Water Experiences & Rentals
World-Class Water Activities for Every Visitor
Known for its world-class watersports and activities on crystal blue waters, Wrightsville Beach offers visitors a chance to partake in a range of water-related experiences such as surfing, stand up paddleboarding, boating, fishing and diving. Wrightsville Beach is one of the best "SUP hubs" in the U.S., according to Outside magazine, the birthplace of surfing in North Carolina and is one of the few places in the world to find high concentrations of giant prehistoric Megalodon teeth under its ocean waves. Whether you’re on the Intracoastal Waterway, the sound or the Atlantic Ocean, dive into these activities to make unforgettable nautical memories here.
Take it to the Water
The island is an ideal place for world-class watersports like surfing, stand up paddleboarding, kayaking and wakeboarding along the sound, Intracoastal Waterway or oceanfront. Wrightsville Beach prides itself on making its active lifestyle accessible to everyone regardless of their level of skill with plenty of places to rent top-of-the-line equipment and take lessons with certified instructors, including Epic Excursions, WB Surf Camp, Wrightsville SUP and Soundside Adventures. Many of our surf shops also offer private instruction.
Let an experienced captain sail you around the iconic Wrightsville Beach shoreline with Wrightsville Performance Sailing on a day, sunset or night cruise. Or learn nautical terminology, sailing theory, basic knots, proper sailboat rigging, basic sailboat maneuvers and much more with the Blockade Runner’s Sailing School, one of only four ASA-certified sailing schools in the state.
Cast a Line
Interested in exploring what lies beneath Wrightsville Beach’s waterways from dry land or from the bow of a boat? Cast a line off the only concrete pier in North Carolina and an icon of Wrightsville Beach, Johnnie Mercers Pier. Located at the south end of the island, Crystal Pier also offers a spot for anglers to cast their lines. Beach access from the stairs at the base of the pier takes you to the fishing section of the beach strand to catch fish from the surf. Or venture further south to Jack Parker Beach Access where you can walk to the rock jetty to discover more fishing hot spots.
If you're itching to get out on the open sea, chartering a boat is a great option for anglers of all ages and experience levels. Choose from one of the many boats and experienced captains who will help you hook a fish inshore or in the deep sea from Spanish and king mackerel to mahi-mahi and sailfish. Feel Good Fishing Charters & Adventures offers half-, partial- and full-day options, as well as inshore, nearshore and fly fishing excursions.
To Dive For
Just off the island shore and hidden beneath the waves are hundreds of sunken sites to explore. There is a wide variety of offshore reefs, ledges, shipwrecks and underwater habitats within a few miles of Wrightsville Beach, which is one of the few places in the world to find high concentrations of giant prehistoric Megalodon teeth. The Alexander Ramsey, a liberty ship purposefully sunk as an artificial reef, is popular with beginners. More advanced divers will find a day's worth of exploration at the Hyde and the Markham, two shipwrecks found a few hundred yards away from each other. Natural underwater oases, such as Lobster Ledge and Fossil Ledge, are popular for their abundant aquatic life, Megalodon teeth and beautiful reef structures. For a full-service experience, charter a boat with one of the area's diving companies, or hop aboard an area cruise to see Wrightsville Beach from above the water.
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Tours and Cruises
From exploring area waterways to dining on a private island, find adventure on tours and cruises.
Explore the IslandWellness Activities
Do yoga on a pier, hit the waves on a surfboard or cruise the smooth waters on a SUP board.
Learn MoreFishing
Whether by charter, surf fishing or casting a line off the pier, get hooked on fishing.
Cast Your Line