Best Boat Tours in Southport & Oak Island, NC

5 More Minutes Charters

Captain Darren Charnock   |  Call or Text: (910) 448-4838   |  Email: 5MMCharters@gmail.com

Captain Darren Charnock   |  Call or Text: (910) 448-4838   |  Email: 5MMCharters@gmail.com

5MMCharters at Marina

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.

gift, charters, adventures

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
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Based on 185 reviews
Posted on Google Google
Lisa Shaeffer profile picture
Lisa Shaeffer
September 13, 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Julie and Darren did a wonderful job helping us disperse the ashes of our loved ones. They were very compassionate and helpful. I highly recommend them.
Posted on Google Google
Charles Keen profile picture
Charles Keen
September 9, 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We had a Beach By Boat tour today. I can’t stress how awesome the day was. We did miss Captain Julie and Angie today, but Captain Darren was great.
Posted on Google Google
Taylor Raynor profile picture
Taylor Raynor
September 8, 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
5 More Minutes was great for a water taxi from BHI! We have 4 kids & 2 dogs and they were professional, friendly and great to work with! Will definitely be calling them again!
Posted on Google Google
Leslie Wheeler profile picture
Leslie Wheeler
August 28, 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We had an amazing sunset tour with Captain Darren, Julie, and Angie. They were very accommodating, knowledgeable, and kind. We could not have asked for a better experience. Thank you for making our visit to the area that much more special!
Posted on Google Google
Diane Moffi profile picture
Diane Moffi
August 27, 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Our 5-person group thoroughly enjoyed our sunset cruise last night! Capt Darren was fun, knowledgeable about the local area and made the whole trip a lot of fun. We saw dolphin, osprey, a bald eagle, a blue heron and an amazing sunset near Bald Head Island. It was incredible to see our area from the water. Can’t wait until our next excursion with you!!
Posted on Google Google
Joy profile picture
Joy
August 19, 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Julie and Captain Darren were so friendly and walked us through everything step by step. Highly recommend 5 More Minutes.
Posted on Google Google
Samantha Hatem profile picture
Samantha Hatem
August 15, 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Amazing service! Fast and courteous! They helped us in a jam when our dog was sick and we needed help getting on and off BHI quickly.
Posted on Google Google
Sheila Holk profile picture
Sheila Holk
August 15, 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Captain Darren was excellent. We were told about the history of the houses on Bald Island. And some information about dolphins. The whole trip was excellent.
Posted on Google Google
Dr. Rich Minuski, DC, AGNP-C profile picture
Dr. Rich Minuski, DC, AGNP-C
August 14, 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Great experience. Highly recommend. Captain Darren was so pleasant and friendly. We felt very cared for, had such a fun and create your own adventure vibe, and enjoyed the beautiful day.
Posted on Google Google
Mary (Ria) profile picture
Mary (Ria)
August 7, 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Very much a great experience, the crew was very respectful and personable and knowledgeable. Could not have asked for a more respectful experience. Thank you very much.

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.

the crew watches the weather

Meet The Crew of 5 More Minutes Charters

Julie Gibson

Captain, First Mate, Marketing Director

Miss Angie

Deckhand, VP of Hospitality

USCG Veteran Owned & Operated

Southport Chamber of Commerce

Dock Location: Oak Island, St. James, Southport, NC and Bald Head Island.
Boat Tours Service Area: Southport, Oak Island, Bald Head Island, St. James and surrounding towns and cities of Brunswick County.
Scroll to Top