
Wrightsville Beach Private Boat Cruise: Island Hopping & Sandbars
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 11 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Wrightsville Beach Private Boat Cruise: Island Hopping & Sandbars worth booking?
Wrightsville Beach Private Boat Cruise: Island Hopping & Sandbars is a 4-hour experience in Wilmington, United States, from $876 per person. It scores 52 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 11 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 52 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (11)
- Duration
- 4 hours
- From
- $876 per person
Start your private boat adventure in Wrightsville Beach by meeting your captain at the dock and setting the vibe for your perfect day on the water. Cruise scenic waterways, hop between uninhabited barrier islands, watch for dolphins playing nearby, and take in some of the most beautiful coastal views around. Drop anchor at a gorgeous sandbar or secluded beach to swim, shell hunt, lounge in the sun, float in the water, or simply soak it all in. Your private charter can also include a fun stop at a waterfront restaurant or beach bar for lunch, drinks, or a little dockside fun along the way. This 4-hour private charter is the sweet spot—plenty of time to island hop, explore, swim, and truly relax without feeling rushed. Beach chairs and a float pad are included to make your day even easier, and you’re welcome to BYOB and bring any food or drinks you’d like. A cooler stocked with ice is provided, so just show up ready for a fun day on the water.
What you get
About this experience
Start your private boat adventure in Wrightsville Beach by meeting your captain at the dock and setting the vibe for your perfect day on the water. Cruise scenic waterways, hop between uninhabited barrier islands, watch for dolphins playing nearby, and take in some of the most beautiful coastal views around. Drop anchor at a gorgeous sandbar or secluded beach to swim, shell hunt, lounge in the sun, float in the water, or simply soak it all in. Your private charter can also include a fun stop at a waterfront restaurant or beach bar for lunch, drinks, or a little dockside fun along the way. This 4-hour private charter is the sweet spot—plenty of time to island hop, explore, swim, and truly relax without feeling rushed. Beach chairs and a float pad are included to make your day even easier, and you’re welcome to BYOB and bring any food or drinks you’d like. A cooler stocked with ice is provided, so just show up ready for a fun day on the water.
What's included
Included
- Large float pad
- Safety equipment (life jackets)
- Filtered fresh water
- Fuel
- USCG-certified captain
- Cooler with ice
- Solbello shade
- Six beach chairs
Not included
- Alcohol (BYOB)
- Towels
- Sunscreen
- Beach chairs (unless added to your booking)
- PADDLE BOARDS
- Corn Hole
- Gratuities
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Wilmington
Meet at Public Boat Ramp - 109 Causeway Dr., Wrightsville Beach. Please arrive 15 minutes before your excursion for parking; the captain will arrive at the scheduled departure time.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Meet at Public Boat Ramp - 109 Causeway Dr., Wrightsville Beach. Please arrive 15 minutes before your excursion for parking; the captain will arrive at the scheduled departure time.
Options you can book
10 to 13 people
Option for 10-13 people
7 to 9 people
This option is for 7-9 people
1 to 6 people
Up to 6 people only
Before you book
- Cancellation
- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Epic Excursions
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 11 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
3 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Good for families
3 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
11 verified traveler reviews for Wrightsville Beach Private Boat Cruise: Island Hopping & Sandbars. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Family Weekend 2026 Boat Tour of Wilmington Waterways
It was a beautiful morning! Great way to see areas you cannot reach on land. Cam, our guide, was great! Loved it!
via Tripadvisor
Corporate Sunset Excursion
We booked this excursion as part of a corporate retreat. They were extremely accommodating and easy to work with. We were able to drop our beverages off earlier in the day so they were ready and cold in the cooler provided when we arrived. The seafood boil was absolutely delicious and portions were great and the key lime pie dessert was a perfect way to end the dinner. One recommendation is for the company to splurge on a real wooden cornhole set - the portable one provided was not ideal and hard to play. Other yard games would have also been a fun addition if they were offered! Overall, a wonderful experience and would do again.
via Tripadvisor
Cam was a fantastic and a welcoming captain- we had the best day and weather - and very quiet on the Intercoastal
Cam was an excellent Captain and host- the weather was beautiful and we had the whole island to ourself for the afternoon- met a few dolphins along the way- felt very safe, loved the offer of chairs and shade and the ease of the day! Thank you for a wonderful day with the ladies and this beautiful arena
Response from the operator: Thank you for the kind review! We're so glad you had a great time on your excursion, and what a wonderful experience to see some dolphins!
via Tripadvisor
See Wrightsville Beach from the Water!
