Sunset Sail Tour in Wilmington, United States
Wilmington, United States

Sunset Sail Tour

Outty Ranking 76 4.9 · 93 traveler reviews2 hoursFrom $125
Instant mobile ticketSpots available today

Outty Ranking

76/100

Strongly Recommended. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.9/5

Based on 93 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Sunset Sail Tour worth booking?

Sunset Sail Tour is a 2-hour experience in Wilmington, United States, from $125 per person. It scores 76 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 93 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
76 / 100
Rating
4.9/5 (93)
Duration
2 hours
From
$125 per person

Take a 2.0 hour sailing cruise on a Sparkman and Stephens Sailing Yacht. With your small-group, engage on this classic 42 ft yacht, that accommodates a 6 passenger maximum for an intimate cruise through the waters of Wrightsville Beach.  This tour is a spectacular way to see the waterways, barrier islands, and marine life surrounding Wrightsville Beach in North Carolina.  Please note, beginning November 8, 2018 our Sunset Cruise will depart at 3:00 pm.  Sunset Cruise guests should arrive at least 10 minutes early.

What you get

    About this experience

    Take a 2.0 hour sailing cruise on a Sparkman and Stephens Sailing Yacht. With your small-group, engage on this classic 42 ft yacht, that accommodates a 6 passenger maximum for an intimate cruise through the waters of Wrightsville Beach.  This tour is a spectacular way to see the waterways, barrier islands, and marine life surrounding Wrightsville Beach in North Carolina.  Please note, beginning November 8, 2018 our Sunset Cruise will depart at 3:00 pm.  Sunset Cruise guests should arrive at least 10 minutes early.

    What's included

    Included

    • Bottled water
    • Boat Captain
    • Alcoholic beverages
    • Passengers are invited to bring wine & beer- We provide ice chest, cork screw/bottle opener, & glasses
    • Beverages- Ginger Ale

    Not included

    • Gratuities

    What you'll see and do

    1. North Carolina Coast

      Scenic waterway tour along the southern portion of island, Masonboro Inlet, and interior portions of Masonboro Island. We sail along the Intracoastal Waterway to Motts Channel near the Wrightsville Beach draw bridge.

      Pass by without stopping

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Wilmington

    Your sailing charter departs from the Access Ramp at the end of Trails End Road, Wilmington, NC. Please arrive 15 minutes early and call when you are parked. Gratuity is optional but much appreciated on departure from the cruise. Please call me at (919) 302-3421 if you have any questions.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Your sailing charter departs from the Access Ramp at the end of Trails End Road, Wilmington, NC. Please arrive 15 minutes early and call when you are parked. Gratuity is optional but much appreciated on departure from the cruise. Please call me at (919) 302-3421 if you have any questions.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Fri, Sat, Sun
    Group size
    Up to 6 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Shamrock Sailing Adventures

    Know before you go

    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Reservations are cancelled for any guests not on location at docks 10 minutes prior to departure time.
    • Children must be accompanied by an adult
    • Minimum age is 6 years

    Photos

    Masonboro Inlet departure from Wrightsville Beach, Sunset Sail Tour in WilmingtonWaterway Cruising, Sunset Sail Tour in WilmingtonPlenty of wildlife in Wrightsville, Sunset Sail Tour in WilmingtonMasonboro Island, Sunset Sail Tour in WilmingtonOffshore Sailing Option, Sunset Sail Tour in Wilmington

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 93 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    5 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Photo opportunities

    2 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Good for families

    2 mentions

    Reviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.

    Traveler reviews

    93 verified traveler reviews for Sunset Sail Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    85
    4 star
    6
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    1
    1 star
    1
    Sort
    litlbeth · October 2025

    Excellent Capt. fun couples trip.

    Capt Jim is very knowledgeable and checked in often to make sure we were alright as the water was a little choppy that evening. Had a beautiful sail through the inner channel and then out into the open Atlantic to really get some speed. Would recommend having a change of clothes for after as you may get splashed by the waves. Overall an excellent trip and learned a lot about the area and local history.

    Response from the operator: Thanks for your wonderful comments. We check in with our guests regularly to make sure they are comfortable with the sea state. Our tour route has a number of options to make the most of wind and wave conditions. On our evening sail, the prudent choice was to navigate out near the north jetty for a broad reach just offshore. The return was on a northeasterly wind allowing us to run south for almost an hour of silent gliding into sunset. Until the next adventure, Captain Jim

    via Tripadvisor

    Megan_B · October 2025

    Captain Jim was...

