One of the best (and most fun) ways to explore miles of marshes, rivers, creeks, and waterways across North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands is by kayaking or stand-up paddleboard. Whether you’re looking to head out on a guided trip or want to design your own adventure, we’ve compiled some of the area’s paddle trails and trips for your journey.
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Where to Go Kayaking and Paddleboarding in the Brunswick Islands
There is no shortage of access points for kayakers and paddleboarders in NC’s Brunswick Islands. Start planning your trip using the paddle trail routes below.
Beyond the routes outlines above, a countywide map of waterways and access points is available for more experienced paddlers.
Leland to Belville (Mill Creek & Brunswick River)
Launch from Cypress Cove Park in Leland and paddle to Brunswick Riverwalk Park in Belville. The map above outlines a paddle trail that stretches 4 miles one-way.
Directions:
- Travel southeast down Mill Creek for about 0.65 miles to join Sturgeon Creek
- Continue east down Sturgeon Creek for about 1.5 miles before joining the Brunswick River
- Continue south down the Brunswick River for about 2 miles to reach the Brunswick Riverwalk Park.
Time Needed:
Estimate spending between 2-3 hours to kayak one-way between Cypress Cove Park in Leland to the Brunswick Riverwalk Park in Belville, assuming you’ll be paddling at a beginner friendly and leisurely pace.
Headwinds, current, and other factors can impact overall speed, so measure your pace in the first mile and plan accordingly.
Experience Level:
This paddle is great for beginner paddlers, but paddlers should exercise caution when joining maritime traffic on the Brunswick River.
When to Launch:
If launching from Cypress Cove Park, plan to leave after peak high tide to allow the outgoing tide to carry you downstream. If heading out for a round-trip, plan to return with the rising high tide.
Visit our Tide Chart to plan the timing of your trip.
Potential Hazards:
Windy days can make travel slow and paddlers should look out for maritime traffic when joining the Brunswick River.
Paddlers will pass under two bridges on this route (S Navassa Rd. and Ocean Hwy).
Brunswick Nature Park (Town Creek)
Launch from Brunswick Nature Park in Winnabow, opting to paddle in either direction (east or west) before turning around. The map above outlines a paddle path that is nearly 7 miles long one-way in either direction.
Directions:
- Travel west along Town Creek for up to nearly 7 miles before turning around at the railroad track bridge.
- Or travel east along Town Creek for up to nearly 7 miles before turning around once you reach the Cape Fear River.
Time Needed:
Estimate spending between 3-4 hours kayaking one way along Town Creek, assuming you’ll be paddling at a beginner friendly and leisurely pace.
Headwinds, current, and other factors can impact overall speed, so measure your pace in the first mile and plan accordingly.
Experience Level:
This paddle is great for beginner paddlers thanks to the lack of maritime traffic.
If you’re interested in paddling beyond the route indicated here, make sure to check out the guided group kayaking trips offered by Adventure Kayak Company.
When to Launch:
If planning for a roundtrip, time your departure for around tide before turning around and using the incoming high tide to help you return to the kayak launch at Brunswick Nature Park.
Town Creek is tidal, meaning water levels will vary significantly depending on the tide.
Visit our Tide Chart to plan the timing of your trip.
Potential Hazards:
Windy days can make travel slow and paddlers should look out for wildlife and debris along the creek.
Paddlers traveling east will pass under the 133 River Rd. bridge on this route and should plan their return before peak high tide to ensure clearance.
Oak Island (Davis Canal)
Launch from Tidalwaves Kayak & Canoe Launch behind the Oak Island Recreation Center on Oak Island, opting to paddle in either direction (east or west) before turning around.
The map above outlines a paddle path that spans nearly 5 miles one-way.
Directions:
- Travel east along Davis Canal for about half a mile before turning around when you reach 40th Street. Double back and head west to continue kayaking Davis Canal.
- Or start your paddle by heading west along Davis Canal for about 3.5 miles before taking the southern branching Montgomery Slough.
- Continue northeast along Montgomery Slough to return to Davis Canal and using the waterway to return to the Tidalwaves Kayak & Canoe Launch.