Our family has been vacationing at Wrightsville Beach for the past six years, but somehow we'd never taken the time to explore the area from the water. This year, we booked a half-day private charter with Epic Excursions, and we're so glad we did! Captain Rich was a fantastic guide—friendly, knowledgeable, and fun. We spent the morning cruising through the waterways and stopping at several of the surrounding islands while learning about the area's history, wildlife, and hidden gems. We even watched a pod of dolphins playing and eating in one of the coves! It was truly an eye-opening experience. Seeing Wrightsville Beach from the water gave us a whole new appreciation for the area and a perspective we'd been missing all these years. A big thank you to Captain Rich and Epic Excursions for such a memorable Friday morning. We highly recommend this experience to anyone visiting Wrightsville Beach!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your thoughtful review! We're glad that you and your family had such a magical time on your adventure! Seeing dolphins is always so special, and it's such a treat to see them on an excursion!
via Tripadvisor
Epic excursions Captain Chad
Such a fun day! Chad was a great captain who listened to us and had awesome recommendations. The boat had a nice speaker for music, and everything was super clean. He was professional and fun, and even gave us tips for Wrightsville Beach.
Response from the operator: We're so glad Captain Cam was able to make your excursion so fun! Thank you for the kind words!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 4 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $876 to $1,082
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 4
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 52
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Wrightsville Beach Private Boat Cruise: Island Hopping & Sandbars: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Wilmington.
How much does Wrightsville Beach Private Boat Cruise: Island Hopping & Sandbars cost?
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Prices start at $876 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 Wrightsville Beach Private Boat Cruise: Island Hopping & Sandbars take?
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Plan for about 4 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 Wrightsville Beach Private Boat Cruise: Island Hopping & Sandbars worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 52 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 11 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable food & drink in Wilmington, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Wrightsville Beach Private Boat Cruise: Island Hopping & Sandbars?
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No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.
Is Wrightsville Beach Private Boat Cruise: Island Hopping & Sandbars suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Wrightsville Beach Private Boat Cruise: Island Hopping & Sandbars?
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Around 4 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?
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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 4-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Wrightsville Beach Private Boat Cruise: Island Hopping & Sandbars start and how do I get there?
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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?
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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 & 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?
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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?
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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?
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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.
What is included in Wrightsville Beach Private Boat Cruise: Island Hopping & Sandbars?
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Included: Large float pad; Safety equipment (life jackets); Filtered fresh water; Fuel; and USCG-certified captain. Not included: Alcohol (BYOB); Towels; Sunscreen; and Beach chairs (unless added to your booking). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Wrightsville Beach Private Boat Cruise: Island Hopping & Sandbars?
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Meet at Public Boat Ramp - 109 Causeway Dr., Wrightsville Beach. Please arrive 15 minutes before your excursion for parking; the captain will arrive at the scheduled departure time. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Wrightsville Beach Private Boat Cruise: Island Hopping & Sandbars offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Wrightsville Beach Private Boat Cruise: Island Hopping & Sandbars?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Wrightsville Beach Private Boat Cruise: Island Hopping & Sandbars wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Wrightsville Beach Private Boat Cruise: Island Hopping & Sandbars if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Wrightsville Beach Private Boat Cruise: Island Hopping & Sandbars?
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Across 11 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, good for families, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for Wrightsville Beach Private Boat Cruise: Island Hopping & Sandbars?
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There are 3 options to choose from, including 10 to 13 people, 7 to 9 people, 1 to 6 people. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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