Wrightsville Beach Private Catamaran Charter: Plan Your Own Sail

You pick the islands, the captain picks the wind

A private 4-hour catamaran charter on Wrightsville Beach where you work with the captain to plan your own route among local islands and anchorages (Masonboro Island, Money Island, a rope swing, a secret swimming hole), then dinghy ashore to whichever spots you choose. The boat carries up to 6 people and includes soda, water and fresh fruit. A live English-speaking guide steers the day.

The experience

The boat is a fully equipped catamaran with air conditioning, a generator, sound system and grill, so you're not roughing it. There are plenty of comfortable spots to relax between stops. You'll sail down Banks Channel toward Masonboro Island, and depending on what you want to do and how the wind is running, either stay in the protected waters or head out the inlet into the Atlantic. Once you drop anchor, the crew will dinghy you around to whichever of the local spots appeals: the uninhabited Masonboro Island itself, Money Island, a rope swing along the Intracoastal Waterway, a secret swimming hole in the marsh, Palm Tree Island, or Dockside Bar and Grill if you want a waterfront stop with food and drinks.

The itinerary is entirely yours to shape. You're not following a fixed route or a checklist of tourist stops. You're telling the captain what you want to see and do, and the captain works the boat around your preferences and the conditions on the water that day. The operator calls these spots the "WBVIs," a nod to the way Wrightsville Beach has its own network of anchorages and island destinations, much like the Caribbean does. Each one has its own character, and you get to pick which ones fit the mood of your group.

Soda, bottled water and fresh fruit are included. The boat's grill is available if you want to cook. The charter runs 4 hours and suits all fitness levels. Pickup and departure details will be confirmed when you book.

What’s included

• Soda and bottled water.
• fresh fruit.
• use of the boat's grill.
• a live English-speaking captain and crew.
• dinghy service to the islands and anchorages you choose.

Before you book

Days and timesFriday and SaturdayDeparts at 13:00

Book up to1d before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

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

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effort

Operated by Bella Catamaran Charters

Is this one for you?The charter departs from Wrightsville Beach itself, so if you're staying nearby or have your own transport, you're set. If you're based in Wilmington without a car, confirm the pickup details when you book. The 4-hour window and the ability to shape your own stops make this work for a half-day outing that fits around the rest of your plans.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

Can we really choose which islands to visit, or is there a set route?

You work with the captain to plan your own itinerary. The captain will suggest options based on wind and water conditions, but the choice of where to anchor and which spots to explore is yours: Masonboro Island, Money Island, the rope swing, the marsh swimming hole, or any other local anchorage you'd like to visit.

What's included in the 4-hour charter?

Soda, bottled water, fresh fruit, and use of the boat's grill are included. The captain and crew are there to navigate and dinghy you ashore. Gratuities and lunch are not included.

How many people can the catamaran hold?

The boat accommodates up to 6 people, so it works for a couple, a small family or a group of friends.

What if the wind isn't good for sailing?

The captain will adjust the plan based on wind and water conditions. You might stay in the protected waters of Banks Channel and the Intracoastal Waterway, or head out the inlet into the Atlantic. The captain will work with you to make the best use of the day.

Do I need sailing experience to book this?

No. The charter is suitable for all fitness levels, and the captain handles the sailing. You can help out if you want to, or simply relax and enjoy the water.