
Eco-Excursions
Barrier Island Adventures
You will explore more than eight marine ecosystems and participate in hands-on activities unique to your Coastal Eco Adventure including:
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Estuarine Tidal Marsh Ecology - investigate the flora and fauna and importance of the estuary environment and what is being done to protect, enhance, and restore these vital habitats.
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Dynamic Barrier Islands - A walk through and discussion of the importance of the different zones of Barrier Islands from ocean to the marsh and sounds. We'll include a scavenger hunt on the beach and take a “deep dive” into the swash zone, the geology of islands, and look for shells and other treasures...maybe sharks’ teeth and ancient fossils!
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Callinectes sapidus - Everything you ever wanted to know about the Atlantic Blue Crab and much more! We'll spend some time trying our luck at recreational crabbing in the estuary. It will be catch and release with a detailed hands-on experience focusing on NC's #1 fishery. If the tides are right, we’ll pull a seine net.
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What You Can Expect
After an informative boat ride along the Intracoastal Waterway, the excursion continues down Shinn Creek towards Masonboro Inlet giving you an opportunity to observe some of the birds that make the NC Estuarine Research Reserve their home. More than 200 species of birds have been observed at this site, which is located within the Atlantic Flyway. Then we’ll head to Masonboro Island along the sound side of the island near the Nature Trail. This area provides a safe anchorage and easy access to all the activities below. The entire outing including boat transport, loading and unloading, and exploring should take three to four hours total.​
NC Oyster Trail Aquaculture Tours
(From seed to table)

This excursion will focus on the cultural and economic history and importance of oyster cultivation in NC, including: water quality, habitat restoration, living shorelines, estuarine resources, and coastal resilience benefits.
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Visit the Oyster Seed Nursery - The approximately two-hour boat trip will include a visit to the Three Little Spats Oyster Seed Nursery where passengers will unload at the Turkey Creek dock to view and learn about the oyster aquaculture process. The presentation will cover oyster biology, permitting, challenges and benefits of mariculture.
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View Oyster Farms in the Estuary - Next stop will be at an operating oyster farm where you will view bottom and water column shellfish aquaculture techniques and learn about the regulatory, maintenance, and harvesting processes.
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Sample and Compare Oyster Tastings - Passengers will have an opportunity to sample oysters at regulated temperature for comparison tastings on your private chartered vessel.
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What You Can Expect
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Coastal Eco Adventures (CEA) will be launching a 19’ Hurricane 198 FunDeck (fiberglass tri-hull) from Wrightsville Beach and will load up to five (5) passengers at Soundside Park in Surf City.
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CEA will offer complimentary concierge pick up and drop off service by automobile from New Hanover County, Leland, and Hampstead areas to Soundside Park. This service will provide a stress-free excursion minus high season parking and traffic issues for passengers. Other locations may be negotiated.
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The approximately two to three-hour boat excursion will include a visit to the Three Little Spats Oyster Seed Nursery where passengers will disembark at the Turkey Creek dock to view and learn about the oyster aquaculture process. The presentation will cover oyster biology, permitting, challenges and benefits of mariculture. (Approx. 60 minutes from departure)
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Next stop will include viewing bottom and water column shellfish oyster farm techniques and the regulatory, maintenance, and harvesting processes. Passengers will have an opportunity to sample oysters at regulated temperature for comparison tastings on CEA’s vessel. (60 minutes)
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The excursion will focus on the cultural history and importance of oyster cultivation in NC, including water quality, habitat restoration, living shorelines, estuarine resources, and coastal resilience benefits while traveling to and from the launch site. (30 minutes)
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Important Information & What to Bring
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Times are approximate and subject to change due to weather, tides, wind and current.
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Wear closed-toe shoes/boat shoes/water shoes that may get wet and muddy and stay on your feet.
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Passengers disembarking at the Turkey Creek Seed Nursery should be able to walk unassisted up to 600 feet on a gravel uneven surface path. Passengers with mobility or balance issues may wish to bring a cane/hiking sticks or stay on the boat.
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Bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen (or SPF 50 Clothing), rain/wind breaker, bug spray.
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Water in reusable containers will be provided along with a cooler and ice (help us cut down on single use plastics).
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You may bring your favorite beverages including beer, wine and snacks (a cooler with ice will be available).
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A camera and binoculars will enhance your experience.
Enjoy FREE Transportation
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All tours offer Complimentary Auto Transport to Launch Site - Coastal Eco Adventures offers complimentary pick up and drop off service by automobile to the tour launch site from New Hanover County, Leland, and Hampstead areas. This service provides a stress-free excursion for passengers without high season parking and traffic concerns.
Call us for more information regarding this complimentary service!