Explore All the Ways to Enjoy Being on the Water in Wilmington, NC

We live in a watery world in Wilmington, NC. To make the most of it, explore all the different ways we have to enjoy being on the water in our Port City—and that means boats.

If you don’t have a boat of your own, you can still get out on the water! Here are a few local boats that can help you get your sea legs and enjoy being on the water in Wilmington and nearby areas.

Battleship North Carolina Brings the Pacific to Wilmington

Moored directly across the Cape Fear River from downtown Wilmington, the Battleship North Carolina allows river views while presenting a hands-on history of the ship’s World War II history. Learn about the battleship’s tour of the Pacific theater while exploring above and below decks.

Cape Fear Riverboats Explores the Cape Fear and Black Rivers

Boating doesn’t get any easier than this! Step aboard a Cape Fear Riverboat for an hour-long $10 narrated sightseeing cruise. Bring along the kids or out-of-towners and learn a little something about our native rivers while you enjoy being on the water. You can even take a picnic aboard—Anne Bonny’s Bar and Grill can muster provisions.

Or step back in time to a scenic wilderness with a Black River Nature Cruise. These narrated 4-hour cruises explore the Northwest Cape Fear and the Black River with miles of scenic wilderness, old-growth cypress trees, and glimpses of wildlife and rare birds. Enjoy being on the water and explore places most people will never see.

Wilmington Yacht Charters Plies the Cape Fear River

All aboard the Sanjema II for your choice of hourly, daily or weekly cruises.  Wilmington Yacht Charters cruises the Cape Fear River for short cruises to downtown or longer cruises to Wrightsville Beach, Bald Head Island, and Southport. Your business meeting, private party, or romantic date will be better when everyone can enjoy being on the water.

Get Out on the Water Aboard the Queen Jean

Queen Jean charter fishing boat on Topsail Island NC

In nearby Surf City on Topsail Island, the Queen Jean takes landlubbers out on the water for several types of trips:

• Half-day fishing trips depart at 9 a.m. Mondays through Saturdays, returning at 2 p.m. The boat goes 10-20 miles offshore.
• The Kids’ Fishing Adventure gets the kids on the water for 2 ½ hours, gear supplied. Kids under 7 must be accompanied by an adult.
• Enjoy being on the water for an evening cruise at sunset. BYO drinks and food. The cruise departs at 6 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays.

Topsail Charter Fishing Lets You Enjoy the Water

Even young fishermen can capture a big prize when they are with Topsail Charter Fishing

For a variety of fishing and boating experiences, look to Topsail Charter Fishing. Choose from:

• Inshore and offshore fishing trips
• Family days trips for fishing, eco-touring, crabbing, and clamming
• Flounder gigging at night
• Instruction in surf fishing and boating
• Boat rentals
• Guided kayak tours
• And more!

Take a Cruise on the Vonda Kay

The Vonda Kay charter fishing boat has been finding where the big fish live for many years.

In Wrightsville Beach, the Vonda Kay is available for Gulfstream full day fishing or half day fishing cruises in search of black sea bass, mahi mahi, amberjack, snapper, and more. Or try an evening sunset cruise or a private charter. There’s even a galley on board serving sandwiches, burgers, soft drinks, and beer. It’s a perfect way to enjoy being on the water!