Meet Captain Jaime
I started Tooth & Tide Adventures because I’ve always loved being on the water. Exploring the waterways around Wilmington, NC and sharing unique, off-the-beaten-path experiences with others has been a lifelong passion of mine.
I’ve been operating boats in the Wilmington area since I was 13 years old. Now, I bring over three decades of firsthand experience navigating the coastal waters of southeastern North Carolina, surrounding inlets, and the Cape Fear River. These aren’t just the waters where I work — they’re the waters where I grew up.
I was raised on Hewletts Creek and had a small rickety jon boat as a young teenager, which meant I was on the water every chance I got. Fun Fact: More than once, I accidently interrupted filming of the hit 90’s TV show Dawson's Creek while running my jon boat through a scene while on my way home from surfing Masonboro Island:)
My background includes inshore and offshore fishing, scuba diving, free dive spearfishing, and surfing remote barrier islands like Masonboro Island and Lea (Hutaff) Island. That wide range of hands-on experience has given me an in-depth understanding of tides, weather patterns, marine life, and the hidden fossil and fishing spots that most visitors would have trouble discovering on their own.
I am a U.S. Coast Guard Licensed Master Captain with a Towing Endorsement, and I am First Aid and CPR certified. Safety is always my top priority, and every tour is designed to be both exciting and secure for families, couples, and adventurers alike.
Tooth & Tide Adventures was built around one simple goal: to provide private Wilmington boat tours that are authentic, personalized, and rooted in real local knowledge. Whether you’re fossil hunting along the Cape Fear River, fishing the local waters, or enjoying a sunset cruise, my mission is to give you an experience you simply can’t get without a lifetime spent on these waterways.
Safety & Professional Standards
Your safety is our top priority on every Wilmington boat tour.
Tooth & Tide Adventures is operated by a U.S. Coast Guard Licensed Master Captain with a Towing Endorsement, and we are CPR and First Aid certified. We are fully insured, and every trip is conducted with strict attention to safe boating practices and weather conditions.
Our vessel is equipped with all required U.S. Coast Guard safety gear, modern navigation equipment, and essential onboard safety systems. North Carolina law requires children under 13 to wear a life jacket while boating, and we carry a full range of child life jackets to ensure a safe and comfortable fit for every size child.
We’ve also recently added marine-grade foam flooring to the boat to reduce slipping and increase comfort underfoot, helping create a safer, more enjoyable experience for families and guests of all ages.
From departure to return, every Wilmington boat tour is designed to be exciting, memorable, and above all — safe.
Why We Offer Private Wilmington Boat Tours
At Tooth & Tide Adventures, every trip is a private experience — and that’s intentional.
Private tours allow for a fully personalized adventure on the water. Whether you're fossil hunting along the Cape Fear River, heading out on a Wilmington fishing charter, or enjoying a scenic waterway or sunset river cruise, your tour is tailored specifically to your group. We can adjust the pace, explore custom stops, linger longer at productive fossil grounds, or position the boat for the perfect family photo opportunity.
A private setting also creates a more relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. There are no strangers onboard — just your group enjoying time together. This makes our tours especially ideal for families with children, couples, and small groups who want a safer, more personal experience.
Our tours are priced by the trip — not per person — and each private tour accommodates up to six passengers. That means you receive exclusive use of the boat for one flat rate, making it an excellent value for families and small groups visiting Wilmington, NC.
If you're ready for a personalized coastal adventure, explore our fossil and shark tooth hunting tours, Wrightsville Beach fishing charters, or sunset river cruises to find the perfect experience for your group.
Proudly Serving Wilmington & Surrounding Coastal Areas
Tooth & Tide Adventures is proud to serve Wilmington, NC and the surrounding coastal communities along the Cape Fear River. From the historic downtown riverfront to the waterways near Wrightsville Beach, Masonboro Island, and Lea (Hutaff) Island, these are the waters we’ve explored for decades.
Whether you're a local family looking for a weekend adventure or visitors discovering southeastern North Carolina for the first time, we’re honored to share the natural beauty and history of this incredible coastal region.
The Boat
Our boat is a 22 foot Ken Craft flat bottom skiff with a 115hp Yamaha four stroke motor. The boat is designed to be very stable and spacious while holding a large capacity, example 7-8 people, a dog or two (yes we're pet friendly dog lovers) and lots of cold drinks and snacks. It also has a shallow draft meaning it can easily go up in shallow creeks and estuaries in search of alligators and other wildlife that most similar size boats can’t reach. The large Bimini Top will keep anyone seeking the shade nice and cool while protecting from the sun.
The boat is equipped with all the necessary safety gear and first aid kit. There is also a phone charging port and Bluetooth sound system so you can play all your favorite jams.