Paddle calm swamp waters on Mahanaim Adventures’ beginner-friendly Town Creek/Rice Creek Kayaking Adventure. Glide through wildlife-rich wetlands just outside Wilmington on this peaceful three-hour trip.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; some basic upper body strength helpful for paddling but not required.
Wildlife
History
The area’s waterways were historically used by Native American tribes and early settlers for transportation and fishing.
Conservation
Mahanaim Adventures prioritizes low-impact paddling and supports local conservation efforts to protect sensitive wetland ecosystems.
Mahanaim Adventures
Paddle calm swamp waters on Mahanaim Adventures’ beginner-friendly Town Creek/Rice Creek Kayaking Adventure. Glide through wildlife-rich wetlands just outside Wilmington on this peaceful three-hour trip.
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.
Bring waterproof storage
Keep your essentials dry by packing them in a waterproof bag or container.
Watch for wildlife respectfully
Maintain distance from birds and other animals to avoid disturbance.
Wear sun protection
Use sunscreen and a hat, as the swamp canopy may not fully block UV rays.
Use insect repellent
Swampy environments can attract mosquitoes, especially in warmer months.
Personal flotation device (PFD)
Mandatory safety gear for all kayakers, ensuring buoyancy and security on the water.
Waterproof dry bag
Protects personal items and electronics from water exposure during the trip.
Sun hat
Provides shade and helps prevent sunburn under partially open canopy.
spring|summer|fall
Insect repellent
Reduces nuisance from mosquitoes and other insects common in swamp environments.
spring|summer|fall