Ocean Isle Beach is a truly spectacular place full of natural beauty. While most people think of the beach when they think of Ocean Isle Beach there is in fact so much more to our little community. This week we have some fun and unique ways to experience Ocean Isle Beach. Of course, this means exploring our beautiful waters, salt marshes, and majestic swamps. So grab your camera, fill up some water bottles, and get ready to experience Ocean Isle Beach and the surrounding area like never before!
Enjoy a Day at the Museum of Coastal Carolina and Ingram Planetarium
Several times a year the staff at the Museum of Coastal Carolina take folks for a guided Coastal Ecology tour. This tour is great because you don’t have to get on the water. For those interested in learning all about Ocean Isle Beach’s ecology this is a great opportunity to get your feet wet as you wander the coastal marshes and trails of Ocean Isle Beach.
The Museum of Coastal Carolina is a wonderful resource for visitors with a staff of local volunteers who have dedicated their time and resources to the preservation and community education of the local ecology. Tours take place throughout the year, so make sure to check out their website for specific dates and special events.
The folks at Summertide Adventures offer several different kayak tours. Don’t worry you don’t need to have a kayak, they have everything you need. All you need is a little sunscreen, some water, a few extra calories, and you’re ready to go. With years of experience paddling and guiding excursions on the local waterways you’ll be in good hands with Summertide Adventures. You’re going to love discovering our unique ecosystems and rivers. Nothing is better then skimming along the water in a kayak. The feeling you get is truly something magical. Unlike riding in a larger boat, in a kayak your just inches from the water allowing for a unique perspective.
Tours rage in time from 2 1/2 to 4 hours. Perhaps our favorite tour is the Tubbs Inlet Tour.
The Tubbs inlet is always changing and because of this the shelling along the beaches in this area can be superb. You will paddle through a pristine marsh estuary making your way to Tubbs Inlet through creeks that do not experience any boat traffic. You will beach your kayak on your own private beach in the inlet and take a refreshing dip while you soak up the local beauty. The creeks and shallows behind Ocean Isle Beach are host to some of the best inshore fishing in the area. For more information click here.
Summertide Adventures
Local: 910.833.2418
Toll-free: 877.597.0001
Email: [emailprotected]
Bring Your Boat and Explore the Intracoastal Waterway
Many folks are unaware of the unique water system called the Intracoastal Waterway. Traversing the Atlantic Coast, this protected waterway allows vessels to safely travel the north-south route along the east coast without being exposed to the dangers of the Atlantic Ocean’s open waters. The benefit to the rest of us is miles of beautiful calm waters to explore. With much of the ICW being a no-wake zone, you’ll find the waters are easy to explore on a variety of watercraft. Ready to explore? The Ocean Isle Beach Boat Ramp can accommodate almost any tow-able sailboat, power boat, or of course, canoes, kayaks and SUPs. No matter how you take to the waters, you’re in for a treat as you experience Ocean Isle Beach from a totally different perspective. One of the best times to explore the ICW is early in the morning when the waters are calm, the temps are low, and the island is just coming to life. It is the perfect way to begin any OIB vacation morning. Make sure to stop in at Sharky’s for a quick bite to eat. The boat ramp is easy to find located at 67 Causeway Drive, right here on Ocean Isle Beach. Hint: Look for the large bridge.
Check out the stars
No we don’t have famous stars, at least not the kind you are probably thinking about. However, we do have one of the best views of those heavenly stars we all love twinkling in the night. Have you always wanted to know more about the stars above? If you have then you’ll love visiting Ingram Planetarium. The planetarium is a partner of the Museum of Coastal Carolina. The Planetarium features loads of events and most of them are free and open to the public. If you are looking for something unique to do during your visit to Ocean Isle Beach look no further than Ingram Planetarium.
Ziplines, Trees, and ATV Adventures
If you’re an adrenaline junky then we have just the place for you! Right down the road in Shallotte, NC at the same place where you will find the swamp boat tours, you’ll also find all sorts of high flying adventures. The Swamp Park has two really exciting things that are sure to make awesome memories.
Ariel Adventures- Ziplines are a fun and exciting way to see Ocean Isle Beach from a rather unique or shall we say, birds eye view. So strap on a harness and enjoy the adventure of a lifetime! Don’t believe us? Just check out the video and see for yourself.
ATV Tours- If you love the purr of the engine and the thrill of riding ATV’s, you are going to love the Swamp Parks new guided ATV tours! This is a rare opportunity to see the swamps, ecology, and wildlife in and around Ocean Isle Beach.
Swamp Boat Tour
The good folks at the The Swamp Park at Ocean Isle Beach offer visitors a great experience exploring the beautiful Shallotte River Swamp with their Swamp Boat Eco-Tours. The great thing about this tour is you don’t have to be able to paddle a kayak to enjoy the tour. Open to all ages, this is a guided tour on a flat bottom boat through the Shallotte River swamps. The great staff has years of experience navigating the local rivers and swamps. Enjoy this slow-paced interesting tour all from, as they say, a “frog’s view.” As you slowly make your way though the historic cypress swamps, your guide (an experienced naturalist) will teach you all about the local ecology and the important role our swamps play in keeping Ocean Isle Beach’s waters clean and beautiful. You’ll leave this tour having a better understanding of the area’s swamps and rivers. Make sure to bring your camera because you just never know what you’ll see on this tour! You might even get to see a landmark used by George Washington in 1791 or traverse waters famous for Coastal North Carolina Pirates.
Do these fun and interesting activities look like things your family would enjoy this summer? If they are, then now is the best time to book your Ocean Isle Beach vacation! Take advantage of booking early to get the home you want during the week you want. After all, the early bird gets the worm! Call us today at 800-727-9222 to speak with one of our friendly and knowledgeable reservationistor click the button below to begin planning your Ocean Isle Beach vacation.
