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Sunset Sail Tour

Recommended by 98% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Wilmington, USA
  • 2 hours (approx.)
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Why travelers loved this

4.9
·
· jtnjh1122 ·
Jul 2025
The sunset cruise was awesome. It was peaceful, relaxed and great with only six guests total. Captain Jim has a wealth of knowledge about the area, is personable, kind and we felt very comfortable sailing under his guidance and leadership of the boat. We are already planning another trip to take with him and bring our friends. I highly recommend this trip!!!
· Megan_B ·
Oct 2025
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.

Overview

Cruise through the waters of Wrightsville Beach aboard a 42-foot (13-meter) yacht during this small-group coastal sailing adventure. Enjoy scenic views of the surrounding waterways and barrier islands, and catch a glimpse of marine life. Soft drinks, juice, bottled water, and light refreshments are provided on board the boat. Plus, choose from morning, afternoon, or sunset cruises to best suit your schedule.
  • Scenic sailing trip through the waters of Wrightsville Beach
  • Ideal for couples, families, and groups celebrating a special occasion
  • Travel by boat and see the sights from the water
  • Choose from multiple departure times to best suit your schedule

What's Included

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

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

  • Shamrock Sailing Adventures
    609 Trails End Rd, Wilmington, NC 28409, USA

    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.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Make your way to the meeting point along the waterfront in Wilmington 15 minutes before your cruise departure time. After meeting your captain, hop aboard the traditional sailboat with space for just six passengers and set sail along the Masonboro Inlet.

Relax on board with an included bottled water or ginger beer, or enjoy your own wine and beer (glasses, an ice chest, and a bottle opener are provided) as you glide along the Intracoastal Waterway, passing Masonboro Island and reaching the Motts Channel, where you’ll have a view of the Wrightsville Beach draw bridge.

Along the way, your captain will point out local landmarks and scenic viewpoints, timing your trip to watch the sunset over Wrightsville Beach. After about two hours on the water, return to the starting point, where your tour ends.

North Carolina Coast (Pass By)

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • 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
  • Near public transportation
  • Infants must sit on laps
  • Most travelers can participate
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 6 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Featured review

Megan_B
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.

Reviews

4.9
based on 90 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Captain Jim was...

Megan_B, Oct 2025
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 Host, Oct 2025

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

Wonderful sail

carol_c, Aug 2025
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 Host, Aug 2025

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

Recomended

Taylor_S, Aug 2025
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 Host, Aug 2025

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

Peaceful Sailing Excursion

jtnjh1122, Jul 2025
The sunset cruise was awesome. It was peaceful, relaxed and great with only six guests total. Captain Jim has a wealth of knowledge about the area, is personable, kind and we felt very comfortable sailing under his guidance and leadership of the boat. We are already planning another trip to take with him and bring our friends. I highly recommend this trip!!!

Perfect evening

April_K, Apr 2025
This experience is a must for those wanting to see the island and it's wildlife from the water. Our captain shared insight about the landscape, history, animals, and the locals. The views were fantastic. We even saw a family pod of dolphins with a calf.

Response from Host, Jun 2025

Thank you so much for the generous comments. Indeed, the evening sail was a full cup of sailing adventure and beauty that the NC coast provides to those who glide quietly through the tidal waters. Until the next adventure, Captain Jim

A fun time for all!

Abigail_S, Dec 2024
Great communication between us a Captain Jim. The crew was super accommodating. We loved our trip. I would highly recommend this tour.

Response from Host, Dec 2024

My sincere thanks Abigail for your wonderful review. At Shamrock Sailing, we understand communications before, during, and after your tour matters immensely. Thank you and your guest for your interest in the local ecology, sailing, and the historic legacy of Wrightsville Beach and Masonboro Island.

Truly scenic and relazing !

Keith_P, Aug 2024
What a truly amazing time !!! The experience was absolutly terrific start to end. Jim could not have treaty us and the others any better. Great communication, simple to get to the boat. Offered bathroom at marina before we left. Explained what to experience (weather and wind and waves permitting). We sailed out the inlet and just enjoyed the calm of the ocean and the amazing views. This tour was so relazing and will do it again !! --- Highly recomend it!!!

Response from Host, Aug 2024

My sincere gratitude Keith for your wonderful description and glowing comments. We don't always have a calm sea state, but when we do, the auxilliary diesel is silenced, and we glide across the waves! All my best to your gang. Until the next adventure, Captain Jim

Absolutely wonderful experience!

