Money Island
Wilmington's Only Guided Paddle to Historic Money Island—Where Pirate Legends Meet Coastal Waterways
Discover a side of Wilmington that few people ever experience on this unique 3.5-hour guided kayak adventure through the scenic waters of Bradley Creek and the estuarine ecosystem near Wrightsville Beach.
We'll paddle through one of the area's most beautiful coastal environments, passing the shoreline of the historic Airlie Gardens and winding through salt marshes teeming with coastal wildlife.
This adventure is suitable for intermediate paddlers, and includes one or two stops along the way with breaks from paddling.
Pirates & Fiddler Crabs
Our first destination on WOA's newest guided tour is legendary Money Island, a tiny, uninhabited island with a colorful past. Learn about the pirates and privateers navigating the Cape Fear region that....as the stories go...used the island as a hidden stopping point while traveling the Intracoastal waterways. Stories of hidden loot and secret pirate rendezvous have been passed down for generations, adding an air of mystery to this secluded island.
We'll pull our kayaks ashore and explore the island's shoreline, where hundreds of fiddler crabs scurry across the marsh and shorebirds often forage along the water's edge. On warm days, guests are welcome to take a refreshing swim to cool off before we continue our journey.
From Salt Marshes to Superyachts
From Money Island, we'll paddle through a thriving estuarine ecosystem near Wrightsville Beach, where tidal creeks, oyster beds, and salt marshes create vital habitat for fish, crabs, birds, and other wildlife. Along the way, we'll stop at another sandy shoreline—perfect for stretching your legs, searching for shells, or taking another dip in the water.
On the return, we'll cruise past real Wilmington marinas and waterways that echo the coastal backdrop seen in iconic shows like One Tree Hill and Dawson’s Creek.