Masonboro Island is the largest uninhabited barrier island along the southern part of the North Carolina coast and is located just south of Wrightsville Beach and is accessible only by water. Masonboro Island covers 5,653 acres with eighty-seven percent of the 8.4 mile long island covered with marsh and tidal flats with the remaining portion comprised of beach and dunes.
This Island with over 8 miles of pristine beach can be reach by boat from either the north end near Wrightsville Beach or the south end near Carolina Beach and is open to the public 365 days a year for picnicking, swimming, fishing and primitive camping. With powdery white sand and picturesque dunes, this island is a tremendous resource not only for the residents of Wilmington but as a spawning ground and bird sanctuary.
The north end of the island is a popular spot for surfers when the wind and waves are out of the north or north east. When there is a big swell you can find 50 or more surfers in the water riding some excellent breaks. Some boaters will anchor on the “back side” to enjoy the calmer waters of Banks Channel and swim in the clear water. Others will hike over the dunes and spend a day with family and friends enjoying the surf and shelling on the ocean side.
Kayaks can be rented at the Blockade Runner hotel and it is a easy paddle from there to the north end of Masonboro. There is also a shuttle/tour boat that also takes daily trips from the hotel and gives eco tours and sunset cruises. Smaller boats can also anchor or pull up on the sand on the west side of the island to gain access.
Fishing around the island is also a popular pastime with flounder and speckled trout being caught in the estuaries to King Mackerel being caught off the beach. Other popular fish include, Red Drum, Spanish Mackerel, Blue Fish and Scup.
The Island is protected by NCNERR (North Carolina National Estuarine Research Reserve) the NC Coastal Land Trust along with NOAA and NCDNR. Research on estuary systems and species are carried out by a number of agencies including UNCW as part of their ongoing ocean studies program.