| Wilmington,
NC – September 2017 / Newsmaker Alert / Discover the migratory
birds, indigenous wildlife and ancient cypress maritime forests along the
scenic and historic waterways of Wilmington
and its island beaches. Fall cruises from the river to the sea afford
visitors the opportunity to explore these and other natural wonders. Alligators,
bobcats, black bear, river otters, and rare birds are among the native
species that can be found upriver in the wilderness, just minutes away
from Wilmington. Migratory bird species that nest along our beaches include
brown pelicans, terns, gulls, willets, American oystercatcher, herons,
and black skimmers. Here’s a roundup of guided nature cruises:
Cape
Fear Riverboats:
Black River Nature Cruise. During the fall, spring and summer months,
Wilmington’s original 4-hour Black River cruise offers narrated plant and
wildlife interpretation by coastal ecologist and author Andy Wood. Cruisers
aboard the Captain J.N. Maffitt or Jacob’s Run will experience
the tranquility, breathtaking scenery, and amazing wildlife along the northwest
Cape Fear River and the wilds of the Black River. Just minutes after leaving
the dock, passengers will experience a river that appears almost as it
did to the early explorers—rich, dark waters surrounded by moss-draped
cypresses and other ancient trees. Wildlife may include alligators, snakes,
bobcats, river otters, black bear, deer, fox, and rare species of fish
and neo-tropical songbirds. Cruises board on September 20; October 4 and
18 at 9:30 a.m. at Cape Fear Riverboats’ South Water Street Dock in Downtown
Wilmington. More cruises may be added; group charter cruises also available.
Pre-paid reservations are required. For reservations, tour calendar, and
details about this and other sightseeing cruises, contact Cape Fear Riverboats:
800-676-0162 or 910-343-1611 or cfrboats.com.
Wilmington
Water Tours:
Black Water Adventure Cruise. Board the Wilmington, a state-of-the-art
catamaran, for a memorable fall nature cruise featuring views of unspoiled
nature. This 2-hour cruise heads up the Northeast Cape Fear River to the
upper reaches of the black water system of this fascinating river. Photographers,
birders and nature buffs will love the variety of wildlife and native plants
that adorn the river banks, such as osprey, alligators, sea turtles and
river otters, just to name a few. On most Friday and Saturday mornings
from now through early November, these cruises are available for groups
and individuals. Cruises depart at 10:00 a.m. from the Wilmington Riverwalk,
212 S. Water Street (between Orange & Ann sts.). For reservations,
tour calendar, and more information about this and other cruises (Eagles
Island tour, Down River Maritime History, sunset and special theme cruises),
contact Wilmington Water Tours at 910-338-3134; wilmingtonwatertours.net.
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Wrightsville
Beach Scenic Tours & Cruises:
Eco-Tours. Join Captain Joe Abbate, the Cape Fear Naturalist, for
a cruise and guided tour of Masonboro Island, a North Carolina National
Estuarine Research Reserve. Morning and afternoon eco-tours aboard the
M/V Shamrock (a 27-foot motorized catamaran) depart for Masonboro Island,
a pristine, undeveloped 8 ½-mile barrier island just south of Wrightsville
Beach. This ecological jewel and its miles of unspoiled beaches is accessible
only by boat. Captain Joe and his crew will get you there and help you
explore its intricate eco-system with a focus on ecology, birds, wetland
plants, shells and beachcombing. Special fall birding, shelling, eco-scavenger,
and fishing tours are also available. Tours depart across from the Blockade
Runner Resort (275 Waynick Blvd., Wrightsville Beach). For reservations,
tour calendar, and more information about this and other island excursions
(Inland Bottom Fishing, Pirate Treasure Hunt, Narrated Harbor, and Dolphin
Sunset cruises), contact Wrightsville Beach Scenic Tours & Cruises
at 910-200-4002 or wrightsvillebeachscenictours.com.
Prefer to explore by land
or on your own? You’ll find nature hikes and birding tours at state and
municipal parks, bird sanctuaries, botanical gardens, carnivorous plant
preserves and estuaries. Or rent a kayak, canoe, sailboat or paddleboard
from local watersports outfitters. From the island beaches of Carolina
Beach,
Kure
Beach and Wrightsville
Beach to Wilmington’s
award-winning riverfront, there are outdoor
recreation opportunities galore. For special offers and seasonal highlights,
visit WilmingtonAndBeaches.com/things-to-do/seasonal-highlights.
For a Free Official Visitors Guide, call 866-266-9690 or email visit@wilmingtonandbeaches.com.
Media Contact:
Wilmington
and Beaches Convention & Visitors Bureau
Connie
Nelson
Communications/PR
Director
910-332-8751
866-266-9690
ext. 120
The
New Hanover County Tourism Development Authority d/b/a Wilmington and Beaches
Convention and Visitors Bureau is the official destination marketing organization
of New Hanover County, North Carolina that stimulates economic development
through the promotion of travel and tourism. |
