Boat Tours and Custom Charters
Private time on the water, built around tide, wind, and local knowledge.
Book a scheduled tour instantly or request a custom charter tailored to your group.
Small groups. Quiet water. Local knowledge.
Scheduled Boat Tours
Pick one of our signature tours and book online in minutes.
• Private to your group
• Up to 6 guests per vessel
• Per-boat pricing (see below)
Private Custom Charters
Want something more specific than a standard tour?
We’ll build the plan around your goals, timing, and conditions.
• Inquiry-only so we can confirm logistics
• Starting rates shown upfront
• Great for custom routes, longer outings, or specific focuses
Signature Coastal Experiences
Four signature tours. One standard: calm, confident, well-run.
Choose the experience that fits your group. We run the best route for the day’s conditions and your tour type.
All scheduled tours are priced per boat for up to 4 guests. Additional guests (5th and 6th) can be added at booking.
Quick facts:
Max capacity: Up to 6 guests per vessel
Wildlife: Never guaranteed, always pursued responsibly
Departures: Pre-arranged public access points (details below)
Dolphins, Wildlife and Shelling Tour
4 hours | $580 per boat (up to 4 guests)
Add guests: +$25 per person (max 6)
Discovery-focused cruise for dolphins and coastal wildlife plus a stop for shelling and fossil finds when conditions allow.
Best for: families, first-time visitors, relaxed exploring
Effort level: Easy (mostly seated, brief sandbar walk)
Includes: Binoculars onboard and ID charts as available
Bring: sun protection, water, your own binoculars if you prefer
Marsh Island Oyster Farm Tour
4 hours | $580 per boat (up to 4 guests)
Add guests: +$25 per person (max 6)
A hands-on working-water experience in coordination with Marsh Island Oyster Company. Visit a working lease area with permission and participate in simple, guided tasks when conditions allow.
Best for: curious first-timers, families, working-water culture
Effort level: Moderate (expect wading in shallow water and handling gear)
Includes: Safety gear, oyster tools, guided instruction
Bring: closed-toe water shoes, sun protection, water, light snack
Shucking demonstration included when available. Any tasting is at the captain’s discretion when available and conditions allow.
Backwater and Island Discovery Tour
4 hours | $580 per boat (up to 4 guests)
Add guests: +$25 per person (max 6)
Quiet backwaters, shallow creeks, and remote stops that larger boats cannot reach. Strong focus on scenery, solitude, and flexible routing.
Best for: couples, photographers, “get me away from crowds” guests
Effort level: Moderate (moving for views, occasional chop depending on conditions)
Includes: Safety gear, binoculars onboard
Bring: light jacket in shoulder seasons, sun protection, water
Golden Hour Sunset Cruise
2 hours | $279 per boat (up to 4 guests)
Add guests: +$25 per person (max 6)
Seasonal evening cruise timed for the best light. Simple, calm pacing with route choice based on wind and water.
Best for: couples, quick experiences, evening plans
Effort level: Easy
Bring: light layer, camera/phone, water
Private Charters
Private Custom Charters
If you want a custom plan, a longer window, a specific focus, or multi-boat options, submit a charter request. We’ll confirm feasibility, meeting point, timing, and final details based on conditions.
Private Charter starting rates (recommended):
2 hours: starting at $449 (up to 4 guests)
4 hours: starting at $749 (up to 4 guests)
6 hours: starting at $1,049 (up to 4 guests)
Add guests (5th and 6th): +$50 per person
Multi-boat charter (up to 12 guests):
4 hours: starting at $1,498 (two boats, up to 8 guests)
Add guests (9 to 12): +$40 per person
Book Your Time on the Water
Choose a tour or private charter, pick a date, and reserve your time in minutes.
Each experience follows a general plan, with routes and timing adjusted for weather, tides, and the day’s conditions to ensure the best possible experience.
Tours follow a planned experience and are ideal if you want a guided outing.
Private charters offer more flexibility for groups, preferences, or special requests.
Have a question before booking?
Departures & Meeting Points
Coastal Passages operates as a service-area business serving North Carolina’s Crystal Coast. We do not operate from a public storefront or office.
How meeting points work
Your meeting point is confirmed in your booking email.
We meet at pre-arranged public access points based on trip type, conditions, and schedule.
Scheduled Tours (book online):
Default departure is an Emerald Isle public access point.
Cedar Point departures:
Only used when explicitly offered for that time slot, or when the captain confirms a change due to conditions and notifies guests in writing (text/email) no later than the day before whenever possible.
Arrival timing
Plan to arrive 15 minutes early for parking, gear, and a short safety briefing.
Cancellations & Weather
More than 72 hours before departure: full refund (minus any non-refundable processing fees).
72 hours or less: no refund. No-shows: no refund.
If the captain cancels for weather or safety: choose a full refund or reschedule credit.
FAQs
Are tours private or shared?
Private. Your booking reserves the boat for your group.
How many people can go?
Up to 6 guests per vessel.
Do you guarantee dolphins or wildlife?
No. We run the best plan for the day and target likely areas, but wildlife is never guaranteed.
Where do we meet?
Your meeting point is confirmed in your booking email.
How do custom charters work?
Submit an inquiry and we confirm timing, meeting point, and feasibility based on conditions.