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Take a Cruise with Starship Deep Sea Fishing and Scenic Cruises

Based in Southport, the Starship Deep Sea Fishing and Scenic Cruises offer a variety of passenger charters and cruises for your enjoyment. Departing from the Southport Marina, The Starship is a 70-foot vessel that accommodates up to 140 passengers. Fishing trips are available for either a half or full day - half day trips run from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and cost $55 for adults and $30 for children 12 and under, while full day trips run from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and cost $70 for adults and $50 for children 12 and under. If fishing isn't for you, you will enjoy the dolphin and scenic cruise, which runs from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. in June, July and August and costs $12.00 for adults and $6.00 for children 12 and under. Finally, sunset cruises are given from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. and include a light buffet. The cost for the sunset cruise is $15.00 for adults and $8.00 for children 12 and under. To make reservations for any of these cruises, or for more information, contact the Starship Deep Sea Fishing and Scenic Cruises at (910) 454-4000.

Learn How To Sail or Go Sightseeing with Priority Sailing

Priority Sailing of Southport offers both sailing lessons and sightseeing cruises of the area. Whether you want to learn how to sail or if you just want to relax while you tour the area, Priority Sailing can help! Both children and adults can learn to sail on their 52-foot cutter, Carolina Gale. A variety of sailing certification levels can be achieved when you learn from Priority sailing. A variety of sightseeing cruises are also available, including a Full Moon Cruise or Sunset Cruise or a Weekend Cruise Package. For more information, contact Priority Sailing at (910) 454-4479.

Go Skateboarding at Oak Island State Park

The Oak Island Skate Park was designed with input from area youth, and offers a variety of challenges and trick opportunities for skaters who come to the park. Skaters must wear protective equipment while they are in the park, and spectators are welcome. Skaters on skateboards, inline skates and roller skates are allowed in the park. Regular open sessions are available, as well as sessions for specific age and skill level. For more information, contact the Oak Island Skate Park at (910) 278-4747.

Go Searching For Beach Treasures

While you are hanging out on the beaches of Brunswick County, you may want to go beachcombing for beach "treasures" that are found in the area. Shells and shark's teeth are easily found on the beaches, especially after storms and hurricanes. On a normal day, the best time to search for treasures is after high tide. Shark's teeth normally sparkle at the water's edge in coarse, wet sand. Whole sand dollars are also very common on the beaches of Brunswick County, but make sure you leave the live ones on the beach. If they are still brown and furry, they are alive and should be returned to the water. If they are white and skeletal, you can take them home with you! Whatever you find at the beach, it is a good idea to clean your treasures with mild bleach water.

Go Scuba Diving or Snorkeling

Scuba diving and snorkeling are fun adventures you can experience while you are in Brunswick County. Scuba diving is popular off the coast of North Carolina because of the large number of shipwreck remains that are found in this area - the "Graveyard of the Atlantic." Snorkeling is also popular because of the interesting sea life that can be found in some local areas. If you are interested in trying either of these adventures, you may want to try Scuba South Diving Company of Southport. They offer dive charters to area waters and sites and will travel to any site along the southern coast. They also have a variety of equipment available for rent. For more information, contact Scuba South Diving Company at (910) 457-5201.

Learn about the Area at the Museum of Coastal Carolina

The Museum of Coastal Carolina, located in Ocean Isle Beach, is home to the largest natural seascape replica in the Southeast. This seascape is home to sharks, dolphins, game fish, octopus, and other sea creatures, as well as a shipwreck from the 1800s. Also in the Museum, you will find artifacts from the Civil War, a Shell Room, shark jaws, wildlife exhibits, and more. A popular exhibit is the 500-gallon Touch Tank that allows you to touch and hold a variety of sea creatures, including hermit crabs, sting rays, sea stars, flounder, and more. A variety of educational events are also offered at the Museum, which is open daily during the summer. For more information, contact the Museum of Coastal Carolina at (910) 579-1016.

Learn about the Stars at Ingram Planetarium

The Ingram Planetarium, located in Sunset Beach, has a unique 40-foot dome theater and offers a variety of programs throughout the year. Programs include Ancient Horizons, Endless Horizon, The Sky Tonight, Search for Life in the Universe, and more. In the summer, hourly programs are held Tuesday through Saturday between 2:00 and 7:00 p.m. During the rest of the year (during fall, winter and spring), hourly program are held Thursday through Saturday between 3:00 and 7:00 p.m. Also in the Planetarium is a Science Room with a variety of science, math, and navigational exhibits. For more information about the programs offered throughout the year, contact Ingram Planetarium at (910) 575-0033.

Visit the Ev-Henwood Nature Preserve

Located in Town Creek east of Winnabow, the Ev-Henwood Nature Preserve consists of 174 acres and is enjoyed by many who enjoy hiking, photography, bird watching, and more. There are 15 hiking trails located at Ev-Henwood, and each trail displays the various plants and animals that are found in the preserve. The low land forest area along the Town Creek has been left undisturbed, and you will also enjoy viewing the various small creeks that are found in the preserve. For more information, call (910) 962-3107.

Visit Area Historic Churches

If you are interesting in viewing some of the area's beautiful historic churches, then Southport is just the place for you! The Chapel of the Cross at St. Philip's is the oldest church in Southport and was actively used until 2004. The church is open 24 hours a day and still hosts some religious ceremonies. For more information, contact The Chapel of the Cross at St. Philip's at (910) 457-5643. Next, you will find the Trinity United Methodist Church, which was built in 1890 and has beautiful stained glass windows, a beaded ceiling and other unique architectural features. For more information, contact Trinity United Methodist Church at (910) 457-6633. Also in Southport is St. Philip's Parish at the Old Brunswick Town State Historic Site. This church was built in 1768 and was burned down shortly after that by the British, in 1776. Today, you can see ruins of the structure and some Colonial-era graves. Some religious services are still held within the ruins. For more information, contact St. Phillip's Parish at (910) 371-6613.

Take a Break on the Southern Elegance Casino Cruise

If you enjoy gambling but can't make it to Las Vegas, you may enjoy taking a casino cruise on the Southern Elegance. This Southern riverboat is a 175-foot boat that docks on the waterfront of Little River, which is located on U.S. Highway 17 just three miles north of North Myrtle Beach. Table games, video poker and slot machines are located on the three decks of this boat, which also has an observation deck, food and beverage service and an elevator. If needed, free shuttle service to and from the ship is provided. For more information, contact the Southern Elegance Cruise Office at (877) 250-5825.