BOAT TOURS · DOWNTOWN MOREHEAD CITY

Boat tours from the Morehead City waterfront

Shelling on Sand Dollar Island, dolphins at sunset, wild horses on Shackleford Banks: some of the best days on the Crystal Coast start at the docks on Shepard Street, a short walk from our downtown condos and lofts. Stay with us, walk to the boat, and walk back to dinner on the waterfront.

THE LOCATION

Walk to the boat

Right on Shepard Street. Morehead City Ferry Service departs from 709 Shepard St, between Bask 227, Bask 228 and the Lofts at Big Rock Landing.
Leave the car parked. No hunting for parking before your trip. Walk down, board and go.
Dinner on the waterfront. Back from the water, walk to downtown restaurants like Mar, Red Fish Grill, Catch 109 and Southern Salt.

FEATURED TOUR

Morehead City Ferry Service

Morehead City Ferry Service runs narrated trips on a 49-passenger catamaran from 709 Shepard St, with free parking and ramps for easy boarding. Popular trips include:

Sand Dollar Island Ferry & Tour. About three hours, with time on the island for shelling and collecting sand dollars.
Sand Dollar Island & Dolphin Watch. The island trip plus extra time looking for dolphins.
Sunset Dolphin Watch Cruise. A two-hour evening cruise with views of the Beaufort waterfront.

Along the way you’ll pass Sugarloaf Island, Radio Island, Fort Macon, Beaufort Inlet and Shackleford Banks, and you may spot the wild horses of the Rachel Carson Reserve. Trips run in season. Book online at moreheadcityferryservice.com or call (252) 504-2488.

Good to know

The ferry trips are for all ages.
Bring sunscreen, water and a bag for shells.
Book ahead in summer, when trips fill on busy weekends.

Other ways to get out on the water

Fishing charters. Charter boats run inshore trips in Bogue Sound and offshore trips toward the Gulf Stream from the downtown docks. In town for a tournament? See our fishing tournament lodging guide.
Scuba diving. Olympus Dive Center runs wreck-diving charters from 713 Shepard St. See our Morehead City scuba diving guide.
Bring your own boat. Rent a slip at the town docks across from Bask. See our boat slips guide.
Sugarloaf Island. The 47-acre island sits in Bogue Sound directly across from downtown and is reachable only by boat or paddle.

Run boat rentals or tours on the Morehead City waterfront? Get in touch about being featured here.

TIPS FROM LOCALS

Planning a boat trip

Book your tour, then your stay. Boat trips depend on weather and season. Lock in your tour date, then book your stay with us.
Go in the morning or at sunset. Calmer water and softer light, and the evening dolphin cruises are a guest favorite.
Plan for the sun. Bring sunscreen, a hat, water and a bag for shells.

More to do downtown: things to do, events by season and scuba diving.

Stay steps from the boats

Book direct for the best rate with no booking-site fees. Call 252-342-6108 or email stay@legacyrealestategroupnc.com, or browse our rentals.