Sliding Through the Basin: A Family Kayak Tour on Zeke’s Island
2.5-3 Hours • Discovery with Nets and Buckets -- Great for Kids in Age and at Heart!
Morning eases in soft and slow over Kure Beach, and the tide keeps time. You walk toward the kayak launch where the pavement fades to marsh, the last bit of Fort Fisher Boulevard surrendering to the water. Fiddler crabs retreat like stagehands, the reeds whisper, and a heron lifts itself into the air with a shrug. The guide checks the wind, reads the current, and grins: a good day to slip into The Basin. You push off, and the creek takes hold—polite at first, then confident—gliding you toward Zeke’s Island, where sandbars rise like secrets at low tide and dolphins sometimes cut a quiet arc through the channel.
Trail Wisdom
Launch Early for Calm Water
Book the earliest departure for lighter winds and glassier creeks—mornings are when The Basin is at its most forgiving.
Secure Footwear Wins
Skip flip-flops. Wear strapped sandals or water shoes that stay on during sandy shore stops and shell-studded landings.
Hydrate Like It’s Summer (Even When It’s Not)
Bring at least 1–2 liters of water per person; add electrolytes in warm months to stay sharp in the humid coastal air.
Protect Your Tech
Phones and keys go in a dry bag or waterproof pouch—marsh water doesn’t negotiate.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Walk a section of The Rocks at low tide for sweeping views of The Basin and Bald Head Island
- •Look for emerging sandbars mid-tide—prime spots for shorebird feeding and quiet photo ops
Wildlife
Bottlenose dolphins, American oystercatchers
Conservation Note
Zeke’s Island is part of the NC Coastal Reserve—respect posted closures for nesting birds, avoid trampling marsh grass, and pack out all trash.
Fort Fisher once protected the Confederacy’s last major port; The Rocks jetty (late 1800s) reshaped the inlet and formed the calm lagoon known as The Basin.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Mild temperatures, Active birdlife
Challenges: Changeable winds, Cooler mornings
Expect fresh breezes, clear light, and busy marshes. Layers help for early starts, and wind can pick up by midday.
summer
Best for: Warm water paddling, Family outings
Challenges: Heat and humidity, Afternoon thunderstorms
Aim for morning tours to beat the heat and dodge pop-up storms; bring extra water and sun protection.
fall
Best for: Stable weather, Migratory birds
Challenges: Shorter daylight, Occasional frontal winds
Often the goldilocks season—warm water and crisp air—though early cold fronts can bring breezy days.
winter
Best for: Quiet waterways, Clear visibility
Challenges: Cold water, Wind chill
Dress in insulating layers and windproof shells; wildlife spotting can be excellent on calm, bright days.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Strapped Water Shoes or SandalsEssential
Secure footwear protects feet from shells and stays on during shallow landings and shore explorations.
Wide-Brim Hat and UPF SunwearEssential
Coastal sun reflects off the water; UPF layers and a hat keep you cool and protected.
Lightweight Dry Bag (5–10L)Essential
Keeps phones, keys, and snacks dry in the event of splashes or an unexpected dunking.
Electrolyte Drinks or Tablets
Helps maintain energy and focus during humid paddles, especially for kids and beginners.
Common Questions
Do I need prior kayaking experience?
No. This tour is beginner-friendly with shallow, protected waters and frequent breaks. Your guide provides instruction and sets an easy pace.
Can children join the tour?
Yes. Kids ages 3–11 typically paddle in a double with an adult. The route includes shore stops and hands-on netting that keeps young paddlers engaged.
What wildlife might we see?
Common sightings include egrets, herons, oystercatchers, pelicans, fiddler and blue crabs, and occasionally dolphins or diamondback terrapins.
How wet will I get?
Expect light splashes from paddling and wet feet during shore landings; wear quick-dry clothing and water shoes.
What if the weather looks questionable?
Tours monitor live radar and wind; if conditions aren’t safe or enjoyable, you’ll be rescheduled or refunded 100% if rescheduling isn’t possible.
Where do we meet?
Meet at the Kayak Launch at Zeke’s Island Reserve, 2515 Fort Fisher Blvd S, Kure Beach, beside the Ft. Fisher Wildlife boat ramp near The Rocks.
What to Pack
1) Two liters of water per person with electrolytes—coastal heat sneaks up fast; 2) Quick-dry layers and a brimmed hat for sun and spray; 3) Strapped water shoes to handle shells and sandy landings; 4) Small dry bag for phone, keys, and snacks.
Did You Know
The stone breakwater called “The Rocks,” built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers between the 1870s and 1890s, created The Basin’s calm waters and helped stabilize the Cape Fear River channel—shaping today’s Zeke’s Island Reserve habitat.
Quick Travel Tips
Arrive 20 minutes early to sort gear and sunscreen without rushing; Morning departures offer the calmest water and cooler temps; Ferry to Southport after your paddle for a scenic add-on; Expect spotty cell service near the launch—download directions ahead of time.
Local Flavor
Post-paddle, head to Kure Beach’s small-town heart: grab seafood at Jack Mackerel’s Island Grill or a cozy plate at Freddie’s by the pier. For craft beer, Good Hops Brewing in Carolina Beach pours local favorites, and a detour to the Carolina Beach Boardwalk for Britt’s Donuts is a rite of passage.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: Wilmington International (ILM), ~40 minutes by car. Trailhead: Kayak Launch at Zeke’s Island Reserve, 2515 Fort Fisher Blvd S. From Carolina Beach, expect a 15-minute drive south. Cell service is limited around the launch and on the water. No permits required for the guided tour; arrive early for parking near the boat ramp.
Sustainability Note
Zeke’s Island is a protected estuarine reserve. Land only on durable sand, avoid posted bird-nesting areas, keep a respectful distance from wildlife, and pack out every scrap—including microtrash from snack wrappers.