Adventure Collective
Sunrise Paddle Adventure at Zeke's Island Reserve: Kayaking at Dawn in Kure Beach, NC - Kure Beach

Sunrise Paddle Adventure at Zeke's Island Reserve: Kayaking at Dawn in Kure Beach, NC

Kure Beacheasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

2–3 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for beginners in reasonable physical shape; moderate paddling endurance needed.

Overview

Experience the peaceful dawn with a guided kayak tour at Zeke’s Island Reserve, Kure Beach, NC. Glide through calm coastal waters while observing vibrant sunrises and native wildlife—ideal for all skill levels.

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Kure Beach, North Carolina

Sunrise Paddle in the Zeke's Island Reserve

2.5-3 Hour Tour • Experience the majestic sunrise colors from the front row of your kayak

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About This Adventure

Experience the magic of dawn on our guided kayak tour at Kure Beach and Zeke’s Island. Paddle through serene waters, surrounded by vibrant wildlife and breathtaking sunrises. Perfect for all skill levels, this unforgettable adventure offers exploration breaks and the chance to witness nature waking up. Join us for a memorable morning!

Enjoy the beautiful daybreak at Kure Beach and Zeke’s Island with our unforgettable sunrise guided kayak tour.

Duration

2.5 Hours

Prices

$75 per person

Group Rates (automatically calculates upon booking)

  • 10-14pp $68pp
  • 15-19pp $65pp
  • 20-24pp $62pp
  • 25-29pp $60pp
  • 30-34pp $58pp

About This Tour

No experience is necessary. Beginners and First Timers welcome.

On this tour, you’ll make your way through the calm, glassy, glistening waters along Zeke’s Island. Paddling through the waters at this time is often very minimal effort, so great for relaxation and enjoying the sights. Your kayak tour guide will take you through the bays and marsh creeks that separate Fort Fisher and Bald Head Island, and you’ll be surrounded by tranquil wildlife and nature illuminated by the colorful sunrise overhead. Oftentimes the moon will still be out, and in the event of a full moon, you may even catch a glimpse of it setting as the sun rises. There’s a reason that this tour is a favorite among our guides! You can also expect to see various kinds of birds, fish, and turtles, all dependent on what nature allows. Sunrise is when nature is waking up too.

Nature Experiences

Our tours are focused on the beautiful nature and wildlife that surrounds them. Although we cannot guarantee that you'll see any wildlife, kayakers often do see animals along the way. Some of the various animals and species you may encounter on the tour include: Shorebirds, wading birds, egrets, herons, oystercatchers, skimmers, seagulls, terns, brown pelicans, hermit, fiddler and blue crabs, diamondback terrapin, sea turtles, loggerheads, and dolphin. We never know what we'll see and every tour is different.

Weather, 100% Guarantee

Go ahead and sign up for your desired tour and time with the assurance that if there is questionable weather that would make it not safe or enjoyable, we will reschedule you to a day or time that is convenient for you, sometimes its just a brief rain delay. We are in North Carolina where the weather (and the weather forecast) can change often. The summer weather forecast will always include a chance of thunderstorms to encompass the summer weather pattern that quite often is over quickly or may be in one spot and not the other. We watch the live radar and wind along with several other sites starting early in the morning to insure the safest onwater experience. Have additional time or days available when possible just in case for weather. If the weather does not allow for rescheduling to occur, 100% of your tour cost is refunded.

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)

Experience Level/Difficulty

This is a great tour for kayakers at all levels of experience. You can usually expect smooth, calm waters during this time, with shallow waters. Paddling in these waters at this time usually doesn’t require as much exertion as other times. We’ll also take stopping and exploration breaks, allowing you ample time for rest and to walk around.

What to Wear/Bring/Expect

  • Equipment and Guide: On our tours, you're provided a kayak, a paddle, and a life jacket per person as well as an experienced instructor and trained naturalist guide.
  • Water/Electrolyte Drinks and Snack (NECESSARY IN WARMER MONTHS): Pack a small soft cooler with drinks on ice and snacks. More than one bottle/water per person is needed. Larger or multiple aluminum water bottles that stay cold also work well. In cooler months you can bring warm beverages if you like.
  • Shoes: We recommend avoiding flip flops. Please wear shoes that are secured to your feet. Wear shoes and clothes that can get wet and slightly dirty.
  • Clothing: Wear quick drying clothing for the temperatures of the season.
  • Phones: are welcome, you can get great pictures out there, please secure them in a waterproof pouch, drybag or freezer bag.
  • Sunscreen and bug spray are recommended.
  • Waters: Calmer, flatter protected waterways, water levels on this tour tend to be around 6 inches to 4 feet deep with some deeper spots.
  • Exploration: This is a guided tour that will include several stops where you can sight-see and go out on foot to explore.

Adventure Tips

Arrive early to catch the sunrise

Planning your arrival 15-20 minutes before the tour starts ensures you’re ready to launch as the sky brightens.

Wear quick-dry clothing

Water can splash during paddling, so dress in moisture-wicking, quick-drying layers for comfort.

Use reef-safe sunscreen

Protect your skin without harming marine ecosystems by choosing reef-friendly sunscreen.

Bring a waterproof camera or case

Capture early morning light and wildlife without risking your gear.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Dolphin pods are often seen off the coast
  • Great blue herons and ospreys are common along the waterways

History

Zeke’s Island is part of the Fort Fisher State Recreation Area, which preserves important Civil War battle sites as well as natural habitats.

Conservation

Tours operate under guidelines that promote minimal environmental impact and support local habitat preservation efforts.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Lightweight kayak paddle

Essential

Provided on tour, but having a lightweight paddle helps with smooth, efficient strokes.

Water bottle

Essential

Stay hydrated during the early morning paddle.

Sun hat

Essential

Shields your face from direct sun rays during the sunrise.

summer specific

Quick-dry clothing

Essential

Keeps you comfortable in the damp and cool early morning coastal air.

spring specific