Exploring Brunswick Islands: Activities And Adventures

The Brunswick Islands in North Carolina are a charming collection of ten communities with beautiful beaches, seafood, and plenty of attractions. The islands offer a range of activities, from kayaking through salt marshes and exploring lighthouses to enjoying the local seafood and shopping. With six beaches and over 45 miles of sand, the Brunswick Islands are perfect for a relaxing beach vacation or a range of outdoor activities. Visitors can also enjoy a unique cinematic experience, as the islands have served as filming locations for popular movies and TV shows. The best time to visit is during the summer, when the temperature is ideal for enjoying the beaches, although the off-season offers a quieter and more affordable experience with a natural phenomenon of sunrises and sunsets over the ocean.

Climb lighthouses

The Brunswick Islands are home to two lighthouses: Oak Island Lighthouse and Old Baldy. Both offer incredible views and are well worth the climb!

Oak Island Lighthouse

The Oak Island Lighthouse, located on Caswell Beach, is the newest lighthouse in North Carolina, completed in 1958. Standing at just over 150 feet, it offers a 360-degree scenic view of the Atlantic Ocean and the inland waters of the Cape Fear River. What sets this lighthouse apart is its unique mode of ascent—instead of the typical spiral staircase, Oak Island Lighthouse features ships' ladders leading up to the observation platform. The lighthouse initially used carbon-arc mercury lamps, which were the brightest in the United States at the time. Today, it features a new LED rotating fixture, visible for 25 miles out to sea.

Tours to the top of the lighthouse are available all year round by appointment for climbers aged nine and above. Tour appointments must be made at least two weeks in advance through the Oak Island Lighthouse website.

Old Baldy

Just across the Cape Fear River from Oak Island Lighthouse stands Old Baldy, the oldest lighthouse in North Carolina. Located on Bald Head Island, it was built in 1817 and has maintained its original form and location for over 200 years. This historic landmark has 108 steps, five landings, and stands at 110 feet tall. While no longer an active lighthouse, Old Baldy is open to visitors who can climb to the top and enjoy breathtaking views of the area's natural beauty.

To visit Old Baldy, you can make ferry reservations in advance by calling 910-457-5003. The lighthouse is located at 101 Lighthouse Wynd, a short walk from the island's ferry landing.

Kayak through salt marshes

Kayaking through the Brunswick Islands' salt marshes is a must-do activity for nature enthusiasts. The area is home to diverse coastal ecosystems, including tidal pools and unique blackwater rivers, which offer a peaceful escape for paddlers of all skill levels.

The salt marshes are a hidden gem, teeming with life and offering a perfect setting for family adventures. With several adventure outfitters available, you can easily arrange guided tours or solo trips suitable for all ages. Expert-led tours provide a great opportunity to learn about the unique environment and ecosystems of the area, including the cypress swamps.

The Brunswick Islands' salt marshes are often referred to as the "nursery of the sea," and for a good reason. This vibrant ecosystem is home to an abundance of wildlife, including dolphins, fish, turtles, crabs, and a wide variety of bird species. Bird enthusiasts will be thrilled to spot herons, egrets, oystercatchers, swallows, terns, pelicans, and even the majestic wood stork.

The marshes' tranquil backwaters and local creeks and rivers provide access to areas that larger boats cannot reach. Exploring by kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard allows you to get up close and personal with nature, sneaking up on wildlife undetected.

Whether you're an early bird or a night owl, the Brunswick Islands' salt marshes offer a magical experience at any time of day. Morning paddles are ideal for witnessing the vibrant wildlife activity, while twilight excursions showcase the exquisite sunsets over the marshes, providing a serene and unforgettable experience.

So, whether you're an experienced paddler or a novice, don't miss the opportunity to kayak through the Brunswick Islands' salt marshes. It's the perfect way to connect with nature, discover hidden ecosystems, and create lasting memories.

Explore a cypress swamp

The Brunswick Islands in North Carolina are known for their beautiful beaches, charming coastal towns, and diverse ecosystems. One of the most unique natural attractions in the area is the cypress swamp. Here are some tips to explore and experience this fascinating environment:

Kayak Through the Swamps

Kayaking is a popular way to explore the Brunswick Islands' waterways and get up close to nature. You can paddle through the ancient cypress trees in Rice's Creek or join a guided tour with the Adventure Kayak Company. This is a great way to experience the beauty of the swamp and spot some of the local wildlife.

