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Reviews: Wrightsville Beach

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Wrightsville Beach

Holding:
4.73
Fair, Hard Mud
Wind Protection:
3.60
Exposed to Southwest
Current Flow:
3.40
Wake Protection:
2.13
Exposed to Southwest
Scenic Beauty:
3.00
Ease of Shopping:
3.85
Shore Access:
4.31
Pet Friendly:
3.80
Cell Service:
4.38
WiFi:
2.00

  • Review for Wrightsville Beach

    Reviewed by: Phillip G, Sea's the Moment, on Jun 21, 2025
    Vessel Type: Power
    LOA: 28'
    Draft: 3.0'

    Overall Rating:
    1
    Holding:
    5
    Wind Protection:
    2
    Current Flow:
    4
    Wake Protection:
    1
    Scenic Beauty:
    2
    Ease of Shopping:
    3
    Shore Access:
    2
    Pet Friendly:
    1
    Cell Service:
    5
    WiFi:
    1

    Never EVER again will we anchor here. We anchored here twice. once on 6/17/25 and again on 6/20/25. Where to start with the problems of this anchorage... The first night the wind was out of the south west coming straight up Motts channel at about 16~17mph with the current going out and the wind hitting us on the beam being such a small boat we couldn't handle the fetch, so we left and rented a slip at the dockside marina. On our return trip the wind was out of the south west again, but this time at only 5 mph. That's when all the fun began. First of all these people with wake boats need to learn what a safe distance is. We got waked by several boats within 50 feet OR LESS of us pulling wake boarders. We were waked so bad water came over the swim platform and through the transom door. The second one to get us stuffed the dingy under the platform I was trying to load it. This went on until dark despite the fact that there were no boats on the other side of the bridge. I was really surprised that the jet skis mainly stuck to the western side of the anchorage, and were not weaving in and out of the anchored boats like everyone else. Second is the dinghy dock. You have to wait in line to get a spot at this dock. Luckily after waiting for 5 min or so another boat waived us in to dock in front of them as there was just enough space for us to squeeze in. Oh and remember the wake boarders. Nope they don't slow down when they go by, so if you have a small dink like us (9.5') prepare for a wet ride if they are around. Once ashore everything is walking distance. There is a beach access less than a quarter mile from the dock as well as several restaurants near the dock. The ONLY two things I can say positive about this anchorage is that the holding was great. Our Danforth stuck first try both times we were there and came up fairly clean and easy. Amazingly there were no mosquitos or any other flying pests to speak of. We actually were able to hang out on deck till well after dark, and sleep with the cabin door open. All and all this anchorage would be so much better if it was a no wake zone (like Carolina beach). from what we could see the anchorages along Motts Channel wasn't any better. there were boats blasting by everywhere. Our recommendation is unless its winter and the wake board and skiers are not out stay a little further south at Carolina beach I know we will be.

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  • Review for Wrightsville Beach

    Reviewed by: Charles Mouery, S/V Clam Jam, on Apr 11, 2025
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 40'
    Draft: 4.5'

    Overall Rating:
    4
    Holding:
    4
    Wind Protection:
    4
    Current Flow:
    3
    Wake Protection:
    2
    Scenic Beauty:
    3
    Ease of Shopping:
    3
    Shore Access:
    4
    Pet Friendly:
    4
    Cell Service:
    3
    WiFi:
    1

    Beautiful anchorage, the only problem is that the power boats zip through pretty fast, some of them see how close and fast they can get to you. It does calm down after dark, but didn't stop til late

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  • Review for Wrightsville Beach

    Reviewed by: Jennifer Fury, Suenos De Pipa, on Dec 21, 2024
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 30'
    Draft: 4.0'

    Overall Rating:
    5
    Holding:
    5
    Wind Protection:
    4
    Current Flow:
    5
    Wake Protection:
    5
    Scenic Beauty:
    3
    Ease of Shopping:
    5
    Shore Access:
    5
    Pet Friendly:
    5
    Cell Service:
    5
    WiFi:
    5

    We've been here several nights, first night we anchored further from the bridge and easily took dinghy to an island, good for pet breaks. The next day we anchored close to the bridge and have been using the free dinghy dock to do shopping. Dinghy dock is close enough even without an outboard. There are plenty of great dining, bars, shops etc within walking of the dinghy dock.
    We have had many small power boats during daylight hours make wakes but the holding is great and other than one time a set of young immature kids doing broadies near our anchor line and when my husband confronted them they made smart a remarks. Haven't seen them since.
    The locals here have been tremendous friendly, we hitched a ride with a local fellow who sails and another in the area helped us retrieve Amazon packages prior to our arrival, whom we met on a sailing Facebook group.
    All in all this is a great anchorage albeit this is the 'quiet' part of year and still lots of neighbors anchored nearby.
    Holding for 4 days same spot winds reached 15.

