Masonboro Island Ferry from Wilmington: Shell and Swim

Masonboro Island can only be reached by boat, which is what keeps it quiet.

A ferry ride to Masonboro Island, North Carolina's largest marine sanctuary near Wilmington, where you spend a quarter or half day shelling and swimming in the creeks behind the island. The boat includes a restroom on board and a live English-speaking guide. Hotel pickup is included. Access by water alone means the island stays uncrowded.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Masonboro Island marine sanctuary

• Take ferry to Masonboro Island
• Gather shells on the island
• Swim in creeks behind island

The experience

Masonboro Island sits offshore and has no bridge to it, so the only way out is the ferry ride itself. You board the Shamrock and spend nine minutes to two hours on the water depending on which half-day or quarter-day option you pick. A live guide travels with you and points out what the marine sanctuary holds. The restroom on board means you don't have to plan around facilities on the island.

Once you land, the day is yours to spend gathering shells along the beach and wading or swimming in the creeks that run behind the island. The shallow water and shell beds are what draw people here, and the boat access keeps the crowds that plague mainland beaches from showing up. You're free to explore at your own pace and stay as long as your chosen time window allows.

Hotel pickup is included, so you don't need to arrange transport to the dock. The ferry departs on a schedule, and your guide will confirm the exact departure time when you book.

What’s included

• Ferry passage on the Shamrock.
• live English-speaking guide.
• hotel pickup.
• restroom on board.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 10:30 and 12:00

Book up to6h before

AgesAdult (18 to 64 years) · Senior (65 to 80 years) · Youth (6 to 17 years) · Child (2 to 5 years) · Infant (under 2): free

GroupUp to 24

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 3 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 17 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Wrightsville Beach Scenic Tours

Is this one for you?The ferry crossing and open-water time are part of the day itself, so pick the quarter-day option if you want mostly beach time, or the half-day if the boat ride and the island exploration both appeal to you.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (6 to 17 years); Child (2 to 5 years); Infant (under 2): 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.

How long does the ferry ride to Masonboro Island take?

The ferry ride itself is nine minutes to two hours depending on the option you choose (quarter-day or half-day), and the Shamrock includes a restroom on board for the crossing.

What can you actually do once you land on Masonboro Island?

Masonboro Island is known for shelling and swimming in the creeks behind the island. You spend your time gathering shells along the beach and wading in the shallow water at your own pace.

Why is Masonboro Island different from other beaches near Wilmington?

Masonboro Island can only be accessed by boat, which means it stays uncrowded compared to mainland beaches. It's also North Carolina's largest marine sanctuary, so the water and wildlife are protected.

Is hotel pickup really included in the ferry ticket?

Yes, hotel pickup is included with your ferry booking, so you don't need to arrange separate transport to the dock.

What should I bring or wear for a day on Masonboro Island?

Bring sunscreen, a hat and water shoes if you plan to wade. The island has no shade or facilities beyond the restroom on the ferry, so plan accordingly for the time you've booked.