Time Needed:
Estimate spending an hour to kayak the out and back eastern route of Davis Canal. Estimate between 3-4 hours kayaking the western route roundtrip. These estimates assume you’ll be paddling at a beginner friendly and leisurely pace.
Headwinds, current, and other factors can impact overall speed, so measure your pace in the first mile and plan accordingly.
Experience Level:
This paddle is great for beginner paddlers thanks to the lack of maritime traffic and strong current.
When to Launch:
If planning for a roundtrip, time your trip around high tide to ensure deeper water levels that make paddling easier. Davis Canal is tidal, meaning water levels will vary significantly depending on the tide.
Visit our Tide Chart to plan the timing of your trip.
Potential Hazards:
Windy days can make travel slow and paddlers should look out for wildlife and debris along the creek.
Paddlers traveling west will pass under a few scenic walkways and the Hwy 906 (S Middleton Ave) bridge.
Sunset Beach (Fox Creek, Blane Creek & Salt Boiler Creek)
Launch from the Sunset Beach community boat ramp, accessible at the end of Sunset Blvd N, before crossing the Intracoastal Waterway and navigating the tidal creeks along the back of Sunset Beach.
The map above outlines a paddle path that is nearly 3 miles long in one direction.
Directions:
- Cross the Intracoastal Waterway directly and head south along Fox Creek (parallel to Sunset Blvd S and directly in front of you)
- Continue along Fox Creek, navigating the creek’s widest route running along N Shore Drive.
- As you continue to follow N Shore Drive your route will narrow.
- Continue west before joining Salt Boiler Creek and the route widens once again.
- Continue north along Salt Boiler Creek before reaching the Intracoastal Waterway and double back.
Time Needed:
Estimate spending 3 hours kayaking along the tidal creeks of Sunset Beach one-way assuming you’ll be paddling at a beginner friendly and leisurely pace.
Headwinds, current, and other factors can impact overall speed, so measure your pace in the first mile and plan accordingly.
Experience Level:
This paddle is recommended for at least moderately experienced paddlers due to possible interactions with commercial traffic, navigational requirements, and narrow route.
Novice paddlers are encouraged to opt for a guided tour. Check out the various group kayaking tours offered by Summertide Adventure Tours to explore the tidal creeks of Sunset Beach with an experienced local.
When to Launch:
If planning for a roundtrip, time your trip around high tide. This route requires paddlers to navigate tidal creeks that become incredibly shallow as the tide goes out. You’ll need to plan your return before low tide.
Visit our Tide Chart to plan the timing of your trip.
Potential Hazards:
Windy days can make travel slow. Paddlers should be mindful of commercial maritime traffic crossing the Intracoastal Waterway.
Shallotte Riverwalk (Shallotte River)
Launch from the Shallotte Riverwalk’s new kayak launch and paddle along the Shallotte River before turning around or ending your trip at the Brick Landing Boat Ramp (opposite the island of Ocean Isle Beach).
The map above outlines a paddle path that spans nearly 7 miles long (one-way).
Directions:
- Travel east/south along the Shallotte River for 6 miles.
- Join the Intracoastal Waterway (sticking to the shoreline) and continue west for one mile.
- Reach Brick Landing Boat Ramp on your right and located just past the Sea Mist Camping Resort.
Time Needed:
Estimate spending 4 hours one-way kayaking the Shallotte River, assuming you’ll be paddling at a beginner friendly and leisurely pace.
Headwinds, current, and other factors can impact overall speed, so measure your pace in the first mile and plan accordingly.
Experience Level:
This paddle is recommended for at least moderate paddlers due to strong river/inlet currents and frequent interactions with maritime traffic.
When to Launch:
If planning for a roundtrip, time your departure to ensure you return home around high tide.
The Shallotte River is tidal, meaning water level will vary significantly depending on the tide. Returning to your launch point with the incoming high tide ensures you aren’t fighting the strong river current on the way back.
Visit our Tide Chart to plan the timing of your trip.
Potential Hazards:
Windy days and strong inlet currents can make travel slow. Paddlers should expect maritime traffic on this route.
Other Routes for First Time Kayakers
The spots below experience little current interference and maritime traffic, perfect for the folks who are getting into a kayak or on a standup paddleboard for the first time.
