About Blackbeard Water Tours
Explore the Coastal Lifestyle with Us
Blackbeard Water Tours is your gateway to experiencing the coastal lifestyle like never before. Our passion for the ocean drives us to offer a variety of exciting experiences, including Island Hopping, Sunset Cruises, 2-Hour, 3-Hour, and 4-Hour Day Trips, as well as Low Country Boil Island Dinner Trips. Our team is dedicated to providing unparalleled adventures that showcase the stunning beauty of the Southport/Oak Island area of North Carolina. We take pride in our vessels, Ohana and Veruca Salt, which are designed to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey for all our guests. Embark on unforgettable escapades with Blackbeard Water Tours and create timeless memories amidst the calming waves and breathtaking coastal vistas.
Meet Our Crew
At Blackbeard Water Tours, our crew is more than a team - we’re a close-knit family with a shared love for the ocean. Each member brings a unique blend of skills, experience, and enthusiasm to ensure that every excursion is nothing short of extraordinary. Get to know the exceptional individuals who make every adventure with us an unforgettable experience.
Lucas Huettl
Experienced Captain and Guide
Inman Campbell
Founder and Lead Captain
Inman Campbell is the owner and general manager of Blackbeard Scuba. A graduate of Appalachian State University, he holds a degree in Recreation Management with a concentration in Commercial Recreation and Tourism. Inman is a licensed USCG Master Captain, a certified Scuba Instructor Trainer, and a passionate spearfisherman. With a deep love for the ocean and years of hands-on experience, he brings exceptional leadership and expertise to every dive.
Jay Beard
Passionate Instructor, Captain, and Guide
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.
Our Vesels
At Blackbeard Water Tours, we take pride in offering top-quality boats designed for comfort, adventure, and fun on the water. Whether you're looking for a relaxing cruise, a family outing, or an action-packed day exploring Southport and Oak Island, our vessels are equipped to provide the perfect experience.
