Coastal Passages was our vacation hero for our third camping trip to Bear Island. We were in a…read morepinch having planned a trip outside of peak season, when the Hammocks Beach State Park ferry isn't a daily operation. Though we looked into a few different options, we knew Coastal Passages would be the right fit after a quick phone conversation. Captain Seth was welcoming, friendly, and incredibly accommodating and for people who are easily motion sick, the ride was smooth and beautiful. Thanks to Coastal Passages, we have photos and memories that we'll cherish for a lifetime and he even pointed us toward our next adventure. Next time we're in the area, we're looking forward to trying one of their tours!

We had an outstanding time out on the water with Capt. Seth in Swansboro. From the moment we…read morestepped on the boat, you could tell everything was first-class. His boat is easily one of the nicest out there. Spotless, comfortable, and set up perfectly for a day of exploring and shark tooth hunting. The shark tooth hunting was incredible. We came back with some amazing finds and way more than we expected. Capt. Seth really knows the area and took the time to show us what to look for and how to spot the good ones. His background speaks for itself. Being prior Coast Guard and now a professional teacher, it really shows in how he runs the trip. He's very humble, but his experience and confidence on the water are obvious, and we felt safe the entire time. What really stood out to us was how great he was with the kids. He's a natural teacher, patient and engaging, and made sure everyone was involved and having fun. It never felt rushed, and he made the whole experience enjoyable for both adults and kids. If you're looking for a fun, educational, and memorable day on the water around Swansboro, this is absolutely worth doing. We'd book again without hesitation.

Great experience. Captain Mark held a wonderful ceremony for my mother. He was thoughtful and…read morerespectful. We greatly appreciated his efforts and would highly recommend H2O.

I've had the pleasure to book an excursion with Captain Mark yesterday. I was pleasantly surprised…read morehe met us in the free parking lot! I felt totally safe and prepared for the trip ahead, being given a thorough safety briefing. He was able to answer my multiple questions during the entire trip, concerning the history of the horses and people who lived on this beautiful barrier island. His expertise in maneuvering the boat around the wakes let to an extremely comfortable ride. We had a fun and will definitely be back next year.

I took the Crystal Coast Lady Cruise in Beaufort. The boat is a great size and has seating on the…read moretop level and bottom level. Food was available to purchase but we were told we could bring our own food too. I liked that we could spread out and move around. I sat on the top deck to get a great view of the sights. I liked that each side got the same views as we turned around and came back the same way. I thought it was a great way to see the Rachel Carson Reserve and the waterway. I didn't see any wild horses but did see dolphins and birds. I enjoyed the ride with this company and would use them again to cruise again.

We booked the Crystal Coast Lady Cruises dinner cruise on July 2, 2026, from 7-9 p.m. for our…read morefamily and extended family, which included one toddler, four children, two teens, and six adults. My husband and I paid close to $800 for our group. Because we had several small children with us, I specifically chose tables close to the buffet, knowing that the adults would need to help make plates for the kids. Anyone who has done a buffet with little ones understands that it often takes multiple trips to get everyone settled and fed. I went through the line to get my food and food for my niece, then realized my sister was holding the toddler and also needed a plate, along with my other four-year-old niece. My husband was helping our other children at the time, and my family was still in the buffet line. I stepped beside my elderly parents, who were getting their food, and said, "Sorry, I forgot two more plates." At that point, the man serving yelled, "Ma'am, STOP!" His tone and behavior were completely unnecessary and embarrassing. I was not cutting in front of another party or trying to get extra food unfairly. I was simply helping feed the children in our group -- a group we had paid a significant amount of money for. The way I was treated was rude, humiliating, and completely unacceptable. It felt as though I was being scolded for trying to get food that we had already paid for. For a family dinner cruise, there should be some understanding that adults may need to assist young children at the buffet. Unfortunately, based on this experience, I would not recommend this dinner cruise for families with small children. If your children will need help getting food from the buffet, this is not a family-friendly experience. We left feeling disappointed and disrespected.

Our last-minute date night with Lookout Cruises was absolutely incredible. The sunset was stunning…read moreand truly unforgettable, and the entire evening felt effortless from start to finish. Captain and crew--Mike and David--were professional, kind, and attentive. A special mention goes to the captain's mom, who has served as his assistant for the past 26 cruises--she is truly a treasure and adds such a warm, personal touch to the experience. All of the staff had genuinely jovial personalities, making the atmosphere even more enjoyable. One of the most thoughtful details was having crew members walk around and take photos of each couple throughout the evening, allowing everyone to simply be present while still capturing lasting memories. It was the perfect evening to take in the stunning coastal views, watch dolphins play, and see Fort Macon from the water. The boat was exceptionally clean, and safety was never a concern--it was clear we were in very capable hands. We were so impressed that we've already booked their 4th of July fireworks cruise and can't wait!

We did two trips last week. The sunset cruise and the Cape Lookout cruise. Both were excellent as…read morealways. I've been going on this catamaran for roughly 25 years. Each time the fun and food are unmatched.

Great customer service! Personalized tour based on our interests! Guide was very informative and…read morecared about our safety!

It was very easy to coordinate with Marc on setting up jet skiing for my husband's birthday gift…read more We had a fabulous time on the jet skis with Cole as our guide, he was great about communicating all that we needed to watch for on this busy 4th of July. The variety of terrain was amazing as we went fast through the salt water flats and slowly maneuvered through tight turns in back water channels near Swansboro. I grew up coming here every Fourth of July and I never saw all the sights we saw today - wonderful way to spend the 4th and a fantastic birthday activity!

Outstanding boat tour. Mark was a great captain, fishing, swimming, found dolphins, and shared…read moreinteresting insights about the area. a great birthday present for our grandson.

Captain Chris is very knowledgeable of the area and wildlife, knows the best fishing spots and is…read moreextremely professional. Whether you're looking to fish, visit the local islands for wildlife, shelling, or bird watching, or just explore, you are guaranteed to have a great time.

Wow. This place is awesome. I love being here!!! the owner is absolutely spectacular. His son…read moreGrayson is a bit odd but whew doggie did my marines get salvaged properly