Boating

Boating is one of the area's primary activities.  If you don't have a boat, you can still get on the water, with opportunities ranging from nature tours to charter fishing to party cruising.  Or you can rent a jet ski or sailboat and explore on your own.  The rivers, Intracoastal Waterway and open ocean all offer unique and exciting experiences for the boating enthusiast.

Clubs and groups


Cape Fear Sail and Power Squadron

This non-profit organization dedicated to safe boating education and promoting high standards of navigation and seamanship. The squadron is a unit of District 27 of the United States Power Squadron. This squadron covers the greater Wilmington area, with the Cape Fear River to to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. It has over 200 members, divided between power boaters and sailors.

Several times a year they conduct boating safety classes for the general public. Throughout the year, they teach advanced and elective courses for members. A member can progress from basic boating knowledge to advanced navigation through the comprehensive courses offered. Members can also take courses in marine electronics, sail, engine maintenance, cruise planning, weather, and many other specialty interests.

The CFSPS also does courtesy Vessel Safety Checks (VSC) for any boat owners in the area, and they assist NOAA by verifying nautical charts through a program called Cooperative Charting.

All their educational efforts still leaves room for fun. The group meets monthly and schedules group cruises throughout the year.

Membership information is here. Calendar of events is here.




City docking facilities


The City Docks are located along the Cape Fear River (approximately 15 miles from the ICW) within walking distance to hotels, dining, shopping, attractions, laundry services, post office, banks and supplies.
The Market Street Landing Dock is 200' and offers 30 and 50 amp. The Coastline dock offers 11 slips, 30 amp.  The Hilton dock has 450' of floating dock space, with 30 and 50 amp available.

Short Term Docking is a 14 day maximum stay, $1.25 per foot per day.
Part Day Docking is  up to 6 hour,s $5.00 flat fee
Electric 30 amp - $3.00 per day, 50 amp - $5.00 per day

Docking Brochure

Festival & 4th of July Reservation Policy

R.T. Jones, Dockmaster, rt.jones@wilmingtonnc.gov 910.520.6875


Boat launches

Here are locations and descriptions of local boat launches.

Dram Tree Park
602 Surry St

Trails End Park
end of Trail's End Road
Boat launch (25'>); floating docks

Smith Creek Park
633 Shenandoah Drive
COMING SOON- non-motorized pond access

River Road Park
6500 River Road
Boat launch; fishing pier

Riverside Park
6710 Old Bridge Site Road
Sandy beach- kayak launch

Snow's Cut Park
9420 River Road
Fishing pier




View Boat launches in a larger map