Water Sports for Everyone

Because water can weave such a magical spell, we are drawn to it. From the first gleam of sunlight to the fading rays at sunset, water is a dominating factor in our life here in Cape Fear Country.

To fully appreciate and enjoy its splendor, we are constantly finding endless ways to enjoy the lure of water. We swim, wade, splash, dive, stroll, sail and surf. And one more thing, we fish. And fish. And fish. Whatever your preference, it’s all here just for you.

Wilmington, N.C.
A Guide to Cape Fear Leisure
1983

In that first book, one chapter was titled “Water, Water, Everywhere.” We agree, there’s a whole lot of water around here, but it’s not quite everywhere. Wilmington and its surrounding communities are situated on what’s known as the Cape Fear Peninsula.

In a way, the Greater Wilmington area has four shorelines. First, there is the Cape Fear River shoreline extending from the southern tip of the peninsula on Pleasure Island north to above the city, a distance of more than 20 miles. To the east are miles and miles of shoreline overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway and the sounds - Myrtle Grove, Masonboro, Greenville, Middle and Topsail - located between the mainland and the barrier islands on the ocean. Further east are the western shorelines of the barrier islands overlooking the same Intracoastal Waterway and sounds.

The fourth shoreline, and usually the most expensive, faces the Atlantic Ocean along the barrier islands, Topsail Island, Figure Eight Island, Wrightsville Beach and Pleasure Island, comprised of Carolina and Kure Beaches and Fort Fisher.

An interesting way to explore is to take a trip on the Wrightsville Water Taxi, a catamaran that leaves from the Blockade Runner in Wrightsville Beach. Passengers can ride to and from Masonboro Island, or can set up sunset or moonlight cruises.