beaufort boat tours cape lookout

Sailing Catamaran in Beaufort, NC.

Sailing fun for the whole family.

Lookout Cruises offers daily sailing excursions departing historic Beaufort for up to 37 passengers on a 45-foot catamaran with cushioned seating, plenty of shade, and a large clean restroom on board.

Our Cruises

Cape Lookout Cruise

12:00 pm – 6:00 pm

The beauty of the Cape Lookout lighthouse and its pristine surroundings is unparalleled. You’ll appreciate the stability and com fort of this 45-foot catamaran as we briskly make the six-mile ocean voyage to one of the premier anchorages in America.

Sunset Cruise

7:00 pm – 8:30 pm

The red and yellow North Carolina sunsets are some of the most beautiful in the world, and they’re yours to enjoy as we sail from the Beaufort waterfront into the gentle breezes of early evening.

Dolphin/Horse Watching Cruise

9:15 am – 11:15 am

You can watch the wild horses and dolphi ns just a few feet from the boat in their natural habitat. We join them every morning, and you can, too! This trip is great for adults and children of all ages.

Moonlight Cruise

9:00pm – 10:30pm

The Moonlight  Cruise runs only during the full moon period, so you’re guaranteed the beauty and tranquility that comes with a perfect moonlit evening. 

What a beautiful day we had. I would recommend this trip if you want to have a good time. The staff and Captain went above and beyond to make sure everything went smoothly. By far one of our favorite trips.

Pamela Hutton

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600 Front St.

Beaufort, NC 28516

United States

Opening Hours

8:30 am – 8:30 pm

+1 (252) 504-7245

[email protected]

VISITOR CENTERS

3409 Arendell Street, Morehead City, NC

Phone: (252) 726-8148

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

8401 Emerald Drive, Emerald Isle, NC

Phone: (252) 393-2008

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© 2024 Crystal Coast Tourism Authority

BOAT TOURS IN BEAUFORT NC

Looking for boat tours, trips & cruises.

There is certainly a great opportunity for experiencing the best of what Beaufort North Carolina has to offer. Much of the beauty of the Beaufort area can and should be seen from the water, enjoying the Wild Horses of Shackleford Banks, the Rachel Carson Estuarine Reserve, Fort Macon, the Cape Lookout National Seashore, and much more.

Easily Accessible from Atlantic Beach NC, Morehead City NC, Emerald Isle NC, New Bern NC & Jacksonville NC

LOOKOUT ADVENTURES ::  Top Rated *****

Don’t buy a boat, incur all the expenses, storage costs, fuel costs, fishing gear, fishing licenses, etc…!!

Private Fishing Charter Atlantic Beach NC, Morehead City NC, Beaufort NC, Emerald Isle NC

Private Sunset Shark Fishing Atlantic Beach NC, Morehead City NC, Beaufort NC, Emerald Isle NC

Private Boat Charter Atlantic Beach NC, Morehead City NC, Beaufort NC, Emerald Isle NC

Private Dolphin Watch CruiseAtlantic Beach NC, Morehead City NC, Beaufort NC, Emerald Isle NC

Private Sunset Cruise Atlantic Beach NC, Morehead City NC, Beaufort NC, Emerald Isle NC

Simply give us a call & schedule your adventure.  Reserve a Private Charter  for an unrivaled Cape Lookout experience, book one of our Fishing Charters , and spend a half day or full-day fishing for the local species, or take advantage of our COMBO-Day package , which gives you a half-day of fishing, combined with a half day personalized ECO-tour of the entire Cape Lookout area.

Lookout Cruises

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Similar Experiences

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Lookout Cruises - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

 Island Ferry & Boat Tours

610 Front St, Beaufort, NC

Call the Ferry @ (252) 728-4129

We are the ORIGINAL Ferry to NC’s famous Barrier Islands!

Winter Hours: First boat leaves the dock at 10:00 AM. Last boat leaves the islands at 4:25 PM.

​Bird Shoal, Carrot Island, Sand Dollar Island & more!

The islands of the Rachel Carson reserve are just as beautiful as they are educational. Only accessible by boat or ferry, these islands are one of the best kept secrets of the Crystal Coast.

SAFE Swimming Beaches – Shallow water, and NO RIP CURRENTS

They give you the option of relaxing and taking in the sun on the pristine shores or exploring the natural trails where you can observe wildlife, such as feral horses, gray foxes, river otters, sea turtles and many species of fish, in their natural habitat.

​Just call or email to guarantee your seats!

The ferry to Bird Shoal & Rachel Carson Reserve runs every 30 minutes, and reservations are not required. Reservations are required for some of the other trips & tours, so just call (252) 728-4129 to schedule.

