Wrightsville Beach
Wrightsville Beach - Harbor Island Boat Launch
and Masonboro Island
Unless you know someone with a driveway in which you can park, this is the only free parking on the island in the summer months. Cross the drawbridge onto Wrightsville Beach and take the first left into the boat launch. You may put your boat in on the launch or park under the bridge and cast off from the mud flat. Depending on the tide, you may paddle in either direction around the island. Circumnavigation of Harbor Island is about 3 miles.
Masonboro Island is about a mile and a half south of the boat launch, and can be reached via the Intracoastal Waterway or via Banks Channel. Be aware that crossing the inlet can get challenging with wind, tide, and powerboats all converging on the same place at once. Be sure to check the tide and plan your trip accordingly.| Difficulty | Easy (unless you go against the tide under the bridge) |
| Hazards | Power boats - Especially on weekends Currents - during spring tides |
| Time | 1 - 2 hours.; depending on how many detours you find |
| Serenity | Unless you're fogged in, you'll see civilization the whole time around Harbor Island If you venture into some of the tidal creeks behind the dredge spoil islands, you may think you're a million miles from civilization. |
| Map | Wrightsville Beach Map! |
| Geocache Nearby | Swimming Hole Geocache |