6 Of The Best Kayak Tours In The Outer Banks 2023

Are you looking for the best kayak tours in the Outer Banks?

Searching for the best kayak tours in the Outer Banks? Look no further!

Kayaking is such a fun activity to do outside year round but it’s especially one of our favorite activities to do during the warmer months.

There are endless things to do in the Outer Banks (OBX) and each one will have you falling in love with the area.

For those looking for something unique and exciting to do on your beach vacation, be sure to continue reading to find out about the best kayak tours in the Outer Banks!

A kayak sitting by the water with rocks and trees in the background. — Photo provided by Pixabay

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Don’t have time to read the whole article about the best kayak tours in the Outer Banks? Our #1 pick for the best kayak tour in the Outer Banks is the Alligator River Kayak Adventure. This tour has 5/5 star reviews from over 35 people on Viator and Tripadvisor. We love that you are able to paddle through the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge and spot various animals along the way. This is the perfect tour for animal and adventure lovers!

The Best Kayak Tours in the Outer Banks:

1. Alligator River Kayak Adventure

Looking for a thrilling kayak adventure unlike any other?

The Alligator River Kayak Adventure will take you exploring down the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge on a two hour journey where you will paddle along the river and learn about the Wildlife Refuge and the history behind the logging and whiskey distilling communities that once occupied this surrounding area.

Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for various wildlife sightings including alligators, bald eagles, turtles, and much more!

We love that this kayak adventure is two hours in length… it is the perfect amount of time to enjoy some time out on the water doing an activity but not too long to where it takes up your entire day!

Furthermore, we love that this tour includes all of the kayaking essentials including a kayak, paddles, and life jacket.

Plus, they keep the tour groups small so you won’t feel jam packed and the experience is a bit more intimate!

Location: Manns Harbor, NC
Time: Approximately 2 hours long
Things to See: Wildlife animals such as alligators, bald eagles, turtles, and more!

👉🏼 Click here to see rates and availability for one of the best kayak tours in the Outer Banks, the Alligator River Kayak Adventure!

A person kayaking on the open water. — Photo provided by Pixabay

2. Kitty Hawk Maritime Forest Kayak Tour

This Kitty Hawk Maritime Forest Kayak Tour will take you through Kitty Hawk Woods Coastal Reserve as you paddle through different forests and swamps.

This tour is about 2 hours in length and is a great option for those looking to get out into the wilderness and on the water.

Keep your eyes open for various wildlife as you may see animals such as ospreys, turtles, otters, and many others!

Location: Kitty Hawk, NC
Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours long
Things to See: Wildlife animals such as ospreys, turtles, river otters, and more!

👉🏼 Be sure to check out this link to learn more about rates and availability for the Kitty Hawk Maritime Forest Kayak Tour!

The sun setting on the water with swamp grass. — Photo provided by Pixabay

3. Cape Hatteras Kayak Adventure in Rodanthe

If you are searching for a fun activity to do on the Pamlico Sound and catch tremendous views of the sun setting, this Cape Hatteras Kayak Adventure in Rodanthe tour is for you!

This tour is about 2 hours in length and you will paddle around Cape Hatteras with your small group as you all take in the surrounding water, wildlife, and watch as the sun goes down over the water!

Location: Rodanthe
Time: About 2 hours in length
Things to See: Watch the sunset and lookout for wildlife such as ospreys, pelicans, turtles, and more!

👉🏼 Check out this link to see rates and availability for the Cape Hatteras Kayak Adventure in Rodanthe!

The ocean with seagrass and the sun setting at the beach, one of the best places to go on a kayaking tour in the Outer Banks. — Photo provided by Pixabay

4. Corolla Kayak Adventure

For those looking for a sunset adventure while paddling the Currituck Sound, you must check out Corolla Kayak Adventure.

This tour is roughly 2 hours in length and will take you paddling along the waters right around sunset so you can take in the beautiful views of the Sound, different islands, and wildlife.

We love that the tour guide will teach you about the surrounding ecosystem and guide you on your sunset adventure.

This is an awesome option for sunset enthusiasts who would like to gain some knowledge on the science and history behind the Currituck Sound.

Location: Corolla
Time: Approximately 2 hours in length
Things to See: Watch the sunset as you paddle the Currituck Sound and look around as you take in the surrounding canals, islands, and various wildlife!

👉🏼 Be sure to click here to learn more about rates and availability for the Corolla Kayak Adventure!

Someone kayaking on the open water during sunset. — Photo provided by Pixabay

5. Outer Banks Kayak Adventures – Bioluminescence & Full Moon Night Kayak Tour

If you are searching for something unforgettable, thrilling, and unique… the Outer Banks Kayak Adventures – Bioluminescence & Full Moon Night Kayak Tour is meant for you!

