Eco-Excursions
BARRIER ISLAND ADVENTURES
On this tour you will explore more than eight marine ecosystems and participate in hands-on activities unique to your Coastal Eco Adventure including:​
Estuarine Tidal Marsh Ecology
Investigate the flora and fauna on a barrier island. Explore the estuary environment and learn what is being done to protect, enhance, and restore these vital habitats.
Dynamic
Barrier Islands
A walk through and
Hike from the estuary to the ocean through different eco-zones of a barrier Island. Enjoy a scavenger hunt on the beach and take a “deep dive” into the swash zone. Learn about island geology and discover hidden treasures.
Featured
Creatures
Everything you want to know about the Atlantic Blue Crab and much more! We'll spend time crabbing in the estuary. It will be catch and release with an up-close hands-on experience. If the tides are right, we’ll pull a seine net.
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What You Can Expect
​After an informative boat ride along the Intracoastal Waterway, the excursion continues down Shinn Creek towards Masonboro Inlet giving you an opportunity to observe some of the birds that make the NC Estuarine Research Reserve their home. More than 200 species of birds have been observed at this site, which is located within the Atlantic Flyway. Then we’ll head to Masonboro Island along the sound side of the island near the Nature Trail. This area provides a safe anchorage and easy access to all the activities. The entire outing including boat transport, loading and unloading, and exploring should take three to four hours total.​
Important Information & What to Bring:
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Closed-toe shoes that will stay on your feet are required. Boat shoes, water shoes, or old sneakers are appropriate. No sandals or flip flops. Shoes will get wet and muddy! Walking surfaces may be soft mud or deep sand. There may be sharp oyster shells.
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Safety First! All passengers will be provided with a life jacket that is required to be worn while on the boat.
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Adventure is out there. The path to the ocean beach takes about 20 minutes at a leisurely pace on soft loose sand. Passengers with mobility or balance issues may consider staying on the boat or at the sound side beach. Please discuss with us in advance any concerns you and those in your party may have.
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Come Prepared. We will be out on the water and in the sun with limited shade. Please dress appropriately for the weather. Bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen (or SPF 50 Clothing), rain jacket/wind breaker, and bug spray.
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Reduce. Reuse. Recycle. Water in a single-use plastic bottle is highly discouraged. Water and reusable containers will be provided along with a cooler and ice. You may bring your own water container. Help us cut down on single-use plastics.
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Bring your own favorite snacks and beverages. Adventure can work up an appetite! Feel free to bring your own snacks and favorite beverages including wine/beer on board.
Enjoy FREE Transportation
All tours offer Complimentary Auto Transport to Launch Site - Coastal Eco Adventures offers complimentary pick up and drop off service by automobile to the tour launch site from New Hanover County, Leland, and Hampstead areas. This service provides a stress-free excursion for passengers without high season parking and traffic concerns.
Call 704-560-1500 for more information regarding this complimentary service!