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 66 reviews 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! Jessica MarchandApril 6, 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Darren and Julie were wonderful hosts! We combined a memorial service for my grandparents and fished afterwards. The boat is great, Julie is so knowledgeable about the area, and deckhand Miss Angie (woof woof) was a treat! Mike KeusApril 4, 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I just wanted to give a great review for Julie and Captain Darren of Five More Minutes Charters. They were incredibly communicative, were right on time and super friendly! As we began the journey from Deep Point Southport to BHI, it was about 10:30 PM. Because it was so dark, they shared with us what they were doing to ensure a safe passage. Julie was super friendly along with their sweetest dog, Miss Angie. Such a great experience and we appreciate the excellent service! Josh O'BrienMarch 14, 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 5 More Minutes was a great find. Darren and Julie couldn’t have been nicer. Communication on pickup was great, the ride was comfortable, and the prices are fair. Would highly recommend for water taxi to/from BHI especially if you need a late night ride! Grace CarnowMarch 13, 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Went on fishing expedition with my boyfriend and I during spring break, and I could not recommend 5MM enough! As a complete newbie to fishing, I was able to catch 3+ fish thanks to Captain Darren's help! He was so helpful and knew the perfect spots for new fishers like me. So fun and a great environment to hangout, learn how to fish, or enjoy the sights. Truly the best charter business on Oak Island!! Gary ChambersMarch 9, 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Absolutely great day. 3 adults and 2 children in our group. Learned a lot of history of the area and boat ride was great. Highly recommend. A great day of our vacation. Greg DillardMarch 9, 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Awesome experience for the whole family! Plan to book again soon! Cindy RajskyJanuary 14, 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Wonderful sunset cruise! The friendly and knowledgeable hosts, as well as a beautiful and comfortable boat made for a great experience! Would highly recommend, even if it’s chilly the boat is super cozy and hot chocolate too…delicious! Kristy BoozerJanuary 4, 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We went on a one hour scenic tour ride with Darren and Julie this week while on vacation in Oak Island. We had so much fun! They shared some island history with us, as well as showing us wildlife and local attractions. The complimentary hot chocolate was awesome as well! We will definitely be booking other adventures in the future! Mary SwickJanuary 4, 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great 2 hour boat ride with Julie and Darren! I mentioned someone in our party was having a birthday when booking. Julie picked up on that and made the day even more special. Blankets, hard warmers and hot drinks were also available. Prices are very reasonable. Highly recommend. We can't wait to use them again!
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
Quick Links
Get In Touch
Office Locations: 103 NW 14th Street
Oak Island, NC 28465
Email: 5mmCharters@gmail.com
Phone: (910) 448-4838