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  • Review for Wrightsville Beach

    Reviewed by: Keira Mann, Élan, on Nov 16, 2023
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 40'
    Draft: 5.6'

    Overall Rating:
    5

    Loved this anchorage. Tons of room, close to dinghy dock and also a short dinghy ride to a few different beaches, some of which you were all alone on which was great for my dog to run around and play. A couple of great restaurants and shops right by the dinghy dock and a small convenience/grocery store a 2 minute walk away which had all of the basic essentials. We were here during a big blow and winds were reaching close to 30knots. We had great holding, didn't move an inch. There is some wake during the day when the smaller power boats go through but not bad and it stops after dark.

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  • Review for Wrightsville Beach

    Reviewed by: Robbie Butler on Sep 15, 2023
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 41'
    Draft: 4.1'

    Overall Rating:
    4
    Holding:
    4
    Wind Protection:
    4
    Current Flow:
    3
    Wake Protection:
    1
    Scenic Beauty:
    5
    Ease of Shopping:
    5
    Shore Access:
    5
    Pet Friendly:
    5
    Cell Service:
    3
    WiFi:
    3

    There is a 30 day maximum in a 180 day period. If you can handle the wake from recreational boats having lots of fun then you will love this anchorage… there is a small grocery store 2 min walk from free dock.

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  • Review for Wrightsville Beach

    Reviewed by: Penelope Singleton, Solitude, on Apr 13, 2023
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 28'
    Draft: 0.0'

    Overall Rating:
    5
    Holding:
    5
    Wind Protection:
    5
    Current Flow:
    5
    Wake Protection:
    4
    Scenic Beauty:
    4
    Ease of Shopping:
    5
    Shore Access:
    5
    Pet Friendly:
    5
    Cell Service:
    5

    We had a great night here and look forward to our next visit. We used the dinghy dock right by the bridge as depicted on Google Maps. There is a coffee shop (The Workshop) across the street which has outdoor seating . We enjoyed a meal at the South Beach Grill, again with outdoor seating if you have a dog with you. It is a 5 minute walk to the beach.

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  • Review for Wrightsville Beach

    Reviewed by: Chris Ensing, Pau Hana, on Apr 12, 2023
    Vessel Type: Power
    LOA: 31'
    Draft: 3.4'

    Overall Rating:
    5
    Holding:
    5
    Wind Protection:
    5
    Current Flow:
    5
    Wake Protection:
    5
    Scenic Beauty:
    3
    Ease of Shopping:
    4
    Shore Access:
    5

    This has all the right elements; deep water, plenty of room, wind protection, low current, close to a free dinghy dock (at the boat ramp) and walkable. Short walk to the beach and a few beach bars and restaurants. Only negative would be the lack of a close grocery store (which we didn't need) but maybe we just didn't see one.

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  • Review for Wrightsville Beach

    Reviewed by: Brian W, Y’ALL LIFE, on Jun 16, 2022
    Vessel Type: Power
    LOA: 27'
    Draft: 3.0'

    Overall Rating:
    4
    Holding:
    5
    Wind Protection:
    4
    Current Flow:
    3
    Wake Protection:
    2
    Scenic Beauty:
    1
    Ease of Shopping:
    3
    Shore Access:
    4
    Cell Service:
    5

    Good holding and wind protection. Dinghy dock access is good. You do get "buzzed" by some smaller motorboats and jet skis but it quiets down after dark. Excellent access the Masonboro inlet.

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  • Review for Wrightsville Beach

    Reviewed by: Richard Trumper, Island Fox, on Jun 15, 2022
    Vessel Type: Power
    LOA: 34'
    Draft: 4.5'

    Overall Rating:
    4
    Holding:
    5
    Wind Protection:
    4
    Current Flow:
    4
    Wake Protection:
    1
    Scenic Beauty:
    2
    Ease of Shopping:
    5
    Shore Access:
    5
    Pet Friendly:
    3
    Cell Service:
    5
    WiFi:
    1

    Easy anchorage to arrive and leave from and wide open with room for lots of boats. Waiting out NE wind with decent protection. Lots of summer boat traffic makes this anchorage (of course) a bit rolly. Small well stocked grocery 5 minute walk, lots of restaurants easily accessible by dinghy. Fuel readily available as well. 5 minute walk to ocean.

