First Light on the Cape Fear: Sunrise Paddle in the Zeke’s Island Reserve
Glassy creeks, waking wildlife, and a front-row seat to dawn in one of North Carolina’s most pristine coastal reserves.
Dawn arrives soft and deliberate on the south end of Kure Beach. The sky blushes, then swells into bands of apricot and rose as the Atlantic exhales a salty breeze across the marsh. You slide a kayak into the still water at the edge of Zeke’s Island Reserve, a hush sitting over the flats. Pelicans idle on posts like sentries. A blue heron lifts its knees with comic concentration, then spears breakfast. The tide turns the creeks into gentle conveyor belts, urging you seaward as the first rim of sun tests the horizon. Nature wakes with you—and it’s in no hurry.
Trail Wisdom
Time Your Tide
Ask your guide about tide timing—an outgoing tide can give you an effortless ride back to the launch.
Dress For Splash, Not Soak
Quick-dry layers and secure water shoes beat cotton and flip-flops; the marsh likes to test footwear.
Bug Strategy at First Light
In warmer months, a dab of bug spray at the ramp can make dawn more comfortable without overdoing it.
Protect Your Tech
Use a waterproof phone pouch or small dry bag for cameras—sunrise reflections are worth the extra safeguard.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Walk out along The Rocks at low tide for views over the lagoon and Bald Head Island
- •Hike the Basin Trail at Fort Fisher for a quick marsh overlook and Civil War-era history
Wildlife
Bottlenose dolphins, Ospreys
Conservation Note
This estuarine reserve protects vital nursery habitat—keep distance from birds on sand spits, avoid trampling shellfish beds, and pack out every scrap.
The Army Corps’ 19th-century breakwater known as The Rocks closed New Inlet, creating the sheltered basin that defines today’s Zeke’s Island Reserve.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Migratory bird activity, Mild temperatures
Challenges: Variable winds, Cooler water temps
Spring brings lively birdlife and gentle mornings. Dress in layers and expect crisp air with occasional breezes.
summer
Best for: Warm water, Peak wildlife sightings
Challenges: Early sunrise start times, Heat and pop-up thunderstorms
Sunrise beats the heat and crowds. Hydrate well, watch the forecast, and enjoy glassy water before the day warms.
fall
Best for: Stable weather, Clear golden light
Challenges: Occasional frontal winds, Shorter daylight
Fall is prime for calm mornings and fewer bugs. The marsh glows, and wildlife remains active in cooler air.
winter
Best for: Crisp visibility, Quiet waterways
Challenges: Cold air temps, Wind chill on open water
Bundle up with a windproof layer. Clear skies and solitude make for striking, reflective paddles.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Lightweight WindbreakerEssential
Blocks dawn breezes without overheating as the sun rises.
Polarized SunglassesEssential
Cuts glare on the water so you can spot fish and birds more easily.
Water Shoes or Sandals with Heel StrapEssential
Secure footing for sandy or muddy launches and short exploration stops.
Small Dry Bag or Phone PouchEssential
Protects your phone and small camera gear from splash while you shoot sunrise.
Common Questions
Do I need kayaking experience?
No. The route uses protected, shallow water and the pace is beginner-friendly with frequent breaks.
What wildlife might I see?
Common sightings include egrets, herons, oystercatchers, skimmers, pelicans, and occasionally diamondback terrapins or bottlenose dolphins.
What should I bring?
Bring water or electrolyte drinks, a light snack, sunscreen, bug spray, and secure footwear. A windbreaker and a phone pouch are smart additions.
Are single and tandem kayaks available?
Outfitters typically offer both; ask when booking to choose what fits your comfort and group.
What happens if the weather looks bad?
Guides monitor live radar and wind. Tours may delay, reschedule, or cancel with a full refund if conditions aren’t safe or enjoyable.
Where do we meet and can I park there?
Meet at the kayak launch beside the Fort Fisher wildlife boat ramp at the end of Fort Fisher Blvd; parking is available nearby.
What to Pack
Electrolyte-rich water (sunrise doesn’t cancel hydration), secure water shoes (mud and shell beds), light windbreaker (dawn breezes), phone dry pouch (sunrise photos without stress).
Did You Know
The 1.8-mile granite breakwater called “The Rocks” was built beginning in 1871 to close New Inlet and stabilize the Cape Fear River channel, unintentionally creating the protected lagoon that nurtures Zeke’s Island Reserve.
Quick Travel Tips
Arrive 15 minutes early to gear up without rushing; check the Fort Fisher–Southport ferry schedule if you plan a post-paddle Southport visit; expect limited services at the launch—restrooms are up the road near the ferry; in summer, bring extra water and a light snack for the midway stop.
Local Flavor
After you rack the boats, detour to Carolina Beach Boardwalk for a classic treat at Britt’s Donuts (cash only, seasonal hours), then grab a pint at Good Hops Brewing or head into Wilmington for riverside seafood and live music along the Riverwalk.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: Wilmington International (ILM), ~45–55 minutes by car. Trailhead: Kayak Launch at Zeke’s Island Reserve, end of Fort Fisher Blvd S. Drive time from Kure Beach: ~10 minutes; from Wilmington: ~40 minutes. Cell service: Generally good but can be spotty along the launch. Permits: None needed for guided tours; arrive early for parking.
Sustainability Note
Zeke’s Island is a protected estuarine reserve—paddle softly, keep distance from shorebird roosts, use reef-safe sunscreen, and pack out all trash. Avoid dragging boats over marsh grass to prevent habitat damage.