The historic port city of Wilmington packs several excellent tour options into its coastal setting. While many tours are available, three stand out as particularly worthwhile: the relaxing 2-hour sunset sail offers stunning water views without the crowds, the informative ghost walk brings the city’s spooky past to life, and the practical e-bike tour efficiently covers downtown’s highlights. For TV fans, the “One Tree Hill” filming locations tour is a must, while active travelers will appreciate the longer river-to-sea cycling route. A vintage VW Bus brewery tour adds a fun twist to craft beer sampling. Let’s explore the best tour options in detail.
Good To Know
- The Sunset Sail Tour on a 42-foot yacht offers a highly-rated 2-hour sailing experience with knowledgeable commentary and amenities.
- The Wilmington Ghosts: Phantoms of Pirates and Patriots Tour provides a mix of historical and ghostly storytelling by local guides.
- The 2-Hour Wilmington E-Bike Day Tour allows participants to explore the city’s scenic routes using user-friendly e-bikes with knowledgeable guides.
- The Half-Day E-Bike Tour of One Tree Hill Filming Locations offers a behind-the-scenes exploration of the popular TV show’s locations.
- The 5-Hour River to Sea E-Bike Day Tour promises an unforgettable exploration of Wilmington’s landscapes with e-bike rentals and a guided experience.
Sunset Sail Tour
The Sunset Sail Tour offers a tranquil and immersive experience on the waters surrounding Wilmington. This highly-rated small-group coastal sailing adventure takes place aboard a 42-foot yacht, allowing for an intimate and personalized outing.
With consistently excellent reviews and a Badge of Excellence, this tour showcases the region’s natural beauty through a relaxing 2-hour sail along the Intracoastal Waterway, Masonboro Island, and Wrightsville Beach.
Guests can expect knowledgeable commentary from the captain on local landmarks and wildlife, which may include sightings of dolphins and other marine life.
Onboard amenities like soft drinks, juice, and bottled water create a comfortable atmosphere, and guests are welcome to bring their own wine or beer.
The tour accommodates families, with a minimum age of 6 years. While not wheelchair accessible, the tour offers a unique and memorable experience for couples, families, and special occasions.
Read our full review: Sunset Sail Tour Review
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Wilmington Ghosts: Phantoms of Pirates and Patriots Tour
Boasting a 4.4-star rating from 76 reviews, the Wilmington Ghosts: Phantoms of Pirates and Patriots Tour takes guests on an immersive exploration of the city’s haunted past.
Priced at $31 per person, the tour departs from the iconic Thalian Hall and concludes at the Latimer House, covering a range of historical stops and thrilling ghost stories along the way.
Led by knowledgeable local guides, the tour provides a captivating blend of well-researched history and chilling paranormal tales.
While some guests have expressed a desire for a stronger focus on the ghostly narratives and pirate legends, the tour generally receives positive feedback for its engaging storytelling and historical context.
The tour’s accessibility and suitability for all ages make it a popular choice for visitors seeking a unique glimpse into Wilmington’s spooky past.
Management has acknowledged feedback and plans to introduce exciting changes to the tour in 2024, further enhancing the experience.
Read our full review: Wilmington Ghosts: Phantoms of Pirates and Patriots Tour Review
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2-Hour Wilmington E-Bike Day Tour
Departing from the ghostly tales of Wilmington’s past, the 2-Hour Wilmington E-Bike Day Tour offers visitors a chance to explore the city’s vibrant present. This highly rated tour, boasting a 100% recommendation, allows guests to traverse downtown Wilmington and its scenic Riverwalk along the Cape Fear River.
Equipped with user-friendly e-bikes, participants can effortlessly navigate the area, taking in the sights of Greenfield Lake and other landmarks. The tour’s personalized approach ensures a tailored experience, with licensed guides providing historical context and optional upgrades.
However, riders should have moderate fitness and recent bicycle experience, as the tour isn’t recommended for those with certain health conditions or physical limitations.