Lookout Cruises

Review Highlights

“ See the sunset on a nice catamaran and finish up with some dinner at one of the restaurants on the water. ” in 6 reviews

“ Captain Steve gave us a wealth of information and his mate Raegen was so attentive and wonderful. ” in 3 reviews

“ It came with beer and wine and the first mate was generous in refilling our wine cups. ” in 3 reviews

Location & Hours

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600 Front St

Beaufort, NC 28516

About the Business

Lookout Cruises offers daily sailing excursions departing historic Beaufort for up to 38 passengers on a 45-foot catamaran with cushioned seating, plenty of shade and large clean restrooms on board. Whether it's two people, a family outing, tour group or business party, Lookout Cruises offers a memorable sail on the NC Coast complete with cool breezes, saltwater and breathtaking scenery. So make your reservations today for one of these unforgettable Lookout Cruises! …

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Overall rating

Took a last minute weekend away and booked the morning Dolphin and Wild Horse tour! It was our first time on a Catamaran and the weather & water were amazing! Captain Rob and his first and second mates were professional, knowledgeable Kind and accommodating. We saw both Dolphins and Horses but honestly the experience of being out on the boat was worth it! We'll be back to take the daytime cruise.

We spontaneously took the sunrise tour and it was FABULOUS! The captain and crew were so friendly and accommodating to everyone. There were plenty of places to sit and be comfortable. The thing that amazed us, other than the sailing itself, is that they provide drinks throughout the cruise! Wine, beer, water, soft drinks. It lasted a while too! We will definitely be doing this again next time we are in town.

See all photos from Melissa G. for Lookout Cruises

Best date night I have had with my husband in a long time! We did a last minute sunset cruise and not only was it breathtaking but the service was amazing. The captain and first mate were so friendly, accommodating and attentive. I can not wait to sail again on them. I am looking forward to the day cruise someday!

My husband and I did a sunset sail this past week, and we absolutely loved it so much! We decided to join them the next day for the cape lookout sailing and loved that too! The entire crew from Jackie at the front desk, Reagan and Russel, to the Captain Robert 10/10 amazing. Super hospitable, attentive, and knowledgeable. We have already recommended them to numerous friends who will be in town next year!

Beautiful sailing, knowledgeable and friendly crew, LOTS of fun. Captain Steve knows the Beaufort waters and shares great local stories. Every guest (ages 3 to 75) enjoyed the sunset cruise, and the crew knew just where to take us to catch the good winds and avoid the big swells. Don't miss the chance to lie in the trampoline (and get a little splash.) This cruise is just a great Beaufort institution - and a great value, too.

Our sunset cruise with Lookout Cruises was one of the highlights of our vacation. The captain was friendly and when I asked where the Queen Anne's Revenge wreckage was, he made sure to point it out to me later in the voyage. They played relaxing music, gave everyone drinks, and it was just a great way to spend an evening with the wind blowing and the late evening sun hitting the tops of the waves. If you get the chance to take this cruise, don't hesitate.

Went on the day cruise to cape lookout and it was an incredibly relaxing day! Captain Steve gave us a wealth of information and his mate Raegen was so attentive and wonderful. It was such a smooth sail and the most perfect way to spend my last day in Beaufort. Thank you for everything! I would recommend this sail to anyone.

The sunset cruise with lookout Cruises was the highlight of our trip. It came with beer and wine and the first mate was generous in refilling our wine cups. The view was gorgeous and it was great meeting people on the cruise!!! Would highly recommend. Great value.

The best water tour in Beaufort. The staff is great, the meal from Beaufort Grocery is superb (they can accommodate special dietary needs), the trip is a relaxing, fun filled tour that should not be missed. The island stops and the water are like being in the Caribbean. If you only have time for one tour while visiting Beaufort this is it.

We have taken the sunset and Cape Lookout cruises and really enjoyed them. The captain and first mate really treat you well and play awesome music.

On the water

Collecting shells

4 other reviews that are not currently recommended

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Lookout Cruises

Business Description

Lookout Cruises offers a great way to explore the barrier islands of the Crystal Coast. Sail up Newport River to watch dolphins play or take a cruise out to the Cape Lookout Lighthouse and enjoy swimming, snorkeling and shelling. They also offer sunset sails and moonlight cruises, which are a great way to wrap up the day!

Lookout Cruises departs from Beaufort on a 45-foot catamaran with comfortable, shaded seating and restrooms for up to 38 passengers. Emerald Isle Realty is happy to assist you with making arrangements with Lookout Cruises before your arrival so you can experience the beauty of Bogue Sound, hassle-free.

