Discover the top water sports and outdoor adventures in Wrightsville Beach, NC, from surfing and paddleboarding to sailing, fishing, and sunset cruises.
Salt air, sunshine, and endless water. Wrightsville Beach brings together the best of coastal Carolina living with a spirit built for the outdoors. From paddleboarding through quiet marshes to sailing at sunset, this island rewards those who like to move, explore, and breathe a little deeper. Wrightsville Beach isn't just a place to visit; it's a place to live fully, one adventure at a time.
Here's a look at what's waiting for you by the water and beyond:
- Ride the morning swell and feel the rhythm of the coast with Surfing at Wrightsville Beach.
- Glide through glassy waters and hidden marshes while Paddleboarding & Kayaking.
- Catch the breeze and sail into open horizons with Sailing the Sound.
- Cast a line from shore or charter a boat for deep-sea action in Fishing & Charter Trips.
- Dive beneath turquoise waters to explore reefs and wrecks through Snorkeling & Diving.
- Escape to an untouched barrier island for nature and quiet at Eco-Adventures & Masonboro Island.
- Walk, jog, or unwind in lush coastal spaces across Parks, Gardens & The Loop.
- End your day on calm waters bathed in golden light during Sunset Cruises.
At Carolina Beach Realty, we specialize in vacation rentals in the heart of Pleasure Island. Family-owned and locally operated since 1963, we've spent over 50 years helping guests discover the best of North Carolina's coast. Our blog is filled with insider tips on where to eat, must-visit spots, and year-round events, because we love sharing the hidden gems that make Carolina and Kure Beach so special!
This blog post covers the top eight watersports and outdoor adventures in Wrightsville Beach, NC.
1. Surfing at Wrightsville Beach
The Birthplace of Carolina Surf Culture
Wrightsville Beach has long been a hub for wave chasers. The breaks near Johnnie Mercers Pier draw surfers from across the East Coast, and calm swells near Crystal Pier offer a gentler ride for those still learning. Local surf schools like WB Surf Camp and Sean's Private Surf Instruction keep things easy, friendly, and fun. The only thing better than catching a wave here is watching the sunrise from your board.
What You'll Love
- Consistent breaks and warm water most of the year.
- Surf schools and private lessons for every level.
- Early morning sessions with pastel skies.
- A welcoming local surf community.
2. Paddleboarding & Kayaking
Still Waters, Big Horizons
The island's calm channels and glassy sounds were made for paddleboarding and kayaking. It's easy to rent gear or join a guided eco-tour through the marshes with Wrightsville SUP or Soundside Adventures. On a still day, the water mirrors the sky, pelicans skim past, and dolphins sometimes join the route. Every trip feels like a quiet escape into the island's wild heart.
What You'll Love
- Flat, beginner-friendly waters and scenic routes.
- Guided tours through marshes and creeks.
- Wildlife sightings that make every paddle memorable.
- Peaceful mornings with golden light on the water.
3. Sailing the Sound
Catch the Breeze, Feel the Freedom
Few coastal experiences match a sail through Wrightsville Beach's Intracoastal Waterway. Glide across calm channels as seabirds trace the sky and the sun dips behind the horizon. Book a private sunset cruise with Wrightsville Performance Sailing or learn the ropes at the Blockade Runner Sailing Center. For those who like their days unhurried and wind-powered, this is coastal living at its finest.
What You'll Love
- Captained charters or hands-on sailing lessons.
- Perfect sunset views over the sound.
- Calm waters ideal for beginners and families.
- A graceful way to see Wrightsville from a new angle.
4. Fishing & Charter Trips
From Shore to Deep Sea
Fishing is part of the island's rhythm. Head to Johnnie Mercers Pier with your gear and a little patience, or book a half-day charter with Feel Good Fishing Charters & Adventures. Inshore waters teem with flounder and red drum, while offshore trips go after mahi mahi and tuna. The best part? That mix of salt air, open sky, and the tug of a line that makes you feel alive.
What You'll Love
- Pier, surf, and deep-sea fishing options.
- Knowledgeable local captains.
- Trips for all ages and experience levels.
- Unbeatable ocean views while you fish.
5. Snorkeling & Diving
Beneath the Surface
Just off the island lies a world of shipwrecks, coral, and history. Dive outfitters like WB Diving and Aquatic Safaris SCUBA Center take guests to dozens of offshore sites, from shallow artificial reefs to deeper wrecks like the Hyde and Markham. Even snorkelers can explore the Alexander Ramsey Liberty Ship, now home to schools of colorful fish. Wrightsville's clear water and hidden past make it a diver's dream.
