Our Team

Carolina Cruising Charters Captains & Crew

Our Captains - Who Make it Your Best Boat Rental with Driver

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 steering on an overcast day, with a scenic lake view behind him.
Captain Collin

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.

Team - Carolina Cruising Charters
Captain Heather

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.

Captain isaiah at the helm of a pontoon boat tour, navigating through the waves.
Captain Isaiah
Isaiah is a St. Petersburg native with over 6 years of experience navigating Tampa Bay and the Gulf. He feels lucky to share his passion of exploring the beauty of local waterways while ensuring every trip is safe, fun, and full of lasting memories. Isaiah’s excited to explore and create unforgettable experiences together with you on Lake Norman!
Team - Carolina Cruising Charters
Captain Ivan
Captain Ivan was born and raised in Everglades City, Florida, where he grew up exploring the legendary Ten Thousand Islands and the waters of Everglades National Park. Boating has always been a way of life for his family—multiple family members hold U.S. Coast Guard captain’s licenses and operate wildlife tours throughout the Everglades, giving Ivan a lifetime of experience on the water.
 
Before joining Carolina Cruising Charters, Ivan worked as a professional airboat captain in Everglades City, safely guiding guests through the unique ecosystems of the Everglades while sharing his passion for wildlife and the outdoors.
 
After relocating to North Carolina, Ivan quickly fell in love with Lake Norman and knew he wanted to continue doing what he enjoys most: helping people create unforgettable memories on the water. His goal is to provide every guest with a fun, safe, and relaxing experience while showcasing everything that makes Lake Norman such a special destination.
a man in blue steering a boat with passengers in the background on a sunny day.
Captain Matt

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!

Team - Carolina Cruising Charters
Captain Shan

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.

Team - Carolina Cruising Charters
Megan, Sales Manager

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!

A group of people enjoying a sunset cruise on a colorful pontoon boat in a calm lake.
Pontoon boat on water at sunset with clear skies.
Group of people on a dock beside a boat at sunset.
A group of people enjoying a boat ride on a sunny day.

We Are Hiring!

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

Fireworks By Water Tour Options

Trump National Fireworks Cruise

Starts at

$799.00

Peninsula Club Fireworks Cruise

Starts at

$699.00

Lake Norman Yacht Club Fireworks Cruise

Starts at

$799.00