Jim Shinn is a retired 27 year USCG veteran and a Licensed USCG Captain.  Jim and Katrina are longtime residents of Eastern North Carolina and Virginia, with over 30 years of boating experience. Knowing the area, they both fell in love with Southport and made it their home.  We want people to experience all that Southport has to offer.  On our Cape Fear Cruise, sit back, relax and enjoy incredible sights of our beautiful coastal area.  Water views of Bald Head Island, Oak Island, Southport and the Intracoastal  Waterway.  Don't forget your cameras as photo opportunities will present themselves and you don't want to miss it....egrets, herons, seagulls and an array of wildlife up close and personal.  It's always a great day when you encounter the dolphins at play.  Please feel free to share your photos on our Facebook page - we love to share the fun!  We also offer our Sunset Cruise where you can witness panoramic views of the most spectacular sunsets.

Cruise lengths - 2 hours  

Maximum passengers - 6

*It's hard to think about anything but the fantastic cruise you provided for us. The perfect weather and darling dolphins added to the pleasure, but it was truly Jim and Katrina that made our cruise absolutely splendid from beginning to end! Your boat is just lovely and pristine. Thanks again for a night to remember forever!

*Just what the doctor ordered - beautiful seascape views, surrounded by wildlife on a picture perfect evening. We've lived in the area many years without appreciating much of the fascinating history you shared. Great crew, fantastic photos and even better company. Thank you so much for an exhilarating yet relaxing journey. We'll be back!

*Great day with friends on the water and bonus: dolphin sightings galore and all around us. Thank you Southport By Seaside. Such a terrific cruise.

*Thank you Jim and Katrina of Southport By Seaside. Katrina, you're definitely the Dolphin Whisperer!

*Great sunset cruise with Jim and Katrina! My group of friends had so much fun and saw SO many dolphins.  Great job Captain Jim and First Mate Katrina!

*This boat tour is highly recommended!  You get 2 full hours with 2 amazingly sweet people on a super nice comfy boat.  We saw dolphins and learned a lot about the history of the area.  Got a ton of amazing photos and videos!  Thank you so much!

*We have had a couple of wonderful outings with the Shinn's.  Very professional, always fun. Highly recommend!

*A grand time exploring the local waters, dolphins all around us.  The spectacular sunset capped off the evening.  Highly recommend!

*We enjoyed a lovely evening with Katrina and Jim, out on their boat for a sunset cruise.  We highly recommend this tour!  We saw dolphins, Bald Head Island and a beautiful sunset, thanks!

*We met this couple when all of our loves came together.  The LOVE of Southport.  Just one introduction and we all became instant family in the small town.  We would strongly suggest taking a cruise with Jim and Katrina.  They will not only make you feel welcome but share with you our little slice of heaven that we now call home.....Southport!

*This was the highlight of our trip!  Jim and Katrina were great, friendly and informative.  Katrina took some beautiful pics.  I was a "little" nervous at first having two 5 year olds on the boat but they were secure in their little life jackets and everything went without a hitch.  We enjoyed a beautiful sunset and saw LOTS of dolphins close to the boat. I couldn't believe it! The kids enjoyed "riding the waves"  and the occasional splashes from sitting in the front.  The scenery was breathtaking and I felt very safe.

*Absolutely fantastic experience!  Jim and Katrina are super friendly hosts and very knowledgeable.  The boat is very comfortable.  The dolphin put on a great show and we saw a spectacular sunset.  We will go again - highly recommend!

*This was mine and my siblings last activity before we left to head back home and it was amazing!  Seeing so many dolphin was the highlight of the boat tour and made for an experience we won't forget!  Jim and Katrina were great.  Not only did they go out of their way to make sure we had a good time, but they also told us about the history of every place we visited and shared some of their previous adventures with us!  Next time we're in Southport, this is a definite visit for us.

*My hubby surprised me with a boat tour with Southport By Seaside and it was a delight!  Staff was so nice and accommodating.  Beautiful sunset and got to see a lot of dolphin.  Best tour I have ever been on!

*We would highly recommend Southport By Seaside Boat Tours!  One of the most fun and relaxing things we've done!  Can't wait to visit again.

*Thank you all so much for making it so memorable  for us!!  It was such an amazing trip for us!

*It was magic start to finish. A beautiful night, great weather, incredible wildlife viewing and all in the best company. Life is good!

*It was such an amazing evening. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, thank you again for the wonderful tour!

*We had so much fun! Thanks for a wonderful evening out on the water with a gorgeous sunset!