Sailing in Wrightsville Beach

Watersports & Rentals in Wilmington, NC and Beaches

Get in on the Watersports Action

Leave the highways for our waterways and take advantage of the abundance and variety of watersports offerings in Wilmington and its three nearby island beaches. Learn to surf with certified instructors, cruise through calm waters on a stand-up paddleboard (SUP), dive with a local scuba outfitter and explore the waters or traverse fauna-filled salt marshes by kayak.

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Canoeing on Greenfield Lake

Urban Lake Exploration

Let the water be your guide as you explore Greenfield Lake by kayak, canoe or paddleboat. The expansive urban lake is filled with turtles, ducks and other species of active wildlife. Take in serene views of Spanish moss-draped live oak trees, lush greenery and colorful blooming azaleas in season as you float around a peaceful urban oasis Southern Living named among “The Best Lakes In North Carolina For A Waterfront Retreat.”

Wrightsville Beach, NC Water Experiences

World-Class Watersports

Embrace Wrightsville Beach's active lifestyle and crystal blue waters. Take a guided kayak eco-tour to Masonboro Island Reserve, book a surf lesson or camp or glide through the waterways via SUP. Build seafaring skills with instruction from Wrightsville Performance Sailing or Blockade Runner Sailing Center, one of only five ASA-certified sailing schools in the state. Join the excitement of Wrightsville Beach’s annual watersports competitions, including the Carolina Pro-Am SUP Surf and Carolina Cup, one of the largest, most competitive SUP races in the world, as well as the largest race on the East Coast.

Carolina Beach, NC Water Experiences

A Gold Medal Surf Experience

For surfing newcomers of all ages, learn the sport with instruction from a professional, Olympic gold medalist surfer at Tony Silvagni Surf School in Carolina Beach. Group and private lessons are also available through Odysea Surf School. Journey through the surrounding waterways on a SUP rented from Pleasure Island Rentals, or embark on a guided kayak eco-tour of Carolina Beach State Park with Paddle NC. From wave-catching excitement to diving adventures, enjoy good times on the water in Carolina Beach.

Dive The Condor

Underwater Voyages

Strap on your fins and discover unique diving experiences just offshore, including North Carolina's first Heritage Dive Site, The Condor. Located just 700 yards off the shore in Kure Beach, dive 25 feet to investigate the hull, engines, paddle wheel and boilers of this well-preserved Civil War blockade runner. Up the coast near Wrightsville Beach, charter a boat with a local dive company and survey fossil ledges with giant Megalodon teeth, or explore Alexander Ramsey, a liberty ship purposefully sunk as an artificial reef. With approximately 65 ocean shipwrecks within 50 miles from our shores, and more than 20 more in the area's rivers and creeks, immerse yourself in underwater explorations suitable for every skill level.

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Tony Silvagni Surf School

Outfitters & Rentals

Get equipped for outdoor adventures by renting gear for biking, watersports and more.

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IRONMAN North Carolina

Sports Events

From marathons and triathlons to SUP and more, mark your calendar for invigorating events.

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Airlie Gardens Yoga

Wellness Vacations

Be energized by SUP excursion and yoga classes, then unwind with a salt cave session.

Find Balance

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Wilmington and Beaches CVB

929 N. Front St., Suite 410, Wilmington, NC 28401
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