Nature Tours
Boat Excursions
Fishing Tours
Kayak Tours
Camping - B&B
Group Adventures
Surfing Lessons
 Nature Tours by Boat or Kayak
We at Carolina Coastal Adventures specialize in showing you the natural treasures of the coast. Bird and marine life abound on the Cape Fear Coast and the best way to see is by boat or kayak. Our trained guides are experienced interpretive naturalists and ACA trained kayak instructors. Our captains are USCG licensed.
Kayaking 
The Cape Fear Coast- Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, Fort Fisher, Southport, and the Brunswick Islands- are wonderful places to paddle! Kayaks are perfect for getting close to nature in a quiet, non-interruptive way. You can see birds, sea turtles, dolphins, fiddler crabs and so much more! You can explore waters that would otherwise be unattainable by foot or boats. Kayaks have the ability to maneuver in shallow water. Kayaking is a great stress reliever and relaxant. Sunrises, sunsets and full moons are extraordinarily vibrant from the front row seat of your kayak.
Recreational kayaks are very stable. They are roomy, comfortable and easy to paddle. There is no experience necessary to go kayaking, just a desire to see nature in a new and unforgettable way. Kids of all ages, 3-103, enjoy kayaking! It's a great way to learn about nature through hands-on experience.
Try something new and reward yourself, go kayaking!
Check the Kayak Carolina site for details on kayak tours.
 Nature Watching
The Cape Fear is home to several wildlife refuges including the 1500 acre National Estuarine Research Reserve Zeke's Island Component, part of an 8000 acre pristine saltwater marsh. This area is a natural marine environment, home to countless species of coastal birds, incredible wildlife, and an abundant fishery. One can spend days, months, or years exploring this marsh and find something new with every visit.
Carolina Coastal Adventures takes you fishing, kayaking and sightseeing into these unforgettable marshes. No matter what activity you are interested in, you are sure to be amazed at the abundance of wildlife found in these areas. Ultimate Adventure trips
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Sightseeing
Sightseeing Cruises
It’s hard to find an area that has more history, marine life, birds, and folklore than we have here. Our sightseeing trips explore it all. From the concept and development of the Intracoastal Waterway, to the 20 different lighthouses to the 3 different forts and the very first project of the Army Corps of Engineers we see and talk about what remains of these structures.
The marshes along the Cape Fear River yield very different sights depending on what side of the river you are on. We explore them both. On the western side of the river we might encounter alligators but on the eastern side we’ll find American Oystercatchers. Both sides have unique beauty.
 Birds are unbelievably plentiful and we have a huge variety. By far the most impressive viewing of our birds occurs along the beaches of the Battery Island Audubon Sanctuary during the nesting season from mid April to the beginning of July.
This is a three and a half hour trip, covering 30 miles, which will fill you with the sights, sounds and history of our area.
 Sunset Cruises
Sunsets along the Cape Fear are breath taking. From day to day each sunset is different. We offer a gentle cruise along the scenic waterways of the Cape Fear where you see birds and marine life while enjoying the last of the days golden rays of sun.
Sightseeing Trips are from 8:00am to 11:30am
Sunset Trips leave 1 ½ hours prior to sunset – call for times
All trips are by reservation
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Fishing for Redfish, Flounder and Trout
.jpg) The array of inshore bays and creeks of the Cape Fear Coast are also known for holding an abundance of small baitfish, the primary food source of most predatory fish. This area is home to large "doormat" size flounder, a delicacy of the Cape Fear coast. Also, these inshore waters are a host to red drum, a prized game fish known to inhabit most of the southeastern United States coastal areas. Drum range in sizes from 2 to 80 pounds, with the state record caught of off Bald Head Island at over 94 pounds. An elusive fish, the speckled trout, plays its part in the spring and fall months during cooler water temperatures. Most fish are caught utilizing live bait or artificial lures and light spinning tackle. However, many people have begun to use saltwater fly-fishing gear to bring these fish to the boat. Likely spots to target these fish are oyster bars, creek mouths, inlets, jetties and sandbars just off the beach. The favorite local pursuit is to score a "Cape Fear Slam" i.e. catching redfish, trout, and flounder on the same outing.
