Morehead City · Crystal Coast · North Carolina

Carolina Coastal Charters

USCG Licensed Captains · Sunset Cruises · Women's Boating Training

⚓   ⛵   ⚓
USCG Licensed
Fully certified captains with years of coastal Carolina experience
🌅
Crystal Coast
Based at Portside Port 32 Marina, Morehead City
Modern Vessel
2023 Sea Fox 268 Commander with twin outboards
👩‍✈️
Helm Her Way
Women's boat handling & safety training program
⚙️
Seakeeper Equipped
Gyro stabilizer reduces roll up to 95% — the smoothest training platform on the Crystal Coast

Experiences on the Crystal Coast

Women's Training Program
Helm Her Way
Build real confidence at the helm in a supportive, small-group setting led by licensed captains.
Charter Experience
Sunset Cruises
Drift into the golden hour on the Crystal Coast — private, intimate sightseeing on the Carolina waters.
2023 Sea Fox 268 Commander

2023 Sea Fox 268 Commander

Our twin-engine center console is the perfect platform for both training and adventures on the Crystal Coast — responsive, capable, and built for coastal Carolina conditions. Equipped with a Seakeeper gyro stabilizer, it delivers up to 95% roll reduction, making it the smoothest and most capable training boat in the area.

Vessel
Sea Fox 268 Commander
Year
2023
Engines
Twin Outboards
Length
26 ft
Style
Center Console
Home Port
Port 32 Marina
⚙️  Seakeeper Gyro Stabilizer
Reduces boat roll up to 95% — the smoothest training platform on the Crystal Coast. No other local training boat has one.

Stories from the Water

★★★★★

"Helm Her Way completely changed my confidence on the water. I went from nervous passenger to actually docking the boat by the end of the day. Incredible instructors."

— Sarah M., Raleigh, NC
★★★★★

"The sunset cruise was absolutely magical. The captain knew every inch of the Crystal Coast and shared so much local knowledge. Worth every penny."

— Jennifer K., Charlotte, NC
★★★★★

"As someone who had never touched a boat wheel, I felt completely safe and supported. The small group setting made all the difference. I'll be back!"

— Maria T., Wilmington, NC

Ready to Take the Helm?

Classes fill fast — reserve your spot on the Crystal Coast today.

Women's Boating Training Program

Helm Her Way

Women's Boat Handling & Safety Training · Carolina Coastal Charters

Built for Women, by Captains Who Care

Whether you're brand new to boating or want to rebuild confidence behind the helm, Helm Her Way is designed for you. Our USCG Licensed Captains create a supportive, judgment-free environment where every woman — at any skill level — can thrive.

You'll spend the full three hours on the water, not in a classroom. Hands on the wheel from minute one.

Helm Her Way boat
⏱️
Duration
3 Hours
hands-on, on the water
👩‍✈️
Group Size
4
per class
🎓
Instructor
USCG Licensed
certified captains
📍
Location
Port 32 Marina
Morehead City, NC
💰
Investment
$195
per student
⚙️
⚙️   Exclusive Advantage

Seakeeper Gyro
Stabilizer Equipped

Our 2023 Sea Fox 268 Commander is equipped with a Seakeeper gyroscopic stabilizer — a premium technology that virtually eliminates boat roll, reducing side-to-side motion by up to 95%. No other training boat in the area offers this.

Why It Matters
When the boat isn't rocking, you can focus on learning — not on holding on.
Unmatched Locally
No other training or charter boat on the Crystal Coast has a Seakeeper. This is a rare, real advantage.
95%
Roll Reduction
$20K+
Premium Equipment
#1
In the Area
Motion Anxiety

What You'll Learn

Helm Confidence
Safe vessel operation and taking control at the helm from your very first minute on the water.
Docking & Undocking
Approach, dock, and depart cleanly — even in current and wind. One of the most valuable real-world skills.
Anchoring
Set, hold, and retrieve the anchor properly. Learn how to read bottom conditions and scope out correctly.
Beaching & Shallow Water
Maneuver in shallow coastal waters and beach the boat with confidence at sandbars and barrier islands.
Twin-Engine Handling
Harness the full capability of twin outboards — throttle control, differential steering, tight-quarter pivots.
Safety & Rules of the Road
Navigation rules, right-of-way, emergency procedures, PFD use, and on-water situational awareness.
Reading Conditions
Interpret wind, tidal current, and sea state to make better decisions on the water every time you go out.
Emergency Procedures
Man-overboard drills, engine failure response, radio communication, and knowing when to head in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely not — Helm Her Way welcomes complete beginners. Our instructors are skilled at meeting students exactly where they are, whether you've never set foot on a boat or you've been a passenger for years and want to learn the controls.
Wear comfortable, non-slip shoes (no flip-flops on the boat), sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. Bring a water bottle and dress for the weather. We provide all safety equipment including life jackets. Avoid loose clothing that could catch on equipment.
Safety is our top priority. If conditions are unsafe (high winds, lightning, severe weather), we will reschedule your class at no charge. Light rain is generally fine — coastal Carolina weather changes fast and we make real-time decisions based on your safety.
Yes! The class is already semi-private (4 students), but you can book all four spots for your group — friends, family, bachelorette parties, corporate outings. Contact us directly to arrange a private session.
Yes — that's the whole point! You'll be at the helm for the majority of the class. Our instructors guide you through each maneuver with hands-on coaching, but you are the one operating the boat. This is not a passenger experience.
Helm Her Way is specifically designed as a women-focused program to create a comfortable, supportive learning environment. All participants must be women or girls 16 and older (minors require a parent/guardian signature on the waiver). Spouses and partners are absolutely welcome to join — they simply need to register and pay as a student themselves. Every person on board is an active, hands-on participant. There are no passive observers; all 4 spots are reserved for paying students.
Yes! Private lessons and customized training are available. Every student learns differently, and sometimes one-on-one instruction or a tailored curriculum is exactly what's needed. Simply ask and we'll be happy to work with you to create the perfect experience.

