Locals Who Love These Waters
Located at Safe Harbor South Harbour Village, Oak Island Boat Tours was created for anyone who loves the Carolina coast as much as we do. We offer narrated cruises along the Intracoastal Waterway and Cape Fear River, including 1-hour and 15-minute sightseeing tours and unforgettable sunset cruises.
Our captains are USCG-licensed professionals who know these waterways inside and out. They share the history, wildlife, and hidden gems that make Oak Island and Southport so unique—from playful dolphins and coastal birds to iconic views of the lighthouse and bridge.
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or you’ve been coming here for years, we want every trip to feel like a local experience on the water—comfortable, personal, and full of discovery.
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Every tour is different. Every sunset, every tide, and every story shared makes the experience one of a kind.
OUR CAPTAINS
Inman Campbell
Co-Founder and Lead Captain​​
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A lifelong waterman and proud graduate of Appalachian State University, Inman Campbell holds a degree in Recreation Management with a concentration in Commercial Recreation and Tourism. As a USCG Master Captain and certified Scuba Instructor Trainer, he’s spent years guiding divers and adventurers beneath the waves. Passionate about spearfishing and ocean conservation, Inman brings both expertise and enthusiasm to every charter. His hands-on experience and deep respect for the sea set the tone for every adventure Oak Island Water Tours delivers.
Jay Beard
Experienced Captain and Guide
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Jay Beard brings decades of experience, local knowledge, and a deep love for the Southport/Oak Island area. A familiar face in the region since the early 1970s, Jay worked at the NC Baptist Assembly at Caswell in high school and has called Southport home full-time since 2016. He’s a proud graduate of Wake Forest University (B.A.) and NC State University (M.A.), and a retired U.S. Army veteran.
An experienced boater, Jay has spent years on both sailboats and powerboats—from skiffs and twin-engine dive boats to touring vessels. He’s a USCG licensed captain (OUPV since 2018 and 50-Ton Master since 2024) and a certified Scuba Diving Instructor and Dive Master. Whether he's navigating local waters or guiding divers below the surface, Jay combines safety, skill, and storytelling to make every trip memorable.
Captain Ted
Co-Founder and Lead Captain
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Born and raised along the Cape Fear coast, Captain Ted is an Appalachian State and UNCW (MBA) graduate with more than 20 years of experience at the helm of vessels up to 90 feet. A USCG Master Licensed Captain, he combines technical skill with a genuine love for sharing life on the water. Some of his best memories were made on the boat with his family, and that spirit of connection and fun is what he brings to every tour. With an easygoing personality and deep local knowledge, Captain Ted ensures every trip is safe, smooth, and unforgettable.
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Lucas Huettl
Experienced Captain and Guide
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With over 20 years on the water, Captain Lucas is your go-to guide for unforgettable sunsets and underwater adventures. A certified scuba professional and lifelong ocean lover, they bring a deep knowledge of the sea, a passion for marine life, and a laid-back island vibe to every trip. Whether you're diving with turtles or cruising into golden hour, you're in great hands with Master Captain Lucas at the helm.
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