Private EcoTours
&
Adventures
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
• Skiff up to 4 guests, tritoon up to 6
• 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 tours are priced per boat. Coastal skiff, up to 4 guests: 2 hours $200, 3 hours $300, 4 hours $375. Veranda tritoon, up to 6 guests: 2 hours $275, 3 hours $325, 4 hours $425. Trip Protection, fresh oysters, and the Oyster Farm Experience (tritoon only) are add-ons at booking.
Quick facts:
Explore: Family friendly fun for ALL ages
Wildlife: Never guaranteed, always pursued responsibly
Departures: Pre-arranged public access points (details below)
Dolphins, Wildlife and Shelling Tour
Skiff up to 4 guests, tritoon up to 6
Book by the hour: 2, 3, or 4 hours. Trip Protection available at booking.
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
Tritoon only, up to 6 guests
3 hours from $325. Add the Oyster Farm Experience and fresh Marsh Island oysters at booking.
A hands-on working-water experience in coordination with Marsh Island Oyster Company. Visit a working lease, wade in, handle the gear, and take part in simple guided tasks during your own oyster demonstration. Runs on the tritoon, up to 6 guests.
Best for: curious first-timers, families, working-water culture
Effort level: Moderate (expect wading in shallow water and handling gear)
Includes: Full Oyster demonstration, Oyster farm overview, sandbar exploration
Bring: closed-toe water shoes, sun protection, water, light snack
Shucking demonstration included when available.
Backwater and Island Discovery Tour
Skiff up to 4 guests, tritoon up to 6
Book by the hour: 2, 3, or 4 hours. Trip Protection available at booking.
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 | Skiff $200 (up to 4 guests) or Tritoon $275 (up to 6)
Choose sunset timing in the booking questionnaire. Trip Protection available at booking.
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
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 starting rates:
Coastal skiff, up to 4 guests: 2 hours $200, 3 hours $300, 4 hours $375
Veranda tritoon, up to 6 guests: 2 hours $275, 3 hours $325, 4 hours $425
Second boat for larger groups: $580
Beach days and multi-boat custom charters: inquiry only
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):
Emerald Isle pickup at 6800 Emerald Drive (free parking), or the Swansboro public ramp beside Clyde Phillips Seafood. Choose the one closest to where you are staying. Full details on the Departures page.
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 4 on the skiff, up to 6 on the tritoon. Larger groups run two boats or book a beach day.
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.