Crystal Dawn Dolphin and Sunset Cruises
5.0
/5
(33 reviews)
2000 Sailfish Drive, Manteo, NC 27954, United States–
Crystal Dawn Dolphin and Sunset Cruises
Manteo, NC, United States
–
63 feet
97
5.0
/5
(33 reviews)
The Most Spacious Tour Boat on the Outer Banks!
Experience the beauty of the Outer Banks from the deck of Crystal Dawn, a classic 1963 Varnum Headboat beautifully restored in 2022. With room for up to 97 guests, this spacious vessel is perfect for sightseeing cruises, dolphin watching, and lively booze cruises led by the experienced Capt. Charles Foreman.
Powered by twin 400 HP diesel inboard Cummins engines, this smooth-sailing boat reaches a comfortable 12-knot cruising speed. Onboard, you’ll find state-of-the-art amenities, including an audio system with inside and outside speakers, a fish finder, baitwell, rod holders, and an ice box to keep your drinks chilled.
Relax in the flybridge, cabin, or full bathroom, and enjoy optional add-ons like drinks and snacks to enhance your experience. Family-friendly and fully equipped with top-tier safety features—GPS, radar, depth finder, life jackets, and VHF radio—so you can set sail with confidence.
Whether you're soaking up the sights, spotting dolphins, or toasting with friends, Crystal Dawn promises an unforgettable experience on the water. Book your trip today and make memories that last a lifetime!
Customer reviews
5.0
(33 reviews)
5
32
4
0
3
0
2
0
1
0
5.0
Boat & equipment
4.9
Captain & crew
5.0
Boating Experience
Customers' gallery (30)
+24
What customers say
97%
Recommended
All reviews (33)
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Showing 1 – 5 of 33 reviews
Millner James
5.0
Verified
New
Absolutely fabulous
1.5 Hour – Sunset Cruise on May 5, 2026 • 3 adults
We had the most wonderful experience. My husband and iur best friend booked a two-hour sunset cruise on May 5th which happened to be their first of the season. The captain and crew assistant could not have been nicer and the boat was in pristine condition.
We enjoyed an absolutely perfect sunset while learning about some of the history and sites of Manteo.
The whole experience from booking to arrival and departure could not have been easier.
If we had paid double the price, we would’ve thought it was worth it. This created a memory we will carry with us forever.
0
Terry Barnett
5.0
Verified
Beautiful Evening On The Water
1.5 Hour – Sunset Cruise on August 29, 2025 • 4 adults
We left the dock on clear beautiful evening. The way the captain maneuvered out of the dock was amazing. When we were out in the water we saw dolphins. They were everywhere. They weren't in their normal two or three pods. They were everywhere. The captain stopped and let us watch the dolphins for a long time. He followed them. It was fantastic. Then when the sun went down we stopped to watch the sun go down. It was gorgeous. Highly recommend this trip. Everything about it was breathtaking watching the captain pull back into the slip was a treat. He knows what he's doing.
0
Polly Raible
5.0
Verified
Awesome trip
1.5 Hour – Sunset Cruise on August 8, 2025 • 4 adults • 2 children
I took my 81 yo mother, my sister and my family, which included two teenagers. Unfortunately, the weather was not good so we didn’t get to see the sunset, but we had a great time! Charles is an awesome captain and has great stories about the landmarks you pass. Nick was awesome, as well and made sure everyone was comfortable and had what they need. They made sure we saw dolphins and a great time was had by all!
0
Trisha Kusiowski
5.0
Verified
Beautiful and relaxing evening
1.5 Hour – Sunset Cruise on July 23, 2025 • 6 adults • 2 children
The sunset cruise was beautiful, fun, and relaxing. The captain was wonderful and laid back, letting all the kids take turns at the wheel and encouraging everyone to move about the boat freely. He also gave us interesting information about the sights as we passed by. We saw lots of dolphins much to everyone’s delight and also got to see a great sunset. It was a very successful trip that my whole family enjoyed.
0
Ramiro Salazar
5.0
Verified
Best boat experience we had!