Whether you have two people, a family, group or business party, Lookout Cruises offers a memorable sail on North Carolina’s Crystal Coast complete with ocean breezes and breathtaking scenery.

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Rentals: (866) 586-6980 Sales: (800) 304-4060

Hours: Monday-Sunday (9am-5pm)

2024 Boat Tours Guide

Lookout Cruises

• Featured Profile

Visitors can enjoy the Crystal Coast’s most coveted and hard-to-reach shorelines, or just embark on a breezy cruise of the open waters in search of dolphins and sunsets, with a trip that’s guided by Lookout Cruises. This local tour company that calls the central town of Beaufort its home port offers a far-reaching range of adventures...

• 252-504-7245

Crystal Coast Lady Cruises

Crystal Coast Lady Cruises is a custom-made 49 passenger catamaran that can effortlessly provide a number of family-friendly expeditions to vacationers who want to enjoy this delicate chain of barrier islands and coastal territory to its fullest. Based out of Beaufort, the Crystal Coast Lady is specifically built for the purpose of sightseeing and...

• 252-728-8687

Shackleford Banks Shelling & Wild Horse Expedition

Shackleford Banks Shelling & Wild Horse Expedition offers guests a chance to explore the best of nature on the Cape Lookout National Seashore.Board a ferry for a short, enjoyable road to the shore. Then spend a few hours viewing and tracking the beautiful wild horses that roam free here, exploring the beach, and searching for a variety of...

• 252-504-2628

Morehead City Ferry Service

The Crystal Coast is best explored from the water, and Morehead City Ferry Service will take explorers to some of the most remote and beautiful corners of this long stretch of Southern Outer Banks shoreline. Launching from the heart of Downtown Morehead City along Evans Street, patrons who utilize Morehead City Ferry Service for a cruise or a taxi...

• Morehead City
• 252-504-2488

Island Express Ferry Service

Island Express Ferry Service LLC is the only authorized concessionaire to drop off at Cape Lookout Lighthouse and Shackleford Banks! Offering departures from both Beaufort and nearby Harkers Island, Island Express Ferry Service serves as the link between the communities of the Crystal Coast and the spectacularly beautiful and isolated barrier...

• 252-728-7433

Beaufort Pirates Revenge

Jump aboard the pirate ship "REVENGE" at 600 Front Street in Beaufort, North Carolina. Our interactive voyages offer fun and adventure for families and swashbucklers of all ages. Come join our crew, take part in a pirate adventure, and enjoy festive music guaranteed to unleash your inner pirate. But be warned; we may need to enlist your expertise...

• 252-728-7827

Trusty Watersports

Sunfish • Fishing • Kayaks * Beachcats • Pedal Kayaks • Small Sailboats • SUPs • Surfboards • Gear • Advice • Friendly ServiceTrusty Watersports is a locally owned and...

• 252-499-9911

Island Ferry Adventures

Bird Shoal, Carrot Island, Sand Dollar Island & more! Dive into an exploration of some of the Southern Outer Banks’ most remote shorelines with an excursion that’s led by Island Ferry Adventures...

• 252-728-4129

Island Water Sports

Island Water Sports is kid tested and family approved! Since 1988 Island Water Sports has been providing vacationers with premium watersports activities on the Crystal Coast in Emerald Isle, NC. We offer...

• Atlantic Beach
• 252-247-7303

Sandbar Safari

Swansboro, Cape Carteret, and even Emerald Isle vacationers don’t have to venture too far to enjoy a fully-engaging fishing expedition or eco tour, thanks to the locally acclaimed Sandbar Safari. Located on the...

• 252-725-4614

Nancy Lee Fishing Charters

Emerald Isle visitors don’t have to venture too far to enjoy exceptional fishing opportunities, thanks to the island’s own Nancy Lee Fishing Charters. Located along the bridge to the beach, this experienced...

• Emerald Isle
• 252-354-3474

Crystal Coast Ecotours

Start your Crystal Coast adventure with a scenic trip exploring some of the Southern Outer Banks’ best beaches, courtesy of an expedition provided by Crystal Coast Ecotours. This experienced, educational and...

• 252-808-3354

Crystal Coast Sailing Excursions

Crystal Coast Sailing Excursions is a customized, private charter sailing experience to the pristine and beautiful Cape Lookout aboard the spacious 47-foot sailing yacht, Bravado. With a maximum of 6 guests, Captain...

• 786-778-9244

Fin-S Charters LLC

Fin-S Charters LLC launched in 2008. Capt. Daniel Raeburn knows local waters well and enjoys taking everyone from first timers to hard core anglers. Fin-S Charters fishes mainly inshore waters for red drum, trout and...