    Captain Jim was incredibly personable and friendly, making the entire experience truly enjoyable. We got extremely lucky to see several dolphins at the end of our sunset cruise. Would definitely recommend and come back to sail again.

    Response from the operator: Thanks Megan, We are so lucky to have guests like you who take delight in the natural wonders that appear along our bow. The dolphins sightings are frequent this time of year when the boating traffic wanes, and the food is plentiful around inlets and backwater sounds. Thank you so much for your generous review. Until the next adventure! Captain Jim

    via Viator

    carol_c · August 2025

    Wonderful sail

    What a wonderful experience this trip was for all of us. The weather was lovely and the captain did a fantastic job with information about the area and about the vessel.

    Response from the operator: Thank you Carol! It's magical sunset cruises where the waterfowl, ocean, and marine life surround our vessel with a closeness to nature that is unparalleled. I simply love guiding lovely "expeditions" like the one you experienced. Until the next adventure, Captain Jim

    via Viator

    Taylor_S · August 2025

    Recomended

    Captain Jim was fantastic. He is extremely passionate about what he does. It was very peaceful and with two other couples on board that made it fun. Would recommend. Captain Jim made it an educational and informative.

    Response from the operator: Wow Taylor, you really hit the nail on the head. We hope every cruise is educational, fun, and invitational. Last Saturday brought three couples together on the bow for a Post-Erin cruise out Masonboro Inlet, a tranquil sail on the south end of Wrightsville Beach, and a zen-like retreat to the harbor for a stunning sunset. The laughter on the bow, and photos taken with sails flying makes a captain smile! Until the next adventure, Safe travels and following winds, Captain Jim

    via Viator

    timothytL5729US · August 2025

    Fun and relaxation on the ocean

    Captain is excellent with a true love of the sea. We’ve been on the trip twice with him. Our first trip he helped our friend pop the question while on the water. Excellent pre trip communications, very knowledgeable of the local area and has great stories. A must do on a couples night out.

    Response from the operator: Thanks Tim. As always, you guys were so full of laughter and joy throughout the cruise. I look forward to our next adventure offshore. All my best, Captain Jim

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    2 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Fri, Sat, Sun
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    33
    Verdict
    Strongly Recommended

    Why this scores 76

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)90
    Review evidence (18% weight)82
    Booking momentum (14% weight)78
    Value for money (12% weight)15
    Listing quality (10% weight)75
    Local standing (8% weight)71
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Sunset Sail Tour: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Wilmington.

    How much does Sunset Sail Tour cost?

    +

    Prices start at $125 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Wilmington usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Sunset Sail Tour take?

    +

    Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Wilmington is not rushed.

    Is Sunset Sail Tour worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 76 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 93 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Wilmington, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Sunset Sail Tour?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Sunset Sail Tour suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Sunset Sail Tour?

    +

    Around 33 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Wilmington can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Wilmington and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Sunset Sail Tour start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Wilmington within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Wilmington?

    +

    Wilmington runs riverfront history and ghost walks, Battleship North Carolina visits, film-location tours, and boat trips out to Wrightsville Beach and Masonboro Island. On Outty we rank every Wilmington experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include History and Architecture Walking Tour, THE Wilmington History, Haunts & Breweries E-Bike Tour (4 hr), Sailing Charters in Wilmington. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Wilmington?

    +

    April to June and September to October. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Wilmington?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Sunset Sail Tour?

    +

    Included: Bottled water; Boat Captain; Alcoholic beverages; Passengers are invited to bring wine & beer- We provide ice chest, cork screw/bottle opene; and Beverages- Ginger Ale. Not included: Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for Sunset Sail Tour?

    +

    Your sailing charter departs from the Access Ramp at the end of Trails End Road, Wilmington, NC. Please arrive 15 minutes early and call when you are parked. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is Sunset Sail Tour offered in?

    +

    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Sunset Sail Tour?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Sunset Sail Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Sunset Sail Tour if the weather is bad?

    +

    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about Sunset Sail Tour?

    +

    Across 93 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities, good for families. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Sunset Sail Tour.

    Pick your date