From Southport to Calabash, coastal operators offer evening trips for every style of traveler
By BC News Staff
Brunswick County’s coastal waterways are entering peak season, and sunset cruises are once again among the most requested activities for visitors staying from Southport to Sunset Beach.
While Southport remains the county’s most established departure point, new and returning operators in Calabash, Holden Beach, and Ocean Isle Beach are giving travelers more options than ever for evening excursions.
Southport continues to anchor the region’s cruise offerings, with several long‑running operators departing daily from the Yacht Basin and surrounding docks. Sunset Boat Cruises, Southport Water Tours, and Southport by Seaside each run evening trips along the Cape Fear River and Intracoastal Waterway, offering views of Bald Head Island, Battery Island, and the historic waterfront. Oak Island Boat Tours also departs from the Southport area, providing wildlife‑focused trips that often include dolphin sightings.
Holden Beach remains one of the most popular mid‑county options, driven largely by Cruisin’ Tikis Holden Beach. The floating tiki‑style vessels have become a recognizable sight on the Intracoastal Waterway, offering BYOB sunset outings for families, couples, and small groups. Their short travel distance from both Holden Beach and Ocean Isle Beach makes them a frequent pick for vacationers staying in rental homes along the central islands.
Ocean Isle Beach has limited on‑island cruise capacity, but OIB Watersports continues to offer private charters that can be scheduled during sunset hours. These smaller trips appeal to visitors seeking a quieter, customizable experience without leaving the island.
Farther west, Sunset Beach and Ocean Isle Beach travelers typically book through nearby Calabash or Little River, where several established fleets operate evening runs. Hurricane Fleet and the Calabash Fishing Fleet both offer seasonal sunset cruises, departing just minutes from the Sunset Beach bridge. Little River Watersports, located across the state line, provides small‑group and tiki‑style sunset trips that follow the marshes and jetties near the inlet.
Local tourism officials note that while Sunset Beach does not have a commercial marina on the island, its proximity to Calabash gives visitors quick access to multiple cruise options without long travel times. Ocean Isle Beach, with a single marina and limited commercial capacity, continues to rely on private charters and nearby operators to meet seasonal demand.
With summer crowds building and evening temperatures rising, sunset cruises are expected to remain one of the most sought‑after activities along the Brunswick County coast.
Operators recommend booking early, especially for weekend departures and holiday weeks.
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