offer Custom Charters?
Yes. Custom charters are inquiry-only so we can confirm timing, logistics, and conditions before you commit.
Is gratuity included? What is a typical tip?
Gratuity is not included. If you feel your captain and guide delivered a great experience, 15 to 20% of the trip total is a common range. Tips are always optional and always appreciated.
Where Do We Meet?
Your meeting point is confirmed in your booking email for scheduled tours. For custom charters, your meeting point is confirmed in writing after your request is reviewed and approved.
Do You Always Depart From The Same Place?
No. Meeting points are selected based on trip type and conditions.
Where Do Scheduled Tours Usually Depart?
Most scheduled tours depart from an Emerald Isle public access point.
When Do You Use Cedar Point?
Cedar Point departures are only used when explicitly offered for that time slot, or when conditions require a change and you are notified in writing (text or email) no later than the day before whenever possible.
How Early Should We Arrive?
Plan to arrive 15 minutes early for parking, gear, and a short safety briefing.
What Happens If The Weather Is Bad?
If conditions are unsafe, the captain will cancel. When Coastal Passages cancels due to weather or safety, you can choose a full refund or reschedule credit.
Who Decides If A Trip Runs?
The captain makes the final call on whether a trip runs and how it is routed.
Can The Route Change After We Book?
Yes. Routes and activities may change due to tide, wind, visibility, boat traffic, or safety considerations. A route change is not a cancellation.
Are Dolphins, Wildlife, Or Sunsets Guaranteed?
No. Wildlife is never guaranteed. Sunset quality depends on cloud cover and visibility.
What If We Are Running Late?
Use the Contact page as early as possible so we can advise you.
What Happens If We Miss Departure?
Late arrivals can shorten your time on the water. If you miss departure, the booking may be treated as a no-show with no refund.
How Do Custom Charters Work?
You submit a request with your goals, date range, group size, and duration. We confirm feasibility based on conditions and logistics, then provide written confirmation.
Can You Pick Us Up At A Specific Location?
Sometimes, but pickup locations are not guaranteed. Meeting points are confirmed after review.
Can We Combine Dolphins, Sandbar Time, And Scenic Cruising?
Often, yes, if conditions allow. We will recommend a plan that fits your time window.

What Should We Bring On Any Tour?
Sun protection and water are the basics. A light layer is recommended for mornings, evenings, and windy days.
What Should We Wear?
Comfortable clothing that can handle sun and salt. Bring a light layer. For any sandbar stop, wear shoes that can handle sand.
Do We Need Water Shoes?
For the Marsh Island Oyster Farm Tour, closed-toe water shoes or sturdy sandals that can get wet are strongly recommended.
Can We Bring A Camera Or Binoculars?
Yes. If you have a preferred pair of binoculars, bring them.
Are Tours Good For Kids?
Yes. Families are welcome. If you have very young children, include that in your booking notes so we can plan the smoothest route possible.
What If Someone In Our Group Has Mobility Limitations?
Tell us during booking or in your charter request. We will plan the most accessible meeting point and route when possible, and we will be direct about what is realistic.
Can We Bring Pets?
Pets are not permitted unless explicitly approved in advance for a private charter request.
Will We Definitely Stop For Shelling?
Stops depend on tide, wind, and safety. If a stop is not safe or worthwhile, we will focus on wildlife and exploring calmer areas instead.
Can We Keep Shells?
Usually, yes, but rules can vary by location. We will give guidance before the stop.
Can We Bring Snacks Or Drinks?
You can bring water and light snacks. If you plan to bring anything else, use the Contact page before your trip so we can confirm what is allowed.
Do You Provide Coolers?
There is limited cooler space onboard. If you have specific needs, mention it during booking.
Use the Contact page and we will respond as soon as possible.

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