Visit The Swamp Park

The Swamp Park in Brunswick County offers a variety of activities for those who want a more adventurous experience. It boasts the largest and longest zip line canopy tour on the eastern seaboard, offering stunning views of the bald cypress treetops. They also offer guided ATV and boat tours, where you can learn about the ecology and wildlife of the swamp, including egrets, wood storks, river otters, and turtles.

Explore on Foot

For those who want a more tranquil experience, there are walking trails through the cypress swamps. The Bird Island Reserve in Sunset Beach offers a walking trail through 1200 acres of beach, sand dunes, tidal creeks, and more. You can also explore the Belville Riverwalk Park, which has moss-draped trees and boardwalks over marshes along the serene Brunswick River.

Understand the Ecology

Before venturing into the swamp, it's important to understand the unique ecology of this environment. Cypress swamps are found in the lowlands of the Atlantic Coast and are characterized by wet, spongy land and blackwater. The trees, known as bald cypress, have swollen, fluted bases and distinctive "knees" that grow up from the roots. These trees provide a habitat for a variety of wildlife and are known for their resistance to decay.

Plan Your Visit

When planning your visit to the Brunswick Islands, consider the time of year. The busiest season is summer, with warmer temperatures and the opportunity to see loggerhead turtle hatchlings. However, the off-season can be a great time to visit as well, with fewer tourists and more affordable accommodations. The natural phenomenon of the sun rising and setting over the ocean during late fall and early spring is also a sight to behold.

Visit the Oak Island Nature Centre

The Oak Island Nature Centre is the perfect place to visit if you want to learn about the natural environment of southeastern North Carolina. The centre offers a range of educational activities for both kids and adults, where you can get up close and personal with the local wildlife and vegetation.

The Talking Trees Walking Trail is a highlight of the centre, where you can learn about the local trees, including the Dogwood, American Holly, the Devil's Walking Stick, Southern Magnolia, Black Cherry and Black Gum. Many of these trees can also be found in the natural area of Brunswick Forest, which is located in the heart of the community.

The nature centre also features animal exhibits, with native and domesticated furry and feathered friends. The trails through the centre lead to a lovely overlook where you can spot native water birds in the nearby marshes and on the Intracoastal Waterway.

The Oak Island Nature Centre is located at 5202 E Yacht Drive, Oak Island, and is open seasonally from May 26th, Wednesdays to Fridays from 10 am to 2 pm. Admission is free, so be sure to check it out if you're visiting Oak Island with your family!

Go to the beach

The Brunswick Islands are known for their wide and flat beaches, with sweeping coastal views and plenty of room to run, bike, play or relax. With six beaches spread across five barrier islands, you're sure to find one that suits your taste and interests.

Sunset Beach is a naturally wild beach with vacation rentals set back from the ocean, accessible via wooden paths through a large swath of dunes. It's also home to the Kindred Spirit Mailbox, a hidden gem where you can write down your thoughts and place them in a mailbox. This beach is great for families, offering easy access to the ocean and a lagoon.

Ocean Isle Beach has a laid-back spirit, with palm tree-lined streets, and is a favourite among families. It's known for its beachfront hotels, where you can watch the sunrise and sunset over the ocean. There are also dunes and natural reserves with walking trails to explore.

Holden Beach, named one of the country's best family beaches by National Geographic Traveler, has small-town charm and endless family fun. With the Intracoastal Waterway in its backyard, you can explore the island by boat, board or bike.

Oak Island offers over 10 miles of uncrowded shoreline, providing the perfect setting for families to build cherished memories. It's also home to the Oak Island Lighthouse, which you can climb for breathtaking views.

If you're seeking quiet seclusion and seemingly endless sand, Caswell Beach is the place to be. As the least inhabited of the Brunswick Islands beaches, it offers peaceful, inviting stretches of sand and sea, guarded by the Oak Island Lighthouse.

Finally, there's Bald Head Island, a resort-style island accessible only by ferry. Leave your worries and cars behind and soak up the pristine beaches. Bald Head Island is also a great place for fishing and exploring the Bald Head Island Conservancy.

So, whether you're looking for family fun, a quiet getaway, or a resort-style vacation, the beaches of the Brunswick Islands have something for everyone.

Frequently asked questions