Experience wild horses and a historic lighthouse on a private charter along the Crystal Coast.
5.5 Hours
Up to 6 people
Cooler, bottled water, instruction
Discover the best of the Crystal Coast with a private charter to Shackleford Banks and Cape Lookout Lighthouse. Enjoy scenic views, local wildlife, and historic sites on this immersive excursion.
You must bring a photo ID for the tour, including Military ID if applicable. The lighthouse is closed for climbing in 2025. The captain may reschedule or cancel due to weather or safety advisories.
No refunds if canceled within 8 days. If canceled more than 8 days in advance, 75% refund. No-shows will not be refunded. The rest of the amount is charged 8 days before your excursion. The tour may be rescheduled or canceled due to weather, safety, or mechanical issues. Gift vouchers may be provided for weather-related cancellations. Bookings can be canceled during the grace period after creation.
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.
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