Coastal Excursion/Sunset Cruise/Sand Dollars/Sea Shells/Horses

If you’re considering a day on the water in North Carolina’s beautiful Crystal Coast, you might have come across the Coastal Excursion and Sunset Cruise offered by Nautical Excursions. While I haven’t personally been on this exact tour, I’ve researched it thoroughly and can give you a clear picture of what to expect. For anyone craving a mix of wildlife, scenic views, and relaxing vibes, this private boat experience could be just what you need.

What really caught my eye are two major perks: First, the private nature of the tour means your group gets a personalized experience without the hustle and bustle of larger boat trips. Second, the variety of activities packed into just four hours—from dolphin watching to shell collecting—sounds both fun and relaxing. That said, keep in mind that this tour is weather dependent, so if conditions aren’t ideal, your plans might change. This tour feels best suited for those wanting an intimate, varied day on the water, whether you’re traveling as a couple, friends, or small family.

Key Points

• Private Experience: Your group gets exclusive access, making it more personal and flexible.
• Diverse Activities: Expect dolphin sightings, wild horses, shell collecting, swimming, and relaxing.
• Beautiful Scenery: Enjoy views of waterfronts, islands, and notable spots like Cape Lookout.
• Timing & Duration: Four hours offers a solid chunk of time without feeling rushed.
• Weather Matters: The tour is weather-dependent, so flexible plans are wise.
• Great Value: The cost of $235 for up to four people packs a lot of different experiences into a single trip.

What to Expect from the Coastal Excursion

An Introduction to the Tour

This private boat trip offers a well-rounded taste of what makes the Crystal Coast so special. It’s designed to be flexible and fun, with options to explore different parts of the coast or just relax and watch the world go by. The key attractions include dolphin sightings, wild horses, shell hunting, and a chance to swim or lounge on the water.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The tour starts at 100 Frontage St, Beaufort, where your group boards a boat that’s ready to take you on a four-hour adventure. From there, your guide will tailor the experience based on weather, sea conditions, and your interests, but typical highlights include visits to Sand Dollar Island, Carrot Island, Bird Shoals, Shackleford Banks, and Cape Lookout National Seashore.

These stops aren’t just pretty; they’re packed with wildlife and natural beauty. Expect to see dolphins playful in the water—an absolute crowd favorite, according to reviews, with one saying, “Dwayne was great, we had the best time!!!” Such encounters are often memorable, especially for animal lovers. Plus, you might spot the famous wild horses grazing on Shackleford Banks—an iconic sight for visitors.

Shell and Sand Dollar Hunting

A major draw for many is the chance to search for shells and sand dollars on Sand Dollar Island. The experience of walking on a sandy beach surrounded by shells is surprisingly calming, and collecting treasures makes the trip interactive and memorable. It’s a simple pleasure that adds to the sense of being in a true coastal paradise.

Swimming and Relaxation

The tour isn’t all wildlife and shell hunting—there’s plenty of time to swim or lounge on floats. If you’re into water activities, you’ll appreciate the opportunity to get pulled behind the boat on a four-passenger towable tube or just float around in the water. The relaxed pace allows you to unwind, soak in the sun, and enjoy the scenic beauty of the coast.

Sunset Cruise Option

For those who prefer a more tranquil, romantic vibe, the Sunset Cruise is a perfect choice. It’s a two-hour journey to watch the sunset over the water, offering stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere. The timing varies depending on the season, but it’s a popular way to end a day on the coast.

The Practicalities: What You Need to Know

Meeting Point & Duration

The adventure kicks off at 100 Frontage St in Beaufort, and the entire experience lasts around 4 hours. Because it’s a private tour, only your group participates, making it more intimate. You can expect the tour to end back at the starting point, giving you flexibility to plan your day afterward.

Cost & What’s Included

At $235 per group for up to four people, this tour offers good value considering the range of activities and personalized service. The fee covers the private boat, guiding services, life jackets (including US Coast Guard-approved ones for kids), and the various stops and activities.

Weather & Cancellation

Since the trip is weather-dependent, the provider offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled start. If the weather isn’t cooperative, they’ll either reschedule or give a full refund, so there’s no downside to booking in advance with some flexibility.

Additional Info

• Service animals are allowed, which is great for guests with special needs.
• Most travelers can participate, making it accessible for many.
• For fishing, those 16 and older need a North Carolina fishing license.
• The sunset cruise runs seven days a week during the season and weekends off-season, with start times varying.

What We Loved and What Could Be Better

The standout feature here is definitely the personalized aspect—it’s just your group, so no crowded boat experience. That allows for a more relaxed, flexible day, and the guide, Dwayne, was praised for being knowledgeable and friendly. It’s clear this trip is managed with care, especially for nature lovers and curious explorers.

The variety of activities—dolphin watching, shell hunting, swimming—means you get a full, diverse experience without needing multiple tours. For the price, it feels like you’re getting a lot of bang for your buck, especially since it’s tailored to your interests.

However, keep in mind that if you’re hoping for a guided deep dive into the history or cultural background of the area, this tour might not satisfy that curiosity. It’s more about appreciating the natural surroundings and wildlife.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

If you’re after a private, flexible day on the water with a good chance to see dolphins and wild horses, this tour fits the bill. It’s perfect for small groups who enjoy nature, light adventure, and some quiet time on the coast. Families with children comfortable around water should find it enjoyable, especially with the life jackets provided.

Those who prefer a structured, educational experience might look elsewhere, but for a laid-back, scenic escape into the coast’s natural beauty, this tour hits the right notes.

FAQs

• How long is the Coastal Excursion?
  It lasts approximately 4 hours, providing enough time for multiple stops and activities without feeling rushed.

• What is included in the price?
  The fee covers a private boat for your group, guide services, US Coast Guard-approved life jackets, and access to all the planned stops and activities.

• Can I cancel if the weather isn’t good?
  Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours beforehand. The tour is weather-dependent, and if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a reschedule or a full refund.

• Is this tour suitable for children?
  Most travelers can participate, and life jackets are provided for children under 13. It’s generally family-friendly, especially if your kids are comfortable around water.

• Can I fish during the tour?
  Fishing is available with a North Carolina inland fishing license for those aged 16 and above.

• When can I book the Sunset Cruise?
  It’s available 7 days a week during the season and on weekends off-season, with varying start and end times based on the season.

• Where does the tour start and end?
  Both start and finish at 100 Frontage St, Beaufort, NC. It’s a straightforward meeting point.

• Is there a limit on group size?
  Yes, the tour is designed for groups of up to 4 people, making it ideal for small gatherings.

• What if I want a different experience?
  You can choose from other tours like the Carolina history or ghost tours, but they aren’t part of this water-focused adventure.

• How is the value for money?
  Considering the personalized, multi-activity nature of the tour, it offers good value—you’re paying for an exclusive experience that covers wildlife, scenery, and relaxation in one trip.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a personalized, relaxed day on the water exploring North Carolina’s stunning coast, this private excursion checks many boxes. It’s especially appealing if you want a mix of wildlife viewing, shell collecting, and light water activities, all with a knowledgeable guide by your side. The flexible schedule and the chance to see dolphins and wild horses make it a memorable experience for anyone who loves nature and quiet beauty.

Just be sure to check the weather and plan for some flexibility—North Carolina’s coast can be unpredictable. But with the positive reviews and the focus on making your day special, this boat trip feels like a worthwhile way to soak in the best of the Crystal Coast.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just looking for a peaceful day on the water, this tour offers a great way to connect with nature and enjoy some quality time on the coast.