Hidden Islands, Open Water: A Half-Day Private Charter on Wrightsville Beach
Dolphins, sandbars, and wild islands—customize your three-hour coastal escape with a local captain.
The tide tugs at the hull like a friendly dare as your captain eases the boat off the dock at 109 Causeway Drive. The Wrightsville Beach drawbridge looms behind you, the Intracoastal Waterway stretching ahead in a silvery ribbon. Ospreys patrol the channel markers and the marsh breathes salt into the morning. You can feel the day opening—three hours of unspooling sandbars, secret creeks, and barrier islands that keep their distance from pavement. Out here, the current does more than move water; it pushes your day forward, inviting you to choose the story you want to tell.
Trail Wisdom
Time Your Tide
Ask your captain to plan marsh exploration around mid-to-high tide for easier access to creeks and smoother navigation.
Footwear Matters
Bring water shoes or sandals with a heel strap—shells and oyster beds can be sharp on sandbars and marsh edges.
Sun Strategy
UV reflects off water—apply reef-safe sunscreen before departure, wear a brimmed hat, and reapply every 90 minutes.
BYOB, Pack Light
A cooler with ice and waters is provided; add your beverages and snacks but keep glass to a minimum and pack out all trash.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •North end flats near Mason’s Inlet for clear, waist-deep water on a rising tide
- •Backside of Masonboro Island’s creek mouths for shelling after low tide
Wildlife
Bottlenose dolphins, Osprey and pelicans
Conservation Note
Respect dune lines and posted nesting areas for sea turtles and shorebirds; anchor in sand, not seagrass, and pack out all trash.
Masonboro Island is the largest undisturbed barrier island in southern North Carolina and is part of the NC National Estuarine Research Reserve.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Mild temperatures, Wildlife viewing
Challenges: Windy afternoons, Cooler water temps
Fresh breezes and fewer boats make spring a sweet spot. Expect lively bird activity and comfortable air temps.
summer
Best for: Warm water swimming, Sandbar lounging
Challenges: High UV and heat, Busy weekends
Peak season delivers bathwater-warm swims and prime sandbar time—start early or go late to avoid boat traffic.
fall
Best for: Clear skies, Fewer crowds
Challenges: Hurricane season risk, Variable temps
September and October offer glassy mornings, active dolphins, and shoulder-season calm with watchful eye on the forecast.
winter
Best for: Quiet waterways, Crisp air
Challenges: Cold winds, Limited swim comfort
Bundle up for stark, beautiful light and near-empty channels—great for photography and scenic cruising.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Reef-Safe Sunscreen (SPF 30+)Essential
Protects skin and marine life while you’re exposed to reflected UV on the water.
Water Shoes or Strap SandalsEssential
Safeguards feet from shells and oyster beds when wading or beach-combing.
Quick-Dry Towel
Useful after swims and doubles as shade or a seat on warm decks and sandbars.
Lightweight Windbreaker
Takes the edge off boat-speed breezes and cool mornings over open water.
Common Questions
Where do we meet the boat?
Your captain meets you at the Public Boat Ramp at 109 Causeway Dr., Wrightsville Beach, NC. Arrive 15 minutes early to sort parking.
Can we bring alcohol and our own food?
Yes—BYOB and snacks are welcome. A cooler with ice and waters is included. Please avoid glass when possible and pack out all trash.
Is swimming allowed, and are life jackets provided?
Swimming is allowed at safe anchor points; life jackets are provided for all ages and must be worn by children per captain’s guidance.
How many people can join?
Up to 13 guests per boat. Two boats can be arranged for larger groups with advance notice.
What happens if the weather turns bad?
In case of inclement weather, the team will attempt to reschedule; otherwise, your deposit can be applied to a future booking per policy.
Can we request specific stops like Masonboro or Lea Island?
Absolutely. It’s a customizable itinerary—tell your captain your priorities and they’ll optimize based on tides and conditions.
What to Pack
Reef-safe sunscreen for high-reflective UV, water shoes to handle shells and oyster beds, quick-dry towel for swims and sandbar lounging, and a brimmed hat with sunglasses for glare management.
Did You Know
Masonboro Island spans roughly 8.4 miles and is the largest undisturbed barrier island in southern North Carolina, protected within the NC National Estuarine Research Reserve.
Quick Travel Tips
Park early at the public ramp on busy summer weekends; spots fill fast. Plan weekday mornings for calmer water and easier dolphin sightings. Bring small bills for parking machines and nearby snacks. Confirm add-ons like paddleboards or float mats at booking to ensure availability.
Local Flavor
After docking, grab peel-and-eat shrimp and a view at Dockside Restaurant & Bar on Airlie Road. For post-sun tacos, Tower 7 in Wrightsville Beach hits the spot. Craft beer more your speed? Wrightsville Beach Brewery pours coastal-inspired ales with a menu built for salty appetites.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: Wilmington International (ILM), ~20 minutes by car. Trailhead/Boat ramp: 109 Causeway Dr., Wrightsville Beach. Driving: 15 minutes from downtown Wilmington. Cell service: Generally good near the ICW; can be spotty behind dunes on remote islands. Permits: No permits required for the charter; follow captain’s guidance for protected areas.
Sustainability Note
Masonboro Island and nearby marshes are part of the NC Coastal Reserve—pack out all trash, avoid walking on dunes, anchor in sand to protect seagrass, and give wildlife generous space.