Excursions and Tours in Wilmington, NC

Discover over-the-top excursions and tours with a twist that fly under-the-radar in Wilmington and beaches! Connect with hard to-find local tour guides and charter companies that offer hard to get to locations or curated experiences to explore on your schedule. Learn about our destination's rich history, tour behind-the-scenes at area attractions, charters cruises to private islands and more.

Private Charters & Excursions
Bikes, Brews & Trolley Pub Fun
Behind-The-Scenes & Exclusive Tours
History Tours

Epic Excursions Sunset Excursion, island dinner

Private Charters & Excursions

Epic Excursions- Enjoy a customized low country boil on a private island with seafood from Topsail Steamer. Relax and soak in the views as the captain prepares your steam pot dinner.
- Book your culinary excursion online or explore more unique tours options by visiting their website.
Stargazer Yacht Charters- Choose from custom cruises, private charters and boat water tours like the enchanted romantic cruise for you and your loved one or spend the day island hopping with friends and family.
- Book your charter online or by calling (910) 540-4049.
Wilmington Water Tours- Explore Cape Fear's nesting and migratory birds on a birding excursion while enjoying a continental breakfast. Get expert knowledge from three local guides as they assist with spotting and identifying species of birds.
- Register for a birding adventure online or discover more tour options on their website.
Wrightsville Beach Scenic Tours- Cruise to Masonboro Island, an 8.5-mile nature preserve home to bird species and wildlife. Feast on Carolina-style pulled pork barbeque with all the fixings. Take in the sunset views following a campfire under the stars.
- Book your Island Luau private charter online or find more charter adventures on their website.
Seaside Charcuterie- Amp up your beach day with custom and personalized charcuterie boards set up for you right on the beach or another location of your choosing. Delivery options are also available.

Tour group in front of Hi-Wire Brewing

Bikes, Brews & Trolley Pub Fun

Wilmington Bike & Brew Tours- See historic sites on an E-bike tour, a pedal-assist bicycle. While exploring, hear haunted tales of Wilmington’s past and sample local craft beer at three different breweries.
- Book your tour online or by calling (910) 838-6900.
- Minimum of 8 riders per tour.
Wilmington Trolley Pub- Hit the city on four wheels with a pedal-powered, eco-friendly trolley tour. Enjoy your favorite adult beverages as your pedal your way through downtown Wilmington.
- Book your tour online or by calling (919) 473-3312.
- Minimum of 6 riders per tour.

Eerie Battleship

Behind-The-Scenes & Exclusive Tours

Battleship NORTH CAROLINA Ghost Hunt USA- Tour one of the most haunted battleships and get exclusive overnight access to areas that are normally off-limits to all tours, access to haunted areas on the battleship and more. Tours fill up fast, reserve your tickets in advance!
- Buy tickets online or by calling (866) 313-4592.
- Ghost hunt tours are available on select dates and offer a limited number of tickets per tour.

Cameron Art Museum- Explore the museum’s unique artwork pieces and enhance your experience through exhibition inspired hands-on activities with a guided tour.
- Request your tour online or by calling 910-395-5999 ext. 1019.
- Reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance.
North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher- Go behind the scenes and explore areas of the aquarium not normally open to the public including life support systems, backstage access to exhibits, the animal holding area and more.
- Reserve tickets online.
- Participants should wear closed-toed shoes.
- For ages 8 and up.
Thalian Hall Center for Performing Arts- Immerse yourself in Thalian’s history, renovation and performances on a behind-the-scenes tour with a theatre docent. Areas include the auditorium, balcony stage and more.
- Request a tour online or by calling (910) 632-2282.
TRIC Tours- Embark on a self-guided tour of the iconic TRIC Nightclub, a popular hangout featured in several seasons of the acclaimed TV series "One Tree Hill." Take a picture with replica props and checkout the OTHmerch Souvenir Shop for exclusive merchandise.
- Reserve tickets in advance online.

Wilmington Riverfront Skyline

History Tours

Wilmington True History Tours- Register for a guided history tour through Wilmington's historic district. Led by local historians, the tours uncover Wilmington's role during the Civil War, legends of the Cape Fear River Pirates and more.
- Reserve your spot online or by calling (423) 292-1304.
Historic District Walking Tour- Meet with the Lower Cape Fear Historical Society for a walking tour throughout the historic district. Tour period architecture, learn about the various styles of homes and the families who lived in them and how they made an impact on history.
- Book your tickets online or by calling (910) 762-0492.
- Guided walking tours are offered on select days and times throughout the year. Check website for more details.
- Reservations are required.
Historic Wilmington Walking Tours- Reserve your spot for specialized tours of downtown with the Historic Wilmington Foundation. Learn about the region's multi-faceted and diverse storylines that have contributed to Wilmington's history.
- Reserve your spot online or by calling (910) 762-2511.
WilmingtoNColor Heritage Tour- Connect the past with the present on a guided shuttle tour. Hear stories of Wilmington's African American achievements, heritage and locals who have made national contributions.
- Reserve your spot online.
- Minimum of 3 people to schedule.
Wilmington Walking Tours- Join Amanda, a wine connoisseur and Wilmington history buff for historic walking tours of downtown's districts. Tours include a History and Architecture Walking Tour and a Wine Bar and History Stroll.
- Book online or by calling (910) 264-5970.