masonboro island hopper cruise

Island Hopper Cruise

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• User Ages: All Ages
• Clock Duration: 2 Hours
• Users Capacity: Up to 25 People

12 and under

Explore local islands with the island hopper cruise in sound side wrightsville beach, nc.

Numerous uninhabited islands dot the waters around Wrightsville Beach and during this adventure cruise you can explore at least one of them. Start at Money Island where notorious pirate Captain Kidd is said to have buried his treasure and home to the area’s largest sand dune – perfect for sliding down; then cruise toward Masonboro Island, the longest undisturbed barrier island ecosystem in southern North Carolina. If time allows hop off and traverse from marsh to oceanside in search of giant sea shells. On your return back to the docks, keep an eye out for dolphins and other marine life.

Get on an extraordinary adventure. As you explore the hidden treasures of the uninhabited islands surrounding Wrightsville Beach during this captivating cruise. Begin your journey at Money Island, shrouded in mystery and tales of Captain Kidd’s buried treasure. Marvel at the area’s largest sand dune, a thrilling spot for sliding down and creating cherished memories. Next, set your course towards Masonboro Island, a pristine barrier island ecosystem that stretches across the southern region of North Carolina. Take the opportunity to disembark and traverse the island, moving from the serene marshes to the breathtaking oceanside, while searching for magnificent sea shells along the way.

As the Island Hopper Cruise brings you back to the docks, keep your eyes peeled for playful dolphins and other captivating marine life, adding an extra touch of wonder to your journey. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the untouched islands, where the serenity of nature and the allure of exploration merge harmoniously. Discover the secrets that lie within these unspoiled havens, creating memories that will last a lifetime. With each island visited, a new adventure unfolds, unveiling the captivating landscapes and diverse ecosystems that make this area truly remarkable.

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• User All Ages
• Clock 1.5 Hours
• Users Up to 25 People

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Island Hopper Cruise in Wrightsville Beach

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Soundside at Blockade Runner

226 South Lumina Avenue, Wrightsville Beach, 28480

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Island Hopper Cruise in Wrightsville Beach

TICKET PRICES STARTING FROM

Taxes and fees will be calculated at checkout

The Carolina Runner is a custom-built 40-foot craft that includes a bar, blue tooth sound system, LED party lights, a loading ramp for easy shore access to Masonboro Island, complete modern toilet facilities, and many other amenities for groups up to 40.

Ticket Options

1 Option Available

Island Hopper Cruise in Wrightsville Beach: $25

Ticket Information

• Mobile or paper ticket accepted
• One per booking

Cancellation Policy

• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Additional Info

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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Tours & Cruises in Wrightsville Beach, NC

See the island from a new perspective.

Hop aboard a scenic cruise to explore Wrightsville Beach’s crystal blue waters and nearby barrier islands, or take a self-guided walking tour for a unique vantage point of the town’s fascinating history. Visit top film locations from beloved television series and movies like "Dawson's Creek," "One Tree Hill," Nicholas Sparks' "The Choice," "The Summer I Turned Pretty" and more. With eco-tours, sunset cruises, pirate treasure hunts and more, exceptional vacation experiences await – along with magnificent sunrises and sunsets on both sides of the island.

Island History Tours

Take a stroll through the past with the  Wrightsville Beach Museum of History . Self-guided tours are available at various times throughout the year with The Loop Through History walking tour.

Scenic Chartered Cruises

All aboard for a scenic tour on one of the island's many charters. With Soundside Adventures , witness a magical sunset on an evening harbor cruise, or take an island-hopping boat ride to explore Masonboro Island Reserve , only accessible by boat and perfect for bird watching and shell hunting. Set sail aboard Zoe, a state-of-the-art Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 or navigate the waves with a Hobie Wave or Sunfish rental. Consider chartering Bella, Soundside’s 44-foot-long, fully equipped catamaran, which accommodates up to six people. For a guided adventure, gather for a cruise aboard the Carolina Runner.

Epic Excursions  offers private half- and full-day charters, sunset cruises and other one-of-a-kind excursions, including oyster farm tours and tastings. Set out on the outfitter’s comfortable boat to an uninhabited island and explore the surrounding marshes and waterways on a stand-up paddleboard (SUP), or schedule a private catered dinner on a remote island for a truly elevated experience.

