Learn to handle your own boat with hands-on coaching from Captain Mark
2 hours or 4 hours
Up to 6 people
Vessel safety check, Coaching
Build confidence on “skinny” water with a personal training session on your own outboard boat, with you as the skipper. Start with a Vessel Safety Check, then practice key boating skills based on your goals.
If you want Captain Mark to operate your boat, add him (Mark Sonder) as an additional insured on your boat insurance. Bring required safety items and boat registration for the safety check.
No refunds if canceled within 8 days. If canceled more than 8 days in advance: 75% refund. No-shows are not refunded. Operator may cancel due to weather, safety, mechanical, or behavioral issues; for weather, may refund if unable to reschedule.
Bring your boat registration and required safety equipment, including visual distress signal devices, fire extinguisher(s), a sound-producing device, and navigation lights.
Yes. Have your boat in the water and ready to go.
Yes. Plan to speak briefly with Captain Mark about your goals before your departure date so the coaching can focus on what you want to work on.
Captain Mark will meet you at your marina at 11am.
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.
We had an amazing experience out of Morehead City with H2O Captain Eco Tour for my husband’s 50th birthday! Captain Mark was fantastic and went out of his way to accommodate the two of us for the celebration. Our guide, Captain Carol, gave a wonderful tour and shared great stories about the history of the area. We loved walking Shackleford Banks to look for the wild horses, and we even left with a great collection of shells! Even though we didn't spot any horses during our walk, we were thrilled to see a few from a distance on our boat ride back. It was a bit chilly and the water was a little choppy and we still thoroughly enjoyed every minute. Thank you to Captain Mark and Captain Carol for making this milestone birthday so memorable—we definitely will be coming back for another adventure!
Stephanie Emery
May 25, 2026
We had an amazing experience out of Morehead City with H2O Captain Eco Tour for my husband’s 50th birthday! Captain Mark was fantastic and went out of his way to accommodate the two of us for the celebration. Our guide, Captain Carol, gave a wonderful tour and shared great stories about the history of the area. We loved walking Shackleford Banks to look for the wild horses, and we even left with a great collection of shells! Even though we didn't spot any horses during our walk, we were thrilled to see a few from a distance on our boat ride back. It was a bit chilly and the water was a little choppy and we still thoroughly enjoyed every minute. Thank you to Captain Mark and Captain Carol for making this milestone birthday so memorable—we definitely will be coming back for another adventure!
Stephanie Emery
May 25, 2026