Wilmington, NC
Cape Fear Expedition
Departs from
Departs from ILM Modern Aviation
1817 Aviation Drive, Wilmington, NC 28405
- Monday - Thursday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Friday - Saturday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Sunday Closed
250
per person
Airplane Only
Cape Fear Expedition
For a REAL adventure, journey to Bald Head Island for the BEST photo ops! See everything on the Masonboro Excursion, AND Brunswick Town, Southport, Fort Fisher, Carolina Beach, Gen. Beauregard shipwreck and 2 lighthouses. 35 miles of beaches and of course, Cape Fear itself!
Included
Notable tour sights
- Downtown Wilmington
- Wrightsville Beach
- US Coast Guard Station Wilmington
- Crystal Pier
- Johnnie Mercers Pier
- Orton Plantation
- Intracoastal Waterway
- Masonboro Island
- Southport
- Fort Fisher
- Carolina Beach
- Beauregard Shipwreck
- Oak Island Lighthouse
- Baldhead Island Lighthouse
- 65 miles | 55 minutes
- Narrated by pilot
- Historic landmarks
- Wildlife sightings
Come Fly Over
Wilmington, NC
Our Wilmington tours depart from ILM Modern Aviation, located at Wilmington International Airport (ILM) at 1817 Aviation Drive, Wilmington, NC 28405. Here you'll find our airplane tours and our world-class flight school training local pilots across the southeastern coast. Come visit us today!
Select from the tours below

Wilmington, NC
Battleship to the Beach
A scenic flight from the Battleship North Carolina to Wrightsville Beach.
- 20 minutes of flight
- 25 miles of coastline
- Airplane only

Wilmington, NC
Masonboro Excursion
A scenic flight to Masonboro Island, a pristine barrier island.
- 35 minutes of flight
- 40 miles of coastline
- Airplane only

Wilmington, NC
Topsail Trek
A scenic flight to Topsail Island, known for its beautiful beaches and rich history.
- 45 minutes of flight
- 55 miles of coastline
- Airplane only

Wilmington, NC
Cape Fear Expedition
Real adventure awaits on this scenic flight over the Cape Fear River and its surrounding areas.
- 50 minutes of flight
- 65 miles of coastline
- Airplane only

Wilmington, NC
Beach Lover Tour
A comprehensive tour of Wilmington's beaches, lighthouses, and coastal landmarks.
- 65 minutes of flight
- 85 miles of coastline
- Airplane only
Tours
Frequently asked questions
Where can I take a helicopter tour?
Helicopter tours are available in Southport. It's a beautiful location offering stunning views and an unforgettable experience.
How many passengers are needed for a tour?
The number of passengers required for a tour depends on the type of aircraft:
- Helicopter tours require 2 to 3 passengers.
- Cessna tours can accommodate between 1 and 3 passengers.
Is there a weight limit for the tour?
Yes, the combined weight limit for all passengers is 550 pounds. This ensures a safe and comfortable experience for everyone on board.
What is the minimum age requirement for a tour?
Children aged 3 years and older are required to have their own ticket for the tour.
Are headsets included in the tour?
Yes, headsets are included in the tour. They allow you to communicate with the pilot and other passengers, ensuring you don't miss any of the commentary or exciting details during the tour.