Best Places to Kayak Near Emerald Isle, NC

30 public launch points within 50 miles of Emerald Isle, ranked by water conditions, access, and amenities.

30 nearby12 Creeks9 Rivers3 Bays
← All paddling in North Carolina

Top Picks Near Emerald Isle

a small boat sitting on top of a body of water1

Morehead City

Standout kayak fishing on Bogue Sound (Intracoastal Waterway)

BayBeginner16 mi away
white canoe on river surrounded by trees2

McNeil Park

Calm, sheltered water that's ideal for beginners and paddle boarding

BayBeginner13 mi away
Kayakers paddling through a wide open marsh waterway3

Emerald Isle

Open-water sea kayaking access on Bogue Sound (Intracoastal Waterway)

BayBeginner1 mi away
Kayakers paddling through a wide open marsh waterway

Emerald Isle

North Carolina · 1.2 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
man riding on kayak

Cedar Point

North Carolina · 4.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
person riding blue kayak on lake during daytime

Shell Rock Landing

North Carolina · 8.0 mi

CanalKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

Willis Landing

North Carolina · 10.6 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by lots of trees

Newport

North Carolina · 12.2 mi

CanalKayakingCanoeingBeginner
white canoe on river surrounded by trees

McNeil Park

North Carolina · 13.0 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
A large body of water surrounded by trees

Great Lake

North Carolina · 13.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

Freeman Creek Boat Launch

North Carolina · 13.5 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
person riding blue kayak on lake during daytime

Haywood Landing

North Carolina · 14.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
man riding on kayak

Onslow Beach Boat Ramp

North Carolina · 15.4 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small boat sitting on top of a body of water

Morehead City

North Carolina · 16.1 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
green trees beside river during daytime

Slocum Creek

North Carolina · 16.6 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
man riding on kayak

Northeast Creek Park boat ramp

North Carolina · 19.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A river running through a lush green forest

Hancock Creek

North Carolina · 19.9 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
man riding on kayak

West Beaufort

North Carolina · 21.0 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

Sneads Ferry

North Carolina · 21.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a cypress-lined Southern waterway with Spanish moss

Beaufort

North Carolina · 22.6 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
white canoe on river surrounded by trees

Jacksonville Landing

North Carolina · 24.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a large field of green plants next to a river

West Onslow Beach

North Carolina · 25.7 mi

CanalKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm Southern lake lined with pine trees at dusk

Straits Landing

North Carolina · 25.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
person riding blue kayak on lake during daytime

Pollocksville

North Carolina · 26.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with trees around it

Brices Creek

North Carolina · 26.5 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a forest filled with lots of rocks

Turkey Creek

North Carolina · 27.7 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with trees around it

Dawson Creek

North Carolina · 27.8 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small boat sitting on top of a body of water

Jack's Island @ Lawson Creek Park

North Carolina · 29.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
brown boat on water

Lawson Creek Park

North Carolina · 30.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small boat sitting on top of a body of water

Union Point Boat ramp

North Carolina · 30.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
person riding blue kayak on lake during daytime

Morris Landing

North Carolina · 30.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

Lees Landing

North Carolina · 30.9 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
man riding on kayak

Oriental

North Carolina · 30.9 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Emerald Isle.

Swansboro, NC7 miSalter Path, NC8 miNewport, NC9 miStella, NC10 miHubert, NC11 miAtlantic Beach, NC12 miMorehead City, NC16 miMidway Park, NC17 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Emerald Isle, NC?

Top picks near Emerald Isle include Morehead City, McNeil Park, Emerald Isle. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on creeks, rivers, bays.

What types of paddling can I do near Emerald Isle?

Near Emerald Isle you'll find opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddle boarding. Most locations offer beginner-friendly conditions with public boat ramp access.

Are there free kayak launches near Emerald Isle?

Yes! Most public boat ramps near Emerald Isle are free to use. Some state parks and recreation areas may charge a small parking or entrance fee.