We did a half day kayak trip on the black river to see the cypress trees, we did a morning trip and booked it last minute. Mahanaim's prices are extremely affordable and the whole payment and waiver process was simple. We are three adults with some kayaking experience on lake waters, so being on the river was a different experience for us. This is a small family owned business and our guide Joe was very familiar with the river which was great because he was able to direct us when necessary. He was friendly and knowledgeable and very funny. We learned a lot about the black river and its wonderful ecology and had a lot of fun paddling along enjoying the dozens and dozens of cypress tree's and all their knees. On our trip the river water was pretty low and the current was easy to navigate, and even though there were some trees above the water, it was a very easy ride and just so beautiful to see. Near the end of our trip we got to see one of the oldest cypress trees in north america, the base of the tree had to be well over 25 feet around, and it's knees were at least 4 or 5 feet out of the water, it was enormous and in a great wide area of the river to be able to sit and admire it and take a bunch of photos. They also do a full day trip on the black river, and if you do that one you will be taken on a longer ride down to the three sisters swamp where you will be able to see a larger collection of the oldest and largest cypress trees. This company made everything very easy and enjoyable and I would definitely use them again. read more

The Three Sisters Swamp was a gift for my husband's birthday, and maybe a little for myself as well! ;) This trip exceeded my expectations! Booking was easy! All communications were carried out without any flaws. What an opportunity for us and a great job for Don. He showcased his love of this beautiful part of North Carolina with much information about what we were seeing. I'm thinking smelly, dank and crawly things. I was wrong!! We meandered slowly down the Black River and into the swamp. I have watched too much TV, the swamp was beautiful, water was clear and clean and the greens were vibrant. What a serene spring day. My husband and I had Don all to ourselves! Don pointed out and identified the birds we were hearing/seeing as we drifted along our way. Other observations Don brought our attention to the wildlife was also noted- a large beaver dam, small empty shells in piles displaying remnants of dinner for a little creature, the different grasses, the flow of the water- Don was educating us the whole time of what we were viewing. The bonus was a flock of turkeys we came upon on one of our stops to stretch. One of the males strutted his stuff w his fan out on the river bank. The other turkeys flew low over the river. We watched and heard a total of 9 turkeys flap their wings to cross the short distance. It was an amazing day adventure and Don's knowledge and love of this area was a bonus. I would do this trip again in a heartbeat! Thanks, Don! read more

I can't say enough good things about this experience! Our group of birders planned a weekend trip to the Wilmington area, and we reached out to Don in hopes to kayak through the Black River during spring migration. We planned our trip in the middle of May to witness the wonder of the Black River, as we kayaked through the forest to see the oldest cypress tress in North America (the three sisters.) Don spent a lot of time working with me as we planned this trip- several weeks in advance. He was patient, kind, professional and informative, during the entire planning process. Don and Wayne were excellent in helping us navigate the river and keeping us to time when the group fell behind. I'm sure it wasn't easy with the group's varying levels of experience, but everyone really loved it. This was a challenging 11 mile kayak ride, and it was a full day experience. Some members of our group shared that it was the best part of the weekend (we had other excursions this weekend as well - such as a bird walk of Carolina Beach State Park, and a boat tour of the Cape Fear River.) Last but not least, when the kayak tour was over, Don sent us group photos (later that day) so that we could all enjoy the photos as we traveled home, and it really helped to memorialize and capture our experience. We hope to go kayaking with Don and Mahanaim Adventures again in the future. I highly recommend this experience with Mahanaim Adventures! read more

