Explore Zeke's Island: Kayaking Through North Carolina’s Untouched Coastal Reserve

Paddle in the Zeke's Island Coastal Reserve

Rates & Times

Single Kayak

• 1-3 hours: $55
• 4 - 6 hours: $70
• Full Day: $85

Tandem Kayak

• 1-3 hours: $75
• 4 - 6 hours: $90
• Full Day: $105

What to Expect

You'll need to call to book a kayak rental, but you can view our rates below. On the date and time of your tour, one of our team members will drop off your kayak(s) at the launch point location. Once you're done, we will also pick up your kayak(s) from that location.

About This Location

Zeke's Island ventures out into the flat water of the Fort Fisher basin where there is little or no boat traffic, perfect for kayakers of all ages and skill levels! As part of the Colonial Waterbirds Nesting Area and National Estuarine Research Reserve, this salt marsh is 8,000 acres and hosts a wide variety of bird, marine, and plant life, providing a unique nature experience you can only get in a kayak.

How to Prepare

• You're provided a kayak, a paddle, and a life jacket for each paid seat. Each person in a tandem kayak will also receive a paddle and life jacket.
• Phones are welcome but please secure them in a Ziploc bag as we cannot be responsible for lost items.
• Sunscreen and bug spray are recommended.
• We recommend avoiding flip-flops. Please wear shoes that are secured to your feet. You should wear shoes and clothes that can get wet and dirty.
• Water levels on this tour tend to remain around 6 inches to 4 feet deep, but this can vary.
• Bring bottled water and a soft lunch box with snacks that can be tucked away within your kayak.

Location

• ADDRESS: Kayak Launch at Zeke's Island Reserve 2515 S. Fort Fisher Blvd South Kure Beach, NC.
• PARKING: 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 which is 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.

Distance to major destinations:

• Carolina Beach Boardwalk -- 6.4 miles (15 minutes)
• Fort Fisher Ferry Terminal (to Southport) -- .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 mins)
• Masonboro Island -- 14.9 miles (30 Minutes)
• Wrightsville Beach – 24.9 miles (44 mins)
• Airlie Gardens – 22.6 miles (39 mins)
• Jungle Rapids – 20.9 miles (37 mins)
• Topsail Beach 57.9 miles (1 hour 30 minutes)