Commended for its knowledgeable guides, well-maintained equipment, and engaging exploration, the 2-Hour Wilmington E-Bike Day Tour is a must-do for visitors seeking an active and immersive way to discover the charms of this coastal North Carolina city.
Read our full review: 2-Hour Wilmington E-Bike Day Tour Review
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Half-Day E-Bike Tour of the Filming Locations in One Tree Hill
Offering an immersive exploration of the iconic TV series “One Tree Hill,” the Half-Day E-Bike Tour of the Filming Locations takes visitors on a captivating journey through the charming city of Wilmington, North Carolina.
This 3-hour tour, starting at 12:00 PM, departs from the Waterline Brewing Co. and allows up to 5 travelers to discover the behind-the-scenes settings of the popular show.
Using provided e-bikes and helmets, you will pedal through the city, guided by the knowledgeable Eric, who customizes the experience to each group’s interests.
Along the way, they’ll enjoy a provided lunch and bottled water, as well as the opportunity to sample up to 2-3 craft beers during the tour.
With an impressive 5.0 rating and 100% recommendation, this tour is a must-do for any “One Tree Hill” fan visiting Wilmington.
Riders must be at least 16 years old and able to operate a bicycle, making it unsuitable for those with certain health conditions or disabilities.
Read our full review: Half-Day E-Bike Tour of the Filming Locations in One Tree Hill Review
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5-Hour River to Sea E-Bike Day Tour
The 5-Hour Wilmington Guided River to Sea E-Bike Adventure Tour takes adventurous travelers on an exhilarating journey through the city’s diverse landscapes. Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars based on 5 reviews, this tour offers a unique way to explore Wilmington, USA, from the river to the sea. Priced at $85.00 per person, the tour accommodates up to 13 participants and includes e-bike rentals, a licensed guide, helmets, and photo/video documentation.
Participants must meet specific health and safety requirements, including a strong fitness level and previous bicycle experience within the last seven years. Weight limits also apply, with larger e-bikes accommodating up to 260 lbs and smaller e-bikes supporting 200-240 lbs.
The tour starts and ends at Flytrap Brewing, providing a convenient meeting and drop-off point. Confirmation is received at booking, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience.
With its comprehensive inclusions and safety measures, the 5-Hour Wilmington Guided River to Sea E-Bike Adventure Tour promises an unforgettable exploration of the city’s natural beauty and landmarks.
Read our full review: 5-Hour River to Sea E-Bike Day Tour Review
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Private and Custom Brewery Tour in a 72 VW Bus
A private and customizable Wilmington brewery tour aboard a vintage 1972 Volkswagen Bus awaits adventurous visitors. Offered by Roadies Local, this 5-star rated experience takes groups of up to 7 people on a beer-fueled journey through the city’s vibrant craft brewing scene.
The tour includes private transportation, bottled water, a cooler with ice, Roadies Local coozies, and a Bluetooth speaker, along with the opportunity to sample alcoholic beverages. Guests are picked up from a central location in Wilmington, Kure Beach, Carolina Beach, or Wrightsville Beach, and the tour returns to the starting point.
With a flexible schedule and an accommodating host, this tour is perfect for celebrating special occasions or simply exploring Wilmington’s burgeoning beer culture in a unique and memorable way.
Boasting positive reviews that highlight the tour’s fun and enjoyable atmosphere, this private brewery experience is a must-try for beer enthusiasts visiting the area.
Read our full review: Private and Custom Brewery Tour in a 72 VW Bus Review
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The Sum Up
Wilmington boasts a diverse array of tours that cater to a wide range of interests. From scenic sunset sails to haunting ghost tours and eco-friendly e-bike adventures, there’s something for all. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a film buff, or a craft beer lover, Wilmington’s tour offerings provide a comprehensive and engaging way to explore the city’s rich history and vibrant culture.