Summer is here, and you may be searching for exciting outdoor adventures to experience on your family vacation. From fishing and kayaking to deep-sea diving, this summer of social distancing offers the perfect opportunity to unplug and explore the beautiful waters and shoreline surrounding Kure Beach.
Read on for three ways to experience Kure Beach on the water:
Natural Wonders
Kayaking is a must for any trip to North Carolina’s small wonder. Kids will love a kayak adventure with Kayak Carolina to Shark Tooth Island, where they can comb the shore to collect a handful of shark’s teeth. Or, paddle out on a Family Adventure Tour to Zeke’s Island Reserve, where you’ll spot a variety of shorebird species, including great blue herons, black-bellied plovers and white ibis. You can also rent single or tandem kayaks for the entire family from nearby Pleasure Island Rentals or set out on a guided SUP tour with Paddle NC.
Gone Fishin’
Avid anglers and novice fishermen alike will be excited to find the 711-foot Kure Beach Fishing Pier located right in the middle of town. Stop at the on-site store for all the bait, tackle and concessions you’ll need for a perfect day of casting your line into the Atlantic Ocean. The views from the pier are pretty unbeatable, too. Head to the nearby Carolina Beach Fishing Center and Marina to hop aboard a private half- or full-day charter and find the perfect near-shore or off-shore fishing spot. At Fort Fisher State Recreation Area, the fishermen in the family can surf fish, while everyone else catches a few rays in the sand. For a one-of-a-kind adventure, secure a pass from the park office and drive your own four-wheel-drive vehicle down the shore.
Deep Dive
Home to fascinating sites below the surface, Kure Beach is the perfect place to dive in to discover prehistoric fossils, natural ocean ledges and shipwrecks. Charter a dive day from the island’s nearby professional SCUBA company, Carolina Beach Scuba, to explore North Carolina’s First Heritage Dive Site – the Condor. One of the most well-preserved shipwrecks off the North Carolina coast, the Civil War blockade runner ran aground on her maiden voyage to Wilmington more than 150 years ago. Dive slates help divers interpret what they’re seeing during their time under the sea. You can also set out to discover Modern Greece, the first British steamer lost off Fort Fisher, where more than 10,000 artifacts including weapons, ammunition and raw materials were found by early local divers and the U.S. Navy.
It's easy to stay active beyond the water in Kure Beach. Find more outdoor activities and wellness opportunities.
