harbor town cruises edenton nc

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Scenic narrated tour of Edenton Bay featuring historic homes and unique photo opportunities

Closed for 2023 season, thanks for a great season, see you in april 2024.

April/May: Friday, Saturday, Sunday Starting May 18: Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Schedule subject to change and weather constraints.

The weather will be beautiful, and the boat is shipshape and ready!

Mark your calendar and come on board, all aboard for a relaxing scenic ride around edenton bay on the tour boat “liber-tea”.

Capt. Mark Thesier is fond of saying to his passengers as they head out for an enjoyable scenic Edenton Bay cruise on the “Liber-Tea” — “This is loud as we get, and as fast as we go.”

In other words — Not loud. Not fast.

The “Liber-Tea” is a beautifully appointed comfy six-passenger tour boat powered by an eco-friendly electric motor. The only sound you’ll hear is the water rippling past the hull. No exhaust fumes to spoil your wine and cheese repast. No engine noise to keep your girlfriend from hearing you say, “Will you marry me?” (Or whatever you want to say.)

Bring along family and friends — the “Liber-Tea” comfortably sits six on its padded seats, and there’s a table for you to spread out your goodies. Plus there’s a canopy to keep you cool in its shade. The “Liber-Tea” is definitely the way to meander around the bay!

Capt. Mark will regale you with interesting stories about Edenton and the beautiful bay it is nestled on. For instance, did you know that there is a special Cypress tree growing in the bay that the sailors kept rum tucked in? You’ll be an Edenton Bay expert after you get back to land!

Completely seaworthy, regularly safety inspected by the U.S. Coast Guard, you will feel entirely comfortable bringing along young and old.

Special theme charters are available, whether they are something you put together or one of Capt. Mark’s specialities, like his sunset tours.

So don’t just settle on seeing Edenton by walking our streets. Go out on the water in the “Liber-Tea” and see it from our beautiful Edenton Bay!

Take a look at more photos of the

Edenton Harbor at the end of South Broad Street. Across from the Barker House and the Edenton Welcome Center.

About the “Liber-Tea”

22 ft. all electric eco-friendly launch that comfortably accommodates six passengers.

Cruises available Thursday through Monday at these times:

Weather permitting. Schedule is subject to change.

Purchase tickets as you board, six passenger limit.

• Children (13 and under) $12

Trolley passengers discount with trolley receipt.

Military & Senior (62+) rates available.

Themed & Private Charters Available

For information & reservations call 860-367-5786

Capt. Mark L. Thesier, LLC USCG Master 100 GT

Historic Edenton Bay Cruises Aboard the Liber-Tea

Sightseeing experience in North Carolina

Takes passengers on a relaxing tour of the stunning waterways of the region, offering picturesque views of the coastal landscape and wildlife.

• Cruise Ship Tours
• Hour Glass 1 Hour 25 Minutes
• User All Ages

Historic Pasquotank River Cruise

Cruise the Pasquotank River while enjoying the scenery and learn about the area from our knowledgeable guides!

Historic Perquimans Tour

Cruise the Perquimans River while enjoying the scenery and learn about the area from our knowledgeable guides!

Plymouth Roanoke River Delta Tour

Cruise the Roanoke River while enjoying the scenery and learn about the area from our knowledgeable guides!

Historic Columbia / Scuppernong Tour

Cruise the picturesque Scuppernong River for 1 hour and 25 minutes to enjoy the scenery and learn about the area from our knowledgeable guides!

Historic Edenton and Chowan River Cruise

Cruise Edenton Bay while enjoying the scenery and learn about the area from our knowledgeable guides!

• Cruise Ship Tours , Albemarle Plantation
• Hour Glass 6 Hours

Albemarle Plantation Excursion

This tour is excellent for sightseeing. You can also lunch and shop where we stop. We will visit one of the following destinations on your journey: Plymouth, Columbia, Edenton, Manteo, or Elizabeth City.

• Meetings & Events

The Boater’s Itinerary

Anchoring its charm in coastal allure, Edenton is the perfect port of call for boaters seeking a mix of serenity and maritime adventure. As part of the Albemarle Loop , Edenton offers complimentary boat slip access for your first two nights at harbor.

As you sail or cruise into the Edenton Bay, you’ll be greeted by the impressive sight of the Roanoke River Lighthouse overlooking the breakwater and marina. The downtown harbor features transient boat slips with electric hookup, restrooms and shower facility. Upon your arrival, a dockmaster will be available to to provide ice and fresh water, as well as coordinate car service if needed. To reserve your free boat slip, register online two days in advance.

Once you’re safely on shore, make the most of your stay using this curated itinerary:

Penelope Barker House

What better way to stretch out your sea legs than relaxing on the porch of a waterfront mansion? The Penelope Barker House is steps away from the harbor, its grand porches lined with rocking chairs that overlook the Edenton Bay. Known as Edenton’s living room, this welcoming landmark pays tribute to the Edenton Tea Party of 1774. The museum is open to the public daily.

Historic Trolley Tour

While you’re there, purchase your ticket for a tour aboard the Historic Trolley. This narrated tour guides you through Edenton’s 300 years of history, from the oldest house in North Carolina to a restored mill village. There’s no better way to get your bearings than this immersive experience.

