H2O Captain provides private eco-tours along North Carolina’s Crystal Coast, featuring dolphin encounters, wild horses, and secluded beaches. Each trip is guided by an expert with a passion for the sea.
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Review summary
Captain Mark has built an exceptionally loyal following with his private boat excursions around the Beaufort area. Guests consistently praise his extensive knowledge of local history, wildlife, and the coastal ecosystem, along with his genuine warmth and accommodating nature. He's described as safety-conscious, punctual, and excellent at customizing trips to match what families want to experience. The typical excursion includes visits to Shackleford Banks and Sand Dollar Island, where you'll likely spot wild horses roaming freely, collect beautiful shells, and possibly encounter dolphins along the way. Several reviewers mention returning multiple times, which speaks volumes. His boat comfortably fits groups of 2-6 people, and he's particularly attentive to guests with special needs or mobility concerns. The tours work well for diverse groups, from young children to seniors, and he even handles more sensitive occasions like memorial services with compassion and professionalism.
What people are saying
A Fantastic Day with Captain Mark! We recently took a repeat BWB (Bulls, Water, Beach) tour with Captain Mark from H2O Captain, and it was just as fantastic as our first trip. Right from the start, Captain Mark was on time and prepared, waiting for us to arrive. As we coasted out to the Intracoastal Waterway, he gave a detailed safety briefing while also pointing out the sights we were passing along the way. We crossed the inlet and quickly arrived at our destination to find a group of wild horses waiting for us. After watching them for a bit, we took a walk further into the island. Thanks to Hurricane Erin, there was a flooded area we had to cross, which added a bit of a unique adventure to our trek! We continued on to the beach and were amazed by the incredible number of beautiful shells we found. What truly made the trip exceptional was Captain Mark's vast knowledge. He not only identified the different types of shells we found but also provided fascinating information about the wild horses and the island's ecosystem. We even spotted more horses on our way back to the boat! The excitement didn't stop there. On our return to the marina, we enjoyed a show from a family of dolphins near Beaufort. The trip was a perfect blend of adventure, learning, and natural beauty. Captain Mark is a wonderful guide, and we would absolutely book with him again. We're already planning our next trip down!
Justin Dalton
August 27, 2025
A Fantastic Day with Captain Mark! We recently took a repeat BWB (Bulls, Water, Beach) tour with Captain Mark from H2O Captain, and it was just as fantastic as our first trip. Right from the start, Captain Mark was on time and prepared, waiting for us to arrive. As we coasted out to the Intracoastal Waterway, he gave a detailed safety briefing while also pointing out the sights we were passing along the way. We crossed the inlet and quickly arrived at our destination to find a group of wild horses waiting for us. After watching them for a bit, we took a walk further into the island. Thanks to Hurricane Erin, there was a flooded area we had to cross, which added a bit of a unique adventure to our trek! We continued on to the beach and were amazed by the incredible number of beautiful shells we found. What truly made the trip exceptional was Captain Mark's vast knowledge. He not only identified the different types of shells we found but also provided fascinating information about the wild horses and the island's ecosystem. We even spotted more horses on our way back to the boat! The excitement didn't stop there. On our return to the marina, we enjoyed a show from a family of dolphins near Beaufort. The trip was a perfect blend of adventure, learning, and natural beauty. Captain Mark is a wonderful guide, and we would absolutely book with him again. We're already planning our next trip down!
Justin Dalton
August 27, 2025