Wilmington’s Wrightsville Beach offers a captivating afternoon sailboat cruise that promises an unforgettable experience. Aboard a classic 42-foot yawl, a small group of just six guests embark on a serene 2-hour journey, guided by a seasoned captain with over 30 years of sailing expertise. From dolphin watching to learning about the local ecology, this cruise provides a perfect blend of relaxation and exploration, setting the stage for an adventure that may just leave you longing for more.
This experience made our article of 3 Exceptional Cruises And Boat Tours In Wrightsville Beach.
Key Points
- A 2-hour sailing cruise on a classic 42-foot Sparkman and Stephens yawl, exploring the waterways around Wrightsville Beach.
- Guided by an experienced captain with over 30 years of sailing expertise, providing live commentary on local wildlife and ecology.
- Opportunities to observe dolphins, marine life, and rare birds, along with scenic views of barrier islands.
- Spacious deck and cozy interior lounge area for relaxation, with complimentary bottled water provided.
- Recommended items include comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, binoculars, and a camera to capture the tranquil coastal environment.
Overview of the Cruise
The Wrightsville Beach Afternoon Sailboat Cruise is a 2-hour activity that allows participants to explore the area’s waterways on a classic 42-foot Sparkman and Stephens sailing yawl.
Priced from $108.03 per person, the cruise accommodates a limited group size of 6. Led by a captain with over 30 years of sailing experience, the tour provides live commentary to enhance the experience.
Guests can expect to see scenic views of barrier islands and local wildlife, including rare birds like the least tern and black skimmer. Complimentary bottled water is provided during the trip, and the cruise departs from 609 Trails End Rd.
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Cruise Experience
Explore Wrightsville Beach’s waterways on a classic 42-foot Sparkman and Stephens sailing yawl during this 2-hour cruise.
Enjoy scenic views of barrier islands and local wildlife, including rare birds like the least tern and black skimmer.
Relax on the spacious deck or cozy interior lounge area while complimentary bottled water is provided.
During the guided sailing tour, activities include dolphin watching, marine life viewing, and learning about local ecology from the experienced captain.
Tour Itinerary
The tour begins with a 15-minute safety briefing, followed by a guided sailing tour where participants can enjoy activities like dolphin watching, marine life viewing, and learning about the local ecology from the experienced captain.
During the cruise, guests will explore Wrightsville Beach’s waterways on a classic 42-foot Sparkman and Stephens sailing yawl, taking in scenic views of barrier islands and local wildlife, including rare birds.
The tour concludes with a return to the starting point at 609 Trails End Rd.
Captain and Commentary
Led by a captain with over 30 years of sailing experience, the cruise provides live commentary throughout to enhance the overall experience. Guests can expect informative narration about the local marine life, ecology, and history of the Wrightsville Beach waterways.
| Captain’s Expertise | Local Knowledge | Guest Engagement | Feedback |
| — | — | — | — |
| Over 30 years of sailing experience | Extensive understanding of the Wrightsville Beach ecosystem | Encourages questions and provides detailed explanations | Overall rating of 5/5 from travelers |
The captain’s expertise and passion for sailing create an immersive and educational cruise, leaving guests with a deeper appreciation for the natural beauty of the Wrightsville Beach area.
More Great Tours NearbyPreparation and Recommendations
To prepare for the Wrightsville Beach Sailboat Cruise, guests should bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, and binoculars for wildlife viewing.
A camera is also recommended to capture the scenic views and local wildlife, including rare birds like the least tern and black skimmer.
Guests should plan to meet at the Trails End Access Ramp, where the captain will escort them to the 42-foot Sparkman and Stephens sailing yawl.
With over 30 years of sailing experience, the captain will provide live commentary throughout the 2-hour cruise to enhance the overall experience.
Scenic Views and Local Wildlife
What scenic views and local wildlife can guests expect to see during the Wrightsville Beach Sailboat Cruise? The 42-foot sailing yawl offers prime vantage points to spot barrier islands and diverse wildlife. Guests may catch glimpses of rare birds like the least tern and black skimmer gliding over the waves. A variety of marine life also inhabits the waterways, including:
| Sightings | Likelihood |
|———-|————|
| Dolphins | High |
| Sea Turtles | Moderate |
| Seabirds | High |
Complementing the natural scenery, the spacious deck and cozy interior lounge provide comfortable areas to relax and take in the tranquil surroundings during the 2-hour cruise.
Relaxing on the Spacious Deck
The spacious deck aboard the 42-foot sailing yawl offers guests ample room to relax and take in the scenic views of Wrightsville Beach’s waterways.
With a cozy interior lounge area and plenty of space on the deck, guests can comfortably enjoy the cruise while watching for local wildlife, such as rare birds like the least tern and black skimmer.
The captain’s live commentary enhances the experience, providing insights into the local ecology and marine life.
The captain’s live commentary provides insights into the local ecology and marine life, enhancing the sailing experience.
Complimentary bottled water is provided throughout the relaxing 2-hour sailing tour, allowing guests to fully enjoy the tranquil coastal environment.
Customer Feedback and Reviews
Travelers have overwhelmingly praised the Wrightsville Beach Sailboat Cruise, with an overall rating of 5/5 based on their reviews.
Guests commend the captain’s extensive sailing experience and engaging commentary, which enhances the overall experience. The scenic views of barrier islands and local wildlife, including rare birds, captivate participants.
The spacious deck and cozy interior provide ample opportunity to relax and enjoy the tranquil waterways. Reviewers highlight the well-organized tour, from the thorough safety briefing to the smooth return to the starting point.
The Wrightsville Beach Sailboat Cruise delivers an unforgettable and highly recommended coastal adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for the Cruise?
There is no minimum age requirement for the cruise. The cruise is open to participants of all ages, and children are welcome to join the tour.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks Onboard?
Yes, passengers can bring their own food and drinks onboard the sailboat cruise. The cruise provides complimentary bottled water, but bringing additional snacks or beverages is permitted to enjoy during the 2-hour sail around Wrightsville Beach.
Do I Need to Know How to Sail to Participate?
No prior sailing experience is required to participate in the cruise. The captain provides a safety briefing and guides the sailing experience, allowing passengers to sit back and enjoy the scenic views without needing to know how to sail.
Is the Boat Wheelchair Accessible?
The boat is not explicitly mentioned as wheelchair accessible. However, the cruise accommodates up to 6 guests, suggesting it may be suitable for mobility-assisted participants. Customers should contact the tour provider for details on accessibility.
Can I Choose the Departure Time for the Cruise?
The cruise has set departure times, which are not customizable. The tour departs at a specific time and lasts for 2 hours. Participants can’t choose their own departure time for this particular sailboat cruise.
The Sum Up
This delightful sailboat cruise offers a tranquil escape on Wilmington’s picturesque waterways. Guests can expect personalized attention from an experienced captain, dolphin sightings, and breathtaking views of barrier islands and wildlife. With its small group size and spacious deck, this relaxing 2-hour adventure promises unforgettable memories in the serene setting of Wrightsville Beach.
📍 This experience made our list of the 3 best Cruises And Boat Tours in Wrightsville Beach