Wrightsville Beach Private Pontoon Charter: Up to 7 passengers

Rent the boat and set the itinerary yourself

A private Bennington pontoon charter for up to 7 passengers departs Wrightsville Beach and cruises to Masonboro Island, one of North Carolina's last undeveloped barrier islands. You choose the duration (2 to 4 hours), bring a cooler of drinks, and have a captain and first mate aboard. Float options and music are included. Parking is covered. The boat can be customized for families, groups of friends, or celebrations.

The experience

What makes this different from a group tour is that you rent the entire boat. A captain and first mate handle the navigation and the boat itself, a high-end Bennington pontoon, while you decide how long to stay out, where to anchor, and what the day feels like. Masonboro Island is a marine sanctuary with no development, so the beach stays quiet and the water stays clear. You can float, swim, or just sit with a drink and music playing.

The charter runs 2 to 4 hours depending on what you book. That flexibility matters: a couple might take two hours for a sunset cruise, while a family reunion might book the full four. Parking fees are included, so there's no surprise at the end. Infants sit on an adult's lap. The boat suits all fitness levels. If you want water restaurant service, you can arrange that as an add-on. Float options come with the booking, so anyone who wants to drift in the water has gear ready.

The boat holds up to 7 passengers, which means a small family or a tight group of friends gets the whole experience without strangers. A captain and first mate are there to handle everything. You just show up and enjoy the day.

What’s included

• Captain and first mate.
• music.
• float options.
• parking fees.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 10:00, 12:00, 14:00 and 15:30

Book up to2d before

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 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Wrightsville Beach Scenic Tours

Is this one for you?Pick the 2-hour charter if you want a quick afternoon on the water. Book 4 hours if your group wants time to swim and explore Masonboro Island without rushing back. The private boat means you set the pace and the itinerary, so a family reunion or a celebration stays on your schedule, not a tour operator's.

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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. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I bring my own food and drinks on the pontoon?

Yes. You bring a cooler of drinks and food. The boat provides the space and the floats. Water restaurant service is available as an add-on if you'd rather order from the water instead.

What is Masonboro Island actually like when we get there?

Masonboro Island is one of North Carolina's last untouched barrier islands and a marine sanctuary, so it has unspoiled beaches with no buildings or crowds. You can anchor, swim, float, or walk the sand depending on what you want to do.

Do we need any boating experience to book this charter?

No. A captain and first mate run the boat, so you don't need to know how to operate it. Your only job is to decide how long you want to stay out and what you want to do when you get there.

How much time do we actually spend at Masonboro Island?

That depends on the duration you book. A 2-hour charter gives you time to cruise there and float or swim. A 4-hour charter lets you spend more time on the island itself. The captain can adjust based on what you want.

Is this suitable for young children?

Yes. Infants sit on an adult's lap, and the boat is suitable for all fitness levels. Float options are included, so kids can safely get in the water with supervision.

What's included in the price, and what costs extra?

The charter includes the captain, first mate, music, float options, and parking fees. Water restaurant service is optional and available as an add-on at checkout.