Fishing is a fun activity for families to enjoy together. It is relatively easy to grasp the basics of fishing without any athletic ability involved and it's a pastime enjoyed by people of any age or gender. Fish don't usually know the difference between inexpensive or expensive equipment; they are usually looking for the next snack. It's just a matter of knowing what they like to eat and where to find them.
Fishing
 The Cape Fear region is blessed with one of the widest variety of fishing found anywhere in the world. Because of a combination of the estuaries of the lower Cape Fear River, the dynamics of the Cape and the Frying Pan Shoals, which stretch out 20 miles, and the proximity of the Gulf Stream our fishing opportunities range from Red Fish to Tuna in a very concentrated area.
Carolina Coastal Adventures offers fishing charters into all types of fishing. Not only do we have our own fleet of fishing boats, but also, we work with several of the best local fishing charter boats to cover any type of fishing adventure you might choose.
Our trips include:
 Family Fishing
Our family fishing trips have become one of our most popular family activities. This is a fun adventure geared to Mom, Dad, and the kids, where we explore the bays and creeks as we look for likely places to catch fish. Along the way we explain the ABC’s of fishing, everything from gear to bait to actually catching fish. ½ Day
 Inshore Angler
Inshore light tackle fishing at its best. Fish for red drum, speckled trout, and flounder. ½ Day
Spanish Mackerel
An ocean fishing trip that stays within sight of land! Usually a very productive outing, as the waters off the North Carolina beaches are known for an abundance of Spanish mackerel and blue fish. ½ Day
Wrecks & Reefs
One of our most diverse trips. We go to the offshore wrecks and reefs about 25 miles out. There we will use a couple of types of fishing techniques to catch Amber Jack, Grouper, Snapper, Cobia, King Mackerel, Dolphin and so much more. ½ Day
Offshore & Gulf Stream
Full day charters for Tuna, Dolphin, Wahoo, Sailfish, and King Mackerel
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Tours
We are a full service tour operation with experienced and certified guides, well-maintained quality kayaks and gear. We offer daily guided nature tours March-November and by request in the winter. Our guided nature tours venture into our favorite secluded areas of the Cape Fear coast and explore the marine and bird life of the salt marshes and rivers. Learn about the estuaries, ecology, environment and history of the immense Cape Fear Water Basin.
Masonboro Island
Zeke’s Island
Bald Head Island
Southport
Black River
Town Creek
Walden Creek
Cape Fear River
Holly Shelter Creek
Bear Island & Hammocks Beach State Park
Sugarloaf Dune & Carolina Beach State Park
Lea and Hutaff Islands
Sunset Beach
Ocean Isle & Holden Beach
Oak Island & Caswell Beach
Cedar & Harker’s Island
We have tours that fit the sheer beginner, families with young children and avid paddlers. Our tour programs include 2 & 3 hour adventures, half day explorations, full day expeditions and overnight trips.
Clinics
Our kayak school has classes for the sheer beginner up to the advanced open water paddler as well as instructor certification courses.
Kayaking Basics
Kayak Skills Workshop
Strokes Refinement and Maneuvers
 Safety and Rescues
Rolling
Surf Launching & Landing
Open Water Paddling
Tides & Currents
Basic Navigation
ACA Instructor Development Workshop
ACA Instructor Certification
Co-founder of CCA and ACA Coastal Kayak Instructor Trainer, Angela Marshall Pagenstecher leads the kayak instruction programs. She brings to the program 15 years of kayaking and teaching experience. Her patient and laid-back teaching style allows students to really relax and enjoy paddling while learning new skills.
Rentals
Our rental fleet is the best in the business because we have a wide selection of kayaks that are very well maintained. Choose from:
Sit-on-Top Surf Kayaks
Sit-on-Top Recreation Singles & Doubles
Recreation & Light Touring Kayaks
Touring Sea Kayaks
Composite Kayak Demos
Sales
We have over 100 kayaks in stock to fit any style and size paddler. Sit-on-Tops, Recreation, Light Touring and Sea Kayaks fill our warehouse. Visit our facility to speak with our knowledgeable staff, see our array of kayaks and demo any kayak you choose. If you rent or take a tour with us, you may apply that towards your purchase. All kayak purchases include a kayak clinic of your choice above. We proudly carry the following lines:
Liquid Logic
Perception
Ocean Kayak
 Impex
Nigel Foster
Hurricane
Walden
Heritage
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Camping Getaways
Overnight, Weekend and Multi-Day. Call today for our packages. Hutaff and Lea Islands, Cape Fear Islands, Masonboro Island, Hammocks Beach State Park, Carolina Beach State Park and more. See our group program page also.