With  Wrightsville Beach Scenic Tours , there are many options to suit every beach lover's interests. Explore the natural wonders of Wrightsville Beach with a sunset dolphin cruise or an eco-tour of Masonboro Island, watch the sun go down over the water with a sunset cruise or gather the family for a thrilling adventure aboard a pirate treasure hunt. Or, kick back, relax and enjoy the ride with La Dee Dah Sunset Cruises .

Nautical Adventures

Hop aboard a sailboat with  Wrightsville Performance Sailing  and let an experienced captain sail you around and beyond the shoreline. Sailors from beginners to advanced can hone their seafaring skills with a class at  Blockade Runner Sailing Center , one of only five ASA Certified Sailing Schools in North Carolina.

Strap on your fins and dive below the surface to discover the reef habitats, historic shipwrecks and fossil ledges off Wrightsville Beach with guided diving charters from WB Diving and  Aquatic Safaris   SCUBA Center . Embark on a family-friendly nautical adventure through Feel Good Fishing Charters & Adventures , offering themed tours, seafood collecting and bird watching experiences.

Film & TV Tours

Embark on a self-guided tour of Wrightsville Beach locations featured in hit television series and movies. Stroll along the Crystal Pier , which was featured in "The Summer I Turned Pretty," "Outer Banks" and several times in "Dawson's Creek" including the show's opening montage. Then, visit Bluewater Waterfront Grill to step into Capeside's country club. Dine like your favorite characters from "The Choice" or "Dawson's Creek" at Dockside Restaurant . Explore our map to find more information and film locations.

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23 Apr Boat Tour to Masonboro Island from Wrightsville Beach

There are so many wonderful outdoor adventure opportunities in Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina . During our early spring visit, it was a bit too windy to go SUPing or kayaking, or to try surfing for the first time. The perfect compromise? Taking a boat tour to Masonboro Island with Wrightsville Beach Scenic Tours. Our agenda for the afternoon was to walk the nature trail and explore the beach. It doesn’t get much better than that!

Our boat was conveniently located directly across the street from our hotel, Blockade Runner Beach Resort, and boarding was set for 12:15 p.m. When we arrived, we jumped in the pontoon boat and settled in for a scenic ride to the island.

We glided past marinas, beautiful homes complete with boats docked out front, marsh grass swaying in the wind, and sprawling white beaches. Throughout the boat ride, our captain told us stories and facts about the area and was able to answer questions from our group. We learned about the wildlife on the island, the island’s ecosystems, and the development of surrounding areas, and he gave us tips for which types of activities to pursue on the island.

Masonboro Island Reserve is an undisturbed barrier island located just south of Wrightsville Beach in southern North Carolina. Reachable only by boat, the island is 8.4 miles long, and 87 percent of the island is covered in marsh and tidal flats.

The island offers a wide variety of activities. Visitors can walk the nature trail, go shelling or fishing, camp overnight, surf, picnic, have a beach day, and more. There is even a chance to spot rare birds and sea turtles, because Masonboro Island is a nesting area for green sea turtles and loggerheads.

We were able to explore the island for about a half-hour. The boat pulls right up onto the shore, but our feet did get a tiny bit wet as we got off the boat. It’s a good idea to wear shoes that you don’t mind getting wet! If you take the shuttle out to the island, you can opt to spend the entire day there. We had a jam-packed schedule for the rest of the day and were short on time, so we were excited that we could squeeze in a short visit.

During our visit, we wandered along a portion of the nature trail and soaked up the beautiful ocean views. The boat drops you off on the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway side of the island, and we walked the path through the grass and sand dunes to the ocean side. The soft white sand, bright blue ocean, abundance of shells, and lack of crowds made the island feel like a quiet retreat. Sitting on the sand with the wind blowing the salty ocean air all around us gave us a much-needed break. Though we were on the island for only a short period of time, it was enough to feel reconnected with nature.

We had lots of peace and quiet during our visit, but do note that the island can get busy in the summer and especially during holidays, such as Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, and Labor Day.

Spending an entire day out on the island will require some supplies, because there are no facilities. Bring a cooler stocked with food and drinks, sunscreen, towels, something to shade yourself with, and basically anything else you would want for a day at the beach. Dogs are welcome on the island, so feel free to bring your furry friend along for the ride, too!

