About Us
Water Taxi Service by 5 More Minutes Charters
We offer dependable, year-round transportation, dockside grocery delivery, and after-hours service for residents and visitors traveling to and from Bald Head Island.
About Us & Who We Are
5 More Minutes Charters has been proudly serving Southport, Oak Island, and Bald Head Island with safe and convenient water transportation. Our Bald Head Water Taxi provides flexible, pet-friendly, and all-weather service year-round for both residents and visitors.
Captain Darren
Meet Captain Darren Charnock — a lifelong mariner with over 40 years of experience on the water. Raised in Southwest Florida, Darren’s passion for boating began long before he could drive, spending his youth exploring coastal waters and learning to navigate tides, weather, and current.
His love for the sea led him to serve four years in the U.S. Coast Guard, where he gained valuable experience aboard patrol boats from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic. Today, as a licensed and fully insured U.S. Coast Guard OUPV Captain, Darren brings that same skill and dedication to every Bald Head Water Taxi trip.
Now a full-time resident of Southport, NC, Darren is known for his calm demeanor, attention to safety, and easygoing nature that makes every ride feel like time well spent. Whether transporting residents, visitors, or pets, he takes pride in offering safe, dependable, and friendly service across the Cape Fear River.
First Mate Julie
Julie helps keep the Bald Head Water Taxi service running seamlessly from start to finish. She manages reservations, guest communication, and scheduling—making sure each trip is coordinated smoothly and with a personal touch.
Born and raised in Raleigh, North Carolina, Julie graduated from Broughton High School and attended Wingate University. After living in Indian Trail for many years, she moved to Oak Island in 2017 and quickly found her place on the water.
Whether she’s organizing rides, assisting at the dock, or greeting passengers with a smile, Julie brings warmth and attention to detail to every crossing. She’s proud to help both residents and visitors enjoy a reliable and friendly way to travel between Southport and Bald Head Island.
Miss Angie
Every boat needs a loyal first mate, and for the Bald Head Water Taxi, that’s Miss Angie — everyone’s favorite four-legged deckhand. Often spotted beside Captain Darren, she keeps watch on the water and greets passengers with her quiet charm and signature tail wag.
Miss Angie takes her duties seriously — from welcoming guests to inspecting the day’s catch — though she’s also a professional napper when the ride is smooth. Her calm presence and gentle spirit have made her a favorite among locals, visitors, and even the occasional dolphin.
Whether you’re heading home, off to dinner, or out for an early morning ride, Miss Angie is ready to make your trip a little brighter. 🐾⚓
About the Boat – The Passage Paid
Step aboard The Passage Paid, a 28-foot Axopar 28 — yacht-certified and designed with passenger comfort in mind. This modern vessel offers a safe, smooth, and comfortable ride to and from Bald Head Island, no matter the weather.
300-horsepower engine provides a quiet, steady cruise
Enclosed cabin protects from sun, wind, and spray — perfect for all seasons
Comfortable seating inside the cabin, up front (bow), and at the stern
Garmin navigation suite with radar, weather, and fish-finder for safe travel
Fully functional bathroom with freshwater sink
Year-round operation with heating and air conditioning
With a spacious layout and enclosed design, The Passage Paid ensures a pleasant trip — whether it’s an early-morning grocery run, evening dinner ride, or after-hours return to Bald Head Island.
Reliable Service from Southport to Bald Head Island
When you need dependable Bald Head Island transportation, 5 More Minutes Charters provides safe, on-time service you can count on. Whether it’s a scheduled water taxi ride or last-minute travel, we’re here to get you where you need to go.
Comfortable, Pet-Friendly Rides Year-Round
Our enclosed cabin keeps you warm in the cooler months and shaded in the summer. With plenty of space for luggage and room for your pets, our Bald Head water taxi is designed for comfort no matter the season.
Personalized Local Assistance When You Need It Most
From after-hours water taxi rides to grocery and supply delivery, we go beyond transportation. Our team understands the unique needs of Bald Head Island visitors and homeowners, offering flexible options when no one else is available.
Why Choose Us?
Booking your Bald Head Island Water Taxi is simple and stress-free.
Looking for a Bald Head Water Taxi? This dedicated service from 5 More Minutes Charters provides safe, reliable, and flexible transportation to and from Bald Head Island. Whether you need a quick ride, groceries delivered to the dock, or after-hours assistance, we make travel easy, convenient, and stress-free. Pet-friendly and available year-round, our service is designed for both residents and visitors.
Need a Ride or Have a Question?
Whether you’re heading home to Bald Head Island or planning your next coastal outing, we’re here to help.