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Group Adventures
Birthday Parties
Be the envy of all your friends and celebrate your next birthday with Carolina Coastal Adventures. Our unique birthday parties combine outdoor adventure with marine education. Options range from kayaking, sightseeing, fishing and riding the “Banana Boat”.
Family Reunions
Incorporating one of our adventures into your next family reunion will make the party memorable for years to come. We can even throw a great picnic to go along with the fun.
 Group Sightseeing Tours
Our motorized sightseeing trips offer rare insights into the local and natural history of the lower Cape Fear River areas. We cruise both the West and East side of the river including Walden Creek, Southport, Bald Head Island, and Fort Fisher. Along the way we’ll see shore birds, marine life and maybe even alligators.
Birding Tours
Between the 8,000 acre National Estuarine Research Reserve and the Battery Island Audubon Sanctuary the opportunities to view birds are exceptional. Our salt marshes are home so many rare and unique birds. Access to these areas utilizes kayaks or our shallow draft skiff.
Water Taxi To Masonboro Island
 Our water taxi service to Masonboro Island will deliver you to an oasis of an uninhabited barrier island in the midst of the populated Lower Cape Fear region. Once on Masonboro, activities include seashell collecting, fishing, overnight camping and 8 miles of shoreline to find the treasures of your imagination. If you are interested in educational programs, Masonboro offers a rare opportunity to visit untouched salt marshes and sand dunes.
Corporate Outings
The Adventure Retreat
Spend a half day relaxing on a remote untouched island sharing time with your co-workers or employees. Investigate the wonderful opportunities our local waters have for sports fishing. Some may take advantage of an interpretive kayak tour around the salt marshes and beaches. A gourmet picnic will round out the perfect relaxing day.
Team Building Programs
Carolina Coastal Adventures offers several different type of team building programs varying from land based to on the water programs or a combination of both. These exercises are designed to build corporation, trust, and acceptance within your group. For the land loving groups, our nature scavenger hunts and our compass/map reading programs will challenge any groups while enjoying the beauty of a local barrier island. For groups who like to get wet, the kayak team rescues and navigation programs will have your team working like never before.
Corporate Fishing Charters
Do you have an employee of the month or a group of employees that landed that big account? Reward them with a private fishing trip with Captain John’s Fishing Charters. North Carolina offers the opportunity to fish for a large variety of fish. Packages range from inshore fishing to offshore fishing.
Group Kayaking Adventures
Our kayaking programs are the perfect way to get your employees away from the office for a great outdoor adventure exploring the pristine waters that surround the Lower Cape Fear area. Our guided tours range from a two-hour nature tour to the all day barrier island encounters. Our fleet of boats (singles and doubles) will get groups into the unique North Carolina salt marshes.
Multi Day Meeting Facilities
Through Carolina Coastal Adventures, we can set you up with several hotels and/or conference centers to house your next staff meeting or sales convention. While you are here, combine your meeting with our adventure opportunities. We also can design a custom outing for your participants such as a kayak nature tour, fishing charter, or motorized sightseeing tour of the lower Cape fear River.
Educational Programs
If kayaking or fishing isn’t of interest to your group, our staff can take you and your participants on a nature safari of the local pristine salt marshes, or hike through untouched sand dunes, or through the maritime forest in search of Venus flytraps that only grow wild 20 miles around Wilmington, North Carolina. If your group would like to see more of this beautiful area, hop aboard the “Coastal Adventurer”, our custom built boat, to tour the Cape Fear River and surrounding areas.
The Adventure Package Series by Kayak Carolina
Our multi-day Adventure Package Series offers an exceptional way to discover and explore diverse natural ecosystems. These trips are packed full of adventure, remarkable scenery, learning experiences, history, fun, and much more. Our programs always include certified and experienced kayak guides that offer complete kayak instruction, top of the line equipment, marine education, nature interpretation, and depending on the package most or all meals.
