Discover Wrightsville Beach’s Oyster Farm Tour & Tasting Experience
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
No special fitness required; suitable for all ages and activity levels
Overview
Experience the rich coastal tradition of oyster farming on Masonboro Island with a three-hour oyster tour and tasting near Wrightsville Beach, NC. Learn, shuck, and savor fresh oysters while cruising scenic tidal waters.
Oyster Farm Tour & Tasting
3 Hours • All Ages Welcome • Public Shared Experience • Call for Private Experiences
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Join us for a 3-hour tour of a local oyster farm, where you'll learn about oyster cultivation and enjoy freshly shucked oysters with drinks on Masonboro Island. The experience includes a guided boat ride, oyster tasting, and the chance to learn how to shuck oysters yourself.
About
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 while surrounded by the natural beauty of Masonboro Island. This Epic tour will include a sampling of raw and steamed oysters with a complimentary wine selection, but feel free to bring along any other beverage of choice. Hosted by Middle Sound Mariculture and Epic Excursions.
Your tour starts with a guided boat ride aboard our 24ft Carolina Skiff, the Epic Explorer, to the Middle Sound Mariculture Farm where you will learn how these delicious oysters are raised from seed to harvest. You will learn the ideal conditions for oysters to reproduce, and learn the stages of growing from a tiny seed into oyster food.
Next we will head over to beautiful Masonboro Island where we will share oyster tales over drinks, toss back some oysters, and soak up the natural beauty of the island. If you're up for it, we will even teach you how to shuck your own oyster!
Duration
3 Hours
Adventure Tips
Wear sun protection
Bring sunscreen and a hat—the boat ride and oyster tasting take place in direct sunlight for several hours.
Bring a light jacket
Mornings and evenings can be breezy on the water, especially in spring and fall—layer up for comfort.
Prepare for seasickness
If you’re sensitive to boat motion, consider anti-nausea remedies as the tour takes place on open water.
Dress for casual outdoor activity
Non-slip shoes and comfortable clothing make shucking easier and boating safer.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Osprey soaring overhead
- Blue crabs scuttling in the marsh grasses
History
Oyster farming in the Wrightsville Beach area dates back to the 19th century, playing a key role in regional food culture and economy.
Conservation
The farm follows sustainable aquaculture practices to protect coastal water quality and maintain healthy oyster populations.
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Adventure Hotspots in Wrightsville Beach
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sunscreen
Protects your skin during the boat ride and oyster tasting sessions under direct sunlight.
summer specific
Hat with brim
Provides shade and comfort on the exposed boat deck.
summer specific
Light jacket
Keeps you warm during cooler, breezy early mornings or late afternoons.
spring specific
Waterproof footwear
Helps keep feet dry and comfortable during boarding and shucking on wet surfaces.