Half day tours and trips can be scheduled on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in the morning hours. Departures will be within 1-2 hours of sunrise and returning by late morning hours, in order to avoid higher afternoon winds and storms. Departure and return times are adjusted, depending on time of year, weather conditions, and the needs of the customer. Tours will depart from the Belhaven city dock, the NC Wildlife Resources ramp in Belhaven, or from the NC Wildlife Resources ramp at Wright’s Creek.
A minimum of 2 persons is required per tour or trip and participants must be age 6 or older. If under age 18, participants must be accompanied by a parent or legally appointed guardian, or legally responsible adult sponsor. Protective footwear is required on all excursions.
A cooler is provided on all tours and trips, in which participants may store any snacks and drinks that they choose to bring along. All disposable containers are asked to be recyclable aluminum or plastic. Smoking is prohibited on board any Machapunga Ecotours vessel. Alcohol and other substances that impair judgment are prohibited on all Machapunga Ecotours excursions..
90 minute scenic cruises are available in the afternoon and evening on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
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Estuarine Overview
Learn all about what our estuaries really are, the interdependency of the diverse life forms they support, and the amazing productivity and services they provide for us. Activities on this tour may include learning local history and culture, measuring changes in salinity, watching dolphins and sting rays, observing shoreline birds and wildlife, wading in the shallows to pull a seine net and examining the catch, checking eel and crab pots, cast netting for shrimp, and much more. Activities are seasonally dependent. Tours are offered mid-spring through early fall. Rate is $200 per group.
All About Blue Crabs
A great choice for young and old, friends and family. This tour emphasizes the fascinating life cycle of NC’s most prolific seafood product. On this trip you will check crab pots and learn how they work, cruise by water to a crab shedding operation when available, and go crabbing with hand lines on Captain Peter’s private dock. By the end of your tour you will be very knowledgeable about these cranky crustaceans, and will be familiar with crab terminology. On top of all that you can take your catch home for a tasty feast. Sun Screen, insect repellent, drinking fluids, binoculars, and a camera are strongly recommended. Tours are offered mid-spring through early fall. Rate is $175 per group.
Birding by Water/Sight Seeing
A good choice for the birding fanatic or casual sight seer. Let Capt Peter put you in the back waters inaccessible on foot and by driving. Observe neotropical songbirds, wading shore birds, birds of prey, wintering waterfowl, and other wildlife in unspoiled habitat. Sun Screen, insect repellent, drinking fluids, binoculars, and a camera are strongly recommended. Rate is $50 per passenger for 1st two passengers (minimum of 2), then $40 per additional passenger. Offered all year around.
Afternoon/Evening Spirit Cruise
Leave the Belhaven Town Dock in late afternoon to early evening. Cruise to Dowry Creek Marina for your beverage of choice and/or dinner, while enjoying the fabulous view from above. Watch the sunset from out on the Pungo River during your return to Belhaven, while listening to your choice of music. Total trip is 90-120 minutes. Minimum is $90 for two people, and add $35 for each additional person. Add cost of beverage and/or food.
90 Minute Back Water Birding/Sight Seeing
Explore the quiet headwaters of Pantego Creek. This is the perfect compliment to lunch or dinner at one of Belhaven’s quality restaurants. Rate is $40 per passenger for 1st two passengers (minimum of 2), then $30 per additional passenger.
