Crystal Coast · North Carolina ICW
Choose Your Excursion
Four ways to experience the trawler lifestyle — from a half day taste to a three-day ICW immersion excursion. All private. All captained. All unforgettable. All you.
Half-Day Excursion
A taste of the ICW life — perfect for first-timers and curious explorers.
The Half-Day excursion is the ideal introduction to the trawler lifestyle. Depart from our homeport Marina in downtown MHC and spend three and a half unhurried hours exploring the protected waters of the ICW. Your captain will share the history, ecology, and practical realities of life aboard a trawler while you take in the scenery from the helm, the cockpit, or wherever feels right.
- Morning or afternoon departure
- Scenic ICW waterway cruise
- One waterfront town stop
- Captain-guided narration throughout
- Hands-on helm time available
- Complimentary beverages aboard
Best for: First-timers, curious couples, and those short on time but big on curiosity.
$650
Full Day Excursion
The complete Crystal Coast experience — up to three towns, open water, and a long lunch at the dock.
The Full-Day excursion is where the trawler lifestyle truly comes alive. Seven hours on the water means you'll experience the full rhythm of a cruising day — morning departure, a relaxed cruise through the ICW, waterfront stops in two or three towns, a lunch stop at the dock, and a relaxed afternoon return. You'll understand what Loopers mean when they say "the journey is the destination."
- Two to three destination town stops
- Waterfront dining opportunity (lunch on your own)
- Hands-on helm time on open water
- Garmin Navigation and channel markers explained
- Full trawler systems walkthrough
Best for: Couples seriously considering the Loop, retirees exploring the lifestyle, and anyone who wants the real thing.
$1,150
One-Night Immersion Excursion
The full immersion — day cruise followed by an overnight marina stay aboard the vessel.
The One-Night Immersion is the definitive "try before you buy" experience. You'll live aboard the trawler for a full 24 hours — cruising the ICW by day, then settling in at a waterfront marina for the night. Step off the boat, explore the town, and enjoy dinner at a local waterfront restaurant before returning to sleep aboard. Wake up to the sound of water and birdsong. By the time you return to the dock, you'll know with absolute certainty whether the trawler lifestyle is your next great chapter.
- Full day ICW cruise
- Overnight marina stay aboard
- Full trawler living experience
- Dinner ashore at a local waterfront restaurant (on your own)
- Stateroom and head walkthrough
- Morning departure at your own pace
Best for: Serious future Loopers, retirees ready to commit, and adventurous couples who want the full picture.
$1,850
3-Day / 2-Night Immersion Excursion
The flagship experience — ICW transit, waterfront towns, and two nights living the Loop life.
The 3-Day / 2-Night Immersion is TryMyTrawler's premium flagship package. Over three days you'll transit a meaningful stretch of the Crystal Coast ICW — from Swansboro through Morehead City, Beaufort, Adams Creek, and the Neuse River toward Oriental. You'll tie up at waterfront marinas, explore charming ICW towns on foot, and experience every aspect of the trawler cruising life in real conditions. This is the experience that turns curiosity into conviction.
- Multi-day ICW transit — Swansboro to Oriental corridor
- Stops in Morehead City, Beaufort & Oriental
- Two overnight marina stays aboard
- Adams Creek Canal & Neuse River passage
- Full galley living — meals aboard or dockside
Best for: Committed future Loopers, couples ready to make a purchase decision, and anyone who wants the most complete picture of trawler life possible.
$3,450
Every Excursion
Always Included
Your Guide on the Water
An Experienced Captain.
A Genuine Passion.
Your captain is a USCG-licensed mariner with years of experience on the ICW and coastal waters of North Carolina. More importantly, he's a genuine trawler enthusiast who has lived the lifestyle he's sharing with you.
While at the helm, your captain will explain channel markers, navigation, and the waterway — and is happy to answer questions along the way.
Common Questions
Everything You
Want to Know
Still have questions? Give us a call at the office — we're happy to talk through any excursion before you book.
Do I need any boating experience?
None whatsoever. TryMyTrawler is designed for people who are new to trawler life. Your captain handles all navigation — you're here to experience and learn, not to work.
How many guests can come aboard?
All excursions are private and captained personally — an immersive experience, not a group tour.
What should I bring?
Non-slip shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, a light layer for the water, and your sense of adventure. We provide everything else.
What if the weather is bad?
Safety is always the priority. If conditions are unsuitable, we'll reschedule at no charge. The ICW is protected water, so we can often cruise in conditions that would stop open-water boaters.
Can I take the helm?
Absolutely — and we encourage it. One of the best parts of the experience is getting real time at the helm of a trawler under the guidance of your captain.
Where do we depart from?
Our homeport marina is in Morehead City. Exact slip details are confirmed at booking.
Ready to Cast Off?
Founding season excursions begin August 2026. Reach out now to get on the list.