WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH SAILING FIELD GUIDE
Two Hours to a Wild Shore: Masonboro Island by Carolina Skiff
A compact, 2-hour outing from Wrightsville Beach that combines a short scenic boat ride with an hour ashore on an uninhabited barrier island—this guide tells you what to expect and how to make the most of the trip.
Two Hours to a Wild Shore: Masonboro Island by Carolina Skiff.
Embark from Wrightsville Beach for a concise, coastal reverie: a 2-hour Masonboro Island Tour that puts you aboard a 24‑ft Carolina Skiff for a scenic run to an uninhabited barrier island. On arrival you’ll have roughly an hour to walk pristine beaches, follow short nature trails, swim or search for shells while watching for dolphins and eagles and listening to the skipper’s notes on local wildlife and history.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A short, scenic run in a 24‑ft skiff
The experience begins with a brief 10–15 minute boat ride from the Wrightsville Beach ramp—an immediate shift from harbor rooftops to open sound and shoreline vistas that frame the island approach.
Pristine, uninhabited barrier-island shorelines
Masonboro Island is an uninhabited stretch of barrier island where visitors can stroll long beaches, swim and hunt for shells across sands largely untouched by development.
Coastal wildlife on watch
Between the skipper’s interpretation and on-the-ground searching, the tour offers opportunities to observe dolphins in the surf and eagles overhead while learning about the island’s natural history.
What the day feels like
What the two-hour outing feels like
The tour moves with a clear rhythm: meet at the public ramp, slip onto the water for a short coastal run, spend roughly an hour wandering the island’s beaches and trails, then relax on the skiff for the return cruise. It’s compact—designed to deliver shoreline solitude and wildlife viewing in a single, manageable window.
THE RIDE
A short, scenic run in a 24‑ft skiff
The experience begins with a brief 10–15 minute boat ride from the Wrightsville Beach ramp—an immediate shift from harbor rooftops to open sound and shoreline vistas that frame the island approach.
THE BEACH
Pristine, uninhabited barrier-island shorelines
Masonboro Island is an uninhabited stretch of barrier island where visitors can stroll long beaches, swim and hunt for shells across sands largely untouched by development.
THE WILDLIFE
Coastal wildlife on watch
Between the skipper’s interpretation and on-the-ground searching, the tour offers opportunities to observe dolphins in the surf and eagles overhead while learning about the island’s natural history.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this short coastal outing suits—and who should plan differently.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The full tour lasts two hours; the boat ride to the island typically takes about 10–15 minutes and guests will have roughly an hour to explore ashore.
Visitors can stroll beaches, wander short nature trails, swim in the ocean and search for shells during the allotted island time.
Departures begin at the Public Boat Ramp — 109 Causeway Dr., Wrightsville Beach; check in at that ramp ahead of the scheduled departure.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Masonboro Island Tour?
The trip is a two-hour experience in total.
Where do I meet for the tour?
Meet at the Public Boat Ramp at 109 Causeway Dr., Wrightsville Beach.
How long does it take to reach Masonboro Island from the ramp?
The boat ride to the island is a short 10–15 minute transit.
How much time will I have on the island?
You’ll have about an hour ashore to explore the island’s beaches and trails.
Are there age restrictions or group options?
The tour is open to all ages and is offered as a shared public experience; call the operator for group rates for parties of eight or more.
What wildlife might I see?
Participants often look for dolphins in the surf and eagles overhead while learning about local wildlife from the crew.
Who operates the Masonboro Island Tour?
The tour is operated by Epic Excursions NC.