Carolina Beach sits between the Atlantic Ocean, the Intracoastal Waterway and the Cape Fear River, which means you’ve got plenty of ways to get out on the water. From surf lessons and SUP sessions to kayaking, diving and deep-sea fishing, there’s always a fun new challenge to dive into!
Check out this guide to discover the top five watersports in Carolina Beach:
1. Embark on a kayak adventure
Kayaking in Carolina Beach State Park puts you right on the Cape Fear River and the Intracoastal Waterway. It’s a great way to get out on the water and see what’s around, from wide, open stretches to quieter spots where you can slow down and look for birds or small marine life along the banks.
For a guided, two-hour paddle around the park, book an Eco- or Sunset Tour with Paddle NC. Your guide will help you get comfortable in the kayak, point out wildlife and share a bit of local history – including the story of the Sugarloaf Dune, a centuries-old landmark you’ll spot along the riverbank. If you want to head back out on your own later, Paddle NC also offers on-site kayak rentals at the park’s Marina.
2. Take a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) lesson
Join Tony Silvagni Surf School for a SUP lesson that starts with the basics. You’ll use your core to stay steady, your legs for balance and your upper body for paddling, so it naturally builds strength and coordination while you’re out on the water – no matter your experience level. With lessons taking place along calm stretches of the Intracoastal Waterway, you can focus on your form and find your rhythm.
If you’re already a SUP pro or want to explore other parts of the island, Pleasure Island Rentals offers stand-up paddleboard rentals, too.
3. Learn to surf
Carolina Beach has a long history as a surfing destination, and it’s a great place to catch your first (or hundredth) wave. At Odysea Surf School, you’ll find private and small group lessons for all ages, led by instructors with years of experience teaching beginners. Many of the coaches are local certified schoolteachers, and lessons include two hours of instruction with all equipment provided.
You can also book a session with Tony Silvagni Surf School. Its private and group lessons cover everything from land‑based fundamentals to paddling, positioning, wave selection, surf etiquette and water safety. The school also offers board rentals if you want to head out on your own to one of the island’s top surfing spots.
4. Go scuba diving
If you’ve ever been curious about what’s offshore, you can complete your open water scuba certification right here in Carolina Beach. After finishing your online coursework, Carolina Beach Scuba guides you through the in-water training, from pool sessions to open water dives.
If you’re already certified, join them for advanced courses like night diving, deeper diving and wreck diving, or hop on a charter to one of these popular local dive sites.
5. Cast a line
Surf fishing is a classic Carolina Beach pastime and one of the simplest – and most satisfying – ways to spend time near the water. All you need is bait, tackle and a coastal recreational fishing license before you set up along the shoreline. Insider tip: Check out this link to find upcoming fishing tournaments and put your skills to the test.
Or, head farther offshore with a captain who knows what’s biting. Fillet & Release Fishing Charters offers trips for all experience levels and can help you target everything from Spanish mackerel and bluefish to mahi-mahi, cobia and grouper, depending on the season. With its high-speed charter boat, Hot Ticket Fishing Charters takes you far out to cast for species like tuna, wahoo, marlin and more.
For more water adventures on the island, check out this guide to watersports in Kure Beach