Ray_J, May 2024
We had such a lovely sailing experience with captain Jim! We had perfect weather, watched a beautiful sunset, and we enjoyed getting to know the captain and his vast knowledge of the sea and sailing. Added benefits were the complimentary waters, and the fact he has a bathroom on board if needed! Would recommend to anyone looking for a great simple sail with a well knowledgable and friendly captain!

Response from Host, Jun 2024

My sincere thanks Ray! I appreciate your wonderful comments and look forward to sailing with you and your guests again soon. Best, Captain Jim

Best sunset cruise near Wilmington NC

Dave_L, May 2024
We have done a lot of sunset cruises but this was one of the most relaxing cruises we have had. Captain Jim was great. Fun cruise, Hall they recommend. You can take wine and appetizers on board as well Will do this cruise again next time we are in Wilmington

Response from Host, May 2024

Thank you David. I appreciate your great review comments. When I started this business I thought it would be about sailing; however, it's about creating wonderful experiences with families, newly weds, or proposals for marriage on the sea. It's my privilege to host guests like yourself that are interested in our local coastal history and habitat. With awareness, we can continue to enjoy these natural wonders and sail with our grandchildren in the future. Sincere thanks, Captain Jim

Amazing way to celebrate our anniversary

Eric_J, May 2024
Wow! What an amazing experience! Captain Jim was wonderful and the time out on the beautiful waterway was a great way for my wife and I to celebrate our anniversary. We might do another sail in the future but bring our girls as well next time.

Response from Host, May 2024

Thank you Eric. Hosting you guys on an anniversary is one of my favorite outings. To have the supporting cast of dolphins, ospreys, and pelicans makes for a magical tour through our stunning coastal sounds and oceanfronts. Until the next anniversary!, Captain Jim

Just do it, Captain Jim is the BEST!

Larry_M, Apr 2024
We had a wonderful time on our sailing trip. Sailing has been on my bucket list and this did NOT disappoint! Captain Jim's love and passion for the area and SAILING was very evident. His excitement for sailing was contagious. I would 100% recommend this adventure, just DO IT! Thanks, Captain Jim, I would love to do this again sometime!!

Response from Host, May 2024

Thanks Larry for your generous comments. Bucket Lists are important, and SV/Shamrock was the dream of a retiring US Navy Destroyer Captain who sailed her around the world solo with only a compass and sextant for navigation. It's in the spirit of realizing dreams that we clear the docks and explore coastal NC waterways and shores. Until the next adventure Larry. Thank you , Captain Jim

Bold, but cold.

Kenneth_B, Mar 2024
Awesome time out on the water w/ Captain Jim. Very friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate about the subject matter. Just be sure to bring a jacket, but he'll have extra and blankets if you forget 😀.

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Thanks Ken. The temps in early spring vary from highs of 70's to cooler highs in 50's. Glad to provide blankets and a spare jacket to any guests that need a little warmth. So glad to host your experience on SV/Shamrock. Best, Captain Jim

Sunset Sail with Captain Jim

Kathleen_T, Oct 2023
Enjoyed our sunset sail with Captain Jim. Great weather, nice people on board, and we even saw some dolphins.

Response from Host, Nov 2023

Thanks Kathleen, We've had very mild temperatures in the mid-60's to mid-70's on sunset cruises this year. Having lovely guests on board and dolphins swimming around SV/Shamrock makes every cruise all the more magical. Until the next adventure! Best regards, Captain Jim

A wonderful sailing experience with a wonderful crew.

Anthony_M, Jun 2023
Captain Jim and Debbie were extremely knowledgeable about North Carolina waterways, history and wildlife. They were extremely engaging and professional. We were lucky enough to have picked a perfect day for a sail.

Response from Host, Jun 2023

Thanks for your wonderful comments. Deb and I thoroughly enjoyed meeting you and sharing a bit of the history we all share as Wilmington residents. We look forward to seeing you on your own beautiful boat next time we are out on the ICW. Best wishes, Captain Jim and First Mate Deb

A unique way to see the Wrightsville Beach area

Laura_H, Aug 2022
Super fun and unique way to view this amazing area! Captain Jim was very knowledgeable and eager to show us what makes WB so special. We would definitely do this again.

