Kayak Launch Points

Launch your kayak from one of our favorite launch points! These kayaking spots are great for our tours and self-guided kayak rentals!

Click a location to drop down to the kayak launch point details. All kayak locations are in close proximity to amazing local attractions! 

Zeke’s Island Launch

Shark’s Tooth Launch

Masonboro Launch

Kayak Launch at Zeke’s Island NC Coastal Reserve

Address: 2515 S. Fort Fisher Blvd South Kure Beach, NC

✅ PARKING: Free. Park anywhere on the right-hand side before you get to the end of the road in the car parking area.

✅ MEET UP SPOT: Meet us at the Kayak Launch, situated to the right of the big wooden sign to the right of the boat ramp in the grassy area between the end of the trailer parking and the water.

✅ NOTES: Easily accessible. Just south of the Fort Fisher Ferry, 100 yards down, at the very end of the road (end of Fort Fisher Blvd, end of 421), next to the Ft. Fisher Wildlife boat ramp, next to “The Rocks” at Fort Fisher, 2 miles south of the Ft. Fisher NC Aquarium, Ft. Fisher Historic Site, and Ft. Fisher Recreation Area State Park.

✅ BATHROOMS: Public restrooms are located at the Fort Fisher Ferry landing (100 yards), as well as at the Fort Fisher Recreation Area (1 mile up the road).

✅ WATER & SNACKS: Located at the ferry landing if needed, as well as Fort Fisher Recreation Area and the convenience store in Kure Beach.

Distance to Major Attractions:

✅ Carolina Beach Boardwalk – 6.4 miles (15 minutes)
✅ Fort Fisher Ferry Terminal (to Southport) – 0.2 miles (2 minutes)
✅ NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher – 2 miles (5 minutes)
✅ Carolina Beach State Park – 7.6 miles (14 minutes)
✅ Southport Historic Riverwalk (via ferry) – 7 miles (44 minutes)
✅ Oak Island (via ferry) – 17.5 miles (62 minutes)
✅ Sunset Beach (via ferry) – 42.1 miles (1 hour 35 minutes)
✅ Downtown Wilmington – 21.7 miles (40 minutes)
✅ Masonboro Island – 14.9 miles (30 minutes)
✅ Wrightsville Beach – 24.9 miles (44 minutes)
✅ Airlie Gardens – 22.6 miles (39 minutes)
✅ Jungle Rapids – 20.9 miles (37 minutes)

Kayak Launch at Shark’s Tooth and Keg Islands

Address: 100 River Road Park Wilmington, NC 28412

The kayak launch is inside River Road Park.*

✅ PARKING: Free. As soon as you come into the park, the restrooms are right at the entrance—make a stop there if you would like. Then pull down into the park and park anywhere on the left-hand side. We will be right there on the right-hand side.

✅ MEET UP SPOT: Once parked on the left, walk to the right-hand side. We will meet you in the sandy, grassy area near the huge oak tree. You will meet your guide, fit PFDs, get paddles, and do orientation. We will then walk you down to the water. NOTE: We do not meet at the water first. Space is limited.

✅ NOTES: Easily accessible. Conveniently located on River Road, halfway between Wilmington and Carolina Beach. The Carolina Beach Snow’s Cut bridge is 5.5 miles away.

✅ BATHROOMS: Public restrooms are located at the entrance of the park on the right-hand side.

✅ WATER & SNACKS: Please bring snacks and water with you. There are also a few convenience stores and grocery stores within a couple of miles.

Distance to Major Attractions:

✅ Carolina Beach Boardwalk – 8.1 miles (14 minutes)
✅ Downtown Wilmington – 10.2 miles (18 minutes)
✅ Wrightsville Beach – 14.5 miles (28 minutes)
✅ Airlie Gardens – 12.3 miles (22 minutes)
✅ Jungle Rapids – 9.1 miles (17 minutes)
✅ Masonboro Island – 4.7 miles (12 minutes)
✅ Fort Fisher Ferry Terminal (to Southport) – 14.5 miles (25 minutes)
✅ NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher – 13.7 miles (24 minutes)
✅ Carolina Beach State Park – 7.2 miles (11 minutes)
✅ Southport Historic Riverwalk – 39.6 miles (57 minutes)
✅ Oak Island – 39.4 miles (51 minutes)
✅ Sunset Beach – 55.7 miles (71 minutes)
✅ Topsail Beach – 57.9 miles (1 hour 30 minutes)

Kayak Launch at Masonboro Island NC Coastal Reserve

Address: 613 Trail’s End Road, Wilmington, NC 28409

Inside Trails End Park*

✅ PARKING: Park anywhere in the car parking designated areas, generally along the back fence to the far left. (If it is the weekend during the warmer months, please consider taking an Uber/Lyft or getting a ride to/from the location, as parking is limited on weekends.)

✅ MEETING SPOT: We meet directly between the pier/dock and boat ramp/kayak launch in the grassy area overlooking the water. You will see the picnic table, sign, and our kayaks and gear set up there. Your guide or rental assistant will be there to meet you.

✅ NOTES: Easily accessible. The launch is located within Trails End Park, on the left at the end of the road.

✅ BATHROOMS: Porta-potties are set up at the park. There are also convenience stores in each direction and a coffee shop nearby.

✅ WATER & SNACKS: Please bring snacks and water with you. There are also a few convenience stores and grocery stores within a couple of miles.

Distance to Major Attractions:

✅ Carolina Beach Boardwalk – 9.7 miles (17 minutes)
✅ Downtown Wilmington – 9.6 miles (21 minutes)
✅ Wrightsville Beach – 9.6 miles (18 minutes)
✅ Airlie Gardens – 7.3 miles (13 minutes)
✅ Jungle Rapids – 5.7 miles (11 minutes)
✅ Zeke’s Island – 14.1 miles (24 minutes)
✅ Fort Fisher Ferry Terminal (to Southport) – 16.2 miles (28 minutes)
✅ NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher – 15.5 miles (27 minutes)
✅ Carolina Beach State Park – 9 miles (15 minutes)
✅ Southport Historic Riverwalk – 38.6 miles (57 minutes)
✅ Oak Island – 38.3 miles (53 minutes)
✅ Sunset Beach – 54.6 miles (70 minutes)
✅ Topsail Beach – 42.7 miles (1 hour 15 minutes)

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