Trip Packages Include:
- Bed & Breakfast Adventures
- Overnight Camping Excursions
- B&B and Camping Combo Escapades
- Kayak Camping Voyages
- Day Kayak Quests from your “Homebase”
- Customized Group Experiences & Packages
Bed & Breakfast Adventures
Paddle by day, relax in comfort by night! The charming Bed & Breakfast Inns of the Cape Fear region provide luxurious accommodations after a magnificent day on the water. We offer weekend and weekly trips, or customize a trip to suit your interests. Our destinations include Kure Beach, Southport, Ocean Isle, and Bald Head Island.
- Cape Fear Mystic Voyage~ Start this adventure with a sunset paddle along the Sugarloaf Dune of the State Park. Spend the night in Kure Beach at a beachfront B&B Paddle with the tides in the Ft. Fisher Bays to Bald Head Island for a gourmet picnic on a secluded sandbar and then over to Southport to dine and spend the night in a charming Southport inn overlooking the river.
Our destinations include Kure Beach, Southport, Ocean Isle, Bald Head Island. Here is the Kure Beach to Southport sample itinerary:
Evening One
After checking in at a secluded beach inn, you will begin your weekend adventure with a sunset paddle. In addition to learning the basics of kayaking, this tour is the perfect opportunity for nature viewing and unwinding for the weekend. After the paddle, enjoy a wonderful dinner at The Cottage, a fine dining establishment in Carolina Beach.
Evening Two
After a leisurely, gourmet breakfast, you will paddle through the Ft. Fisher Bays and across the Cape Fear River to Southport. While exploring the coastal marshlands, you will view birds and other creatures and eat a gourmet picnic lunch. You will also stop on Battery Island in the Cape Fear River to view hundreds of beautiful Ibis. Once in Southport, you will relax, have dinner, and enjoy a lovely stay at a charming Southport inn.
Evening Three
Following a hearty, home-cooked breakfast, you will enjoy a relaxing day paddle around the waters of charming, historic Southport. Wildlife and history abound as you explore and have lunch on the water. The day paddle will end early afternoon and you will have the choice of heading home, or extending your journey with a one night stay at a beautiful Southport inn.
Our Adventure Bed & Breakfast Packages are usually whith small groups of 4-8 people. This gives us the flexibility to build the trips around the interests of the people paddling. While our calendar has advertised dates we can put together a custom Adventure Package for as few as 4 people on any dates of your choosing.
Kayak Camping Voyages
Your kayak is your backpack! Paddle along secluded marshes and beaches over to the cherished uninhabited islands, set up camp and sleep under the stars. Delight in gourmet picnics on the beach. Explore the tidal flats and marshes to see the estuaries in action, home to diverse bird and marine wildlife. Choose between a relaxed paddling option or a kayak touring experience.
- Bear Island to Hammock’s Beach State Park; Overnight or 2 nights
- Journey to Masonboro Island; Overnight or 2 nights
- Cedar Island to Harker’s Island; 3 days and 3 nights
B&B and Camping Combo Adventures
Get the best of both worlds. Enjoy the many comforts offered at bed & breakfasts, gourmet restaurants, as well as sleeping under the stars on a secluded island. We can customize these trips to create the perfect experience for you and your group.
Day Kayak Quests from your Homebase
Establish your homebase on Pleasure Island at our Pelican Cliff beach cottage and enjoy a different and exciting kayak exploration everyday. We will design your perfect kayak adventure for you and your group.
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Surfing Lessons
No matter your athletic ability, Capt. Taylor, knows the waves and how to surf. Capt. Taylor has been surfing the East Coast since his mom bought his first board at the age of 6,
Capt. Taylors custom built instruction program will usually have you up on your board before the end of your first lesson, even if its your first time on a board. His step by step process teaches you everything about surfing, from paddling to standing up and surfing on a wave. Capt. Taylor is one of the guys that has to do it to learn it. So thats exactly how he teaches. you will be on the beach for about fifteen minutes and then off to the waves for the rest of the two hours.
 Capt. Taylor is now taking reservations any day of the week:
· Private Lessons (1-2 students) are available for up to 2 hours
· Group Lessons are also available
· Multi-day Lesson/ surfboard packages
· Surfboards are provided
· All students should know how to swim prior to surf lessons
· Please call us at 910-458-9111 for reservations
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