Masonboro Island Reserve
Masonboro Island Reserve
Masonboro Island Reserve
5
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Restaurants
64 within 5 kms
Attractions
24 within 10 kms
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
5.0
53 reviews
Excellent
43
Very good
8
Average
2
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Zpeanut
Washington DC, DC86 contributions
Apr 2021
My family enjoyed collecting shells and exploring Masonboro Island Reserve. Not much wildlife save a crab or two, but plenty of shells. It was extremely windy the day we went and felt at least 15 degrees cooler than it was.
Written 4 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christine C
Ridgefield, CT30 contributions
Sept 2014 • Friends
We took the Masonboro Island Shuttle with Captain Joe---a beautiful boat ride with a tour thrown in. He was wonderful and gave us suggestions---and accommodated our schedules with pick ups/drop offs. The sand was some of the softest I've ever stepped on. It was like being on our own private island. LOVED it!! Bring water and some food---no bathrooms/or any facilities on the island :)
This is captain joes info:
captainjoe@capefearnaturalist.com
This is captain joes info:
captainjoe@capefearnaturalist.com
Written 10 September 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ryan F
Wilmington, NC129 contributions
Apr 2015 • Couples
seriously, best kept secret on the east coast. Stay off my island.
I have been going here since I moved here, if you have a boat it is the best place to go to the beach to get away from the crowds. i find many rare seashells and sand dollars galore.
I have been going here since I moved here, if you have a boat it is the best place to go to the beach to get away from the crowds. i find many rare seashells and sand dollars galore.
Written 4 May 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1meme2017
Wilmington, NC3 contributions
Aug 2017 • Couples
The powers that be keep trying to make this wonderful island off limits. The only way to keep it open to the public for FREE is to take care of it! Please, please take everything with you as you leave!
Written 30 August 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Surfer Bob
Wrightsville Beach, NC113 contributions
Oct 2013 • Family
This is in my opinion is one of the gems of our area that must be respected and preserved. If you visit keep your dog under control, clean up after them and never leave any trash, please.
Written 14 October 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
2Whitakers
Asheville, North Carolina, United States78 contributions
Jun 2013 • Couples
We paddled and back over in a wicked wind, but it was worth it. We walked on the beach and saw horseshoe crab (remains), lots of shells and driftwood....and sunglasses, goggles, cooler parts and other unidentifiable debris. I was pretty amazed at how much detritus was on the beach. Lots of boats on the ICW side but the only people we saw beach side were two girls dropped off by a jetski...it was that empty on Thursday afternoon. Avoid immediately before and after major holidays as it is reputed to be a dump after locals go out there and 'celebrate'.
Written 14 June 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bob P
Closter, NJ149 contributions
Aug 2017 • Friends
Wrightsville Beach is an amazing beach but if you want the real beach go across the inlet to Masonboro Island. Better yet beach ir anchor your boat and enjoy just sand ocean and plants. There is nothing here to do but nothing.
Written 10 October 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mike B
Wilmington, NC113 contributions
Jul 2015 • Couples
Just across Masonboro Inlet at the south end of Wrightsville Beach is the Masonboro Island Reserve. The island is only accessible by boat, and is completely uninhabited. If you find a way to make it to the island (my favorite way is by kayak from Wrightsville Beach), you will realize you made it to paradise.
There are no facilities on the island, so make sure you pack water and other necessities, and remember to leave only footprints.
There are no facilities on the island, so make sure you pack water and other necessities, and remember to leave only footprints.
Written 7 July 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ray S
North Carolina160 contributions
A fine example of NC barrier island beauty and charm. Salt air and sand framed with a blue sky and a rythmic report of the ocean....truly a beautiful spot.
Written 26 April 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Harry P
Wilmington, NC95 contributions
Jul 2016 • Family
Getting there does not guarantee a way home. My only visit was on a 4th of July as part of an emergency medical crew, attending to the needs of the several hundred visitors we were told would be over there. Never had I seen the number of kids with a common goal, to have fun with the idea made famous by Las Vegas "what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas". I guess there were a minimum of 3-4k kids joining in the gala. I suggest if you are considering joining this party, make sure you have a ride BACK to the mainland, as towards the end of the day, friendships seemed to expand past those initially formed.
Written 14 November 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
About how far is it from shore to the island? Can I rent a kayak on the beach and take it to the island?
Written 10 September 2020
Are dogs allowed here? I know some of the rules about other surrounding beaches but not about this one
Written 25 July 2018
The rules said yes dogs are allowed in the island year round on leash.
Written 8 March 2019
Is there ferry's that will take you there? And what's the cost?
Written 8 June 2018
There is a new shuttle to Masonboro Island located soundside at the Blockade Runner dock. It can be booked online daily at the Blockade Runner web site.
Written 23 March 2020
Somebody can tell me where can I find a boat or kayak for rent in Masonboro island reserve?
Written 7 April 2018
Hi. Kayaks or standup paddle boards can the rented soundside pier at the Blockade Runner. The BR also has a daily shuttle 9am and 10am to Masonboro.
Written 23 March 2020
where can i rents boat that is affordable ?
Written 20 August 2017
Not sure about renting boats. Sandbars are an issue in the area. The blockade runner beach resort is your best option to get to the island.
Written 23 March 2020
davidcindym2017
Lincolnton, North Carolina
How do get around on the island.. I guess my question is, do you just walk or is there other ways to get around
Written 10 July 2017
As far as I have seen, it is a natural, undeveloped island so walking is the only choice. I have only accessed it by kayak and then walked the beach side.
Written 10 July 2017
What is the speed boat traffic like during the summer? Would like to paddle to the Island, but I have heard it can be rough due to the number of speed boats on the ICWW.
Written 27 January 2017
Lots of people paddle out there. There is enough paddle activity that most power craft respect the wake problem. There is a preferred route for those who want to take the scenic trip....
Written 27 January 2017
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