Carolina Cruising Charters Captains & Crew
On Lake Norman, the Marine Commission monitors all charter boats, excursion boats, boat charters, and legally requires operators to be US Coast Guard licensed Master Captains! If you are considering a Lake Norman boat rental with driver (boat charter), make sure that boat rental with driver is actually a United States Coast Guard licensed Captain and ask to see his or her credential and the company’s charter boat permit from the Lake Norman Marine Commission.
Without a USCG Master Captain operating the boat, your Lake Norman Boat Rental with driver may not be quite what you hoped for from a safety, liability, experience, and potentially legal standpoint. Don’t put yourself and your friends at risk!
Captain Collin, a Tampa Bay native, brings over 30 years of boating expertise on the Gulf of Mexico and 7+ years of experience navigating Lake Norman. Dedicated to creating unforgettable Lake Day adventures, he combines skill and passion to ensure every outing is exceptional.
Off the water, Collin enjoys exploring North Carolina’s mountains, where his love for the outdoors continues to thrive.
Captain Heather was born and raised in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where her passion for boating began. She later moved to the Charlotte area, spending many weekends enjoying Lake Norman and developing a love for the lake lifestyle.
After time in California and South Florida, Heather began working professionally on yachts and pursued advanced training through Maritime Professional Training (MPT), earning multiple certifications while gaining experience on the Atlantic Ocean and Intracoastal Waterway.
Today, Captain Heather brings that professional background to Lake Norman boat rentals and private charters with Carolina Cruising Charters. Known for her safety-first mindset and fun personality, she helps create unforgettable experiences for bachelor and bachelorette parties, birthdays, family outings, and sunset cruises on Lake Norman near Charlotte.
Matt has been an avid outdoorsman his entire life. Growing up in a family of fishermen, Matt’s appreciation for the outdoors and a respect for mother nature were cultivated at a young age.
With over 1,000 days of sea service and hundreds of safe and fun charters completed day and night on LKN, Matt’s vast experience allows you to feel safe while you enjoy your best lake day!
Having previously worked as a captain at private yacht clubs, Captain Shan (pronounced “Shawn”) is passionate about delivering a safe, professional, and guest-focused experience on every charter. His goal is to create lasting memories on the water while providing top-tier service for every group.
With over 16 years of boating experience operating many types of vessels, U.S. Coast Guard Master Captain Shan joined the Carolina Cruising Charters team this summer. Originally from South Florida, he grew up around sailing, fishing, and watersports, building a lifelong passion for life on the water.
Today, Captain Shan brings that experience to Lake Norman boat rentals and private charters with Carolina Cruising Charters. Whether you’re looking for an energetic captain for tubing and watersports or a relaxing Lake Norman sunset cruise near Charlotte, Captain Shan is ready to make it happen.
Growing up in Upstate NY surrounded by several lakes, she gained a passion for all things water; whether it be fishing, watersports or just enjoying a sunny day outside. After being near Lake Norman for over a decade now, she’s ready to help you hop on the right boat and enjoy your best lake day!
We’re actively seeking additional USCG Licensed Captains with a Master’s Level Merchant Mariner Credential (any tonnage) for our 2027 season beginning April/May 2027
Starts at
$799.00
Starts at
$699.00
Starts at
$799.00