Family Adventure Programs
Bald Head Island is a true nature lover’s paradise, with miles of unspoiled beaches, hiking trails within the maritime forest and tidal creeks meandering through the salt marshes. Join one of the Conservancy’s island naturalists for an up-close look at these ecosystems and the abundant flora and fauna found throughout the island. Each trip provides a unique experience and a wonderful learning opportunity for all ages. Scroll down to see the diverse program offerings, many offered on a year-round basis or as the seasons permit. We look forward to exploring the island with you and your family!
The summer season generally runs from the first week of June through the week following Labor Day.
Click on program:
NEW! Kids-Only Kayaking
NEW! Sea Turtle Patrol Ride Alongs
Bald Head After Dark • Register Now!
The island takes on a very different feel as the sun goes down and darkness falls. While many of the island's critters wind down for the night, several others are just gearing up. Join us in the classroom for a brief presentation on Bald Head's active nightlife - including bats, frogs, toads, alligators, fireflies and bioluminescent plankton - before heading out and about on the island to find some of it ourselves! Meet at the Fleming Environmental Center. Participants provide their own transportation. Reservations Required.
• Offered: June-August
• Hours: Tuesday from 8-10:00PM
Wednesday from 8-10:00PM
• Cost: $10 per person for Conservancy Partner, Sponsor and Patron Members
$15 per person Conservancy Friend Members and Non-Members
FREE for Conservancy Life Members!
Beachcombing Biology • Register Now!Explore the beach and surf to learn about shells and other critters that were left behind by the tide. Dig in the sand in search of the fast-burrowing mole crabs and coquina clams, learn how to use a seine net to catch fish, and challenge other participants to the ultimate scavengr hunt! Nets and buckets provided. Meet at the Fleming Environmental Center. Reservations Required.
• Offered: June-August
• Hours: Thursdays 1:00-2:30PM
• Cost: $10 per person for Conservancy Partner, Sponsor and Patron Members
$15 per person Conservancy Friend Members and Non-Members
FREE for Conservancy Life Members!
Birding BHI • Register Now!Bald Head Island offers fantastic opportunities for birding at all seasons. During the summer months, we are fortunate to have a large nesting population of the beautiful Painted Bunting. The island is also home to hundreds of egrets, herons and ibis as well as dozens of other species. Tours last about 2 hours and location is dependent on tides, weather and recent sightings. Bug spray is recommended. Bring binoculars if you have them; we will provide some extra to share. Participants must provide their own transportation. Meet at the Fleming Environmental Center. Reservations Required.
• Offered: Year-round
• Hours: October-May: Mondays from 9-11AM
June-September: 8-10AM
• Cost: $15 per person for Conservancy Partner, Sponsor and Patron Members
$20 per person Conservancy Friend Members and Non-Members
FREE for Conservancy Life Members!
Crabbing and Cast Netting • Register Now!Learn the art of crabbing & cast netting! Learn about the life cycle and economic importance of blue crabs! Crab lines, bait, and cast nets are provided. Great for the entire family. Days and times are tide-dependent and will change weekly. Please note that we practice catch and release. Meet at the Village Creek Access. Reservations Required.
• Offered: Spring, Summer, Fall
• Hours: Tide-dependent
• Cost: $10 per person for Conservancy Partner, Sponsor and Patron Members
$15 per person Conservancy Friend Members and Non-Members
FREE for Conservancy Life Members!
ECO-Crafts
Bring the whole family to the Conservancy and join in on creating fun, eco-friendly crafts. Feel free to drop in to the Fleming Center Classroom anytime between 10AM and Noon.
• Offered: Weeks in April and November only
• Hours: Two Saturdays only, 10 - 12 Noon
• Cost: $10 per Family
Kayak the Creeks • Register Now!
Learn Explore the unspoiled creeks of Bald Head Island on a guided trip with Conservancy staff and inerns and learn about the beauty and importance of this habitat. Each trip offers a unique perspective of BHI and great views of wildlife; this is a must-do experience before you leave the island! Double kayaks are used, and children must be accompanied by an adult. Trips are tide and weather dependent. Private trips are also available depending on tides and staff schedules. Meet at the Village Creek Access. Reservations Required. Please wear clothes you can get wet and bring a water bottle.
• Offered: Spring, Summer, Fall
• Hours: Tide dependent
• Cost: $45 per person for a 2 hour trip
NEW! Kids-Only Kayaking • Register Now!
Was your child unable to make it to one of our children's camps? Have they been stuck on the wait list for camp kayak day? Sign them up for a kids- only trip! Your child can join Conservancy staff and other children to learn about the salt marsh in a relaxed, "camp-style" setting. Double kayaks are used, and children must be between 7-14 years of age. Sorry, Mom and Dad, these trips are just for children. Trips are tide and weather dependent. Meet at the Village Creek Access. Parents must sign a release form when they drop their child off. Reservations required.
• Offered: Summer
• Hours: Tide dependent
• Cost: $45 per child for a 2 hour trip
Maritime Forest Hike
Fall and winter are the perfect seasons to go for a hike through the beautiful maritime forest. Maritime forests are considered a globally imperiled ecosystem, and BHI has one of the best remaining tracts of forest along the southeast coast. Join a Conservancy naturalist for a walk through these woods and learn why this habitat is so crucial to the survival of Bald Head. You will also learn first-hand about the floral and faunal diversity that can be found in the forest, and perhaps catch of glimpse of some of the critters that call the forest home. Perfect for the entire family! Meet at the Fleming Environmental Center. Transportation is required to get to the forest trail.
• Offered: Spring, Fall, Winter
• Hours: Scheduled on- demand. Call the Education Department today!
• Cost: $10 per person for Conservancy Partner, Sponsor and Patron Members
$15 per person Conservancy Friend Members and Non-Members
FREE for Conservancy Life Members!
Explore the quiet solitude of Middle Island while visiting the Ibis Lake Sanctuary, a protected area of land that is private and only accessible with Conservancy staff. This particular spot is popular with several species of herons, egrets and ibis, with hundreds of birds flocking into the area to roost for the evening and early morning. This is a spectacular event amidst beautiful scenery that is a must-see on the island. Meet at the Fleming Environmental Center. Reservations required. Transportation is required to get to the forest trail.
• Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring
• Hours: Varies during the off-season
• Cost: $15 per person for Conservancy Partner, Sponsor and Patron Members
$20 per person Conservancy Friend Members and Non-Members
FREE for Conservancy Life Members!
NEW! Sea Turtle Patrol Ride Alongs • Register Now!Ride along with Conservancy Staff and Sea Turtle Interns to get a firsthand look at what it's like to patrol for sea turtles. Have the change to observe nesting sea turtles and participate in our 29th year of sea turtle conservation. This program is open for all ages, with children under 8 years old requiring an adult chaperone. Because of transportation restrictions, only two people can participate per night. We reserve the right to reschedule the program, or cancel with full refund, in the even of inclement weather or other circumstances beyond our control. • Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring
• Offered: June 11th-August 16th
• Hours: 8PM-12AM
• Cost: $125 per person for Conservancy Partner, Sponsor, Patron, and Friend Members
$175 per person for Non-Members
FREE for Conservancy Life Members!
