Expedition Options
Design a custom trip from one of the following excursions. Pick one expedition or combine for a full day of beach and water fun.
Sunset Cruise
This is a 2-hour expedition and our most popular. View the sunset from many different isolated and tranquil areas in a beautiful natural setting.
Sightseeing & Photo Expeditions
Birds, Turtles, Coastal Eco-systems are the Focus. This trip will often venture to Lea-Hutaff Island, Masonboro Island, Zekes Island or the marshes behind Bald Head Island. All of these secluded locations can only be accessed via boat. These expeditions are often combined with the many beach activities we provide. We recommend a minimum 4-hour trip to the these locations.
Lea-Hataff Island
Located between Wrightsville beach and Topsail island, Lea-Hutaff Island is owned by the Audubon Society and is an island of life where dozens of loggerhead sea turtles nest, hundreds of terns and skimmers nest, and thousands of shorebirds stop off during their long migrations. This narrow strip of sand, already declared a state-significant Important Bird Area, is one of the last and best on the Carolina coast.
Masonboro Island
The largest undisturbed barrier island along the southern part of the North Carolina coast, located approximately five miles southeast of Wilmington. Loggerhead and Green Sea turtles nest on the beaches, where sea beach amaranth plants grow on the fore dunes. Often encountered are the Black Skimmers, Wilson’s Plovers and Least Terns that nest on the island.
Zeke’s Island
This site is 22 miles south of Wilmington, bounded by Federal Point to the north, Smith Island to the south, the Atlantic Ocean to the east, and the Cape Fear River to the west. The lagoon-like complex at the Zeke’s Island site is one of the most unusual areas of the North Carolina coast. There are 3 main islands within the site: Zeke’s Island covering 42 acres of high ground, North Island encompassing 138 upland acres, No Name Island covering about three acres and the beach barrier spit of 64 acres. The islands are fringed with extensive marshes and tidal flats. The expanse of inter-tidal flats in the Zeke’s Island vicinity is the single most important shorebird habitat in southeastern North Carolina. Dunlin, Black-bellied Plovers, Short-billed Dowitchers, White Ibis, Great Blue Herons as well as Black ducks, Mallards and Pintails are often seen there.
Beach it!
Visit a secluded undeveloped beach on one of the many islands mentioned to picnic, camp, shell search, sunbath, surf fish, surf, boogie, skim board or all the above!
Downtown Wilmington Water Front
Take a relaxing cruise up the river to shop or to have lunch.
Day trips to Bald Head Island or Southport
Many activities can be planned during these day trips. Please call for more information.
Or enjoy crabbing or sunset viewing on a private dock.
Fishing
Cape Fear Expeditions partners with the best inshore/nearshore fishing charter in the Wilmington/Carolina Beach area, Reel Adventures Charters. Reel Adventures Charters has over 20 years of local fishing experience. Captain Elisa and 1st chief mate Greg highly recommend Captain Matt. Call Captain Matt at 910-540-0570 or visit his web site at http://www.reel-adventure.com for the best fishing experience in the Cape Fear Region.