Ready to Take the Helm?

Spots are limited to 4 per class. Reserve yours today.

Carolina Coastal Charters

Charters & Cruises

Set sail on the Crystal Coast with a licensed captain at the helm

Life is Better on the Water

From golden-hour sunset cruises to private sightseeing adventures, we offer unforgettable on-the-water experiences on some of the most beautiful coastal waters on the East Coast. Every charter is captained by a USCG Licensed professional aboard our 2023 Sea Fox 268 Commander.

Sunset Cruise
Signature Experience

Sunset Sightseeing Cruise

Drift through the golden hour on the Crystal Coast. Watch the sun sink behind the maritime forests of Bogue Banks as your captain narrates the local coastline, wildlife, and history.

Duration
2–3 Hours
Guests
Up to 6
Departure
Port 32 Marina
🌊
Coming Soon

Private Custom Charter

Have something specific in mind? We offer fully customizable private charters — whether it's a birthday on the water, a bachelorette adventure, a family outing, or a corporate team experience on the Crystal Coast.

Duration
Flexible
Guests
Up to 6
Pricing
Contact Us
Our vessel

The Crystal Coast

We operate out of Portside Port 32 Marina in Morehead City, giving us access to some of the most stunning coastal waters on the Eastern Seaboard — Bogue Sound, Back Sound, the Newport River, Core Sound, and beyond.

Whether you want to anchor off a sandbar, cruise past Cape Lookout lighthouse, or simply watch the sunset from the water, the Crystal Coast delivers.

Carolina Coastal Charters

Book Your Experience

★★★★★ "I went from nervous passenger to docking the boat solo!" — Sarah M. ★★★★★ "Best 3 hours I've ever spent on the water" — Jennifer K. ★★★★★ "Supportive, fun, and genuinely life-changing confidence" — Maria T. ★★★★★ "My husband was shocked when I docked the boat myself!" — Lisa R. ★★★★★ "Worth every penny — I booked a second session!" — Amy C. ★★★★★ "I went from nervous passenger to docking the boat solo!" — Sarah M. ★★★★★ "Best 3 hours I've ever spent on the water" — Jennifer K. ★★★★★ "Supportive, fun, and genuinely life-changing confidence" — Maria T. ★★★★★ "My husband was shocked when I docked the boat myself!" — Lisa R. ★★★★★ "Worth every penny — I booked a second session!" — Amy C.

Select a Date & Reserve

Pick a preferred date from the calendar and complete the form below. We'll reach out within 24 hours to confirm availability and finalize your reservation.

Please Note

Submitting this form is a booking request, not a confirmed reservation. Your spot is secured only after you receive a confirmation from us directly. Dates are available on a first-confirmed basis.

Booking Details
Helm Her Way Class$195 / student
Sunset CruiseContact for pricing
Private CharterContact for pricing

📍 Portside Port 32 Marina, 209 Arendell St., Morehead City, NC 28557
⏰ Classes typically depart 8am or 1pm
🌧 Full refund if we cancel due to weather

March 2026
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Potentially Available
Selected
Unavailable
📅 Selected:
🎉 Request received! We'll be in touch within 24 hours to confirm availability and finalize your booking. Keep an eye on your inbox — and feel free to call us at 704-993-1085 if you need a faster response.
Carolina Coastal Charters, LLC

About Our Captains

USCG Licensed · Morehead City, NC · Crystal Coast

Proud to Call the Crystal Coast Home

Carolina Coastal Charters, LLC is a Morehead City–based charter company operated by USCG Licensed Captains who are proud residents of the Crystal Coast. While we may not have grown up here, we chose to call this place home — and with many years of navigational experience on these waters, we know them intimately. We started this company because we believe that everyone deserves the confidence and freedom that comes from knowing how to handle a boat — and that the Crystal Coast is one of the most extraordinary places on Earth to experience the water.

The Helm Her Way program grew from a simple observation: most women who spend time on boats have never been taught to run one. We created a structured, welcoming training experience to change that — one class at a time.

Photo Coming Soon
Captain José Prandoni
USCG Licensed Master · Lead Instructor, Helm Her Way

A seasoned mariner and proud Crystal Coast resident with years of professional experience navigating the waters of Carteret County. Specializes in coastal navigation, safety instruction, and the Helm Her Way women's training program. Passionate about empowering women on the water.

Photo Coming Soon
Captain Carolyn Croson
USCG Licensed Master · Charter Captain

A dedicated Crystal Coast resident with extensive navigational experience on the local waterways, sounds, and coastal waters. Brings deep knowledge of local tides, currents, and the best anchorages along the barrier islands from Cape Lookout to Beaufort Inlet.

What We Stand For

🛡️
Safety First
Every decision on the water starts with safety. Always.
🌊
Real Instruction
Hands-on learning. You're at the helm — not watching from the back.
💪
Empowerment
We believe every woman deserves to feel capable and confident on the water.
🏡
Community
We're local. We live here, boat here, and love this coast deeply.
Get in Touch

Contact Us

We'd Love to Hear from You

Questions about Helm Her Way, charter pricing, private bookings, or anything else — drop us a line and we'll get back to you within 24 hours.

📞
Call or Text
704-993-1085
✉️
Email
Learn@CarolinaCoastalCharters.com
📍
Location
Portside Port 32 Marina
209 Arendell St., Morehead City, NC 28557
🕐
Response Time
Within 24 Hours
📍 Portside Port 32 Marina · 209 Arendell St., Morehead City, NC 28557

How Can We Help?

✅ Message sent! We'll be in touch within 24 hours.