Ocean Isle Beach Canals
When deciding where to stay for your trip to North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands, opt for a vacation rental home along one of Ocean Isle Beach’s many canals for easy kayaking access to practice your new skill.
Canal water is calm and a great place to test out your skills on the water. The island’s canals are also a great option for stand-up paddleboards.
Holden Beach Canals
Much like the canals of Ocean Isle Beach, the canals of Holden Beach are another great spot to practice kayaking for the first time. Start exploring vacation rental homes on Holden Beach and find your personal launch point.
Bald Head Island (Bald Head Creek)
Bald Head Creek runs the length of Bald Head Island and is a great spot for novice kayakers to enjoy paddling in a relaxing environment. Plan to launch your kayak from the Village Creek access, located east of the Bald Head Island Chapel.
Riverside Adventure Co and Coastal Urge both offer kayaking excursions of Bald Head Island for those in search of a thrilling adventure under the guidance of experienced guides.
Renting Equipment and What Else to Bring
If you arrive in the Brunswick Islands without your own kayaking equipment, don’t fret. There are dozens of local equipment outfitters across the area happy to provide and even deliver the equipment right up to your launch point.
You can also explore options for guided kayaking trips provided by the many paddle sport companies across our islands.
Before you head out, don’t forget to bring the following equipment with you.
- A well-fitting life jacket (some equipment outfitters provide life jackets)
- Sunscreen
- Water/Snacks
- Quick dry clothing – long sleeves on high UV days
- Sun protection – hats, glasses, etc.
- Dry bag (for keys, your phone, etc.)
What You Can Expect to See
Kayaking the creeks, marshes, and rivers of NC’s Brunswick Islands is one of the best ways to observe the variety of wildlife that call this area home, including:
- Blue heron
- Egret
- American oystercatcher
- Blue crab
- Turtles
- Dolphins
- Fish
- Oyster beds
While alligators are generally shy and avoid humans, you may spot one kayaking in creeks and areas with little boat traffic. If you spot an alligator, please keep your distance and do not feed it; it is illegal to do so in North Carolina.
As a guest in these creatures’ natural environment, please respect and protect our area’s incredible wildlife by keeping your distance.
Start Planning Your Visit
Now that you’ve decided on your route, let’s find you a homebase for your trip. Explore places to stay across NC’s Brunswick Islands now!
NC's Brunswick Islands Kayaking FAQs
1. Is NC’s Brunswick Islands a good place for beginner kayakers?
The canals, marshes, rivers, and creeks of NC’s Brunswick Islands are a great place for beginner kayakers to practice for the first time. Many outdoor adventure companies also offer guided trips designed to help novice kayakers learn how to paddle.
2. Are there guided kayaking tours available?
Yes, there are guided kayaking tours available across the Brunswick Islands. Explore our Paddlesports page for a list of local operators.
3. When is the best time to go kayaking in NC’s Brunswick Islands?
The best time to go kayaking depends on the day’s tide schedule. As a general recommendation, time your return trip with high tide to ensure you aren’t fighting currents on the way back to your launch point. Head over to our Tide Chart to plan the timing of your trip.
4. Is it safe to kayak along the Intracoastal Waterway?
The Intracoastal Waterway is a working waterway, meaning kayakers must be cautious of hazards including maritime traffic, boat wakes, and strong currents. Beginner kayakers are advised to navigate the waterway with an experienced guide or stick to areas near the shoreline and smaller connected creeks. All kayakers should always wear a life jacket.
5. What kind of wildlife should I look for?
While kayaking in NC’s Brunswick Islands look out for over 300 species of birds, turtles, blue crabs, fish, dolphins and other marsh wildlife. While observing wildlife can make for an unforgettable adventure, please do so safely by keeping your distance and do not feed the wildlife.
6. Where can I park to launch a kayak in the Brunswick Islands?
Parking is available at the following launch sites outlined above: Cypress Cove Park, Davis Creek Kayak Dock, Sunset Beach community boat ramp, and the Shallotte Riverwalk. Visitors to Brunswick Nature Park are encouraged to unload their kayaks at the launch point and park their vehicle in the gravel lot located a short walk away.
For more information on kayaking/SUP launches in the Brunswick Islands please visit our Launch Sites page.