Water Activities in Wrightsville Beach, NC

Take to the Water

Known as the birthplace of surfing in North Carolina, Wrightsville Beach is a destination for an abundance and variety of world-class watersports. Embark on a kayak eco-tour to Masonboro Island Reserve with Soundside Adventures, take a surf lesson with WB Surf Camp or glide through calm waterways on a paddleboard rented from Wrightsville SUP. You’ll find plenty more places to rent top-of-the-line equipment and take lessons with certified instructors, including Epic Excursions, Sean's Private Surf Instruction and surf shops that offer private instruction.

Relax as an experienced Wrightsville Performance Sailing captain sails you around the shoreline on a sunset cruise. Alternatively, learn nautical terminology, proper sailboat rigging, basic maneuvers and more at Blockade Runner Sailing Center, one of only five 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? Consider casting a line from the iconic Johnnie Mercers Fishing Pier, the only concrete pier in North Carolina, where you can also pick up fishing tackle. Located at the south end of the island, Crystal Pier also welcomes anglers to drop in. For those who prefer surf fishing, beach access from the stairs at the base of the pier takes you to the fishing section of the beach strand. Find more fishing hotspots further south along the rock jetty at Jack Parker Beach Access (Access #43).

Anglers of all ages and experience levels can take to the open waters by chartering a boat. Choose from one of the many vessels and experienced captains who will help you hook inshore or deep sea catches ranging from Spanish mackerel to sailfish. Feel Good Fishing Charters & Adventures offers half-, partial- and full-day options, as well as inshore, nearshore and fly-fishing excursions. Additional local outfitters, including Deep Sea Express Charters, Whipsaw Charters and others, also provide fishing adventures to enhance your getaway.

To Dive For

Just off the island shore and hidden beneath the waves are hundreds of sunken sites to explore. Dive down to discover offshore reefs, ledges, shipwrecks and underwater habitats within a few miles of Wrightsville Beach. This is one of the few places in the world to find high concentrations of giant prehistoric Megalodon teeth. Beginners can venture to the Alexander Ramsey, a liberty ship purposefully sunk as an artificial reef. More advanced divers will find a day’s worth of exploration at the Hyde and the Markham, two shipwrecks found just 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, reserve a diving charter with WB Diving or Aquatic Safaris SCUBA Center, or hop aboard a cruise to see Wrightsville Beach from above the water.