How to Get to Masonboro Island (The Local’s Guide)

SeaVentures WB
Mar 16
3 min read

If you're visiting the Wilmington area and looking for a true hidden beach, there’s one place locals always recommend: Masonboro Island.

Located just south of Wrightsville Beach, Masonboro Island is one of the largest undeveloped barrier islands on the North Carolina coast. With miles of untouched shoreline, incredible shell hunting, and frequent dolphin sightings, it feels like stepping into a completely different world.

But there’s one catch.

You can’t drive to Masonboro Island.

Here’s everything you need to know about how to get there.

Where Is Masonboro Island?

Masonboro Island Reserve sits just across the water from Wrightsville Beach along the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway.

The island stretches for nearly 8.4 miles of protected shoreline, making it one of the most pristine coastal environments in North Carolina.

Because the island is part of the North Carolina National Estuarine Research Reserve, it remains completely undeveloped.

That means:

• No roads

• No hotels

• No houses

• Just dunes, wildlife, and miles of beach

It’s one of the rare places where you can still experience the coast the way it looked hundreds of years ago.

Why Masonboro Island Is So Special

Unlike many beaches along the East Coast, Masonboro Island is protected land. This keeps it quiet and uncrowded compared to nearby beaches.

Visitors love Masonboro Island for:

• Miles of untouched beach

• Excellent shell hunting

• Dolphin sightings offshore

• Surf fishing opportunities

• Bird watching and wildlife

Because the island is only accessible by water, it never gets the same crowds you see at public beaches.

How to Get to Masonboro Island

Since there are no bridges or roads, the only way to reach Masonboro Island is by water.

There are a few ways people typically get there.

1. Boat Rental (The Best Option)

The easiest and most flexible way to reach Masonboro Island is by boat.

With a rental from SeaVentures Wrightsville Beach, you can cruise across the Intracoastal Waterway and reach Masonboro Island in just minutes.

Boat rentals allow you to:

• Explore the waterways at your own pace

• Anchor directly along the island shoreline

• Visit nearby sandbars and hidden spots

• Spend the entire day enjoying the coast

For many visitors, renting a boat turns a simple beach day into a full coastal adventure.

2. Captained Boat Charter

If you’d rather relax and let someone else handle the navigation, a captained charter is another great option.

SeaVentures offers captained trips where a licensed captain takes you directly to Masonboro Island.

This option is perfect for:

• Visitors unfamiliar with local waterways

• Groups celebrating special occasions

• Families who want a stress-free beach day

Your captain can even show you hidden sandbars and wildlife areas along the way.

3. Kayak or Paddleboard

For adventurous locals, it’s also possible to reach Masonboro Island by kayak or paddleboard.

There are launch points along the Intracoastal Waterway where paddlers can cross over to the island.

However, this option requires:

• Good weather conditions

• Awareness of boat traffic

• Strong paddling ability

For most visitors, a boat ride is a much easier and safer way to experience the island.

What to Bring to Masonboro Island

Since Masonboro Island is completely undeveloped, it’s important to bring everything you’ll need for the day.

The Best Time to Visit Masonboro Island

Masonboro Island is beautiful year-round, but the best conditions are usually:

Late spring through early fall

During these months you’ll enjoy:

• Warm water temperatures

• Calm boating conditions

• Great sandbar days

• Frequent dolphin sightings

Weekdays often provide the quietest experience.

Skip the Crowds — Find Your Own Beach

While Wrightsville Beach is beautiful, it can get crowded quickly during peak season.

Masonboro Island offers something completely different.

Miles of untouched sand.Quiet natural beauty.And the feeling that you’ve discovered your own private beach.

Explore Masonboro Island with SeaVentures

SeaVentures Wrightsville Beach offers boat rentals and captained charters designed to help you experience the best of the Wilmington coastline.

Whether you want to explore Masonboro Island, cruise the Intracoastal Waterway, or visit nearby sandbars, SeaVentures makes it easy to get out on the water.

Skip the parking meters and crowded beaches.

Your island escape is just a boat ride away.

SeaVentures Wrightsville Beach

Boat Rentals • Island Charters • Sandbar Adventures