| Wilmington,
NC � September 2016 / Newsmaker Alert / Fall nature cruises
showcase nature�s beauty in Wilmington�s
river district and its island beaches. In the coming weeks, visitors
will have the opportunity to explore the wildlife and breathtaking scenery
of the Cape Fear River and coastal waterways. Did you know that alligators,
bobcats, black bear, river otters, and rare birds can be found in the wilderness,
just minutes away from Wilmington? 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 ample
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
cruises showcase the natural beauty of Wilmington and its island beaches:
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
or Jacob�s Run 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 7 and 21; October 5 and 19 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 sightseeing cruises, contact Cape Fear Riverboats: 800-676-0162 or
910-343-1611 or www.cfrboats.com.
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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 and his crew 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/seasonal-pages.
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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