Island Hopper Cruise in Wrightsville Beach: Masonboro Island

Two hours, two islands, one custom boat with a bar and a loading ramp to the sand.

The Island Hopper Cruise is a 2-hour guided boat tour from Wrightsville Beach that explores Money Island and Masonboro Island aboard the Carolina Runner, a 40-foot custom-built vessel. The boat carries up to 40 passengers and includes a bar, Bluetooth sound system, LED party lights, modern toilet facilities, and a loading ramp for easy shore access. A live English-speaking guide leads the cruise, and bottled water is provided.

The Experience

The Carolina Runner leaves the docks and heads toward Money Island, where Captain Kidd is said to have buried treasure centuries ago. The island's largest sand dune sits waiting to slide down, and the boat's loading ramp lets you step directly onto the sand without wading. From there, the cruise moves toward Masonboro Island, the longest undisturbed barrier island ecosystem in southern North Carolina—a stretch of marsh and oceanside that few people ever set foot on. If the timing works, you can hop off and walk the full width of it, hunting for giant sea shells along the way.

The boat itself is built for groups. A full bar, Bluetooth sound system, and LED party lights mean the ride is as much the point as the islands. Modern toilet facilities are onboard, and the 2-hour window keeps the day loose enough that dolphins and other marine life sightings are a real possibility on the return. Bottled water is included, and the guide navigates the whole thing in English.

What’s included

• Bottled water.
• a live English-speaking guide.
• use of the bar, Bluetooth sound system, and LED party lights aboard the Carolina Runner.
• access to the loading ramp for shore landing on the islands.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcome

Operated by Carolina Runner Boat Tours

Is this one for you?Book this for groups up to 40 who want the islands and the boat experience together—the bar and party lights make it as much a floating gathering as an exploration, and the loading ramp means no wading to reach the sand.

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Top questions

What islands does the Island Hopper Cruise visit?

The cruise explores Money Island, where Captain Kidd is said to have buried treasure and where the area's largest sand dune sits, and Masonboro Island, the longest undisturbed barrier island ecosystem in southern North Carolina. Time permitting, you can walk from the marsh side to the oceanside of Masonboro in search of giant sea shells.

How long is the cruise?

The Island Hopper Cruise runs for 2 hours total, including the boat ride and any time spent exploring the islands.

What's included on the Carolina Runner?

The boat includes a bar, Bluetooth sound system, LED party lights, modern toilet facilities, a loading ramp for easy shore access, and bottled water for all passengers.

Can I bring young children on this cruise?

Yes. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, and the boat is suitable for all physical fitness levels. Service animals are also allowed.

How many people can the boat hold?

The Carolina Runner accommodates groups up to 40 passengers.

Will I see wildlife on this cruise?

Dolphins and other marine life are common in the waters around Wrightsville Beach, and the guide will keep an eye out for them on the return to the docks, though sightings are never guaranteed.