SOUTHPORT AIR ACTIVITIES FIELD GUIDE
Coastlines and Shipwrecks: A 60‑Minute Aerial Passage over Cape Fear
A 60-minute, 85-mile scenic air tour from Southport that traces Oak Island to Wilmington — useful for travelers planning a concise aerial overview of the region.
Coastlines and Shipwrecks: A 60‑Minute Aerial Passage over Cape Fear.
High Tide Aviation’s Beach Lover — Airplane tour lifts you above the sandy barrier islands, historic river ports and offshore shoals of North Carolina’s Cape Fear, offering a compact, comprehensive survey of Oak Island, Bald Head Island, Wrightsville Beach, Wilmington and the Cape Fear River.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
An 85‑mile arc across the Cape Fear coastline
The tour covers an 85‑mile route in roughly 60 minutes, taking passengers over barrier islands, inlets and the mouth of the Cape Fear River for a single consolidated aerial view of the region.
Lighthouses, forts and a battleship seen from above
Along with shoreline scenery, the flight includes views of named historic features: the CSS Bendigo shipwreck, two lighthouses, Caswell and Fisher Forts, Frying Pan Shoals, and the USS North Carolina Battleship.
Beaches, shoals and closed‑to‑the‑public sites
Passengers will see both public and restricted coastal landmarks from the air — including Oak Island, Bald Head Island, Wrightsville Beach, the Orton Plantation and Sunny Point munitions port — delivering access you can’t get from the ground.
What the day feels like
What the flight feels like
A single-hour flight stitches together a succession of coastal vantages — sweeping over barrier islands, skimming the approach to Wilmington and following the Cape Fear River so riders can orient the historic ports, plantations and offshore shoals in one continuous loop.
THE ROUTE
An 85‑mile arc across the Cape Fear coastline
The tour covers an 85‑mile route in roughly 60 minutes, taking passengers over barrier islands, inlets and the mouth of the Cape Fear River for a single consolidated aerial view of the region.
HISTORIC SITES
Lighthouses, forts and a battleship seen from above
Along with shoreline scenery, the flight includes views of named historic features: the CSS Bendigo shipwreck, two lighthouses, Caswell and Fisher Forts, Frying Pan Shoals, and the USS North Carolina Battleship.
THE COASTLINE
Beaches, shoals and closed‑to‑the‑public sites
Passengers will see both public and restricted coastal landmarks from the air — including Oak Island, Bald Head Island, Wrightsville Beach, the Orton Plantation and Sunny Point munitions port — delivering access you can’t get from the ground.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this short aerial tour suits — and what to consider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Plan for a 60-minute flight that covers approximately 85 miles along the Cape Fear coastline.
Wear shirts and shoes as requested by the operator; bring whatever small personal items you need for a 60‑minute flight.
Please arrive 10 minutes prior to your scheduled time.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Beach Lover flight?
The tour covers about 85 miles and runs approximately 60 minutes.
What is the price per person?
The rate is $300 per person.
When should I arrive for the flight?
Guests are asked to arrive 10 minutes prior to their scheduled time.
What should I wear on the tour?
The operator requests that you wear shirts and shoes.
What sights will I see on the flight?
The itinerary includes Oak Island, Bald Head Island, Wrightsville Beach, Wilmington and the Cape Fear River, plus named landmarks such as the CSS Bendigo shipwreck, two lighthouses, Caswell and Fisher Forts, Frying Pan Shoals, the Orton Plantation, Sunny Point munitions port, and the USS North Carolina Battleship.