Making waves on the Cape Fear

For Capt. Doug Springer and his wife, Diane Upton, Wilmington Water Tours is more than a business. It is the result of a lifelong love of the water and a shared commitment to the Wilmington community. 

Springer first came to Wilmington in the 1970s to study Marine Technology at Cape Fear Technical Institute. After working in the Gulf of Mexico and conducting hydrographic surveys in South Carolina, he joined the U.S. Air Force, earned a degree in Computer Science, and built a successful career in the computer industry. But no matter where life took him, he said, “I still had boats. I'm still on the water.”

Key takeaways

• The bigger picture: Wilmington Water Tours grew from Doug Springer and Diane Upton’s love of the Cape Fear River and their desire to contribute to Wilmington’s waterfront.
• The details: The couple launched Wilmington Water Tours in 2009 with The Wilmington, a custom-designed catamaran offering narrated cruises, sunset trips, live music, educational programs, and private charters.
• Why it matters: More than a tourist attraction, Springer sees the river as a way to strengthen Wilmington's economy and sense of community.

Springer and Upton first met when she arrived in Charleston aboard a small boat from Rhode Island. Years later, after both had gone through divorces, a mutual friend brought them back together. In 2004, they returned to Wilmington and settled along the Northeast Cape Fear River, where they quickly became inspired by the city's growing waterfront. Looking at the changes taking place downtown, Springer recalled thinking, “We got to be a part of this.” 

The couple launched a small charter business and soon became involved with Cape Fear River Watch, where Springer served as executive director and riverkeeper. Through that work, he developed an even deeper appreciation for the river and its importance to the region. He often told Upton, “That river used to be the main economic engine in the state of North Carolina.” When he began talking about creating jobs and opportunities on the river, she finally told him, “Quit talking about it. Let's do it.”

That challenge led to the creation of Wilmington Water Tours. In 2009, they launched The Wilmington, a custom-designed catamaran built to provide an accessible, environmentally-conscious way for people to experience the Cape Fear River. 

From the beginning, the pair focused on something different than traditional tourism. “We don't believe that we've sold anything until that person walks in the door the second time,” Springer said. Their goal was not simply to entertain visitors but to build lasting relationships. “Our product runs deeper than our boats,” he said. “Our product is getting them hooked to the river.” 

Today, Wilmington Water Tours offers narrated cruises, sunset trips, live music events, educational programs, and private charters. Upton oversees many of the special events and partnerships that have become a hallmark of the business. “We ... from day one, have been very community focused,” she said. “We don't see our business as about us, but it is about the community.” 

The couple also believes collaboration is key to a thriving waterfront. As Springer put it, “We truly believe that this isn't a pie that we all fight over, that we make it bigger and get more and more people doing things on the river.”

Looking back, he said the greatest reward has been the interactions with others. “It was just beyond our wildest dreams,” he said. “There's only one reason for that. And that's because of the people.”