Enjoy sunset views of downtown and wildlife with a full bar and comfortable indoor-outdoor seating
1.5 Hours
Scenic cruise, Full bar
Set sail on a 1.5-hour sunset cruise aboard The Henrietta. Enjoy downtown and port views, spot river wildlife, and relax with a full bar and comfortable indoor-outdoor seating.
Boarding begins 15–20 minutes before departure; arrive at least 30 minutes early. Cruises operate rain or shine; dress in layers for cooler conditions on the water. The top deck is open air; the lower deck is enclosed and air conditioned.
Tickets are nonrefundable. You may reschedule, subject to availability, if you do so at least 24 hours in advance. Cruises run rain or shine. The operator may cancel for severe weather, mechanical issues, or lack of participation; if they cancel, your event will be rescheduled or your ticket refunded.
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Most visitors rave about the smooth, relaxing river cruises with engaging narration that hits the sweet spot between informative and overwhelming. The crew consistently gets praised for being friendly and welcoming, with one reviewer noting how staff went above and beyond to accommodate mobility needs with a ramp. The historian on board clearly knows his stuff and shares fascinating details about local wildlife and history without drowning passengers in trivia. There's a bar onboard serving drinks and snacks, and the overall vibe is laid-back sightseeing at its finest. A few hiccups pop up around boat switches and tour variations. Some guests booked expecting the larger Henrietta but got placed on the smaller Osprey, which caused disappointment, especially during specialty tours like the holiday lights cruise. The narration quality seems to vary by captain, with occasional reports of minimal commentary that left history buffs wanting more. The variety of tours is impressive though, from sunset cruises to swamp adventures where you might spot an alligator. For a relaxing hour on the water with beautiful river views, this operation delivers.
Cape Fear Riverboats offers a fantastic way to experience Wilmington from the water. The ride is smooth, relaxing, and full of beautiful views along the river. The narration is engaging and informative, sharing interesting history and fun facts about the area without feeling overwhelming. The crew is friendly, welcoming, and makes the entire experience enjoyable from start to finish. It’s perfect for families, couples, or anyone looking for a laid-back sightseeing adventure. A wonderful experience and a must-do when visiting the Cape Fear area!
Danh “Sujieun” Dang
December 31, 2025
Cape Fear Riverboats offers a fantastic way to experience Wilmington from the water. The ride is smooth, relaxing, and full of beautiful views along the river. The narration is engaging and informative, sharing interesting history and fun facts about the area without feeling overwhelming. The crew is friendly, welcoming, and makes the entire experience enjoyable from start to finish. It’s perfect for families, couples, or anyone looking for a laid-back sightseeing adventure. A wonderful experience and a must-do when visiting the Cape Fear area!
Danh “Sujieun” Dang
December 31, 2025