Surf City and Topsail Island Adventure Guide

It’s our opinion that no trip to Topsail Island is complete without a fishing adventure. Whether you’re wanting to catch Red Drum, Speckled Trout or Flounder in our mazes of marshland, target schools of Spanish Mackerel near our inlets, or go after big fish like Wahoo and Mahi Mahi offshore, the knowledgeable fishing guides in our area are here to make your dreams a reality. Below is a list of trusted Topsail fishing charters that we recommend.

Lea-Hutaff Island is a 5,641-acre uninhabited  barrier island and marsh system located just south of Topsail Island. New Topsail Inlet separates the two islands, and Lea-Hutaff Island can be seen from the southern tip of Topsail Island. Formerly Lea Island and Hutaff Island, the four mile land mass was consolidated in 1998 when Old Topsail Inlet closed.

Lea-Hutaff Island is only accessible by boat, leaving its beaches pristine. A favorite spot among locals, it’s an ideal escape from summertime crowded beaches. With less beachcombers, comes excellent shelling and fossil hunting opportunities.  

Due to the island being uninhabited, it is a haven for wildlife. With the support of Audubon North Carolina, specific areas of the island are posted and patrolled in order to protect tern and skimmer colonies.

If you choose to visit Lea-Hutaff Island during your visit, please leave only your footprints.

Locally referred to as “The Turtle Hospital,” The Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue & Rehabilitation Center is a proud staple of our community. The organization started as the Topsail Turtle Project, with Karen Beasly leading a small group of dedicated volunteers. The Topsail Turtle Project patrols the 26 miles of Topsail Island daily during nesting season, in order to identify and protect newly laid Sea Turtle nests. You will most likely pass by one of these nests during your stay at Topsail Island if you visit between May and September, generally marked off with bright colored ribbon and signage identifying the nest. They also monitor these nests during hatching season, in order to ensure the hatchlings reach the water as safely as possible. In 1997, the organization began caring for sick and injured sea turtles. The need for more space and funding continued to grow, and in 2013, the current Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue & Rehabilitation Center opened its doors on the mainland side of Surf City. The 13,000 square foot facility cares for many different ages and species of sea turtles year round, with the goal of being able to release these turtles safely into their natural habitat. The Turtle Hospital is a “must see” in Surf City, for children and adults alike. You must book tickets in advance, as time slots fill up quickly. Check out their website below for more information, and to reserve your guided tour.  

https://www.seaturtlehospital.org/

Are you looking to get out on the water and explore the Intracoastal Waterway? Check out Surf City Jet Ski & Watersports, located just down the street from us on Roland Avenue. With a large selection of personal watercraft, you’re bound to have fun zooming around the backwaters behind Surf City.

https://surfcityjetskirentals.com/