Masonboro Island Cruise: Shorebirds & Dolphins in Wilmington

An hour on open water where dolphins and shorebirds show up.

A 1-hour guided boat cruise around Masonboro Island, North Carolina's largest marine sanctuary, led by trained naturalists who teach shorebird biology and local natural history. The boat operates from Wrightsville Beach and carries bottled water. Children from age 1 are welcome, and the vessel is wheelchair accessible. A live English-speaking guide narrates the route and points out bottlenose dolphins and shorebirds as they appear.

Step-by-step itinerary

Masonboro Island 1-hour cruise

• Board the boat in Wilmington
• Cruise around Masonboro Island
• Observe shorebirds and dolphins
• Learn about local natural history

The experience

The cruise departs from Wrightsville Beach and heads out onto open water surrounding Masonboro Island, a protected ecological site. A trained naturalist guides the route, explaining shorebird species and the island's natural history as the boat moves through the waters. The focus is on what lives here and why (the biology and ecology of the area) rather than a fixed itinerary of stops. Bottlenose dolphins often appear, though sightings depend on the day and the season.

Bottled water is included. The boat accommodates all fitness levels and welcomes children from age 1. Infants can sit on an adult's lap or use a specialized infant seat. Wheelchair-accessible transportation options are available nearby, and service animals are allowed on board. The whole experience runs one hour, so it fits easily into a morning or afternoon in Wilmington.

What’s included

• Bottled water.
• live naturalist guide in English.
• children welcome from age 1 with specialized infant seats available.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 14:30

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (36 to 62 years) · Senior (65 to 90 years) · Youth (7 to 18 years) · Child (3 to 6 years) · Infant (1 to 2 years): free

GroupUp to 18

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 16 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Wrightsville Beach Scenic Tours

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English and teaches as you go, so anyone comfortable on a boat for an hour can follow the natural history without prior knowledge. Bring children from age 1 onward. The pace is set by what appears on the water, not by a fixed schedule.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (7 to 18 years); Child (3 to 6 years); Infant (1 to 2 years): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What kind of wildlife will I actually see on this cruise?

Bottlenose dolphins and shorebirds are the main draw, though sightings vary by season and conditions. The naturalist guide explains the species you encounter and their behavior in the waters around Masonboro Island.

How long is the cruise, and when does it depart?

The cruise runs one hour. Specific departure times are set by the operator. Check the booking details for the schedule that fits your day in Wilmington.

Is the boat accessible if I use a wheelchair?

The boat itself is wheelchair accessible, and public transportation options to the departure point near Wrightsville Beach are available. Service animals are allowed on board.

What is Masonboro Island, and why is it special?

Masonboro Island is North Carolina's largest marine sanctuary, a protected ecological area. The naturalist guide covers its natural history and the wildlife that depends on it during the cruise.