I really can't say enough great things about Don Harty or the tour he guided for me and my 7 year old daughter. I lucked up & was able to book the tour with very little notice because Don was so responsive (but would not advise waiting til the last minute like I always do). Don met us the very next day & proceeded to take us on the adventure of a lifetime- something my daughter will always remember. Don is an avid outdoorsman and an Eagle Scout, and he knows the area so well it's like 2nd nature. Not only did he take us to some of the most remote spots in South Eastern NC- he also took time to explain the history of the area and point out a wide variety of the native wildlife, trees, and plants. I tried to book another tour with Don the following day but he was already booked solid- BUT he told me at least a half dozen of his favorite places he highly recommended and even gave me recommendations for maps, GPS, books, and helpful advice for staying safe. In addition to being a top notch professional guide; Don is just a genuinely good person. I honestly can't say enough great things about him or his company, Mahanaim Adventures. read more

We knew Don from sharing some outdoor adventures with him in other venues and contexts. So, when we had family visiting the area from Utah, we were looking for something that they would enjoy doing and this was our "go-to" resource for such an outing. These Utahns were wizened travelers and have been shuttled to adventures on several continents. They had nothing but fine things to say about Don, how he outfitted their party, prepped them for the exertion of the day and guided them on their Ft. Fisher tour around the mouth of the Cape Fear River. "Don was a stud!" was how my sister-in-law phrased it. They raved about the tour, as well, as it was challenging, but not over-taxing for them. A wonderful morning to enjoy this fine area and its unique beauty..... read more

Don gave a great tour! My little sister and I wanted to explore the islands and spend time Kayaking and this was the perfect trip for it! There was not too much kayaking so we did not get tired down from it. You kayak from island to island and take a good amount of time exploring each island. Don is very knowledgeable about the islands; he pointed out the perfect places to find shark teeth and explained the many different fossils we found as well. He is also very accommodating. The trip we originally signed up for had to be rearranged due top a high tide, so he allowed us to take a trip later in the evening at the same price we already paid. All around a wonderful trip and experience! Definitely an adventure I would plan again! read more

Don was our guide for the Black River kayak tour. Everything was perfect and well organized. I've seen reviews about the lack of things to see on some kayak adventures. But nature doesn't for always cooperate for our enjoyment. Sometimes you see abundant wildlife and sometimes you don't. But you can always see nature at its finest. That's what we experienced- and some wildlife too - but it was mostly the experience of being in a gorgeous place with beautiful trees. Time seems to stand still while you're kayaking on the river. Wonderful time with our great guide Don. He helped us navigate the river well and narrated what we were seeing. A great wealth of knowledge. I wouldn't hesitate to use them again. read more

This was such a relaxing, great time. Saw pods of dolphins way up river, great team work with my girlfriend in a tandem kayak. Small sandwich break on a secluded island in the middle of the Cape Fear. The clouds didn't cooperate too well, but still was great. Joseph, our guide, knowledgeable, happy guy. He was a real pleasure making the trip real laid while making sure you are safe. Joseph's father helped us out of the boats when we got back, very pleasant man. Now we are shopping for a kayak. We got the trip on a Groupon offer, and it was worth the price. Full price, i think, the "picnic" could be a little better, It was more like a snack break then a picnic. We will be going again! read more

LOVED IT AND HAD A BLAST! My husband and I went on the sunset kayaking tour and Don was a pleasure to have as a tour guide. He was very personable and a true wealth of knowledge of the area's local history, wildlife, waterways, and ecosystem. He was also great at being conscious of the varying skill levels of all members of our group, whether they be first time kayakers or highly experienced. On our visit to Keg Island, and Shark tooth island we found tons of fossils and sharks teeth and saw lots of wildlife in the surrounding tranquil waterways. The sunset was gorgeous and the provided picnic was also lovely. So glad we decided to use Mahanaim Adventures! Thanks Don! read more

Don Harty and his guides are a class act. Top notch! We had a group of youth 9th and 10th graders out yesterday kayaking on the Cape Fear River near River Road. They were part of the Blue Ribbon Commission Youth Corp. It was the first time for all of them. Don gave quick and clear directions. Once we entered the water, it was amazing! They paid attention and did exactly as they were told. These kids were naturals. We paddled to Sharks-Tooth Island and once we got there, they became geologists and went on a hunt for rocks, sharks teeth and fossils -- and found quite a few. It was an adventure that I would do again in a heartbeat! Thank you, Mahaniam Adventures! read more