This kayak tour is about 90 minutes in length and will take you along the Cape Hatteras National Seashore as you take in the full moon shine at night and experience bioluminescence in the ocean below you!

We love that this is a completely unique kayak tour experience as you will be able to take in the full moon and the bioluminescence at night time.

Additionally, we love that there are options to book a single kayak or a 2 person kayak depending on your personal preference!

Location: Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Time: About 1 hour and 30 minutes in length
Things to See: You will get to see organisms light up due to bioluminescence, the bright full moon, and take in the night sky!

👉🏼 Click here to see rates and availability for the Outer Banks Kayak Adventures – Bioluminescence & Full Moon Night Kayak Tour!

Two people kayaking on the open water as the sun sets and turns the sky orange and pink. — Photo provided by Pixabay

6. Outer Banks Kayak Tours – Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge

This kayak tour is an excellent option for bird fanatics or for those wanting to kayak some truly blue water surrounding the Outer Banks area!

This tour will take you throughout an area known for having over 300 different species of birds sighted.

Plus, you will kayak through some extremely blue water and be able to see all sorts of wildlife below your vessel.

We love that this kayak tour is known for its various wildlife sightings and is a great option for animal lovers and those looking to learn more about the surrounding area and ecosystem.

Location: Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge
Time: About 2 hours in length
Things to See: You will get to see clear waters as you kayak around the island and various wildlife including countless birds, stingray, crabs, oysters, and much more!

👉🏼 Be sure to check out this link to learn more about rates and availability for the Outer Banks Kayak Tours – Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge!

A view from the beach on one of the best kayak tours in the Outer Banks.

FAQ’s About Kayaking in the Outer Banks:

Where are the best places to kayak in the Outer Banks?

There are countless areas to kayak in the Outer Banks. Some of the most popular areas include Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge, Cape Hatteras, Kitty Hawk Maritime Forest, the Currituck Sound, Pamlico Sound, and many others.

Can you kayak in the Outer Banks?

Yes! You can definitely kayak throughout the Outer Banks.

We recommend going on a kayak tour so that you can join a professional guide that will take you on a specific route, talk to you about your surroundings, and provide you with the essential equipment that you will need to have a safe and fun kayak journey!

How long does it take to kayak 2.5 miles?

It takes about 30 minutes to kayak a mile! Therefore, it would take you about 1 hour and 30 minutes to kayak 2.5 miles.

Can you kayak in Pamlico Sound?

Yes, you can kayak in Pamlico Sound! However, be aware of strong currents and weather conditions ahead of time.

You will want to go kayaking in the Pamlico Sound when the conditions are ideal and smooth.

Can you kayak in Corolla NC?

You can definitely kayak in Corolla! You can kayak on the Sound or in the Ocean.

In general, we typically recommend that you kayak in the Sound because the conditions tend to be more relaxed and smooth.

What should you wear to kayak in the Outer Banks?

This definitely depends on what time of day that you plan on kayaking.

However, in general we recommend wearing clothes that you don’t mind getting wet or dirty! We typically wear our swimsuits with cover ups or t-shirts.

If you plan on kayaking during the day, make sure that you bring plenty of sunscreen and think about bringing a sun shirt to protect your arms and body from the sun.

Also, be sure to bring a hat and sunglasses so that you protect your eyes and can look around at your surroundings without getting blinded by the sun!

If you plan on kayaking at night, we recommend that you wear light layers because it can get slightly chilly at night.

Additionally, we recommend that you wear sandals or water shoes for the most comfortable experience!

What should you bring to kayak in the Outer Banks?

There are quite a few things that you should bring with you to kayak in the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

Water- Bring plenty of water with you to stay hydrated and healthy! It’s easy to get dehydrated while you are kayaking and taking in your surroundings so make sure to be proactive.

Sunscreen– In general, it’s always a good idea to have plenty of sunscreen on you whenever you are visiting the beach!

Bug Spray– Bugs can get pretty bad in the South, especially during the summer months. Make sure to bring plenty of bug spray to keep the mosquitos and gnats away!

Beach Towel– We recommend keeping your beach towel in the car so that you know you have something to dry you off when you get back from your kayak adventure.

Waterproof Camera or Phone- Who doesn’t love to take pictures of beautiful scenery and to capture unforgettable memories? Be sure to pack a waterproof camera or make sure that your phone is waterproof and bring it along with you!

The sun rising on the beach with sand and the ocean in the distance.

Final Thoughts On The Best Kayak Tours in the Outer Banks

There is so much to do in the Outer Banks but one of the best ways to get outside and explore all that the area has to offer is by going on one of the best kayak tours in the Outer Banks area!

If you are on the hunt for the best option, we recommend the Alligator River Kayak Adventure because you will catch fabulous views of the surrounding areas and their is a good chance that you see some wildlife while paddling along the river!

We hope you enjoyed this article on the best kayak tours in the Outer Banks! Happy Kayaking!