Unwind on a 90-minute Cape Fear River sunset cruise with live local music and a full bar
90 mins
Live music, Scenic views, Restroom
Wrap up your day in Wilmington with river views and live tunes. Board The Wilmington, a 49-passenger motorized catamaran, for a 90-minute sunset cruise on the Cape Fear River.
Cruises operate every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. No outside alcohol or coolers; motorized wheelchairs cannot be accommodated. Parking is not available at the dock; public, private, and street parking are nearby, with meters free after 6:30 PM and on Sundays.
Full refund with at least 24 hours' notice.
212 S. Water Street Wilmington, NC 28401
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Captain Doug emerges as the star attraction across these reviews, with guests consistently praising his deep knowledge of the river, genuine passion for conservation, and engaging storytelling style. The crew gets frequent mentions for being friendly and welcoming, creating a relaxed atmosphere where you can enjoy sunset views, learn local history, or participate in special events like the holiday river sleigh ride. Multiple reviewers mention returning for second trips, particularly for the Eagle Island tour, which speaks to the memorable experience many have. However, there's a pattern of frustration with the front desk staff that shows up across several reviews. A few guests describe rude interactions when booking or checking in, which created unnecessary tension before their tours even began. One reviewer also mentioned disappointment with a "two half tours" circular route that felt less impressive compared to their previous experience going north up the river. These issues don't seem to affect the actual boat experience once you're aboard, but they're worth noting if you're planning your visit. The majority of guests leave happy with what they learned and the overall vibe on the water.
What a wonderful and fun event! Our twin granddaughters experienced the river sleigh ride today. The staff and Captain Santa kept all the kids engaged and entertained. The boat is warm and the kids were comfortable. There was a nice bar for the grown ups. We highly recommend this special event!
Rikki Moye
December 22, 2025
What a wonderful and fun event! Our twin granddaughters experienced the river sleigh ride today. The staff and Captain Santa kept all the kids engaged and entertained. The boat is warm and the kids were comfortable. There was a nice bar for the grown ups. We highly recommend this special event!
Rikki Moye
December 22, 2025