Water Experiences in Wilmington, NC

Scenic Cruises & Excursions

Wilmington serves as the home-port for relaxing river cruises. From the Riverwalk, board Cape Fear River Boats’ Henrietta to see the riverfront from a new perspective. With Wilmington Water Tours, set out on a sunset cruise or learn about the cypress-lined riverside on a narrated cruise through nearby estuaries. Depart from Port City Marina and pedal your way down the Cape Fear River with BrewBoat Wilmington.

During a kayak eco-tour with Wilmington Outdoor Adventures, follow an expert guide as you explore an uninhabited island and hunt for coveted shark teeth. Customize a paddling excursion on Wilmington’s slow-moving Black River with Mahanaim Adventures. Kayak in a state park at Carolina Beach with Paddle NC, or around a Kure Beach shorebird sanctuary on a Kayak Carolina tour. Be invigorated by the crystal blue waters of Wrightsville Beach as you embark on a Wrightsville Beach Scenic Tours pirate-themed family cruise, a Soundside Adventures private catamaran charter or an Epic Excursions island-hopping adventure.

Watersports

Wilmington and its beaches are home to an array of watersports, as well as local outfitters providing gear and instruction for all ages and skill levels. Get active on coastal waterways at Carolina Beach, Kure Beach and Wrightsville Beach.

Learn how to hang ten with a surf lesson from Tony Silvagni Surf School or Indo Jax Surf School. Glide along calm waterways on a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) rental from a local outfitter like Wrightsville SUP or Cape Fear Paddleboarding. Take sailing lessons at the Blockade Runner Sailing Center or Wrightsville Performance Sailing. Strap on your fins for unique diving experiences, including guided charters from local diving companies like Aquatic Safaris or WB Diving and discover underwater shipwrecks, fossil ledges and reef habitats.

Fishing Adventures

Bait a hook and drop a line – whether from piers, fishing charters, head boats or drive-on beaches. Embark on inshore, nearshore and offshore fishing excursions through Feel Good Fishing Charters & Adventures. Reel in a catch with Hot Ticket Fishing Charters, which specializes in offshore Gulf Stream and deep-sea bottom fishing charters, with half-day Spanish and Blues trips.

For more ways to cast a line, visit Carolina Beach Fishing Center and Marina or Carolina Beach State Park, the century-old Kure Beach Fishing Pier or Wrightsville Beach's Johnnie Mercers Fishing Pier and Crystal Pier, among other options at Wilmington's nearby beaches. At Fort Fisher State Recreation Area, obtain a pass from the park office to take your four-wheel-drive vehicle directly onto the beach and find a secluded spot for surf fishing. Carolina Beach’s Freeman Park, another local favorite for onshore fishing, also allows four-wheel-drive access with proper permits.