• 252-241-3590

H2O Captain Eco-Tours

Adventure awaits. An authorized permittee of the National Park Service to take passengers on both boat and land guided tours to see the wild horses and discover great shelling on Shackleford as well as to visit the Cape...

• 202-369-1063

Homer’s Point Marina

Enjoy a sunny day of cruising along the open waters on your own speed, or enlist a local charter boat to show your party where all the good fishing holes are found, with a visit to the Homer’s Point Marina. This...

• Salter Path
• 252-247-3676

Hook’d Up Guide Service

Take a trip to small and friendly Harkers Island for an opportunity to enjoy a chartered fishing trip that’s as casual or as targeted as you’d like. Able to cater to the die-hard fishermen as well as the...

• Harkers Island
• 252-728-7828

Lady Swan Boat Tours

Launch on an extensive adventure that cruises the scenic waterfront borders of Downtown Swansboro and beyond via an expedition that’s hosted by the homegrown Lady Swan Boat Tours. Based in the heart of the...

• (910) 325-1200

Lazy Livin Yacht Tours

The Lazy Livin is a private charter docked in the historic port town of Beaufort, North Carolina.  We can comfortably accommodate 6 persons.  Our standard charter begins with a cruise down Taylors Creek where...

• 252-241-7828

Lookout Adventures

Set sail on an incredible exploration of the Crystal Coast’s ample waters and abundant unspoiled shorelines with an expedition that’s launched via Lookout Adventures. This Morehead-City based tour company...

• 252-515-0356

Seavisions Charters

Enjoy the Crystal Coast region from a while new perspective, thanks to the array of tours and expeditions that are provided by Seavisions Charters. With tons of on-the-water territory to explore, visitors will just be a...

• 252-732-5794

Shackleford Wild Horse & Shelling Safari

Take a quick and scenic ferry ride with your experienced guide over to the pristine Outer Banks Island of Shackleford Banks, which is part of the Cape Lookout National Seashore. There, you are introduced to the wild...

• 252-838-1167

Shore 2 Sound Adventures

Explore the stunning inshore and nearshore waters of the Crystal Coast with an expertly commandeered charter trip or boat tour with Shore 2 Sound Adventures. Based in the small coastal town of Swansboro, and guided by...

• 252-342-2802

Swansboro Paddle Boarding

The small town of Swansboro is surrounded by wide, calm waters, which makes it a perfect destination for tackling a new kayak, paddle boarding, or boating adventure through Swansboro Paddle Boarding. Conveniently...

• 910-389-1471

Waterbug Tours

Water lovers who can’t get enough of the amazing wildlife and scenery that the Southern Outer Banks coastal region has to offer can book a cruise or tour with the educational, engaging, and downright fun Waterbug...

• 252-342-3577
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Boat Tours by Town

Crystal Coast Areas

• 1. Emerald Isle
• 2. Indian Beach
• 3. Pine Knoll Shores
• 4. Atlantic Beach
• 5. Morehead City
• 6. Beaufort
• 7. Harkers Island
• 8. Shackleford Banks
• 9. Cape lookout
• 10. Cedar Island

The Crystal Coast is best explored from the water, and Morehead City Ferry Service will take explorers to some of the most remote and beautiful corners of this long stretch of Southern Outer Banks shoreline. Launching from the heart of Downtown Morehead City along Evans Street, patrons who utilize Morehead City Ferry Service for a cruise or a taxi ride to the outlying barrier islands will be treated to full afternoons of sun and fun along the pristine sand.

AB Watersport Adventures

There are literally endless ways to enjoy the water along the Crystal Coast, and AB Watersport Adventures has you covered. Evplore the beautiful waters of the intercoatal waterways on one of our Jet Skis. For a more educational adventure we offer a jet ski tour to the Capeloout Lighthouse. We also offer rental boats so your family can enjoy one of the Crystal Coat's beautiful barrier islands. Located along the Atlantic Beach Causeway, and easy to reach for folks staying along the barrier island as well as Morehead City, this convenient and accommodating watersports company serves as a launching point for a host of fun-filled days on the Southern Outer Banks.

• 252-422-0520

Island Express Ferry Service LLC is the only authorized concessionaire to drop off at Cape Lookout Lighthouse and Shackleford Banks! Offering departures from both Beaufort and nearby Harkers Island, Island Express Ferry Service serves as the link between the communities of the Crystal Coast and the spectacularly beautiful and isolated barrier islands of the Cape Lookout National Seashore. Accommodating passengers who want to explore the miles of pristine beaches, exceptional fishing and shelling, wild horses, and the Cape Lookout Lighthouse, Island Express Ferry Service serves as the gateway for one of the most unforgettable adventures along the North Carolina coast.

