3 Hour Trip • Nature at It's Best! • Mon - Sun
Discover peaceful paddling through the lush wetlands of Holly Shelter Creek near Wilmington, NC. Join Mahanaim Adventures for a three-hour kayak journey filled with wildlife sightings and tranquil waters.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
Basic fitness is sufficient; you should be comfortable sitting and paddling for a few hours.
Wildlife
History
Holly Shelter was historically used for timber and hunting before becoming protected for conservation.
Conservation
Visitors are encouraged to practice Leave No Trace principles to preserve the delicate wetland ecosystem.
Mahanaim Adventures
3 Hour Trip • Nature at It's Best! • Mon - Sun
Mahanaim Adventures is a Wilmington, North Carolina-based outfitter specializing in guided kayaking experiences on the Cape Fear River and nearby waterways. The company offers a diverse slate of trips that highlight the region’s coastal marshes, blackwater swamps, historic rice canals, and barrier-island beaches.\n\nTrips include evening Full Moon Kayaking with a picnic, wildlife-focused journeys on the Black River and 3 Sisters Swamp, coastal paddles to Fort Fisher and Zekes Island, family fossil hunts at Sharks Tooth Island, and explorations of Historic Eagle Island’s hand-dug rice canals from the 1700s. Several tours are offered as private excursions for families and small groups.\n\nMany experiences are three-hour guided trips, with the Black River option described as an eight-mile exploration. Mahanaim Adventures emphasizes local routes and wildlife viewing opportunities — guests can expect scenic sandbars, marsh islands, and chances to observe birds, otters, deer, dolphins, and other coastal species mentioned in trip descriptions.\n\nMahanaim Adventures serves both beginners and experienced paddlers, providing guided itineraries on waterways around Wilmington, NC. The company’s trip selection spans day paddles, historic-site tours, family-oriented fossil hunts, and night paddles under the full moon, offering a range of options for outdoor recreation and nature exploration in southeastern North Carolina.
Tours Offered
10
Guided kayak experiences available
Base Location
Wilmington, NC
Launches on the Cape Fear River
Private Trips
Available
Private tours for families or groups
Typical Trip Length
3 hours
Most guided trips last three hours
Reserve a guided, private, or family-friendly trip — explore marshes, blackwater swamps, islands, and historic canals with Mahanaim Adventures.
Wear Water-Resistant Clothing
Light, quick-dry clothing will keep you comfortable during this wet paddle.
Bring Bug Spray
Mosquitoes and gnats are common, especially in warmer months, so protect yourself.
Paddle at a Relaxed Pace
The creek’s current is gentle, so take time to enjoy wildlife and scenery.
Check Weather Before Launching
Avoid kayaking during storms or strong winds for safety and comfort.
Personal Flotation Device (PFD)
Provided by the operator; essential for safety on the water.
Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your personal items dry throughout the adventure.
Sunhat and Sunglasses
Protects you from sun exposure during the paddle.
spring;summer;fall
Lightweight Rain Jacket
Useful for unexpected showers or cooler weather on the creek.
spring;fall;winter