easy
2–3 hours
Suitable for beginners in reasonable physical shape; moderate paddling endurance needed.
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.
2.5-3 Hour Tour • Experience the majestic sunrise colors from the front row of your kayak
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!
2.5 Hours
$75 per person
Group Rates (automatically calculates upon booking)
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.
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.
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.
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.
Planning your arrival 15-20 minutes before the tour starts ensures you’re ready to launch as the sky brightens.
Water can splash during paddling, so dress in moisture-wicking, quick-drying layers for comfort.
Protect your skin without harming marine ecosystems by choosing reef-friendly sunscreen.
Capture early morning light and wildlife without risking your gear.
Zeke’s Island is part of the Fort Fisher State Recreation Area, which preserves important Civil War battle sites as well as natural habitats.
Tours operate under guidelines that promote minimal environmental impact and support local habitat preservation efforts.
Provided on tour, but having a lightweight paddle helps with smooth, efficient strokes.
Stay hydrated during the early morning paddle.
Shields your face from direct sun rays during the sunrise.
summer specific
Keeps you comfortable in the damp and cool early morning coastal air.
spring specific