Billfish Grill & Bar

Billfish is a southern coastal restaurant and bar in Indian Beach focused on providing unique eats, signature cocktails and a relaxed atmosphere for families, locals and visitors alike! Our menu puts an exciting, modern twist on classic seafood dishes and beachside cocktails. We are a sustainable, from-scratch kitchen that uses top quality steaks and fresh seafood.

• Indian Beach
• 252-499-9811

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131 Charles St Harkers Island, NC 28531

252 728-2250

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Harkers Island → Cape Lookout

Round-Trip Ferry Ride: Harkers Island Visitor Center → Cape Lookout Lighthouse & Return Trip- DEPARTING FROM HARKERS ISLAND!

Quick Details

• Hour Glass Duration: 25 min each way
• Info Availability: Daily
• Calendar Season: Year-round

The Perfect Way to Get to Cape Lookout

On this gorgeous 15-20 minute ferry ride to Cape Lookout, you may catch a glimpse of the Shackleford Banks horses, bottlenose dolphins, sea turtles, and more! Enjoy the majestic Cape Lookout lighthouse, surf fishing, wide beaches, and the beach shuttle to get you to the best shelling on the eastern seaboard!

Cape Lookout offers something amazing for every traveler, whether you’re interested in collecting the most beautiful seashells in the area, going for a swim, or exploring the lighthouse. Discovering the North Carolina shoreline starts with an Island Express ferry ride!

Although infants (ages 2 & under) are free, they must still be included in your reservation.

**During our Fall/Winter Months-we May use either our 27 Foot Carolina Skiff or our 45 Foot Corinthian Catamaran Depending on the Passenger Loads**

Trip minimum of 4 adults tickets applies, not per single group but for total number of people on vessel. 

• January -March 24th: 10am, 11:30am, 1:00pm
• March 25th- April 7th: 8:15am-4:15pm, Departing Every Hour, Last Pick up 5:15pm
• April 8th- April 16th: 8:15am-5:15pm, Departing Every 30 Mins, Last Pick up 5:45pm
• April 17th- May 4th: 8:15am-4:15pm, Departing Every Hour, Last Pick up 5:15pm
• May 5th-Sept 4th: 8:15am-5:15pm, Departing Every 30 Mins, Last Pick up 5:45pm
• Sept 5th- Nov 4th: 8:15am-4:15pm, Departing Every Hour, Last Pick up 4:45pm
• Nov 5th- Dec 31st: 10am, 11:30am, 1:00pm, Last Pick up 3:30pm

DEPARTING FROM 1800 ISLAND ROAD, HARKERS ISLAND

Ferry Route

• Chevron down What to Bring
• Sunblock, hat & sunglasses
• Drinks, snacks or picnic lunch
• Insect repellant
• The trash you make is the trash you take; Cape Lookout and Shackleford Banks are trash-free islands
• Extra bags or oversized items are allowed for an additional fee
• Lightweight compact folding chairs, coolers and umbrellas are permitted
• Hooks must be removed before boarding
• All pets must remain on leashes 6′ or shorter
• Chevron down What NOT to Bring
• Glass bottles are prohibited
• Highly flammable liquids are not allowed on the boats
• Spear guns are prohibited
• Due to restricted space, large items such as wagons, non-folding luggage carriers, large folding chairs, huge strollers, etc. will be accommodated as space permits for an additional charge

Related Ferry Rides & Tours

• Calendar Year-round
• Hour Glass 25 min each way

Harkers Island → Shackleford Banks

Enjoy a fun ferry ride to the east end of Shackleford Banks, home of fabulous shelling and the famous Shackleford Banks horses.

• Calendar May - Sept
• Info Tues, Fri, Sat
• Hour Glass 4 hours

Beaufort → Cape Lookout

This special four-hour trip includes a 45-minute narrated scenic cruise each way with two hours on Cape Lookout to enjoy as you wish.

Private Boat Tour

A four hour private boat tour.  Explore Beaufort, Cape Lookout and Shackleford Banks  Departure time is 9:00ish.  Maximum 10 passengers.

A tour designed specifically for your group.  Visit Shackleford Banks and Cape Lookout.  Go shelling, search for wild horses, look for dolphins or just chill around the islands.  Well behaved pets and adult beverages are welcome. Bring a cooler but no glass containers or styrofoam.  Maximum 2800 pounds of passenger and luggage weight.  Free parking at our Marina.