OBX Boat Rides

Discover the best-rated boat tours, dolphin cruises, sailing, and marinas across the Outer Banks, NC — hand-picked from popular review sources.

Explore Featured

OBX Boat Rides & Rentals

Paradise Cruises

★★★★☆ (4.9)

Wanchese-based dolphin and sunset cruises with friendly captains, smooth rides, and local wildlife highlights that keep guests returning year after year.

Captain Johnny’s

★★★★☆ (4.8)

A Manteo classic for 30+ years — comfortable, shaded boats and narrated, guaranteed dolphin watch cruises in protected waters.

Nags Head Dolphin Watch

★★★★☆ (4.7)

Biologist-led eco-tours from multiple locations — family-friendly trips focused on wild bottlenose dolphins and the coastal ecosystem.

Outer Banks Adventures & Watersports

★★★★☆ (4.9)

Private boat tours, tubing, and airboat adventures in Nags Head run by seasoned locals with deep outdoor and naturalist know-how.

Harbor Star Dolphin Tours

★★★★★ (5.0)

Family-friendly dolphin cruises from Wanchese blending Outer Banks history, wildlife watching, and spectacular sunset views.

Crystal Dawn Headboat

★★★★☆ (4.2)

Head boat fishing, party cruises, and sunset trips from Pirate’s Cove — roomy decks, friendly crew, and easy online booking.

The Downeast Rover

★★★★☆ (4.9)

Sail aboard a 55-ft topsail schooner from the Manteo waterfront — classic day sails and unforgettable sunset charters.

Redbeard’s Tiki Cruises

★★★★★ (5.0)

Private tiki boat cruises out of Salvo with a complimentary Tri-Village shuttle — laid-back morning, mid-day, and sunset options.

Coastal Sols

★★★★★ (5.0)

Boutique sailing on a classic Hinckley yacht — thoughtful charcuterie, drinks, and serene Roanoke Sound sunsets.

Safari Dolphin Tours

★★★★☆ (4.8)

Easygoing dolphin watches and wildlife eco-tours departing the Oregon Inlet Fishing Center — great for families.

Sail the Outer Banks

★★★★★ (5.0)

Private day sails and sunset trips (2.5–3 hrs) from downtown Manteo — intimate charters for up to six guests.

Miss Hatteras Head Boat

★★★★☆ (4.4)

Affordable head boat fishing and scenic cruises from Hatteras Village — family-friendly crew and roomy deck.

Pirate’s Cove Marina

★★★★☆ (4.7)

Full-service marina in Manteo with one of the East Coast’s top charter fleets plus events, fuel, ship’s store, and dining.

Kitty Hawk Kites – Whalebone Watersports

★★★★☆ (4.4)

Causeway location offering dolphin cruises, Jet Skis, SUP/kayak tours (including bioluminescence), and more.

Miss Oregon Inlet Headboat II

★★★★☆ (4.2)

Morning, afternoon, and twilight head-boat trips from Oregon Inlet Fishing Center — gear and license included.

Phillips Boatworks

★★★★☆ (4.4)

Buxton-based sailing charters and marine services — rigging, sails, education, and flotilla sailing for larger groups.

Charlie’s Trivillage Watersports

★★★★☆ (4.9)

Pontoon, skiff, and tiki boat rentals in the Tri-Villages — all-day and multi-day rentals available.

Outer Banks Vineyard Voyage

★★★★☆ (4.7)

Boat from Duck across Currituck Sound to Sanctuary Vineyards for tastings — a signature OBX cruise & wine experience.

Oregon Inlet Fishing Center

★★★★☆ (4.7)

Gateway to charter trips on the Outer Banks — offshore, nearshore, and inlet charters plus retail and dining on site.

Max’s Boating Adventures

★★★★★ (5.0)

Rodanthe-based sunset cruises and inshore fishing on Pamlico Sound — small-group trips with a local captain.

Whalebone Watersports

★★★★☆ (4.4)

Nags Head Causeway location offering dolphin cruises, Jet Skis, pontoon rentals, kayak tours, and more seasonal fun.

Nor’Banks Sailing & Watersports

★★★★☆ (4.9)

Duck’s premier watersports center since 1979 — parasailing, sailing, Jet Skis, tubing, SUP/kayaks, and pontoon rentals.

Island Water Shuttle

★★★★★ (5.0)

Private water shuttle and custom tours on the Roanoke Sound — hop between Pirate’s Cove, Wanchese, Manteo & hidden sandbars.