Water Experiences & Rentals in Kure Beach, NC

Water Experiences in Nature's Playground

Craft your water adventure from the river to the sea. Catch fish from the oldest pier on the East Coast, head “back to school” at island surf schools, kayak to an uninhabited island and dive in to explore historic shipwrecks.

Hook, Line and Sink

Whether you’re an experienced angler or a beginner looking to try your luck, Kure Beach is for you. At the epicenter of the town's fishing culture is one of the oldest fishing piers on the East Coast: the Kure Beach Fishing Pier. Anglers can buy all the bait, rigs and tackle needed for pier fishing once they arrive, where the on-site crew will gladly share their knowledge of which species are biting.

For a fishing experience from the shore, head to the south end of Fort Fisher State Recreation Area, a popular surf fishing area where anglers who own four-wheel-drive vehicles are invited to reel in their catch of the day. Four-wheel drive vehicles are allowed seasonally with required permits, which are available at the park office.

Are you an expert angler with a competitive side? Challenge yourself by participating in one of the island’s annual tournaments including the Pleasure Island Surf Fishing Challenge.

Catch a Wave

Learn to catch a wave at nearby Carolina Beach at Odysea Surf School or Tony Silvagni Surf School. With a variety of surf breaks and waters nearby to choose from, surfers of all levels can easily suit up for a daily lesson or a week-long surf camp.

SUP the Waters or Dive Below

Embark on a scenic tour of the Cape Fear River, Zeke’s Island Reserve and the surrounding salt marshes and wildlife estuaries atop a stand-up paddleboard (SUP). Rent a board from Pleasure Island Rentals, located nearby on the island, or join a guided tour.

Dive in just offshore to discover North Carolina's first Heritage Dive Site, The Condor, a sunken Blockade Runner ship. From historic shipwrecks to prehistoric sharks teeth, the waters off Kure Beach are perfect for first-timers and seasoned SCUBA divers.

Feel the Breeze

For an adventure on the open seas, board the drive-on Fort Fisher/Southport Ferry to be transported starting from the south end of Fort Fisher. The 45-minute one-way trip offers passengers beautiful views along the Cape Fear River. It’s the perfect mode of transportation for a pleasurable way to pass an afternoon if you’re simply in search of a scenic cruise. To check the ferry schedule, click here.

Head to nearby Carolina Beach to enjoy spectacular views of the Intracoastal Waterway. Set out on a three-hour tour with a rental from Carolina Beach Pontoon Rentals.