A quiet, unspoiled island surrounded by beach and maritime forests, Bald Head Island is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. From golf to kayaking this place has it all.

Board a private ferry and leave your car behind to discover the natural beauty of this island. During the summer, join the Bald Head Island Conservancy for turtle walks to observe newly hatched sea turtles.

Golfing

Often, the best way to enjoy a getaway is by trading in the sounds of the city for Mother Nature’s soundtrack. One of the best Bald Head Island activities give you the chance to soak up the beauty of nature while enjoying your favorite activities.

While the area is best known for its golfing, it’s also home to incredible natural scenery and wildlife. The course on the island, designed by George Cobb and renovated by Tim Cate, is a challenge for golfers of any skill level. During your round, you may see alligators sunning themselves, egrets, and ospreys perched in the trees, or even deer running across the fairway.

The club also offers a variety of dining options and other recreational activities, such as croquet and tennis. If you’re staying at a vacation rental with access to the BHI or Shoals clubs, make sure you book your guest membership as soon as possible since these spots are popular during the summer. The clubs offer extra fun for your family that can enhance any vacation. They include family movies, outdoor games like volleyball and croquet, team activities and more.

Kayaking

Kayaking is a water sport that can be as peaceful as discovering the shallows of a lake or an adrenaline pumping adventure on rushing rivers. No matter your preference, the key is having the right gear. A personal floatation device (PFD) is a must. This vest keeps you afloat if your kayak capsizes and can be worn under clothing. Splash protection goggles help to keep debris and waves from getting in your eyes and waterproof bags ensure that your belongings stay dry.

The island's many creeks and tidal marshes are ideal for kayaking and canoeing. Explore on your own or book a tour. You can also enjoy the scenery on foot along the Kent Mitchell Nature Trail or by horseback on the beach. Bird-watching is a popular pastime on the island, where nature preserves account for about 80 percent of the landscape. You can see many species, including egrets, herons and osprey. The salt marshes, tidal creeks and ocean waters are filled with wildlife year-round. A guided nature tour is a great way to spot some of the native birds and animals.

Surfing

Often described as an art form as much as a sport, surfing requires both courage and patience to master. Surfers must accurately judge the shape of each wave and its strength, direction, height and current. In addition to being a full-body workout, the physical and mental aspects of surfing foster a deep connection with nature. Surfers also become advocates for ocean conservation, addressing issues like plastic pollution and marine life protection.

You can explore the island on a bike or golf cart, which most vacation rentals from Bald Head Island Services come with. There are two beach clubs on the island: Bald Head Island Club and Shoals Club. Both offer temporary memberships during your stay, and both have pools on the beach for chairs and food service.

If you don’t want to rent a bike or golf cart, you can also take a private passenger ferry from Indigo Plantation Marina in Southport. This is a great way to enjoy the beach without the noise and traffic of a car. It’s best to book early though as the summer is peak season on the island.

Turtle Walks

Every year scores of loggerhead sea turtles return to their home on Bald Head Island to lay eggs. The Conservancy’s Turtle Walk programs give guests the opportunity to see these creatures up close.

The evening program begins with a presentation in Gumbo Limbo’s Fleming Classroom to learn about the life cycle and behavior of sea turtles and how the Conservancy protects them. Afterward, guests go to a beach where permitted scouts are looking for nesting or hatching sea turtle activity. If a turtle is spotted, the group will be led to the location and allowed to watch as it lays its eggs.

To prevent disturbing the animals, phones, flash photography, and other lights are not allowed on the beach during these guided walks. However, flashlights with red light are provided, since this is less distracting for the turtles.

Take advantage of the island’s natural beauty and hike on the half-mile Kent Mitchel Nature Trail or through the Bald Head Island Woods Maritime Forest Preserve. There are also plenty of creeks and tidal creeks that can be explored by kayak. Bring your own or rent a kayak from Coastal Urge or Riverside Outdoor Recreation.

Shopping

Whether you’re stocking up on supplies for a fun island beach day, looking for the perfect souvenir to remember your trip, or supporting local conservation efforts, Bald Head Island has shops to suit everyone. From artisan crafts to high-end retail, the island’s boutiques and shops offer a unique shopping experience that reflects the Island’s culture.

Coastal Urge’s retail shop carries apparel that captures the island lifestyle. You’ll find everything from swimwear and active wear to shoes and accessories at this boutique, which carries brands like Patagonia, North Face, Vineyard Vines, Lilly Pulitzer, and more.

Located in Merchant’s Row, All About Art is the place to pick up that one-of-a-kind work of art. From paintings to sculptures, you’ll be sure to find something special for your home. If you’re looking to support a good cause during your vacation, make sure to stop by Turtle Central Gift Shop, operated by the Bald Head Island Conservancy. This gift shop features a wide selection of gifts and toys that help fund the Conservancy’s many initiatives, including the Sea Turtle Protection Program.