Explore Broad Street

As you pass through picturesque downtown, you’ll quickly notice the walkability of the historic district. Broad Street boasts three blocks of 19th century buildings that house nearly forty unique shops and restaurants within walking distance to the waterfront. Cozy up at the Edenton Coffee House, or stock up on supplies (and gifts) at our third-generation hardware store, Byrum’s .

Signature Hospitality

If you need to rest your legs and want to take a break from your cabin, you won’t have to venture far to find a charming Bed & Breakfast. Only a few blocks from the water are three downtown B&Bs that offer southern hospitality at its best. After a good night’s sleep, you’ll be treated to a warm, homemade breakfast from one of the local innkeepers.

• Granville Queen Inn
• Captain’s Quarters
• Inner Banks Inn

After charting the coastal waters and exploring the town, you’ve surely earned some indulgence — it’s time to anchor down and revel in Edenton’s dining and wining scene. Within walking distance from the dock, you can choose from an array of locally-owned restaurants, including the 19th century herring icehouse turned waterfront restaurant, the Herringbone . Another popular choice is 309 Bistro , a downtown hot spot serving an array of à la carte dishes. To experience some lively casual elegance, indulge in the beloved Waterman’s Grill , which is housed in a historic building once home to Tynch & Toppin Fish Market.

Trolley on the Waterfront

Round out the evening on the water for a quintessential nightcap Edenton-style. Brought to you by the Herringbone, the town’s retired trolley cab has been restored and now serves a trifecta of treats; with your choice of ice cream and coffee on one side, a menu of alcoholic beverages on the other. Savor the charm of a beautiful waterfront patio while you toast to a successful stop on your nautical journey!

As you chart your course through the breathtaking Albemarle region, we invite you to drop anchor in Edenton and experience waterfront beauty and southern hospitality wrapped in one, enchanting port of call.

Don’t just take our word for it, read fellow boaters’ reviews of Edenton Harbor on Waterway Guide .

HELPFUL LINKS

Edenton itineraries.

Through the Eyes of NC Tripping

Through the Eyes of Katie Urban

Gals’ Weekend Itinerary

Pet-Friendly Edenton

The Family Fun Itinerary

101 W. Water Street Edenton, NC 27932

(252) 482-0300 [email protected]

Chowan County, North Carolina

Named The South’s Prettiest Small Town

• Real Estate

The Albemarle Queen, Harbor Towns' paddle wheel excursion boat, docks in Edenton

By From staff reports ,

Harbor Town Cruises’ excursion-dinner boat, The Albemarle Queen, arrived at the municipal docks in Edenton last weekend.

Harbor Towns purchased the 99-foot paddle wheeler, formerly named the Anna Marie Princess, from its Florida-based owners, after deciding it was cost-prohibitive to continue making repairs to the vessel it had planned use as a dinner-excursion boat, the Eagle I.

Harbor Towns said the Anna Marie Princess was built in Pickwick, Tenn., in 2003 and features “signature paddle wheels” and advanced maneuvering capabilities, including stern and bow thrusters. Most recently it has plied the waters near the Bradenton Beach Marina in Florida, where it was based.

According to Harbor Towns, The Albemarle Queen features an open top deck, is capable of carrying 120 people, and can seat 80 for dinner. After a new paint job, spot treatments for rust, and installation of new carpet, Harbor Towns plans to use the paddle wheeler for group bookings and dinner cruises.

Harbor Towns said the vessel will be the “first paddle wheeler to grace the waters of the Albemarle in over a century” and is “ideal for scenic tours, private events and unforgettable dining experiences.”

Captained by a local crew, the Anna Marie Princess left Bradenton Beach, Florida, the last week of March made its way north along the Intracoastal Waterway on a 1,000-mile voyage at a top speed of 6 mph, Harbor Towns board member Peter Thomson said.

While the ship lacks the high speed and flash of Harbor Towns Cruises’ fast-ferry vessels, Harbor Towns Senior Captain Tex Gallop said he is more than impressed with her.

“She was great — drove good,” Gallop said Monday. “I enjoyed her, and everything really handled well, considering she’s a paddle boat. She’s like a big sailboat, you know. But she’s a great boat.”

The Anna Marie Princess is also in good condition.

“She’s clean, had a good taking-care-of and everything,” Gallop said. “I think it will be great and fit in with the area really well. I think people will want to go on her and eat just because she’s a paddle boat.”

The boat is a real paddle wheeler, not a propeller boat with a decorative paddle on the back. As such, it moves slowly but is actually powerful, boasting two diesel Cummins engines.

“They turn hydraulic pumps that work the paddle. Most boats now have propellers down there, but she doesn’t,” Gallop said.

Gallop said the Anna Marie Princess lost its water pump during the trip, but that has been fixed. In addition, he said the vessel will undergo three weeks of cosmetic refitting and painting to become The Albemarle Queen. When that work is finished, the boat will be put in service and operate with a captain and two deckhands.

Thomson said The Albemarle Queen will be in Plymouth June 1 for the town’s annual Black Bear Festival and then in Edenton the following week for stage five of Major League Fishing’s 2024 Bass Pro Shops Bass Pro Tour tournament on the Chowan River June 4-9. It will be available for bookings starting June 10, he said.

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