Wrightsville Beach Sunset Cocktail Sail: 44' Catamaran

Two hours sailing Masonboro Island, the marshlands and the ICW as the sun sets over North Carolina's barrier islands

A 2-hour evening sail aboard the 44-foot catamaran Bella on Wrightsville Beach's waterways, with Caribbean-inspired cocktails, soda and bottled water included. The captain and crew offer local knowledge of the area, point out landmarks and wildlife, and can snap family photos. Wind permitting, engines turn off to sail under canvas alone.

Step-by-step itinerary

Evening sail and sunset views

• Board the 44' catamaran Bella
• Sail through the ICW past waterfront houses
• Cruise around Wrightsville Beach waterways
• Enjoy wildlife sightings at sunset
• Sail by Masonboro Island at sunset
• Wind permitting, turn off engines to sail
• Relax with Caribbean-inspired cocktail
• Receive local insights from captain and crew
• Take memorable family photos if desired

The experience

The boat leaves from Wrightsville Beach and heads into the inlet toward Masonboro Island, an 8-mile stretch of uninhabited barrier island that sits at the edge of the ocean. If the swell stays calm, you'll sail out into the open water to watch the sunset from there. The crew knows the ecology of the reserve and will answer questions about what you're seeing. On the way back, the route follows the marshlands and the Intracoastal Waterway, where the marsh lights up as the sun drops and dolphins, egrets, great blue herons and seabirds often appear.

The catamaran is 44 feet, with an experienced captain and crew who handle the sailing and serve drinks throughout. Wind permitting, the engines cut off so you experience sailing under canvas instead of motoring. The Caribbean-inspired cocktail, soda and bottled water are included. The crew can also snap a few family photos if you'd like. The whole sail runs 2 hours, which fits neatly into an evening without eating up the rest of your day.

What’s included

• Caribbean-inspired cocktail, soda and bottled water.
• local insight from the captain and crew about the area and its wildlife.
• family photos taken by the crew if you'd like.
• life jackets provided for children 12 and under.

Before you book

Days and timesFridayDeparts at 17:00

Book up to1d before

GroupUp to 6

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 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 yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effort

Operated by Bella Catamaran Charters

Is this one for you?The boat departs from Wrightsville Beach itself, so if you're staying in the area or don't have a car, you can walk or arrange a short ride to the departure point without the logistics of getting to a distant dock. The 2-hour window also works for an evening activity that doesn't require a full day commitment.

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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.

What is Masonboro Island and why is it worth seeing at sunset?

Masonboro Island is an 8-mile uninhabited barrier island reserve at the edge of the ocean, visible from the boat as you sail through the inlet. The captain and crew can explain the ecology of the reserve, and seeing it at sunset is listed as a highlight of the trip.

Will we actually sail, or does the boat just motor?

Wind permitting, the engines turn off and the catamaran sails under canvas. If the wind is light or the conditions don't allow it, the boat will motor, but the crew aims to sail whenever possible.

What wildlife might we see on the marshes and waterways?

The marshlands are full of wildlife, especially at sunset. Dolphins, egrets, great blue herons and a variety of seabirds are often spotted as you cruise through the waterways and around the ICW.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Yes, the sail is suitable for all physical fitness levels. Children 12 and under must wear a life jacket, which the boat provides. Infants are allowed but must be under supervision and care at all times.

How long is the sail and what's included to drink?

The sail runs 2 hours aboard the Bella. A Caribbean-inspired cocktail, soda and bottled water are included for all passengers.