Kayaking

Kayak Eco Tours

Kayaking is always exciting in the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge where black bears, white-tailed deer, red wolfs and the alligators of North Carolina dwell. Or try our Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge tour, or explore one of the last intact maritime forests of coastal North Carolina in the Kitty Hawk Coastal Preserve.

We offer over 15 different kayak tours! 

Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge

They don’t call it Alligator River for nothin’; gator sightings are frequent on this tour. But don’t fear, despite conventional wisdom to the contrary, gators are shy and elusive creatures and are not aggressive. This is one of our most exciting and beautiful kayak tours; it is also our longest tour at 3 hours. A true Outer Banks treasure kayaking in Milltail Creek, home to an old logging and whiskey distilling community during Prohibition amidst the spectacular natural beauty of the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge. Black bear, snowy egrets, great blue herons, and the once endangered red wolf all call this area home, so come check 'em out and paddle the refuge with us. 

Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge

This ecotour explores the salt marshes sound side in the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge. This preserve is what makes ecotourism so special on the Outer Banks. On htis kayak tour,we frequently spot ospreys, pelicans, herons, egrets, ibis, terns, rails, skimmers, wrens, and warbles just to name a few. Kayaking during the winter months this location is particularly abundant with migrating ducks, swans, geese and other water foul. We will tour the salt marshes of the Pamlico Sound and visit the old bridge joining Hatteras Island to the Northern Outer Banks across the now closed New Inlet. 

Kitty Hawk Woods Maritime Forest

Our most popular kayak tours, the Maritime Forest tour is excellent for first time and younger paddlers. The tour leaves kayaking from our store in Kitty Hawk and explores the North Carolina Coastal Reserve, one of the few intact maritime forest environments on the Outer Banks. On this kayak tour we see many reptiles such as snakes and turtles, as well as many birds. This is also an excellent locale on windy days because of the shelter provided by Live Oaks and Loblolly Pine trees insuring smooth waters, even during the Outer Banks' strong Nor’easters!

Corolla Salt Marsh

Come check out the most beautiful place to paddle in Corolla. Kayaking around the sheltered islands, bays and canals of the Currituck Sound on the Outer Banks. Launch from Timbuck II shopping center and cruise around at a leisurely pace. See snowy egrets, great blue herons, and the occasional river otter. A great place to watch the sunset as well or check out the full moon at night.

Historic Roanoke Island

Roanoke Island was witness to the first English settlement in the New World. Learn about the rich history on Roanoke Island while kayaking its protected canals and waterways. Downtown Manteo is a great kayaking environment located between the Outer Banks and the mainland and also provides an ideal activity to begin your exploration of the Outer Banks and Roanoke Island.

Avon Pamlico Sound & Salt Marsh

On this kayak tour, we frequently spot ospreys, pelicans, herons, egrets, ibis, terns, rails, skimmers, wrens, and warbles just to name a few. We will tour the salt marsh canals and flatwaters of the Pamlico Sound. This tour location also packs a punch with its unreal sunsetsl!!!!

This is a killer place for beginner and experienced kayakers alike.

The Sanderling's Currituck Sound

A new and exciting kayak tour location on the boarder of Duck and Corolla on the Currituck Sound of the Northern Outer Banks. We launch at the newly renovated Sanderling Resort & Spa and paddle around the salt marsh islands and flatwaters salt of the Currituck Sound. This is a killer place for beginner kayakers and also packs a punch with its gorgeous sunsetsl!!!!

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Full Moon Kayak Tours

Kayaking during a full moon is a must do for any self-respecting paddler. Our full moon kayak tours are an exciting night paddle guided by moonlight!!! This two-hour excursion is a great way to enjoy the coastal environments, observe bioluminescence (glowing fluorescent bacteria in the water!!!!) and howl at the moon on a summer evening on the Outer Banks. The water is usually calmer, the mood mellower, and the groups rowdier so come with us on a full moon. Obviously due to Mother Nature’s lunar cycles this tour is only offered during a full moon.

This tour is offered at Roanoke Island, The Sanderling Currituck Sound, Bodie Island and Kitty Hawk Woods Maritime Forest Tour locations.

Privately Guided Hidden Gem Tour

Locations of the put ins for these tours are kept secret. Call us to discuss your private kayak tour for an incredible paddling experience in tour areas even further off the beaten path. It is recommended that you have some prior kayaking experience or a strong sense of adventure to fully enjoy these tours. Full and half day options available. Shhhhh! Don't tell anyone. 

Ocean Kayak Tours

We shove off right from the beach in Kitty Hawk and paddle looking for dolphins, schools of fish, and the view of land from a kayak. 

Ocean Kayak Lessons

We offer private and group surf kayak lessons for people who want to learn how to surf kayak, or as we call it, sedentary shredding. Helmets, life jackets, surf kayaks and paddles provided.

American Canoe/Kayak Association (ACA) Quick Start Class

This is a more thorough paddling, safety, kayak care and navigation course. Rescues, towing, gear, trip planning, wet exits and kayak touring specific problems are also discussed.

Kayak Camps and Retreats

This is a more thorough paddling, safety, kayak care and navigation course. Rescues, towing, gear, trip planning, wet exits and kayak touring specific problems are also discussed.

Kayak Rentals

Why not paddle yourself around the Kitty Hawk Preserve’s Maritime Forest. We have the closest launch site to the preserve to make accessing the natural treasure easy as pie. Just come to our store and we will get you set up for your own self-guided adventure. Or, let us bring the fun to you. We deliver kayaks right to your door for weekly rentals. 

Used Kayaks and Kayak Gear for Sale

The Kitty Hawk Kayak & Surf School sells used kayaks, paddles, PFDs (lifejackets), wetsuits, and surfboards periodically from Labor Day to Memorial Day. They are a great deal for used equipment. We do not sell any used equipment during the summer as that is when we need it the most.