Island Hopper Cruise in Wrightsville Beach in Wilmington
Wilmington, United States

Island Hopper Cruise in Wrightsville Beach

Outty Ranking 83 4.9 · 145 traveler reviews2 hoursFrom $50

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September 2026

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Adults

Age 13 and over

2

Children

Age 12 and under

0

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From, per person$50
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Outty Ranking

83/100

Exceptional. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.9/5

Based on 145 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Island Hopper Cruise in Wrightsville Beach worth booking?

Island Hopper Cruise in Wrightsville Beach is a 2-hour experience in Wilmington, United States, from $50 per person. It scores 83 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 145 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
83 / 100
Rating
4.9/5 (145)
Duration
2 hours
From
$50 per person

The Carolina Runner is a custom-built 40-foot craft that includes a bar, blue tooth sound system, LED party lights, a loading ramp for easy shore access to Masonboro Island, complete modern toilet facilities, and many ot

What you get

    About this experience

    The Carolina Runner is a custom-built 40-foot craft that includes a bar, blue tooth sound system, LED party lights, a loading ramp for easy shore access to Masonboro Island, complete modern toilet facilities, and many other amenities for groups up to 40.

    What's included

    Included

    • Bottled water

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Wilmington

    We meet at our Gazebo on the soundside directly across from the crosswalk that is next to the main entrance and sign for the resort. Trailborn Surf and Sound is formerly known as the Blockade Runner Beach Runner Beach Resort. We apologize for any confusion please call Matty if you need assistance.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    We meet at our Gazebo on the soundside directly across from the crosswalk that is next to the main entrance and sign for the resort. Trailborn Surf and Sound is formerly known as the Blockade Runner Beach Runner Beach Resort. We apologize for any confusion please call Matty if you need assistance.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 12 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Carolina Runner Boat Tours

    Know before you go

    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Service animals allowed
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Photos

    Island Hopper Cruise in Wrightsville Beach in Wilmington, photo 2Island Hopper Cruise in Wrightsville Beach in Wilmington, photo 3Island Hopper Cruise in Wrightsville Beach in Wilmington, photo 4Island Hopper Cruise in Wrightsville Beach in Wilmington, photo 5Island Hopper Cruise in Wrightsville Beach in Wilmington, photo 6Island Hopper Cruise in Wrightsville Beach in Wilmington, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 145 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    3 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Traveler reviews

    145 verified traveler reviews for Island Hopper Cruise in Wrightsville Beach. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    137
    4 star
    7
    3 star
    1
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    Hope_W · August 2026

    Great Trip

    Captain Summer snd crew were great! The trip was beautiful and just long enough. Bring a shell bag because you will find many beautiful ones,

    via Viator

    Lucas_R · August 2026

    For those with movement...

    For those with movement challenges you should know that there are ramps and steps involved. The crew was very helpful and everyone was able to participate . Highly recommend

    via Viator

    Amy_S · August 2026

    Really fun and hope to go back again!

    Fun experience! The only thing I wish it were longer! Found some big shells and cute crabs in the water and beach. The guides and Koda were awesome!

    via Viator

    J9164NBmichellea · July 2026

    Great ! Except for parking

    Excellent experience, would have liked it to be even longer but was happy with it. Only issue was the parking. We weren’t expecting to be searching for parking for so long. My partner had to park far away and run to the boat. It was stressful. The guides luckily were so accommodating and waited for us. Please find a way to create parking for ppl who sign up for this.

    via Tripadvisor

    Karen_H · July 2026

    Best Birthday Ever

    Our afternoon of island hopping was absolutely perfect! Captain Summer & Anna made it so fun with their music, fun facts and obvious love for being on the water! Highly recommend this tour for a relaxing time exploring around Wrightsville Beach.

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    2 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    51
    Verdict
    Exceptional

    Why this scores 83

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)91
    Review evidence (18% weight)90
    Booking momentum (14% weight)88
    Value for money (12% weight)61
    Listing quality (10% weight)62
    Local standing (8% weight)72
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Island Hopper Cruise in Wrightsville Beach: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Wilmington.

    How much does Island Hopper Cruise in Wrightsville Beach cost?

    +

    Prices start at $50 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Wilmington usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Island Hopper Cruise in Wrightsville Beach take?

    +

    Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Wilmington is not rushed.

    Is Island Hopper Cruise in Wrightsville Beach worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 83 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 145 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Wilmington, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Island Hopper Cruise in Wrightsville Beach?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Island Hopper Cruise in Wrightsville Beach suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Island Hopper Cruise in Wrightsville Beach?

    +

    Around 51 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Wilmington can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Wilmington and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Island Hopper Cruise in Wrightsville Beach start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Wilmington within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Wilmington?

    +

    Wilmington runs riverfront history and ghost walks, Battleship North Carolina visits, film-location tours, and boat trips out to Wrightsville Beach and Masonboro Island. On Outty we rank every Wilmington experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include History and Architecture Walking Tour, THE Wilmington History, Haunts & Breweries E-Bike Tour (4 hr), Sailing Charters in Wilmington. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Wilmington?

    +

    April to June and September to October. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Wilmington?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

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