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The Outer Banks of North Carolina is one of the finest flat-water kayaking destinations on the East Coast of the United States. Surrounded by National Seashores, Wildlife Refugees, State Parks, Coastal Reserves, Nature Conservancy lands, the Currituck, Albemarle, Croatan, Roanoke and Pamlico Sounds and of course the Atlantic Ocean, there is no lack of spectacular places to paddle on the Outer Banks of North Carolina.Allow us here at the Kitty Hawk Kayaks Kayak and Surf School to show you the best places to paddle. |
| From the always-exciting Alligator River National Wildlife Tour where black bears, white-tailed deer, red wolfs and the alligators of North Carolina dwell, to the evening serenity, sunsets and moonrises of our Full Moon and Sunset Tours, there is plenty to do and see. Or look for shore birds on our Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge Tour or explore one of the last intact maritime forests on the East Coast on our Maritime Forest Tour in the Kitty Hawk Woods Coastal Preserve. |
| We have also teamed up with The Nature Conservancy to bring you our exclusive Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve hike and kayak outing. Hike through maritime forests to the launch site and paddle the Roanoke Sound through salt marsh mazes. Also new this year is a Purple Martin Paddle. Visit one of the only roosting spots on the East coast for the Purple Martin and observe tens of thousands of these magnificent birds returning to roost at dusk | ![]() |
| We also offer overnight kayak camping expeditions and American Canoe Association instruction and kayak lessons. Be sure to check out our Schools and Youth Groups page to learn more about field trips and our group programs. Give us a call a call or send us an e-mail if you have any questions and happy paddling!!! |
Kayak Tour Frequenty Asked Questions (FAQ)
| One of our most popular tours, the Maritime Forest tour is excellent for first time and younger paddlers. The tour leaves 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. We generally 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 Nor'easters!!! This is a two-hour tour. |
| This tour explores the salt marshes sound side in the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge. We frequently spot ospreys, pelicans, herons, egrets, ibis, terns, rails, skimmers, wrens, and warbles just to name a few. 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. This is a two-hour tour. Pea Island National Wildlife. |
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Offered by our professional instructors. A two hour lesson. Learn the basics: entering and exiting surf, braces and paddle strokes used to ride the waves. We also offer intermediate and advanced lessons. Each lesson consists of one instructor and no more than two students. Cost: $80/lessonLessons need to be booked advance. |
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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 tours; it is also our longest tour at 3 hours. Explore 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 out and paddle the refuge with us. |
| Our full moon 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. 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. Call us or check your lunar calendars for availability. |
Full Moon Tour
$44.00 per person/
$25.00 for 12 and under in a double with an adult
American Canoe/Kayak Association (ACA) Quick Start ClassThis 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. This is a four hour tour made by appointment only for someone who is more serious about paddling in the future, and who would like to do some of their own touring safely and well-prepared. This course follows the curriculum of the American Canoe Association and is given by an ACA certified instructor. This is a four-hour class. For curriculum specifics on the Quick Start Class, visit the site: http://www.americancanoe.org/PDF/QuickstartYourKayak.pdf American Canoe Association Quick Start Class: $100.00 per person |
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Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve Hike and Salt Marsh PaddleThrough a partnership with the Nature Conservancy and the Kitty Hawk Kayaks Kayak and Surf School we are now offering a hike and paddle in Nags Head Woods. This is the crown jewel in our kayaking program for those who want to hike and paddle. Visit the Nature Conservancy’s Nags Head Woods and hike a ½ mile to the launch site. Then paddle the Roanoke Sound through protected salt marshes and visit Run Hill State Preservation Area. A portion of the proceeds of this tour supports the Nature Conservancy. Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve Hike & Paddle: $39.00 per person/ $25.00 for 12 and under in a double with an adult |
Corolla & Pea Island Sunset TourWhat better way to beat the summer heat than to paddle at dusk and watch the sunset across the Sound? These tours are offered throughout the summer right before sunset to insure the best colors of the fading summer sun. Tours leave out of Corolla and Roanoke Island. These fill up so be sure to make a reservation early.
Corolla & Pea Island Sunset Tour: $49.00 per person/ $25.00 for 12 and under in a double with an adult |
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Surf Lesson and Kayak Tour PackageGet the most out of the Outer Banks coastal environments with our Surf and Kayak Tour Package. Save 15% the regular price by booking both. Enjoy a morning Surf Lesson with an afternoon kayak tour. Lunch will be on your own midday and after this exciting day you will be worn out, but grinning from ear to ear having learned how to surf and kayak all in one day!!!
Surf lesson and Kayak Tour Package: $80.00 per person/ $65.00 for 12 and under in a double with an adult |
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What do your kayak tours cost?
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