What You'll Love
- Accessible dive sites minutes from shore.
- Shipwrecks, reefs, and natural ledges full of life.
- The chance to spot fossilized Megalodon teeth.
- Expert-guided charters for every skill level.
6. Eco-Adventures & Masonboro Island
Wild and Untouched
A short boat ride from Wrightsville Beach leads to Masonboro Island, one of the few undeveloped barrier islands left on the North Carolina coast. Its beaches stretch for miles without a single footprint in sight. Join Epic Excursions or Soundside Adventures for a guided eco-tour to learn about the island's delicate ecosystem. Masonboro feels like another world—quiet, raw, and impossibly beautiful.
What You'll Love
- Boat-only access that keeps the crowds away.
- Birdwatching and shelling on untouched beaches.
- Guided nature tours led by local experts.
- Sunrise and sunset views that feel endless.
7. Parks, Gardens & The Loop
Nature, Color, and Coastal Calm
Wrightsville Beach keeps its green spaces close to the sea. The 2.5-mile Loop circles the island's heart, lined with palms, marsh views, and friendly locals out for a walk or jog. Wrightsville Beach Park adds sports courts, playgrounds, and a summer farmers' market, while nearby Airlie Gardens unfolds across 67 acres of lakes and oaks. Each space offers its own kind of peace—a quiet pause between adventures.
What You'll Love
- Scenic walking, running, and biking paths.
- Airlie Gardens' oaks, sculptures, and seasonal blooms.
- Community events and open-air concerts.
- A balance of nature and small-town life.
8. Sunset Cruises
The Day's Perfect Ending
As the sun lowers over the Intracoastal, the water turns liquid gold. Hop aboard a local cruise like the Carolina Runner and watch dolphins swim beside the bow. Light fades, laughter drifts over the deck, and Wrightsville's skyline glows behind you. This is the kind of evening you'll think about long after you've gone home.
What You'll Love
- Peaceful sunset views on calm waters.
- Informative, friendly local guides.
- Ideal for couples, families, or groups of friends.
- A relaxing close to a day spent outdoors.
FAQ: Plan Your Perfect Wrightsville Beach Getaway
What are some free things to do at Wrightsville Beach?
You don't need to spend much to enjoy this beautiful island. Start your day with a sunrise walk along the shore, then stroll The Loop, the 2.5-mile scenic path that circles the heart of town. Visit Wrightsville Beach Park for open green space, playgrounds, and a weekly summer farmers' market. For nature lovers, Harbor Way Gardens and the Children's Fountain offer a peaceful retreat surrounded by flowers and shade trees.
What are the best things to do in Wrightsville Beach at night?
Evenings here are laid-back and full of coastal charm. Watch the sun dip over the Intracoastal on a Sunset Harbor Cruise or head to the Oceanic Restaurant for dinner with a view of Crystal Pier. The Bridgetender and Dockside are favorite spots for cocktails with a waterfront breeze, while local events and live music often fill the summer air.
Is there snorkeling at Wrightsville Beach?
Yes! Wrightsville Beach snorkeling is a hidden gem. Explore artificial reefs and shallow shipwrecks like the Alexander Ramsey Liberty Ship or head out with a local charter to Lobster Ledge for clear water and colorful marine life.
What are the best things to do in Wrightsville Beach with kids?
Families love the island's safe, family-friendly beaches, playgrounds, and eco-tours. Take the kids paddleboarding in the calm sound, explore Wrightsville Beach Park, or spend a few hours at the Wrightsville Beach Museum of History for hands-on exhibits.
Is there a Wrightsville Beach Boardwalk?
Wrightsville doesn't have a traditional boardwalk, but its oceanfront paths and piers—like Johnnie Mercers and Crystal Pier—offer beautiful walks with beach views, food, and fishing.
Can you go parasailing at Wrightsville Beach?
Yes! Several outfitters offer Wrightsville Beach parasailing adventures that lift you above the ocean for stunning views of the coastline.
Where can you go shopping in Wrightsville Beach?
Wrightsville Beach shopping is all about local flair. Stop by Redix for beachwear, South End Surf Shop for surf gear, or Robert's Grocery for local favorites and nostalgic charm.
Make the Most of Your Trip to the North Carolina Coast
At Carolina Beach Realty, we offer a curated selection of vacation rentals across North Carolina's coast — from classic beach cottages to spacious oceanfront homes.
Whether you're planning a family getaway, a weekend with friends, or a quiet coastal escape, our team is here to make your stay seamless and memorable. With over 50 years of local experience, we take pride in delivering personal service, exceptional comfort, and that unmistakable Carolina hospitality.
