Bald Head Island Guidebook

Have you seen a ghostly figure walking at the edge of the marsh at night? It might be an apparition of Theodosia Burr or it may be one of the guides on the Sail Shop’s Ghost Walk. Tours last about two hours and take you through more than 350 years of island history, introducing you to the tales of lighthouse keepers and lifesavers, pirates and river pilots that make up Bald Head Island legend. The Enchanted Island Treasure Hunt and Story Hour, conducted by the Sail Shop’s troupe of professional actors and performers, allows children from the ages of 5-12 to piece together treasure map clues,

Did you know that Bald Head Island was home to a British fort and hospital in the Revolutionary War? That during the Civil War several Confederate gun emplacements helped secure the mouth of the river? That in the early 1900s visitors came to the island to hunt wild pigs? Find out the details of these stories and more on a Historic Tour from the Old Baldy Foundation. The tour gives you a glimpse into the history of Bald Head Island from its first appearance on maps in the 1500s to the development of the island in the 1980s. Tours originate on the island at the ferry terminal in the harbor (fo

In addition to hikes, kayaking trips and birding adventures, the Bald Head Island Conservancy offers a wide range of kid and family-friendly programs. Sea Turtle Patrol lets you ride along with Conservancy staff or interns as they patrol the beach for nesting sea turtles. You can join Conservancy staff at the Village Creek Access on North Bald Head Wynd to learn about crabbing and cast netting. Crab lines, bait, cast nets, tips and tricks, and a lesson in the importance of marsh ecology are included. Explore the darker side of Bald Head Island with the Bald Head After Dark program and learn a

Imagine gliding through the creek, as silent as the grass around you, coming within feet of egrets and herons, or hearing the call of an osprey circling overhead. The creeks on Bald Head Island are easily accessed by kayak and canoe and experienced naturalists and expert guides can show you the ropes. Even if you’ve never dipped a paddle in the water, you’ll learn to love experiencing nature like this. The Bald Head Island Conservancy offers guided kayak and canoe tours for individuals and small groups. These tours are perfect for any age or skill level and the Conservancy’s expert naturalist

SUP is a relatively new sport that’s gaining converts with every trip through the marsh. Paddlers use large boards resembling surfboards and a paddle to maneuver. There’s a learning curve to standing on the board and gaining balance, but it’s fairly quick to master, making this sport popular with all ages and degrees of experience with water sports. Once you’re up and paddling there’s plenty to explore. Try Lighthouse Creek, an easy loop that puts you in the shadow of Old Baldy and gives you a chance to get your feet under you. For a longer paddle, follow Bald Head Creek to the boathouse that

Did you know that scores of loggerhead sea turtles return to Bald Head Island each summer to lay their eggs? The Bald Head Island Conservancy is dedicated to protecting these amazing creatures and their Turtle Walk program gives you the chance to experience them close up. Turtle Walks start around the first week of June and run nightly through the first week of August. The Conservancy focuses on nesting mothers during this time, but switches to nest monitoring from mid-August through late September. Volunteer nest monitors – often Bald Head Island residents – watch nests 24 hours a day, seven

Beach & Baby Equipment Rental Traveling with baby but don’t want to carry all the necessary gear? Beach & Baby has you covered. They offer full-size cribs, high chairs, baby monitors, swings and more for rent by the day or week. Beach rentals include bocce ball sets, beach carts, chairs and tents. Website www.baldheadbabies.com/