Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
Do I need to be an experienced kayaker or paddle boarder to explore Masonboro Island or the reserve?
No experience needed! Kayaking and paddle boarding are beginner-friendly, and the calm waters of the Masonboro Reserve are ideal for learning. We’ll walk you through the basics, help you launch, and make sure you feel confident before heading out.
Each guest receives:
A properly fitted life jacket (PFD)
Safety whistle
Laminated map with routes and our contact info
Paddle
We also recommend this introductory video by Perception Kayaks to get a feel for what to expect.
Am I out there on my own?
That’s up to you! We offer both self-guided and guided experiences. Many guests prefer to explore on their own after orientation, while others enjoy discovering hidden gems with one of our guides.
If you're joining us on a boat trip, we’ll drop you off and pick you up at pre-arranged times (based on tides).
What are the age limits for your trips?
There are no strict age limits, but guests should be physically able to participate safely.
Kayaking: Children can paddle solo if capable, or ride tandem with a parent. Tandem kayaks are ideal for pairing a stronger paddler with a younger or less experienced one.
Boat Trips: All ages welcome.
Should I choose a single or tandem kayak?
Single kayaks are lighter, easier to maneuver, and great for solo paddlers.
Tandem kayaks require teamwork and are great for couples (often called couples counseling) , parent/child combos, or pairing a stronger paddler with a beginner.
What should I bring?
Water shoes that stay on your feet (closed-toe is best—think oyster shells!)
Water and beverages
Snacks or a packed lunch
Comfortable, weather-appropriate layers
Sunscreen
Bug spray
Hat and sunglasses
Towel (optional)
Binoculars (great for birdwatching)
You will get a bit wet, so plan accordingly. And if you are targeting a specific activity—say, for instance, foraging for shellfish or collecting seashells at the beach—we will set you up with the tools and equipment you need (e.g., clam rakes).
What does Saltboro provide?
Kayak or stand-up paddleboard (SUP)
Paddle
Life jacket (PFD)
Safety whistle
Laminated map with routes and contact info
Dry bag (upon request)
Beach chairs (upon request)
Shabumi shade (upon request)
Soft cooler backpack (upon request)
Shell bag for collecting treasures, or any other special tools depending on your planned activity (e.g., crab nets).
How long can I stay out?
We offer both half-day and full-day options. You decide how long you’d like to explore.
For afternoon and evening jaunts, the marine reserve is bereft of any boat traffic, so many guests prefer to return after dusk (after sunset). We certainly encourage folks to watch the sun go down if they are out on one of the islands at that time. Life is short!
What will I see out there?
The Masonboro Reserve is rich with wildlife and sensory experiences:
See: Birds, dolphins, crabs, marine life, and pristine shoreline
Hear: Waves, wind, and a symphony of bird calls
Feel: Sun, salt, and the peaceful rhythm of the water
Taste: If you forage, the freshest oysters, clams, and wild greens you’ve ever had
Smell: Fresh salty air
For the bird nerds among us, this link provides a great snapshot of the birdlife you will encounter out on the Masonboro Island Reserve and the island, itself
For you shellfish forages, this is a great story on the local forager who has put Masonboro Island on the map for some of the finest chefs in America and more specifically, the mid-Atlantic region of the USA.
What’s for dinner? What can I forage out on the marine reserve?
Shellfish foraged from the Masonboro Reserve have emerged as staples in some of the premier seafood restaurants in Wilmington, Charlotte and the Raleigh-Durham metroplex. The main goodies you can harvest from our dock or just across the Intercoastal Waterway include:
Ocean Quahog Clam—these are plentiful and can be easily found and harvested at the dock beach as well as most of the island beaches just off the dock.
Atlantic Ribbed Mussel—these are trending in the finer culinary establishments along the East Coast. They are plentiful and can be found and harvested off the dock beach as well as the numerous spartina grass fields out on the marine reserve.
Oysters!—the stretch of water just north of us is gaining a reputation as the “Napa Valley of oysters”. There are numerous oyster farms nearby Saltboro, but the hand selects and clusters found in the Masonboro Island Reserve are prized for their natural, raw qualities. (Seasonal!)
Samphire—a salty, bright green succulent is readily found and harvested right off the dock beach as well as the waters throughout the marine reserve. Also known as ‘sea asparagus’ and ‘sea bean’ we regularly harvest samphire and use it as a topper to baked flounder or poached fish recipes. It also makes a perfect garnish for martinis and margaritas and other cocktails.
Blue Crabs—these are plentiful and one of the prime commercial crops harvested from the Masonboro Reserve—in fact most of the crab pots on the marsh, right off our dock, supply the local fish monger and most of the restaurants in the area. Our guests gather blue crabs by handlining for them off the dock or out on the island beaches or setting out a few crab traps overnight.
Stone Crabs—While Florida is famously known for its stone crab fishery, stone crabs are also found along the coast of North Carolina, and most prominently in the Masonboro Island Reserve. Stone crab meat is known for its sweet and tender flavor, often described as a milder version of lobster.
Sea Lettuce—often referred to by its scientific name, Ulva lactuca, this edible algae is often used in soups or served with fish. More commonly it, is added to salads for its superfood qualities as an iron-rich source of A, B1, and C.
Here is an interesting link on our local rockstar forager and one of the local chefs which specialize on hand-foraged seafood from Masonboro.
Terms & Policies
Weather Policy
At Saltboro, your safety is always our top priority. In the event of inclement or unfavorable weather—such as high winds, storms, or heavy rain—we may cancel tours or rentals, sometimes with little notice. We closely monitor local conditions and reserve the right to make last-minute changes to ensure your experience is safe, peaceful, and enjoyable.
It’s simply the right thing to do 🙂
Cancellation Policy
We understand that life happens and plans can change. If you need to cancel your reservation, please let us know at least 24 hours in advance to avoid a cancellation fee.
Cancellations made within 24 hours of your scheduled reservation will be charged 50% of the total booking amount. We don’t like to do this, but after years of curating these special experiences, we hope you understand that last-minute cancellations prevent us from offering your spot to other adventurers—and this small business needs every opportunity to thrive.
Thank you for your understanding and continued support!
Waiver
We will ask each guest to sign a waiver before heading out. We will review this with you when you are making your reservation.
Suggested Viewing: Documentaries & Nature Programs Showcasing Local Flora and Fauna
To help you connect more deeply with the beauty and biodiversity of the Masonboro Island Reserve, we’ve curated a selection of recommended documentaries and educational videos. These are perfect to watch before or after your Saltboro adventure.
Cape Fear Critters – Masonboro Island
Explore the wildlife of Masonboro Island, the largest undeveloped barrier island in Southeastern North Carolina.
📺 Critters of the Masonboro Island Estuarine Reserve
Masonboro Island Reserve
Dive into the research, stewardship, and diverse habitats that make the reserve such a vital ecosystem.
📺 Recent video by our friend Jill Daly