Travel & Flights - When to Book

    •    Arrival in New Bern: Fly in the day before departure (or earlier). We’ll pick you up at the New Bern airport (EWN) or nearby hotels or you can Ride Share to our marina.

    •    Departure from Charleston: We make landfall in Charleston Harbor by day 4/5. Book your flight home the next day or later from Charleston (CHS). Ride share drop to the airport or your hotel.

Add a buffer night if you want to explore Charleston — highly recommended!⛵✨

How many people can the boat hold?

• SV Wind Song is limited to 6 passengers by US Coast Guard (USCG) regulations. No exceptions.

• You can find all the regulations and requirements through the USCG website.

  Do children count towards your 6 person maximum?

• YES, the 6 person maximum is regulated through the USCG, and they count every ‘‘living soul’’ the same, no matter the age, No Exceptions.

• Do we need to purchase tickets in advance?

• Yes; we highly recommended that you purchase tickets in advance as trips often sell out.

• You may purchase tickets online by contacting us by phone

• (864) 498-1607

• Is there a minimum number of people needed to go out?

• Our day/ sunset sails don’t require a minimum of passengers. ( only a maximum of 6 passengers per the USCG regulations ) to be booked before we go out.

• The cost of the vessel is the still the same for either the 5-Day passage, the Day Sail and the Sunset Sail. Your hiring the crew and vessel.

• What if rain is in the forecast?

• We suggest ignoring the forecast and booking anyway. If you wait too long, there's a good chance the trip will already be booked. Our weather here New Bern changes constantly and the weather on the river is completely different from the weather on land. More often than not, the weather turns out to be just fine. Never hurts to bring a rain coat, umbrellas won't do much.

• Where does the boat go?

• We sail here around the Historic area of New Bern, NC on the Neuse River, The ICW/Adams creek to Beaufort,NC and the coast of NC/SC to CHarleston,SC. We sail with the winds and tides so every trip is unique.

• We can also opt to motor/sail within the protection of the ICW from Beaufort to Wilmington,NC.

• Will we see wildlife?

• While we cannot guarantee dolphin sightings, as we are viewing these wild animals in their native habitats,

• It is up to this amazing marine mammal as to how close or how far they stay from the boat.

• We are always respectful and practice Dolphin Safe™ standards of viewing.

• We may see alligators as well as Dolphins , we never know , that’s part of the adventure.

• What about unexpected weather?

• Our captains are very experienced in monitoring and forecasting local weather patterns.

• Thunderstorms will pop up from time to time even when we are out on the river and the ocean.

• We do not sail in “bad” weather, however cancellations due to weather are only decided by the captain AT the time of charter.

• In the event of a cancellation due to weather, tickets are either rescheduled if possible or refunded.

• What happens if river/Ocean conditions are bad?

• The Captain will be in touch with you the day of your trip to go over weather conditions with you and answer any questions you may have.

• The safety of our guests are top priority. We will not go sailing in the event of bad weather conditions or if the forecast looks to dangerous.

• You can reschedule the trip on a later day or we will issue a full refund in the event of dangerous weather conditions.

• Or Opt to do the classic ICW scenic tour if conditions presist.

• How safe is the boat?

• The vessel is very safe and stable.

• The Vessel complies to all local, state and federal regulations .

• The Coast Guard Auxiliary provides a complementary safety examination for Uninspected Passenger Vessels.

• Similar to a recreational Vessel Safety Check, educates the owner/master concerning compliance with the regulations. 

• Vessels that pass the examination will receive a UPV decal for display on the vessel.  

• Vessels that fail will be given a list of deficiencies, but no enforcement action is taken.

• The boat does heel. We meet all USCG requirements for un-inspected passenger vessels.

• Liferaft & EPIRB are on board at all times.

• USCG approve of PFDs are available for all passengers.

• You are not required to wear them, but we do have adult, child, & infant life vests available for all passengers in the case of emergencies.

• Children are welcome.

• Children 13 and under are required to wear a USCG approved PFD while onboard any vessel in NC waters. boatus.org

• Can we bring our children?

• Children of all ages are welcome aboard our vessel, although we do not recommend bringing small children or infants (1 or under).

• The vessel does heel, our captains can lessen the heeling effect but not completely in some instances, weather conditions or fast moving thunderstorms.

• Wind Song offers little shade or protection from the elements.

