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.
From Seed To Table
North Carolina Oyster Trail Aquaculture Tours
This excursion focuses on the cultural and economic history of oyster harvesting in North Carolina. Our tour will introduce the importance of oyster cultivation, and how this industry benefits water quality, contributes to habitat restoration, provides living shorelines, increases estuarine resources, and creates coastal resilience.
Visit the Oyster Seed Nursery
Your adventure will start with a visit to the Three Little Spats Oyster Seed Nursery at the Turkey Creek dock to view and learn about the oyster aquaculture process. The presentation will cover oyster biology, permitting, challenges and benefits of mariculture.
View Oyster Farms in the Estuary
Next stop will be at an operating oyster farm where you will view water column shellfish aquaculture techniques and learn about the regulatory, maintenance, and harvesting processes of this sustainable industry.
Sample and Compare Oyster Tastings
Passengers will have an opportunity to shuck and sample oysters for comparison tastings while at the farm and in comfort on your private chartered vessel.
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What You Can Expect
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Coastal Eco Adventures will be launching a 19’ Hurricane 198 FunDeck (fiberglass tri-hull) from Soundside Park in Surf City. Maximum capacity for Oyster Tours is limited to five (5) passengers.
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Complimentary concierge pick up and drop off service by automobile is offered from New Hanover County, Leland, and Hampstead areas to Soundside Park. This service will provide a stress-free excursion without the worry of high season parking and traffic issues for our guests. Other locations may be negotiated.
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The two to three-hour boat excursion will begin with a visit to the Three Little Spats Oyster Company on Turkey Creek. Passengers will get a first hand look at the oyster aquaculture process starting with the oyster seed nursery. The presentation will cover oyster biology, permitting, challenges and benefits of mariculture.
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Next stop will be at a working oyster farm. Here you will view water column shellfish oyster farm techniques and learn about the regulations, maintenance, and harvesting processes of the industry. Passengers will have an opportunity to sample oysters on the boat.
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Important Information & What to Bring:
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Times are approximate and subject to change due to weather, tides, wind and current.
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Wear closed-toe shoes that will stay on your feet. Shoes may get wet and muddy!
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All passengers will be provided with a life jacket that is required to be worn while on the boat. Passengers must feel comfortable on a boat, and should be able to walk unassisted on an uneven gravel path at the oyster nursery. This tour may not be advisable for those with mobility or balance issues. Please discuss with us in advance any concerns you and those in your party may have.
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We will be out on the water, it will be cooler than when on land. 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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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 reusable water container. Help us cut down on single-use plastics.
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Bring your own snacks and favorite beverages including beer/wine. Oysters will be available from Carolina Beach Oyster Company, and must be ordered in advance of the trip.
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A camera and binoculars will enhance your experience.
The NC Oyster Trail is a grassroots effort from people who love our state’s oysters. Oysters play an important role in coastal communities. In the environment, oysters improve water quality and create habitat for other animals. Their unique flavor makes them a desirable dish, supporting the livelihoods of watermen and local economies across the state.
Our mission is to provide experiences that help sustain and grow N.C. oysters, resulting in economic, environmental and social benefits to the state’s seafood industry and coastal communities. The North Carolina Coastal Federation and North Carolina Sea Grant, in partnership with the North Carolina Shellfish Growers Association, administer the NC Oyster Trail.
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!