Response from Host, Aug 2022

Thanks to you Laura and your wonderful famil. Hosting a family celebration onboard SV/Shamrock is a highlight of my day. Laughing and sharing the fun with you guys made the evening magical. Shifting pastel colors danced in the seaward sky as the sunlight diminished over the pine trees. What a special evening. Here's to the charm of enjoying life "in the present". It's a blessing when we step back from the day to day and see the natural world unfolding before our eyes. Until the next adventure, Captain Jim

Beautiful way to see the sunset over the water

Gregory_H, Jun 2022
We had a great time sailing with Captain Jim along the intercostal and seeing our shoreline from a new and unique prospective. We were treated to beautiful natural and protected areas with lots of native wildlife. There were 3 couples onboard plus Cptn. Jim and his wife and there was plenty of room. We all sipped champagne as we watched the sensational sunset on our way back.

Response from Host, Jun 2022

What a spectacular time Gregory! I should mention you guys looked so great sipping champagne, while I sipped my ginger ale. All goodness was seen and taken in the salt air on this evening! Best regards, Captain Jim

You are worth it!

Aimee_C, Jul 2021
Had a delightful time on this very personalized ride. Not fancy, but casual and relaxing. This was very much like a friend taking you out on evening joy ride in the more local areas that visitors don’t often see. Small number of passengers so you interact with captain and passengers easily. I was a solo traveler and felt safe and was so glad I treated myself to the trip.

Response from Host, Sep 2021

Hi Aimee, You expressed exactly the spirit of Shamrock Sailing Adventures. I treat everyone as I would my own family on a sailing excursion. Safety, southern hospitality, and letting guests influence the agenda. That's all the secret sauce of a sailing charter with only a small group aboard. We are not fancy, but sailing is authentic as you so rightly point out. We pull back pretenses and have great conversations about happenings in the region and frequent the bow more frequently than the comforts of soft cushions. Thank you for capturing the experience so well! Best, Captain Jim

Fantastic cruise, don't miss it if you are in the Wilmington, NC area

David_V, Jun 2021
This was a fantastic experience. I didn't really have much of an idea of what this would be like, but it exceeded all expectations. Each cruise has about 6 passengers so it's a very personal experience. This is a passion of Captain Jim and that passion is contagious. We had a lovely 2 hour cruise learning about wildlife and the NC coast. I highly recommend this to anyone who has an opportunity to take a cruise while in the Wilmington, NC area.

Response from Host, Jun 2021

Thanks for your kind review. I attempt to tailor each cruise to the needs of our guests. There's many interesting historic events that define our coastal area, and I"m fortunate to share them over our time onboard. The ecosystem is astonishing. Just yesterday, on a private offshore cruise we saw a pair of humpback whales surfacing about 4-5 miles off Wrightsville Beach. In all these years, no cruise is the same, and that's what makes each cruise exciting and noteworthy. Thanks for being such a great ambassador for SV/Shamrock!

Great way to view Wilmington & Wrightsville Beach from the water.

MiriamLopez, May 2021
Second time I take a sunset sail on the Intercoastal with Captain Jim Sheegog on the Shamrock and looking forward to the next time. It’s a great thing to do with out-of-town guests.

Response from Host, May 2021

My sincere thanks for your continued support of Shamrock Sailing. It's amazing to have a guest like you returning over the years for a few hours of relaxation and sharing the experience. With gratitude, Captain Jim

Calm and Relaxing

Yvonne_T, May 2021
My daughter and I went on the sunset sail. Our tour guide Jim was very knowledgeable in the area. Had a great time. Would definitely do again.

Response from Host, May 2021

Thank you Yvonne! You have perfectly described how our guests feel after breathing the fresh ocean air and feeling the cool spring breeze on their face. I look forward to our next sailing adventure! Captain Jim

Amazing Sunset Sail

Chantay_M, May 2021
We had an amazing sail! The weather was perfect, good company on board and our Captain out did himself! We Highly recommend this tour.

Response from Host, May 2021

Thank you Chantay! I greatly enjoyed getting to know you and your husband. As you can tell, I enjoy sharing stories about the coastline, island marine life and the history of the area. Please come back again when you can. Best regards, Captain Jim

Very disappointing

Bernie_K, Apr 2021
Boat used was not the one listed. Boat used was not in very good shape. The only refreshments was a bottle of water. There was no ice on board. There was no safety discussion..dont know if there were life jackets. Sail was used for less than half the time even though there was plenty of wind. Overall very disappointing for the cost.