• Children 13 and under are required to wear a USCG approved PFD while onboard any vessel in NC waters. boatus.org

• Are food and beverages allowed on board?

• Yes, we offer complimentary water and soda/sparkling water/ shaved ice.

• For the longer 5-Day passage, we fully provision the vessel with food for 6 days for 4 crew.

• Yes, you can bring snacks on board.

• If you are looking to get wasted on a boat then our trips are not for you.

• At any time the Captain feels that there is any issue, He will bring the vessel safely back to port or to the closest dock and contact the local authorities.

• We provide an iced cooler for our guests to use aboard every trip.

• There is also a ship store located at our marina and 2 convenience markets 7- 5 miles from our dock - please plan ahead. The convenience stores are on the way to the marina Hours vary at this location.

• Wind Song Sailing Adventures / North West Creek marina : 104 Marina Drive New Bern, NC 28560

• Is the boat pet friendly?

• We love all animals, we do recommend that you leave the furry 4 legged critters at home.

• Do I need to wear boat shoes?

• While boat shoes are not required, we do recommend you wear comfortable shoes. And please NO heels. You'll thank us. The decks do get very hot during a mid summer day, please plan accordingly.

• Is there shade or anything I should bring along?

• Yes; the sails of the boat do offer shade from the sun.

• There is also a Bimini covering the cockpit that we can raise if we don’t have it in place.

• However, we do recommend that all passengers bring hat, sunglasses and wear sunscreen while aboard the boat.

• A Foul Weather gear & light jacket is also recommended in the cooler months as it is typically several degrees cooler on the water (a big plus on summer days).

• What's the Head?

• While there is a head on board, it is a marine toilet.

• They are known to be persnickety.

• Accessing the head requires climbing down a ladder “companionway” to get below decks.

• If you are concerned about using it, North West Creek Marina has clean restrooms available both before and after the charter.

• Access codes can be given once we check everyone in or before you arrive to the vessel.

• Fun Fact:
  In “the square rigged/Tall Ship days”, ships did not have bathrooms. As unclean as it may sound, their system worked for them at that time. Beyond the bow of the boat there was a bowsprit that was simply covered with a rope webbing or wooden grating as shown, and was open to the sea below. Sailors needing to relieve themselves would do so over the webbing and any waste fell through to the sea, keeping the area clean. This was a simple and effective system for the times. The head of the bowsprit is an example. Back then, when a sailor needed to relieve himself, he would have to go forward saying, “I need to go to the head of the ship”. That terminology has stuck with us and to this day, boaters still refer to the bathroom as the “head”. The word head confusingly refers to both the room and the toilet.

• Is the boat handicap accessible?

• Unfortunately, our boat is not super handicap accessible.

• The rigging of the vessel, “ cables & Lines that keep the mast and sails up”, make it complicated to move freely as one may need.

• However, our crew will make every effort to accommodate all passengers to the best of our ability.

• For passengers with special requirements, please contact our reservation office directly so we can discuss how we may be able to accommodate your group.

• When should we be ready to board the boat?

• We recommend that you arrive at least 1 day prior to our 5-Day departure.

• We recommend that you arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your departure.

• The captain or crew will meet you at our dockside sign 10-15 minutes before the trip.

• The tour will start promptly as scheduled.

• We may be in our slip or at the marina fuel dock.

• Marina staff is also available for questions if you are lost or need assistance.

• Can we tip the captain or crew?

• Gratuity is not included in the ticket price.

• If you've enjoyed your experience, tips for our hardworking crew are greatly appreciated!

• Gratuity aboard a charter boat works similarly to restaurant gratuities and ranges from between 15-20%.

• What if I need to cancel my reservation?

• Any cancellations or changes to private charters should be made at least 7 days prior to your charter to receive a full refund.

• Cancellations made within 7 days will be eligible for a 50% refund, however there are no refunds or rescheduling within 72 hours of your charter.

• Rescheduling within 7 days may be subject to a 15% fee.

• No-shows will be charged full price.

• You can opt in for trip insurance for an additional fee .

• Are Gift Certificates available?

• Yes; we are happy to provide gift certificates for your friends and family.

• Click the Gift Card button on the main drop down menu or please contact us directly to make arrangements.

• Is there an age requirement to book a passage?

• YES, minimum age for booking is 18.