
LEAVE THE DAY BEHIND
Cruise worry-free toward the sunset, or relax with friends and good times while enjoying breathtaking sights of nature.
The Mary Elizabeth whisks you away in sophisticated comfort – you might find yourself chatting, glass in hand, on the Sun Deck, perched next to the Captain on the Bridge, or looking out over waters with an enviable view from the bow.
Forty-three feet of expertly designed, Hatteras-crafted, melt-into-serenity space means The Mary Elizabeth provides plenty of escape hatches. As Shine On Charters’ premiere motor yacht, The Mary Elizabeth offers peace, and quiet, and memories... it’s about a three-hour ride that lasts a lifetime – with just the right balance of Southern hospitality, delicious views of Ocracoke Island, and getting away from, well, just about everything.
The Hatteras name speaks for itself – impeccable attention to detail, unparalleled craftsmanship – it’s viewed as the most prestigious of yachts. Hatteras Yachts is a North Carolina based company. And, although Captain Russ and his wife Michele first discovered The Mary Elizabeth up North, they knew this stately vessel belonged back in Southern waters, choosing historic and beautiful, Ocracoke Island.
Shine On Charters showcases Hatteras’ celebrated mastery via teak-trimmed railings, soft-spoken elegance and a layout designed for entertaining. Classic yet casual, The Mary Elizabeth is the premiere motor yacht for charter in the Ocracoke area.

THE CAPTAINS
Captain Russ has held his Captain’s certification for more than a decade and has been piloting, sailing, navigating and delivering a variety of boats ever since.
He knew Ocracoke Island, with its beauty, charm and exciting history, was the perfect place to offer enchanting sunset cruises. It is the jewel of the Outer Banks and only accessible by plane or boat. This gem in the Atlantic has raw and untamed gifts of nature. And, since everyone has a bit of the pirate spirit in their souls, Ocracoke offers an incredible history guaranteed to “shiver your timbers”. Sir Walter Raleigh ran aground in 1585 on a sandbar in Ocracoke Inlet and had to land on the island for repairs. First known as Wocco con, it later became Ococcock and soon was known as Ocracoke. In 1715 it became a port, but as it grew in importance, pirates became a major hindrance to shipping. The infamous pirate, Blackbeard, was captured here in 1718 and was killed in a bloody duel by Lt. Robert Maynard of the British Navy. His death and the capture of 15 crewmen, effectively ended large-scale piracy all along the Atlantic Coast.




Captain Marcus Lawson
Captain Marcus Lawson is a certified US Coast Guard Licensed Captain and Ocracoke Native. For the past 5 years, he has operated his own business running clamming/ flounder gigging charters. He is also a waterfowl hunting guide. He is knowledgeable in navigating the waters of the Pamlico Sound and the local history of the area. He enjoys sunset cruises in Ocracoke as much as you will.
Today Ocracoke’s historic village streets are alive with events and activities, as well as sixteen miles of unspoiled, pristine beaches, wild nature and the famous ponies.
Although their origin is unknown...many interesting stories are bantered about. But this is just the beginning of the “Ocracoke Things To Do” list. There are countless water and land activities to enjoy, as well as state parks, aquariums, museums, shopping and, of course, a visit to the Ocracoke Lighthouse! The Outer Banks Activities are practically limitless and you will find their diversity will easily please everyone in your group! Things to do at the Outer Banks are simply too numerous to list, but you won’t run out of things to see and activities to enjoy! The villages, the Wright Brothers National Memorial, the various lighthouses and much more are here for you to explore.
Resource Links:
Ocracoke Guide or Visit Ocracoke





FAQ's
Q: Do I have to book cruises in advance?
Q: Can I get a refund or reschedule my cruise after paying?
Q: Do you ever cancel cruises due to bad weather?
Q: What happens if it starts raining while we're on our cruise?
Q: Is food served during the cruise?
Q: Can I bring my own drinks aboard?
Q: What should I wear?
Q: How steady is the cruising? Am I likely to get seasick?
Q: Are any areas of the ship covered or air conditioned?
Q: Do we see dolphins and other sea life or birdlife?
Q: Where does the cruise finish?
Q: Is there a restroom on the boat?
Q: How fast does the Mary Elizabeth go?
BOOK NOW
We encourage you to contact us with any questions you might have.
We love to help our passengers in any way we can!
$300
We will accept your credit card and process it at the Anchorage Marina, but charge an extra 5% for using a credit card.
CORPORATE EVENTS
MEMORIAL SERVICES
BIRTHDAY PARTIES
BACHELOR OR BACHELORETTE PARTIES
WEDDING REHEARSAL PARTIES
Order appetizers and food to bring onboard from sMacNally’s located at the dock.
Visit: SmacNallys.com
(919) 961-4155
(252) 928-6661