Boat Tours in Dare, North Carolina

14 found · ← All categories in Dare

Updated October 31, 2026

Nags Head Dolphin Watch

Boat Tours

Nags Head, NC

Nags Head Dolphin Watch has offered Outer Banks dolphin tours since 1997, with covered boats, research-backed naturalists, and a summer Dolphin Guarantee.

  • Families seeking a covered dolphin-watching boat tour
  • Visitors wanting educational wildlife tours with marine research context
  • Summer travelers seeking a dolphin-sighting guarantee

The Downeast Rover

Boat Tours

Manteo, NC

The Downeast Rover offers Manteo sailing cruises aboard a 55-foot topsail schooner, including sunset sails and private charters for up to 25 guests.

  • Families seeking a two-hour daytime cruise
  • Couples and photographers seeking an Outer Banks sunset cruise
  • Private birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, and family reunions

Sail the Outer Banks

Boat Tours

Manteo, NC

Sail the Outer Banks offers private 2.5-hour sunset charters from Manteo for up to six guests aboard a 41-foot Gulfstar ketch.

  • Couples seeking a private sunset cruise
  • Proposals and private celebrations
  • Families or friend groups of up to 6 guests

Captain Johnny's Dolphin Watch

Boat Tours

Manteo, NC

Captain Johnny's Dolphin Watch offers a guaranteed dolphin watch on two-hour cruises departing from Manteo, with morning, afternoon, and sunset options.

  • Families seeking a dolphin-viewing cruise for all ages
  • Visitors wanting a two-hour cruise in protected Outer Banks waters
  • Guests seeking morning, afternoon, or sunset departure options

Tenacity Sportfishing

Boat Tours

Nags Head, NC

Tenacity Sportfishing runs Outer Banks offshore charters aboard a 56-foot Paul Mann boat targeting blue marlin, tuna, wahoo, and mahi mahi.

  • offshore Gulf Stream fishing
  • anglers targeting blue marlin or white marlin
  • yellowfin or bluefin tuna fishing

Outer Banks Adventures

Boat Tours

Manteo, NC

Outer Banks Adventures offers airboat tours, jet ski rentals, parasailing, kayaking, and paddle boards across the Outer Banks area.

  • visitors seeking multiple Outer Banks watersport options
  • jet ski rentals in the Outer Banks area
  • airboat tours

Harbor Star Dolphin Tours

Boat Tours

Wanchese, NC

Harbor Star Dolphin Tours offers two-hour wild dolphin tours on a covered, brand-new 40-foot pontoon boat, with three daytime departures daily.

  • families seeking a marine activity suitable for all ages
  • wild dolphin and coastal wildlife viewing
  • Outer Banks sunset cruises

OBX Pontoon Man

Boat Tours

Manteo, NC

OBX Pontoon Man offers Nags Head pontoon rentals plus all-ages four-hour fishing, crabbing, tubing, and dolphin charters.

  • Families seeking fishing, crabbing, tubing, and dolphin activities on one four-hour charter
  • Groups of up to 6 seeking a captain-led pontoon outing
  • Groups up to 12 arranging a private boat experience

Get Up And Go Kayaking - Outer Banks

Boat Tours

Nags Head, NC

Get Up And Go Kayaking - Outer Banks offers March-November clear kayak tours at Bodie Island Lighthouse, including private group experiences.

  • Clear-kayak views of Bodie Island Lighthouse
  • Wildlife viewing on a guided kayak tour
  • Small groups seeking tours limited to 10 paddlers

Native Island Sailing

Boat Tours

Manteo, NC

Native Island Sailing offers private Outer Banks charters aboard the area's only fully electric, solar-powered catamaran.

  • private sailing with a customer's own crew
  • quiet sailing without engine noise
  • eco-conscious boating on the Roanoke Sound

Other categories in Dare

Boat Tours in nearby counties

FAQ

Are dolphin sightings guaranteed on Dare County boat tours?

Nags Head Dolphin Watch advertises a seasonal guarantee during Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend, while Captain Johnny's Dolphin Watch advertises guaranteed sightings. Nags Head's guarantee involves a reschedule or voucher rather than a refund.

Can I bring a pet on an Outer Banks boat tour?

Pets are allowed on private charters with The Downeast Rover and Sail the Outer Banks. Nags Head Dolphin Watch does not permit pets.

Which Dare County boat tour works for a large private group?

The Downeast Rover's 55-foot schooner accommodates up to 25 guests. Sail the Outer Banks is limited to six guests, and Get Up And Go Kayaking limits tours to 10 paddlers.

What should I choose for a non-boat wildlife tour?

Get Up And Go Kayaking offers guided clear-kayak wildlife and Bodie Island Lighthouse history tours from March through November.