Blue Miles and Easy Tides: A Four-Hour Yacht Escape off Wrightsville Beach
Sip, swim, and unwind on a four-hour cruise where the tide sets the schedule and the coast does the hosting.
The morning tide slides under the bridge like a steady breath as the yacht eases away from the dock, hull whispering along the Intracoastal Waterway. Wrightsville Beach blinks awake—paddleboards skimming Banks Channel, gulls heckling the wind, the sea beyond the inlet flexing its blue shoulders. The deck is warm already. Ice clinks in the cooler. Music hums low. Then the bow turns east, and the water makes its invitation plain: come along. A half day here stretches in all the right ways.
Trail Wisdom
Time Your Tide
Ask the crew about low-tide windows for sandbar stops; they offer the easiest, safest wading and lounging.
Sun Is Relentless Here
Wear a UPF shirt, hat, and reef-safe sunscreen—breeze can trick you into underestimating UV.
Pack Light, Chill Smart
Leave coolers at home (one’s provided with ice). Bring sealed beverages and skip red wine to protect the deck.
Choose Your Waters
If motion sickness is a concern, request Intracoastal-only routes—calmer water, same coastal charm.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Banks Channel sandbar at lower tide for calm wading
- •Back-barrier shallows on the north end of Masonboro Island for quiet swims
Wildlife
Bottlenose dolphins, Ospreys and brown pelicans
Conservation Note
Masonboro Island is part of the NC National Estuarine Research Reserve; respect nesting shorebirds (May–Aug), anchor in sand, and pack out all trash.
Wrightsville Beach once thrived around the Lumina Pavilion, a trolley-era oceanfront dance hall; the Intracoastal Waterway unified coastal navigation in the early 1900s, reshaping travel and commerce.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Mild cruising, Dolphin and osprey sightings
Challenges: Breezy afternoons, Cooler water temps
A crisp, quiet vibe before summer crowds. Expect variable winds and refreshing, not bath-warm, water.
summer
Best for: Swim stops and sandbars, Long daylight windows
Challenges: Strong sun, Pop-up thunderstorms
Prime season for warm water and easy swimming. Hydrate, layer sun protection, and watch afternoon squalls.
fall
Best for: Warm water lingering, Lighter crowds
Challenges: Hurricane season watch, Shortening days
September and early October deliver gold—quiet waterways, clear skies, and water still inviting for swims.
winter
Best for: Peaceful cruising, Bird watching
Challenges: Chilly winds, Limited swim appeal
Expect crisp air and open space; it’s more about scenery and serenity than swimming.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Reef-Safe Sunscreen (SPF 30+)Essential
Protects skin and marine life during long, reflective hours on the water.
Polarized SunglassesEssential
Cuts glare to spot wildlife, sandbars, and color gradients in the water.
Quick-Dry Towel
Handy after swim stops and doubles as a sun shade on deck.
Lightweight UPF Long-SleeveEssential
Breathable sun protection that beats reapplying sunscreen all day.
Common Questions
Where does the charter depart?
From Good Energy Charters in Wrightsville Beach. Exact slip details are provided in your confirmation.
What’s included on board?
A large cooler with ice, water, cups, plates, utensils, and a sound system for your playlist.
Can we bring alcohol or a cooler?
You may bring sealed beverages (no red wine). Leave coolers at home—there’s already a large iced cooler onboard.
Is swimming required?
No. Swim stops are optional and chosen based on comfort and conditions.
Can we go into the Atlantic Ocean?
Ocean time is weather- and sea-state dependent. The captain will advise day-of for safe, smooth conditions.
Are children allowed?
Yes, the minimum age is 13, and the boat accommodates up to 13 guests total.
What to Pack
Reusable water bottle (the cooler has ice to refill), UPF shirt and hat (coastal sun is strong), Quick-dry towel (no towels provided), Snacks in sealed containers (easy to pass around on deck).
Did You Know
Masonboro Island, just south of Wrightsville Beach, is the largest undisturbed barrier island in southern North Carolina and part of the North Carolina National Estuarine Research Reserve.
Quick Travel Tips
Park early or use rideshare—beach lots fill quickly on weekends; Confirm tide and bridge timing if aiming for Figure Eight scenery; Bring cash or Venmo for tipping the crew; Stock up nearby—ice and beverages are plentiful in Wrightsville Beach and Wilmington.
Local Flavor
Post-cruise, grab a waterside table at The Bridge Tender or Bluewater Waterfront Grill overlooking the marina. For local pints, head to Wrightsville Beach Brewery in Wilmington. If you prefer a low-key seafood haul, stop by Motts Channel Seafood and cook up your own coastal feast.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: Wilmington International (ILM), ~25 minutes by car. Departure: Good Energy Charters, Wrightsville Beach. Distance from downtown Wilmington: ~12 miles. Cell service: Generally strong along the Intracoastal. Permits: None required for guests; BYO food/drink allowed (no red wine).
Sustainability Note
Masonboro Island and surrounding marshes are sensitive habitats—use reef-safe sunscreen, anchor in sand away from seagrass, and keep a respectful distance from dolphins and nesting birds.