| Wilmington,
NC – September 2015 / Newsmaker Alert / When life seems out
of balance, nature can provide a tranquil respite. Fall nature cruises
along the scenic rivers and coastal waterways of Wilmington,
North Carolina’s Historic River District and Island Beaches afford
visitors the chance to experience an abundance of wildlife and breathtaking
scenery. Alligators, bobcats, black bear, river otters, and rare birds
can be found in the wilderness, just minutes away. Migratory bird species
that nest along our beaches include brown pelican, terns, gulls, willets,
American oystercatcher, herons, and black skimmers. From the river to the
sea, there are many opportunities to explore the coast’s natural wonders,
including nature hikes and birding tours at state and municipal parks,
bird sanctuaries, botanical gardens, carnivorous plant preserves and estuaries.
These guided nature cruises will transport passengers into the wilds where
tranquility rules and balance is restored:
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 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 30, October 7 and
October 21 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 cruises (sightseeing, murder/mystery,
dinner/dance, and lunch cruises), contact Cape Fear Riverboats: 800-676-0162
or 910-343-1611 or www.cfrboats.com/product-detail/?prod=1000.
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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 select
Friday and Saturday mornings from now through October, 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
or www.wilmingtonwatertours.net.
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 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 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, Sunset cruises, and kayak
adventures), contact Wrightsville Beach Scenic Tours & Cruises at 910-200-4002
or www.wrightsvillebeachscenictours.com.
Beaches + City: From the
island beaches of Carolina
Beach,
Kure Beach and Wrightsville
Beach to Wilmington’s
award-winning historic river district, there are outdoor adventure
opportunities galore. For special offers and seasonal highlights, visit
www.wilmingtonandbeaches.com/season/2015-fall-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
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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.
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