There are countless reasons people fall in love with Brunswick County, but for many, it starts on the water.
With the Intracoastal Waterway stretching through the county, the Cape Fear River bordering the eastern shoreline, and easy access to the Atlantic Ocean, Brunswick County is one of North Carolina’s premier destinations for boating. Whether you enjoy fishing offshore, cruising to waterfront restaurants, exploring quiet creeks by kayak, or spending the afternoon anchored at a sandbar, life on the water is woven into everyday life here.
One of the best parts? You don’t need to own waterfront property to enjoy it. Public boat ramps, marinas, transient docks, and waterfront dining make getting on the water accessible throughout the county.
Whether you’re planning a move, visiting the area, or simply looking for your next boating adventure, here’s a local guide to some of Brunswick County’s favorite boating destinations.
The Intracoastal Waterway: Brunswick County's Coastal Highway
Running the length of Brunswick County, the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) connects nearly every coastal community in the region
From Southport to Sunset Beach, boaters have access to marinas, waterfront restaurants, fishing areas, and countless creeks to explore.
The ICW also provides convenient access to:
- The Cape Fear River
- Bald Head Island
- Lockwood Folly Inlet
- Shallotte Inlet
- Little River Inlet
- The Atlantic Ocean
Whether you’re taking a sunset cruise or spending a full day on the water, the ICW serves as the backbone of Brunswick County’s boating lifestyle.
Public Boat Ramps Throughout Brunswick County
One of Brunswick County’s greatest advantages is the number of public boat launches available throughout the region.
Popular public access locations include:
Southport
- Southport Public Boat Ramp
Oak Island
- NE 55th Street Boat Ramp
- Wildlife Boat Ramp
Holden Beach
- Holden Beach Boat Launch
Ocean Isle Beach
- Ocean Isle Boat Ramp
Sunset Beach
- Sunset Beach Public Boat Ramp
Waterfront Dining Worth Cruising To
Some local favorites include:
Southport
- Fishy Fishy Café
- Provision Company
- American Fish Company
- Edgewater 122
- Rusty Hooks
Holden Beach
- Provision Company at Holden Beach
- LouLou's Waterfront Restaurant
Ocean Isle Beach
- Ocean Isle Fish Company
- Jinks Creek Waterfront Grille
Bald Head Island
- Jules' Salty Grub & Island Pub
- Will O' the Wisp
- Sandpiper Coffee & Ice Cream
Calabash
- The Oyster Rock
- Dockside Seafood House
- Beck's Restaurant
Planning a Day on the Water
One of our favorite local itineraries looks something like this:
Some local favorites include:
- Launch in Southport.
- Cruise the Cape Fear River.
- Explore Bald Head Island Marina.
Every trip is different, and that’s part of what makes boating in Brunswick County so special.
- Head south along the Intracoastal Waterway.
- Stop for lunch at Ocean Isle Fish Company.
- Finish the afternoon watching the sunset near Sunset Beach before heading back.
Living Near the Water
Throughout the county you’ll find:
- Canal-front neighborhoods
- Marina communities
- Waterfront homes
- Dry boat storage facilities
- Public launches
- Kayak launches
- Deep-water access
- Intracoastal communities
Whether you own a boat today or simply enjoy spending time on the water, there are many ways to experience Brunswick County’s incredible coastline.
Explore Brunswick County with Island Life Real Estate
Whether you’re interested in waterfront neighborhoods, marina access, boating amenities, or simply learning more about the area, we’re here to share local knowledge and help you explore Brunswick County’s unique coastal communities.
Ready to learn more about waterfront living in Brunswick County? Contact Island Life Real Estate or explore our community guides to discover what makes each coastal destination unique.
