Glide the Marsh: A Morning Kayak Tour of Zeke’s Island Reserve
A calm, guided kayak through an ever-shifting saltmarsh where history, wildlife, and tide set the pace.
Dawn moves quietly across the Cape Fear, and the marsh answers. Spartina grass stands at attention, each blade beaded with salt as if the night left a signature. Brown pelicans skim the water’s skin and the tide inhales, pulling a hush over the flats. You slide your kayak into the brackish slip beside The Rocks at Fort Fisher, and the bay greets you with glass. The morning sets the rhythm: steady, unhurried, sure. The marsh invites you in—and dares you to notice.
Trail Wisdom
Book the earliest tour
Morning trips offer the calmest winds, cooler temps, and the best wildlife activity. The glassy water is worth the alarm.
Wear secure water shoes
Marsh landings can be muddy and uneven. Closed-toe sandals or water shoes keep traction and protect your feet.
Pack more water than you think
Humidity and reflected sun can sneak up on you. Bring at least two bottles per person in summer.
Protect your phone and optics
Use a small dry bag or zip-top pouch and tether valuables. Saltwater is unforgiving, even on calm days.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •A low-tide sandbar near The Rocks that reveals shell beds and great wader viewing
- •Quiet shoreline nooks on the river side of Fort Fisher where terrapins surface at slack tide
Wildlife
American oystercatcher, Black skimmer
Conservation Note
Zeke’s Island is part of the NC Coastal Reserve; landings should avoid marsh grass and oyster beds. Keep respectful distances from nesting and feeding birds.
The Rocks at Fort Fisher, completed in 1881, closed New Inlet to stabilize the Cape Fear River shipping channel—today it’s a productive habitat for fish and birds.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Migratory birdwatching, Mild temperatures
Challenges: Occasional wind shifts, Unpredictable showers
March–May brings active birdlife and comfortable paddling conditions. Expect cool mornings and quick-changing coastal weather.
summer
Best for: Warm water, Family outings
Challenges: Heat and humidity, Afternoon thunderstorms
June–August offers calm mornings and bathtub-warm water. Book early tours and hydrate heavily to beat the heat.
fall
Best for: Stable weather, Peak migration
Challenges: Lower morning tides, Shorter daylight
September–November is prime: lighter winds, clear skies, and shorebirds funneling through the reserve.
winter
Best for: Quiet waterways, Crisp visibility
Challenges: Cold fronts, Wind chill on open water
December–February means solitude and big sky days. Dress in layers and watch the forecast for wind.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Polarized sunglasses with retainerEssential
Cuts glare on the water, sharpens wildlife viewing, and stays put if you turn to spot birds.
Lightweight long-sleeve sun shirt (UPF)Essential
Sun and reflection are intense here—fabric beats sunscreen alone for all-day protection.
Small dry bag (5–10L)Essential
Protects phone, keys, and snacks from splashes during landings and paddle drips.
Compact telephoto camera lens (300mm+)
Gives reach for skimmers and oystercatchers without crowding wildlife.
Common Questions
Do I need prior kayaking experience?
No. This guided tour uses stable kayaks on calm, shallow water and includes basic instruction at the launch.
What wildlife might I see?
Common sightings include egrets, herons, oystercatchers, black skimmers, pelicans, fiddler crabs, and occasionally dolphins or diamondback terrapins.
Is the tour suitable for kids?
Yes. Families often paddle tandem; check age/weight guidelines when booking and plan for sun protection and snacks.
What should I wear on my feet?
Wear secure water shoes or sandals with straps. Avoid flip-flops—they can get sucked off in marsh mud during landings.
How windy does it get?
Mornings are typically the calmest. Afternoons can bring sea breezes and summer thunderheads, which is why tours run early.
Are phones and cameras safe to bring?
Yes, with protection. Use a dry bag or waterproof pouch and keep gear leashed to your PFD or boat.
What to Pack
Wide-brim hat and UPF shirt to beat reflected sun; Two liters of water per person in summer for hydration; Secure water shoes for muddy marsh landings; Small dry bag to protect phone, keys, and snacks from saltwater.
Did You Know
The 1.8-mile rock wall known as The Rocks at Fort Fisher was completed in 1881 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to close New Inlet and protect the Cape Fear River shipping channel; it now functions as a thriving marine habitat.
Quick Travel Tips
Arrive 15–20 minutes early to sort gear and sunscreen without rushing; Check the ferry schedule if pairing your trip with a Southport visit; Expect spotty cell service near the launch—download maps and confirmations; Bring cash or a card for parking or post-paddle snacks in Kure Beach.
Local Flavor
Post-paddle, grab shrimp tacos or a cold drink at Jack Mackerel’s Island Grill in Kure Beach, or swing by Britt’s Donut Shop on the Carolina Beach Boardwalk for a classic coastal treat. If you’re ferrying to Southport, the riverfront fish shacks plate up local catch with a view of the Cape Fear.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: Wilmington International (ILM), ~45 minutes. Trailhead/launch: End of Fort Fisher Blvd S, beside the wildlife boat ramp. Drive time: ~15 minutes from Carolina Beach, ~40 minutes from downtown Wilmington. Cell service: Patchy near the launch. Permits: None for guided tours; all gear provided by outfitter.
Sustainability Note
This estuary feeds the Cape Fear—avoid trampling marsh grass and oyster beds, give wildlife extra space, and pack out every scrap. Use reef-safe sunscreen and rinse salt from gear away from the launch to keep runoff clean.