I have never kayaked before coming to NC. I signed up for a Mahanaim Adventures trip, and had such a wonderful experience, that I have gone on several more with them. Don and his associates are so experienced, I always feel safe and ready to have a great time. I have several friends from NY that come down in the Fall and I introduced then to kayaking and now I always book a private trip with Mahanaim for my friends and neighbors. My friends always plan on going on a trip. Having Don plan the trips and provide all the equipment is wonderful, and let's us all chill and enjoy the outing. I LOVE THE S'MORES and the moonlight trips!!! read more

We booked our trip paddling through the Three Sisters Swamp and it was amazing. Joe was our guide and led us at a nice pace with humor an in depth knowledge of the river and the swamp. The morning was cool and foggy which really added to the mystical atmosphere of entering the realm of massive, ancient bald cypress. By midday, we were enjoying a beautiful fall day full of sunshine and blue skies paddling through one of the most incredible and rare places on our planet. We can't emphasize enough how fantastic our guide was and how worthwhile it is to have someone to guide you through the labyrinth. read more

Don was great, I've only been kayaking a hand full of times and he was very attentive and guided us well where the water was shallow and around trees that had fallen from recent storms. He also gave us the freedom to take it all in and enjoy silence He guided us carefully into the swamp area where the old bald cypress trees were and let us get out of our kayaks to get up close and personal with these giant magical beauties. Don was friendly, attentive, knowledgeable and a great guide. I highly recommend this trip. I will be back for more. read more

Don and his team made our work team kayak trip on the Black River very special. We saw amazing wildlife and ancient cypress. It was a beautiful day and so much fun. Don made sure we were always safe. Some of us had never kayaked before and Don and his team were patient in teaching us how to paddle. When planning this trip, we had alot of changes along the way and Don was very accommodating. If you're looking for some team building or just love being outdoors on the water, i highly recommend them read more

Kayaking should be fun. You want to paddle new places, see all the local flora and fauna and feel safe doing it...Mahanaim Adventures delivers just that! It's a bonus not having to check tide charts, lug your own gear or find your way back alone to where you put in after a day's paddle. Mahanaim Adventure's staff are knowledgeable and easy-going, their equipment is high quality, and I have always enjoyed my time on the water with them. Can't recommend them highly enough! read more

As this was a last minute decision while on vacation I did not have high hopes. I was so happy though. Far exceeded any expectations I could have had. professional knowledgeable people with good clean equipment and great knowledge and help. As this is not the first place or trip we have done similar things I just wish that companies doing kayaking trips and rentals all came down and learned from them. great for all levels and the help hunting fossils was priceless. read more

My friends and I booked a kayak trip on the Cape Fear River to Sharks Tooth Island. After 2 postponements due to weather, we went out on a beautiful morning and visited 2 islands. Our guides, Joseph and Cameron were knowledgeable and very helpful, especially for the novices in our group. I have gone on 2 excursions with Mahanaim and enjoyed both. Highly recommended, especially if you're new to kayaking or you don't know the area you want to explore. read more

This was my 2nd trip with Mahanaim Adventures. First was to Shark Tooth on the Cape Fear and yesterday was the Black River trip in Ivanhoe NC. Each was well guided. My trip to the Black River was so relaxing and educational. Don is very well versed in the area. We even had some fun with navigating around some debris. We all did a great job, and it was so much fun.. I can't wait till the next time. Check out all of their trips on their website. read more

What an awesome service Don and his guides provide... I love not having to sweat the small stuff. A great thing to have the details for the trip off of my To Do List. A great experience going out with knowledgable guides providing a relaxing and pleasurable experience for all. All that I had to do, was to paddle, and enjoy the total experience taking in nature's beauty. We will definitely go with Mahanaim Adventures again. read more