If you decide to make the trip to Masonboro Island, be respectful of the natural surroundings and wildlife. Remember to clean up after yourself and take your trash with you to keep the island clean and wildlife safe, so the island can be enjoyed for many years to come.

In addition to island shuttles, Wrightsville Beach Scenic Tours offers tours revolving around birding, fishing, sunset cruises, harbor cruises, a variety of guided nature tours, and more. It also hosts a variety of special events throughout the year, so there is sure to be a tour for everyone. Next time we visit Wrightsville Beach, we are definitely going to plan a longer visit to Masonboro Island, and we can’t wait!

We visited Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, as part of a content project. Special thanks to  Travel Mindset and Visit Wrightsville Beach  for hosting us on our adventures. As always, all opinions are our own.

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Island Hopper Cruise

08/30/2024 @ 01:00 pm - 03:00 pm.

Epic Excursions

Custom boat tours, captained boat rentals & island adventures in wrightsville beach, nc, plan your boat tour or island adventure.

Experience the thrill of adventure with our year-round Wrightsville Beach tours! Whether you’re seeking the fresh spring breeze, the summer sun, or the gentle fall winds, our customized boat charters and island adventures are designed to create unforgettable memories on land and sea at all times of the year. We specialize in tailoring each outing to your desires, and we thrive on providing 5 star customer service…just read our reviews! Our goal is to ensure every moment of your Wrightsville Beach boat charter or island adventure is one to cherish!

UPCOMING FEATURED TOURS!

• Semi-Private

Lea Island Nature & Beachcombing Tour

An amazing boat tour to our “nature lovers” PARADISE! Lea- Hutaff Island is a four-mile uninhabited island located between Figure Eight and Topsail Island where you can find beautiful sand bars, pristine blue-green water, and an abundance of wildlife.  Lea-Hutaff is an important sanctuary for wildlife with more than 4,000 acres of tidal marsh and creeks that serve as primary nursery areas for fish, shrimp and crabs, and support thousands of birds throughout the year.

This is a semi-private tour with a max of 13 guests.

TOUR DATE: SEPTEMBER 28th, 9:30am-12:30pm.

• Hour Glass 3 Hours

Oyster Farm Tour & Tasting

Come aboard and join us for the full experience of visiting a local oyster farm and sampling freshly shucked oysters harvested by Middle Sound Mariculture on one of the beautiful barrier islands.

Limited Seats Available.  Book Now!

October 6th, 3:30-6:30pm

• Tags Public
• User All ages

Experience Wrightsville Beach Islands With The Adventure Experts

Epic Excursions is the premier source for custom adventures in Wrightsville Beach, NC. Our goal is to provide outstanding service and enrich lives by connecting people with beautiful places and unique experiences. From  sunset cruises and catered beach dinners , to cruising around the pristine barrier islands , the possibilities are endless!

Customer Favorites!

• Customer Favorite!

Private Boat Charters

Relax and take in the beautiful scenery as the captain chauffeurs you to the local hot spots on the water. Spend the day cruising, or anchor up on an island. It’s your cruise, you choose!

• Hour Glass 2 Hours

PRIVATE SUNSET CRUISE IN WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH

Enjoy the breathtaking views as you cruise the beautiful waterways around the island of Wrightsville Beach. Relax and unwind to island tunes, as you sip a cocktail while watching the sun drop into the sea.

• Tags Island Dinners

Steam Pot Seafood Boil Excursion

Enjoy a private cruise over to one of the islands for a steam pot low country boil with spectacular views! Relax and enjoy some island time while your captain prepares your customized steam pot dinner on the beach.

• Tags Glamping
• Hour Glass 1 Night

Ultimate Island Glamping Experience

Pack your bags and let us whisk you away on a cruise over to an uninhabited island, where you will find the ultimate glamping setup for a night to be remembered.

You Dream It, We Build It…"Island Style."

You choose the adventure, we’ve got the boat, now JUST ADD WATER! We offer a variety of Wrightsville Beach tours that can be customized to fit your desires! From captained boat tours to curated island dinners, to bonfires and s’mores. IF YOU DREAM IT…WE CAN MAKE IT HAPPEN!

So if you’re looking for something to do in Wrightsville Beach or Wilmington, you’ve found the right place! And whatever you choose for your EPIC day on the water or islands, be ready… all your friends will want to come!