1.5 Hour – Dolphin Watch Cruise on August 16, 2025 • 5 adults • 3 children
It was a great experience. Boat was well maintained, clean, and very spacious. The environment was the best, kid friendly. The captain and its crew were very nice. They took us to watch the dolphins which we enjoyed. The captain interacted with us and answered any questions we had. He made sure we had a good time! 10/10
0
Trip availability and prices
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May 2026
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1.5 Hour – Dolphin Watch Cru (copy)
Non-refundable
2 Hour Trip
starts at 3:00 PM
Seasonal trip
Sep 1 - Oct 30 (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat)
US $78
Shared tour: 2 people
US $78
Shared tour: 2 people
1.5 Hour – Dolphin Watch Cruise
Non-refundable
2 Hour Trip
starts at 3:00 PM
Seasonal trip
Apr 25 - May 31 (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat)
US $78
Shared tour: 2 people
US $78
Shared tour: 2 people
1.5 Hour – Sunset Cruise
Non-refundable
2 Hour Trip
starts at 6:00 PM
Seasonal trip
Apr 25 - Oct 31 (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat)
US $78
Shared tour: 2 people
US $78
Shared tour: 2 people
2 Hour – Private Dolphin C (copy)
Non-refundable
2 Hour Trip
starts at 3:00 PM
Seasonal trip
Sep 1 - Oct 30 (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat)
US $1,200
Private tour: up to 97 people
US $1,200
Private tour: up to 97 people
2 Hour – Private Dolphin Cruise
Non-refundable
2 Hour Trip
starts at 3:00 PM
Seasonal trip
Apr 25 - May 31 (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat)
US $1,200
Private tour: up to 97 people
US $1,200
Private tour: up to 97 people
2 Hour – Private Sunset Cruise
Non-refundable
2 Hour Trip
starts at 6:00 PM
Seasonal trip
Apr 25 - Oct 31 (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat)
US $1,200
Private tour: up to 97 people
US $1,200
Private tour: up to 97 people
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Customer reviews
5.0
(33 reviews)
5
32
4
0
3
0
2
0
1
0
5.0
Boat & equipment
4.9
Captain & crew
5.0
Boating Experience
Customers' gallery (30)
+24
What customers say
97%
Recommended
All reviews (33)
Filter
Filter
Sort by: Featured
Featured
Showing 1 – 5 of 33 reviews
Millner James
5.0
Verified
New
Absolutely fabulous
1.5 Hour – Sunset Cruise on May 5, 2026 • 3 adults
We had the most wonderful experience. My husband and iur best friend booked a two-hour sunset cruise on May 5th which happened to be their first of the season. The captain and crew assistant could not have been nicer and the boat was in pristine condition.
We enjoyed an absolutely perfect sunset while learning about some of the history and sites of Manteo.
The whole experience from booking to arrival and departure could not have been easier.
If we had paid double the price, we would’ve thought it was worth it. This created a memory we will carry with us forever.
0
Terry Barnett
5.0
Verified
Beautiful Evening On The Water
1.5 Hour – Sunset Cruise on August 29, 2025 • 4 adults
We left the dock on clear beautiful evening. The way the captain maneuvered out of the dock was amazing. When we were out in the water we saw dolphins. They were everywhere. They weren't in their normal two or three pods. They were everywhere. The captain stopped and let us watch the dolphins for a long time. He followed them. It was fantastic. Then when the sun went down we stopped to watch the sun go down. It was gorgeous. Highly recommend this trip. Everything about it was breathtaking watching the captain pull back into the slip was a treat. He knows what he's doing.
0
Polly Raible
5.0
Verified
Awesome trip
1.5 Hour – Sunset Cruise on August 8, 2025 • 4 adults • 2 children
I took my 81 yo mother, my sister and my family, which included two teenagers. Unfortunately, the weather was not good so we didn’t get to see the sunset, but we had a great time! Charles is an awesome captain and has great stories about the landmarks you pass. Nick was awesome, as well and made sure everyone was comfortable and had what they need. They made sure we saw dolphins and a great time was had by all!
0
Trisha Kusiowski
5.0
Verified
Beautiful and relaxing evening
1.5 Hour – Sunset Cruise on July 23, 2025 • 6 adults • 2 children
The sunset cruise was beautiful, fun, and relaxing. The captain was wonderful and laid back, letting all the kids take turns at the wheel and encouraging everyone to move about the boat freely. He also gave us interesting information about the sights as we passed by. We saw lots of dolphins much to everyone’s delight and also got to see a great sunset. It was a very successful trip that my whole family enjoyed.
0
Ramiro Salazar
5.0
Verified
Best boat experience we had!
1.5 Hour – Dolphin Watch Cruise on August 16, 2025 • 5 adults • 3 children
It was a great experience. Boat was well maintained, clean, and very spacious. The environment was the best, kid friendly. The captain and its crew were very nice. They took us to watch the dolphins which we enjoyed. The captain interacted with us and answered any questions we had. He made sure we had a good time! 10/10
0
FAQs about Crystal Dawn Dolphin and Sunset Cruises
What the boat is like
Boat category
HeadboatsBoat type
HeadboatBoat manufacturer
VarnumBoat Model
CustomYear built
1963Restored in
2022Boat length
63 ftCapacity
97 persons