Response from Host, May 2021

Thanks for the review. Your comments help me consider future improvements. You correctly pointed out that ice was not onboard. Unfortunately, our ice machine was not available. I apologize for this inconvenience. Safety is our top priority especially on extremely gusty spring days like April 29th, wind gusts exceeded 30 knots. You’ll recall the three points of contact discussion during the briefing, discussion of using the carriage top handrails when stowing away personal items or using toilet facilities below decks. You make a good point to announce the specific location of life jackets. We are USCG safety inspected and carry a CO2 self-inflating and traditional PFD’s. I will include this information in future safety briefings. Several statements are not accurate in your review, so respectfully, I’d like to correct with facts: • SV/Shamrock is the only vessel we operate. We sailed on the 42 ft yawl on the day of your excursion. • It’s springtime, and the teak rails require multiple preparation stages prior to applying a finish. Your comment on sailing vessel not being in good shape most likely refers to the unfinished appearance of teak rails. I should have explained that we were in the middle of reconditioning the teak to alleviate doubts about the soundness of the vessel. SV/Shamrock is USCG inspected and very seaworthy. • Wind direction determines when sails can be deployed. To use sail power the wind must be 25 degree off your heading. The strong WSW winds worked in our favor running north with only a jib sail, we averaged boat speed over ground of 6.5 knots on the Intracoastal Waterway, the Masonboro Inlet entrance, and Banks Channel portions. The strong winds worked against our progress returning to port. • We dropped sails and started our diesel engine as we turned to the west heading south directly into the wind and tide. Your comments are useful, in that explaining use of wind and use of power helps our guests understand why are using either engine power or sails to navigate. • As a captain, I must make decisions regarding how much sail area to deploy on every trip. Given the high wind conditions, using a reefed jib sail was a safe and reasonable choice. I appreciate your comments- they help me, the owner and captain see where enhancements are possible and where communications about safety, sails and weather can lead to a better experience.

Wind in our sails

William_B, Oct 2020
Sailing on a sailboat was on our bucket list and sailing with Captain Jim was exceptional. Captain Jim put us to ease with his sailing knowledge and of the area history. It was a beautiful day with porpoise swimming next to the boat. We had a great time viewing the beautiful coast line while discussing many enlightening topics. This was an extremely pleasurable excursion.

Response from Host, Oct 2020

What a pleasure to host your trip, Sailing our coastal waters in the fall season is stunning, given the active movement of dolphins and waterfowl around our estuaries and inlets. I look forward to sailing with you again! Best regards, Captain Jim

Amazing amazing experience!

Kristen_A, Aug 2020
We had such a wonderful experience!! It was a GORGEOUS sailboat and the views of the coastline were absolutely breathtaking. We also learned so much about the history of Wrightsville and saw the sunset form the boat. Definitely my favorite experience I’ve had in North Carolina, I recommend to everyone! Thank you for such a wonderful experience!

Response from Host, Aug 2020

One of my favorite moments in our cruise is when we steer SV/Shamrock close to the southern island tip to see the colony of over 800 Skimmer Gulls. The ocean backdrop and full white sails slips us out to sea where rock jetties and the Atlantic surf rolls Into the shore. If we see a dolphin, the evening is pure magic! With Gratitude, Captain Jim

Midday sailing

Vanessa_Z, Aug 2020
Jim was a wonderful tour guide. He knew so much local information and history. He was so sweet to my two boys. The trip was very relaxing and fun!

Response from Host, Aug 2020

Many thanks Vanessa! Sharing the history of the islands, including pirates and buried treasure, local ship wrecks, etc. is part of the cruising fun for us and the kids. I'm so glad your young sailors were onboard! Hope to see your young men again as they grow up! Best, Captain Jim

Perfect!

Margaret_B, Jul 2020
Totally worth it! Lovely tour of Wrightsville area and awesome Captain Jim! Jim was great communicating with us about weather and what to bring, 10/10 would recommend

Response from Host, Jul 2020

Thank you! I'm so glad we were able to share a brilliant evening of sailing with friends and family. While late afternoon thunderstorms have beauty in their own right, I'm so glad we missed them on this summer evening! Best, Captain Jim

Peaceful and Informative

ALLEN_B, May 2020
My wife, adult son, adult daughter and I really enjoyed this trip and highly recommend it. The trip was scenic and peaceful for all of us, and was a great way to spend some quality time with family. My son & I appreciated the added benefit of Captain Jim’s vast nautical/coastal knowledge and experience, while my daughter and wife soaked in the beautiful scenery. You won’t be disappointed with this trip.

Response from Host, May 2020

My sincere thanks Allen for taking the time to share your experience on SV/Shamrock. It's such a pleasure to have families on board with such an appreciation for North Carolina's coastal treasures. Have a great summer! Best regards, Captain Jim
Likely to Sell Out

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