Best Private Boat Rides
5 More Minutes Charters
Oak Island and Southport, NC

Captain Darren Charnock | Call or Text: (910) 448-4838 | Email: 5MMCharters@gmail.com
5 More Minutes Charters
We offer private boat tours for up to 6 passengers in Oak Island and Southport, North Carolina, with options for year-round adventures.
Enjoy customized experiences, including Sunrise, Sunset, and Scenic Day Tours, our Water Taxi service to Bald Head Island, the seasonal Sandbar Experience (May–Sept), Family Fishing Charters, Dock, Dine, and Ride tours, and our dignified Memorial at Sea ceremonies.
5 More Minutes Charters
Why Choose Us?
All-Season Adventures
Experience the beauty of the Southport and Oak Island waters year-round! Our enclosed cabin keeps you cozy in cooler months, and open-air seating lets you enjoy the sun and breeze whenever you like. Every season offers its own unique coastal views, and we’re ready to show you them all.
Family Friendly
Perfect for all ages! Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just want to explore the area by boat, our charters offer a safe and fun experience for families and friends alike. Make memories on the water, tailored just for your group.
Private and Personalized
Our boat is reserved exclusively for your group, letting you choose what to explore at your own pace. Enjoy views of historic lighthouses, coastal birds, passing cargo ships, playful dolphins, and scenic waterfronts—without ever feeling rushed.

Give the Gift of Nautical Adventures
Give the gift of a boat ride with 5 More Minutes Charters! Whether it’s cruising along the coast, catching a beautiful sunset, or enjoying a private boat ride, our gift certificates can be used for any of our services.
Perfect for any occasion, they’re a great way to help friends or family create lasting memories on the water. To redeem, just call Captain Darren to book your trip and ensure you get the personalized experience we’re known for. It’s not just a gift—it’s the start of an unforgettable adventure!
EXCELLENT Based on 75 reviews Stephanie BartlettMay 19, 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Julie and Captain Darren were incredible. Very knowledgeable. Accommodating. Their boat is comfortable and clean. Would definitely recommend them. I had a fantastic time. Bijal ShoularsMay 18, 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We booked the memorial at sea and Julia and Captain Darren were absolutely amazing. They are respectful, caring, and gave us the time we needed during this most difficult time. Thank you both so much. Audrey RyanMay 18, 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Captain Darren and julie were phenomenal! Miss Angie was perhaps the best dog I’ve ever encountered. I would 100% recommend this boat ride! Hannah JeffriesMay 17, 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My husband and I had an amazing experience with 5 More Minutes. We took a sunset cruise for our anniversary. Julie even brought us cookies to celebrate and offered great info about the area and waterways. Additionally, Capt. Darren is an experienced boater. We felt very comfortable and safe with him at the helm. We will be using 5 More Minutes in the future. Christy SzafranMay 15, 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 5 MM Charters helped me to plan, organize and facilitate a Memorial at Sea service and scattering of ashes for my husband who passed away in December. The entire experience surpassed my expectations as Captain Darren and Julie paid attention to every single detail and created an atmosphere of compassion, respect, and comfort. It truly was a tribute to my husband. The weather was beautiful and we saw rainbows, whales, dolphins, and a lighthouse. There were gorgeous flowers, prayers, readings and wonderful memories as well as lots of tears, laughter, hugs, and smiles. It was all about love and honoring a very special man. Words cannot adequately express our gratitude to Capt. Darren, Julie and Miss Angie for such a beautiful and meaningful memorial at sea. It filled us with such a sense of peace, hope and renewal. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Christy Szafran and Family Caroline SturgessMay 12, 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Darren, Julie and Miss Angie were wonderful hosts this weekend (May 10) with our parent's burial at sea. The weather did not cooperate so we were unable to go the 3 miles out but they adapted perfectly and gave us an excellent trip along the ICW from Southport so we could say goodbye. They will take the trip out with our parent's ashes when the weather allows and send us photos and videos of the event as if we were there ourselves. I could recommend them for any excursion you plan. Miss Angie is such a beautiful and calming deck hand too!! Thank you for making a difficult time much easier. Debbie and Caroline Michael AstillaMay 7, 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Captain Darren hosted our small group for a great sunset tour around Southport, along the intracoastal waterway, and back to BHI. It was a great tour and his boat is really spacious and incredibly smooth. We’ll definitely book again will certainly use his boat taxi and courier service when in a pinch. 5 Stars. SteffanieApril 28, 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I was looking for a way to spread my husbands ashes and am so very grateful to have found 5 min more. Julie and Darren were so thoughtful and considerate throughout the entire process. While incredibly sad, it was such a beautiful day for the kids and I due to their care and attention. I can’t say enough about this unique and amazing experience. Robin BettsApril 27, 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Wonderful captain and first mate, showed us the sights and it was great seeing the dolphins. Sunset was a little cloudy but only Mother Nature could have helped that one. All in all the ride was spectacular T TApril 21, 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had the best time on our boat tour! Easy to schedule and locate at the marina, great communication on details, very flexible with itinerary, comfy boat seats and Captain Darren, Julie and their sweet pup were professional, kind, informative tour guides and just made for a very fun afternoon. We left planning another trip with them! Of note, if you are into "birding," this is a great option~ We saw a bald eagle, an Ibis, great and snowy egrets, little blue heron, lots of pelicans and Captain Darren helped us scope oit birds and slowed the boat so we could enjoy watching them. As a bonus we saw dolphins and a giant cargo ship up close, which were both amazing in very different ways. We are new to OKI, so it was fun to see the island from the ICW side. This was a great, personalized tour geared to oir intetests and well worth the adventure. Don't think twice, this is THE BEST tour you will find in OKI/SOUTHPORT/BALD HEAD area!
100% no-risk weather guarantee
Book with confidence and peace of mind, knowing that if the weather worsens, we’ll give you a 100% refund. After all, it’s important to us that you enjoy your experience.

Meet The Crew of 5 More Minutes Charters
USCG Veteran Owned & Operated
Boat Tours Service Area: Southport, Oak Island, Bald Head Island, St. James and surrounding towns and cities of Brunswick County.

5 More Minutes Charters offers private boat rides in Oak Island and Southport, NC.
Our Tours & Services
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Get In Touch
Office Locations: 103 NW 14th Street
Oak Island, NC 28465
Email: 5mmCharters@gmail.com
Phone: (910) 448-4838