Other Experiences

Paddleboarding, island camping, epic adventures kids camp, #1 choice for boat tours and island adventures.

Easy from the initial inquiry on! Kristi helped tailor our afternoon to what our group would like even accomodating 26 people (two boat rides of 13)! Arrived to beach chairs , bocce ball and cornhole set out with the set table scape nestled into the dunes a bit on Masonboro Island. Cape Fear Seafood Boil knocked it out of the PARK with the food & presentation!! We had the best time and maxed out our 3hr event! Thanks Kristi, Captain Aimee and CF Seafood Boil!

Captain Brian was an excellent captain and host for the this Carolina skiff afternoon tour of the waterways around Wrightsville Beach. Very knowledgeable about the history and wildlife. We learned a lot and really enjoyed Captain Brian's company and boat. Highly recommend for a couple or family looking to relax on the intracoastal waterway.

Our family had a memorable day learning to paddle board, we also got to swim, shell hunt and just relax. Captain Ian was wonderful. He listened to our requests and found the perfect spot to anchor. Our family members ranged from 5 to 89 years old... fun was had by all!

Our family booked 1/2 day with Epic Excursions and it was a wonderful experience. We cruised around for a time and then stopped at an inlet and did paddle boarding and swimming. The owners, Kristie and Captain Ian were awesome. This was our best day on vacation yet. They are both excellent at what they do. Yahoo for Epic Excursions.

Celebrating our anniversary, my husband and I enjoyed a 3 hour private tour of the waterways surrounding Wrightsville beach. We did some exploring via paddle boards, saw views of the ocean and intracoastal, as well as local “hot spots” only accessible by boat. We did see dolphins while paddle boarding! Captain Ted was friendly, laid back, very knowledgeable about the area, and a great Captain! Highly Recommend!!! If you enjoy the nautical life, you won’t be disappointed

Went on a boat cruise for my bachelorette party and it was absolutely perfect! Everyone at Epic Excursions was a joy to work with. Kristi and Captain Ted were the BEST! Will definitely book again next time I am down :)

We used epic excursions in the week leading up to my wedding to do a private boat charter with my family! They were one of the only companies I could find that would take our group of 9 on a captained charter and we had an amazing time! Our captain Ted seemed to know exactly when we wanted to engage with him, and when we wanted some private family time! We connected to the boats speaker and played our own music while cruising through the waterway and then parked at Masonboro for a private beach experience. Ted was also very knowledgable about the Wrightsville Beach and Wilmington area and we felt extremely safe with him. We will definitely do this again next time we return!

We were hosting a corporate meeting here in Wilmington and wanted to provide them with a fun, local experience. Epic Excursions transported our group out to an island and hosted a seafood boil with drinks and dessert and had the beach setup with tiki torches, bonfires and seating. They had an absolutely wonderful time. Kristi coordinated the event and she was so helpful and responsive. They handle all the details and ensured that the group had a great evening. We can't say enough good things about them!

We had an amazing day with the Epic Excursions Crew. We went on a private charter to Masonboro Island for my Husband’s 50th Birthday and it was EPIC! The captain and the crew was very accommodating with grilling burgers on the beach and setting everything up. Best day ever and highly recommend a trip with this awesome crew.

I took my son and some friends for his 18th birthday to camp and play on a barrier island. We grilled out, played in and along the ocean, had a fire, and slept in the tents. It was a great birthday getaway! Ian and staff are super easy to work with and very accommodating! I definitely recommend them. Go have an Epic Excursion today! You’ll be glad you did.

Island Dining Excursion - AMAZING! Our group had a wonderful time. Kristi and Ian are great. The food was awesome, the view was incredible, the location was private and beautiful.

We loved the sunset boat ride with Ian the first time that we had to bring our family and friends last weekend. Totally relaxing boat ride while sipping on a glass of wine. We all loved it!! I will definitely recommend Epic Excursions to all my friends and family!! The glamping experience looks awesome. I will definitely sign up for that!

Captain Ian & Kristi made our work event fun and exciting. Our team had the best time cruising the waters, paddle boarding and relaxing on a sand bar. I would highly recommend this type of event for any occasion. It appeals to everyone. Huge plus that on their boat you can take a large group. Definitely a 5 star experience!