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  • Review for Wrightsville Beach

    Reviewed by: David Merchberger, Slo Pace, on Jul 13, 2021
    Vessel Type: Power
    LOA: 40'
    Draft: 3.8'

    Overall Rating:
    2
    Holding:
    4
    Wind Protection:
    4
    Current Flow:
    2
    Wake Protection:
    1
    Scenic Beauty:
    1
    Ease of Shopping:
    4
    Shore Access:
    5
    Pet Friendly:
    5
    Cell Service:
    5
    WiFi:
    1

    Light current reverses with tidal changes but good holding. Local boaters generally very inconsiderate of anchored boats. There is an extensive no-wake zone near the marinas to the west, but its a free for all in the anchorage during daylight hours.

    Small boat floating docks in the northeast corner of the anchorage near the bridge that can be used for dingy access.

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  • Review for Wrightsville Beach

    Reviewed by: Drew Goddin, Jenelle, on Jun 1, 2021
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 45'
    Draft: 5.9'

    Overall Rating:
    5
    Holding:
    5
    Wind Protection:
    3
    Current Flow:
    3
    Wake Protection:
    1
    Scenic Beauty:
    4

    Came in on Memorial Day and as expected very busy with crazy boaters. Next morning was beautiful. Plenty of room for multiple boats. Highly recommend but may be a problem if high winds from the south.

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  • Review for Wrightsville Beach

    Reviewed by: Allan and Lindsay, SV Scout, on Mar 10, 2021
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 40'
    Draft: 6.1'

    Overall Rating:
    3
    Holding:
    5
    Wind Protection:
    3
    Current Flow:
    1
    Wake Protection:
    1
    Scenic Beauty:
    3
    Ease of Shopping:
    1
    Shore Access:
    1
    Pet Friendly:
    1
    Cell Service:
    3
    WiFi:
    1

    Strong current. Will reverse you 180 degrees. Good holding in mud/muck.
    Some wind protection (not from all directions). Closest anchorage off of Masonboro Inlet.

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  • Review for Wrightsville Beach

    Reviewed by: John Barrett, Fortuitous, on Oct 29, 2019
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 53'
    Draft: 6.0'

    Overall Rating:
    4
    Holding:
    5
    Wind Protection:
    4
    Current Flow:
    3
    Wake Protection:
    2
    Scenic Beauty:
    4
    Pet Friendly:
    4
    Cell Service:
    4

    Good holding. We only went ashore to walk the dogs. There is a public beach and dock area near Blockade Runner hotel.

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  • Review for Wrightsville Beach

    Reviewed by: Connie & on Jun 19, 2019
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 42'
    Draft: 5.0'

    Overall Rating:
    3
    Holding:
    5
    Wind Protection:
    1
    Current Flow:
    3
    Wake Protection:
    1
    Scenic Beauty:
    2
    Ease of Shopping:
    3
    Shore Access:
    5
    Cell Service:
    5
    WiFi:
    4

    Anchored near fixed bridge. Holding was good. Dinghy dock was a nice perk. Roberts grocery was nearby, but typical high priced beach market. Had some prepared salads and a deli. The boat traffic through the anchorage was BAD BAD BAD! Especially on a weekend when we were there. Locals pulling skiers blasting by at full speed. Not a peaceful anchorage by any means!

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  • Review for Wrightsville Beach

    Reviewed by: Dcg on Nov 2, 2018
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 38'
    Draft: 5.0'

    Overall Rating:
    5
    Holding:
    5
    Wind Protection:
    4
    Current Flow:
    4
    Wake Protection:
    2
    Scenic Beauty:
    3
    Ease of Shopping:
    4
    Shore Access:
    5
    Cell Service:
    4

    Large anchorage with good holding. Dinghy docks by bridge at town dock. Access to town.

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  • Review for Wrightsville Beach

    Reviewed by: Yuval Ohali, Con el Viento, on Nov 13, 2017
    Vessel Type: Sail
    LOA: 40'
    Draft: 4.0'

    Overall Rating:
    4
    Holding:
    4
    Wind Protection:
    3
    Current Flow:
    3
    Wake Protection:
    3
    Scenic Beauty:
    5
    Ease of Shopping:
    5
    Shore Access:
    5
    Pet Friendly:
    5
    Cell Service:
    5
    WiFi:
    1

    Very good access to the city thanks to city dinghy dock.

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