Local guide · Wrightsville Beach
Wrightsville Beach Scenic Tours
A small open boat carries families to wild, undeveloped Masonboro Island. Kids can join a pirate treasure hunt led by a costumed re-enactor, hunt for North Carolina’s state shell, or watch for dolphins with a captain who is also a trained naturalist.
Why families go
Reviewers single out the captain’s knowledge and friendliness, and dolphins come up again and again. What sets it apart for families is the boat actually landing on the island, so kids get off and explore a beach with no buildings at all. It’s an open boat with no shade on the island, so it’s a sun-and-wade adventure.
Don’t miss
- Pirate Island Treasure HuntTwo hours on Masonboro with a costumed pirate storyteller and a treasure hunt.
- The Shelling TourLook for the Scotch bonnet, North Carolina’s state shell.
- The Eco-Scavenger HuntA self-guided family hunt on the island with a collecting bag.
- The Masonboro wildlife cruiseAn hour of pelicans, terns and, often, dolphins.
Photo: Wrightsville Beach Scenic Tours
Before you go
- Book online, then confirm your trip by call or text.
- Bring sunscreen, water shoes, water and snacks; Masonboro has no shade or facilities. Expect to wade a little on landing.
- Some trips run only on certain days or need minimum numbers, especially in fall and winter.
Plan your visit
- Where: Departs Wrightsville Beach Boating Access, 109 Causeway Dr., Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480
- From Topsail: About 45 minutes from central Surf City.
- Hours: Scheduled trips; see the website for current days and times.
- Admission: Paid per passenger.
- Tickets: See trips and book
- Official site: wrightsvillebeachscenictours.com
- More nearby: more family fun in Wrightsville Beach
A short drive from the island. Browse our Topsail Island vacation rentals, all cared for by our local team.
Based on official information from the attraction and on recurring themes in public reviews; checked October 2026. Hours, seasons and prices change, so confirm before you go.