Places to kayak around Holden Beach, NC
Boat Ramp Under the Bridge
131 Jordan Blvd, Holden Beach, NC 28462
This is the primary public boat ramp on Holden Beach, located directly underneath the high-rise bridge. It features two concrete launching lanes suitable for trailers, boats, and jet skis, as well as a designated area for launching kayaks and paddle boards.
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Parking: There is a dedicated parking lot for vehicles with trailers.
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Best For: This is the best spot if you want quick access to the main Intracoastal Waterway channel or if you are launching with a group. Be aware of boat traffic near the bridge pilings.
Sailfish Park
197 Sailfish Drive, Holden Beach, NC 28462
At the end of Sailfish Dr. on Holden Beach is a small park on the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW). The park has a sandy beach to launch kayaks and paddle boards from. From the park, you can explore the canals between the fish-named streets (Sailfish, Tarpon, Marlin, Tuna, Dolphin, & Swordfish) or you can venture into the ICW.
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Note: Please be cautious as the waterway is used by many boaters so expect to paddle through some waves. This is a great area to drop in a fishing kayak and fish around the docks along the ICW or where the water flows into the marshes alongside.
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Amenities: The park features a few picnic tables, plenty of shade, and a decent amount of parking.
SandDollar Drive
169 SandDollar Drive, Holden Beach, NC 28462
At the end of SandDollar Dr. on Holden Beach is a small, mostly sandy beach on the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW). The area can be used to launch kayaks and paddle boards into the canal and ICW. From here, you can explore the canals between the streets of SandDollar, Starfish, Lion's Paw, & Scotch Bonnet.
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Note: Parking is very limited here, but the view is great. It is a quiet alternative to the busier parks if you can find a spot.
Holden Beach Bridgeview Park
124 Davis St, Holden Beach, NC 28462
Located just a few streets away from the bridge, Bridgeview Park is a family-friendly recreational area that offers easy access to the water. It features a floating dock specifically designed for launching kayaks and paddle boards, making it much easier to get in and out of the water without getting muddy.
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Amenities: The park includes a playground for kids, a splash pad (seasonal), picnic shelters, restrooms, and basketball/bocce ball courts.
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Best For: Families who want to combine a kayaking trip with a picnic or playground time. The water here is generally calmer than the main channel.
