Things to Do in Wilmington NC on the Water

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 One of the most relaxing ways to experience the North Carolina coast is on a sunset cruise around Wrightsville Beach. As the sun sets over the Intracoastal Waterway, the sky lights up with incredible colors while coastal wildlife becomes more active.

Sunset cruises often pass beautiful marshes, coastal islands, and calm waterways near Masonboro Island. It’s a peaceful way to end the day and one of the most popular experiences for couples, families, and visitors exploring Wilmington.

👉 Learn more about our Wrightsville Beach sunset cruises

Did you know that prehistoric shark teeth can still be found in great numbers near Wilmington?

Located in the Cape Fear River are small islands where ancient marine fossils continue to surface. Guided shark tooth hunting tours allow visitors to explore these islands while searching for fossils that are millions of years old.

It’s a fun and educational experience that’s especially popular with families and anyone who loves finding sharks teeth.

👉 Explore our shark tooth hunting adventures

 If you're looking for a unique and exciting thing to do near Wilmington, NC, learning to hydrofoil with NC Foil School is an unforgettable experience. 

Located in Wrightsville Beach, this specialized school offers beginner-friendly lessons that teach you how to ride above the water using a hydrofoil board.

Foiling combines elements of surfing and flying, making it one of the fastest-growing water sports on the North Carolina coast. With professional instruction and the best available foils and gear NC Foil School provides a calm and ideal learning environment.  Foiling with NC Foil School is a great activity for both first-timers looking to try something new and experienced riders to get to the next level.

 🏄 Learn to foil with NC Foil School.

 Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach are home to some of the best inshore and nearshore fishing along the North Carolina coast. Local waters hold species like red drum, speckled trout, flounder, and other seasonal fish.

Private fishing charters give visitors the opportunity to experience these productive waters with a local captain who knows the area’s creeks, flats, and coastal fishing spots.

Whether you are an experienced angler or trying saltwater fishing for the first time, a guided fishing trip is one of the most exciting things to do in Wilmington.

👉 See our Wrightsville Beach fishing charters

 Masonboro Island is one of the largest undeveloped barrier islands in North Carolina and is located just south of Wrightsville Beach. Accessible only by boat, this protected coastal area offers pristine beaches, wildlife viewing, and incredible scenery.

Many visitors enjoy stopping on the island for a beach walk, shell hunting, photography, or simply enjoying the natural beauty of the North Carolina coast.

Because it remains largely untouched, Masonboro Island feels like a hidden escape just minutes from Wilmington.

 The waterways around Wilmington are home to a wide variety of coastal wildlife. It’s common to see bottlenose dolphins swimming through the Intracoastal Waterway or along the edges of nearby islands.

In addition to dolphins, visitors often spot pelicans, ospreys, herons, bald eagles, and other coastal birds while exploring the area by boat. Wildlife viewing adds an exciting element to any sightseeing trip along the coast.

 One of the most unique ways to explore Wilmington’s waterways is by designing your own custom boat adventure. Instead of following a fixed itinerary, custom private charters allow you to create the experience that best fits your group.

You might spend time cruising the Intracoastal Waterway, stopping for a beach walk on Masonboro Island, swimming in calm coastal waters, searching for sand dollars on a sandbar, or simply relaxing while sightseeing along the coast.

Custom boat adventures are perfect for visitors who want to experience Wilmington from the water at their own pace.

👉 Plan your build-your-own boat adventure