The salt marshes and tidal creeks on Bald Head Island provide the perfect environment for kayaking or canoeing. Rent a boat and go on your own or take a guided tour!

The Conservancy conducts weekly excursions and programs with a focus on the islands natural history. Budding Naturalists and Junior Scientists camps give kids ages 4-10 hands-on opportunities to explore nature.

Sailing

Sailing is a fun, exciting and relaxing activity. Even if you have never sailed before, many newcomers find themselves falling in love with the sport due to exclusive Bald Head Island activities. The vocabulary has its own set of terms — port, starboard, leeward, halyard, helms ale, rode, tacking, gybing and eye of the wind — but it is not difficult to pick up.

Explore tidal creeks and salt marshes on your own or with a guided tour. The Bald Head Island Conservancy offers kayaking, crabbing, birding and more activities. The group also champions the sustainability of barrier islands and is a great resource for learning more about our special coastal environment.

You can also get a bike from Bald Head Island Services and cruise around the island on your own or with the kids. This is a wonderful way to see the sights, sneak in a workout and save on the expense of a golf cart rental.

Kayaking

Located at the convergence of the Cape Fear River, Intracoastal Waterway and Atlantic Gulf Stream, Bald Head Island offers world-class fishing. Large schools of drum, flounder and trout can be found year round along the island's coastline. The dock master at the Bald Head Island Marina can fill you in on local fishing tips, arrange a boat rental or recommend a charter.

A kayak can be a fun way for visitors to explore the island's marshes, rivers and beaches. There are several rentals and shops throughout the area. Coastal Urge offers kayak lessons for beginners and experienced paddlers.

During summer, the Conservancy conducts outstanding children's camps. Budding Naturalists, for children age 4-6, lets kids catch bugs and critters and learn about the island's unique ecosystem. For rising 2nd-6th graders, Junior Scientists teaches about sea turtles and other plants and animals.

Bird Watching

Bird watching is a popular activity around the world. People keep lists of birds they have seen and often travel long distances to see rare species. These are called twitchers. Many people also photograph birds with telescopic lenses attached to cameras.

Several groups offer birding walks on weekday mornings in the area. The golf course lagoons are good places to see Atlantic Flyway ducks, including buffleheads.

Kappemeyer says it is important to be careful when approaching a flock of birds. If they get startled and flee, it can be stressful for them. It can also make them more vulnerable to predators and other dangers. She recommends walking around them and staying at a distance.

Whether you are looking for relaxation or adventure, Bald Head Island has something to offer everyone. Explore the island's historic sites with a tour of Old Baldy Lighthouse, North Carolina's oldest lighthouse, or on a scenic bike ride around the 14 miles of biking trails. You can also enjoy a relaxing kayak trip along the island's creeks and salt marshes or visit the Conservancy to learn about the island's wildlife and natural history.

The Conservancy

As one of the most unique places in North Carolina, Bald Head Island is a destination that’s filled with natural beauty and wildlife. You’ll see that beauty from your Bald Head Island Services rental home, but you can also explore it with some of the programs that the Conservancy offers.

The mission of the non-profit organization is to champion barrier island conservation, preservation and education. It oversees the Smith Island Complex, which encompasses Bald Head, Middle and Bluff Islands, a diverse coastal landscape that borders the Cape Fear River and Atlantic Ocean.

With programs like the yearly summertime children’s camps, beach patrol ride-alongs and fishing schools, the Conservancy helps preserve this gorgeous landscape. It’s also responsible for the sea turtle protection program, and their efforts have helped to reverse the declining number of nesting females.

Turtle Walk

Bald Head Island is a naturalist's paradise. There are plenty of opportunities for kayaking, biking and nature walks along the salt marshes, tidal creeks and beaches. Birding is another popular activity with osprey, eagle kingfisher and sandpipers among the many birds to be seen.

In June and July, the Conservancy's Turtle Walks are available, which offer a rare opportunity to see nesting loggerhead sea turtles within their natural habitat. These permitted beach walks begin with an educational presentation in Gumbo Limbo's classroom and, if nature permits, a visit to a Boca Raton beach to view nesting or hatchling sea turtles.

Please note that for safety and conservation reasons, you must remain quiet on the beach and leave all lights off, including cell phones and flashlights. Light can disorient sea turtles and cause them to skip laying their eggs that night, so this is for the best interest of the turtles. If you cancel your reservation less than 30 days before the event, ticket charges will be donated to Inwater Research Group (a 501c3 nonprofit). The Conservancy also recommends insect repellent and comfortable shoes for these outdoor programs.