Skip to content
Kitty Hawk Kites

Book Now

Let's get your next great story on the schedule.

Reservations 1.877.FLY.THIS Talk with someone who can help you choose the right option and book with confidence.
Alligator River Kayak Tour

Adventure

Alligator River Kayak Tour

Embark on our Alligator River Kayak Tour and paddle through serene waters surrounded by lush landscapes and abundant wildlife.

Jump To

Overview Promotions FAQs
Alligator River Kayak Tour

Starting At

$40 +6% Online Convenience Fee

Duration

2 hours

Location

Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge
Call to Book
Book Online
Pricing

Alligator River Kayak Tour

Embark on our Alligator River Kayak Tour and paddle through serene waters surrounded by lush landscapes and abundant wildlife.

Adults $59
Child

5-12 yrs old

 $40

Adventure Overview

Kayak Tours on the Alligator River with Kitty Hawk Kites

Spot majestic alligators, playful otters, and a variety of bird species in their natural habitat. This adventure offers a perfect blend of excitement and tranquility, creating unforgettable memories for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.

Explore the wild side of the Outer Banks with a guided kayak tour through the breathtaking Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge—one of the most unique and ecologically rich paddling destinations in North Carolina. With Kitty Hawk Kites, you’ll glide through calm blackwater creeks and cypress-lined canals while spotting an incredible array of wildlife, including alligators, river otters, herons, ospreys, and even the elusive red wolf.
Adventure Promotion Recreation

$5 OFF!

Save $5 person when you book for Sunday, Monday, or Tuesday with Kitty Hawk Kites. Call us at (252) 441-4124 or **use code OBXTW5** online!

Adventure Promotion Recreation

$5 OFF!

Mention the offer when booking by phone or apply the discount online during checkout. It’s the perfect way to fly high and save.

Call 1-877-FLY-THIS (359-8447) for booking assistance.
Discount subject to availability. Valid at participating locations only.

Our expert guides provide a safe and educational experience for all ages and skill levels, making this one of the best family-friendly kayak tours in the Outer Banks. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a photographer, or just looking for a peaceful escape into untouched wilderness, this tour delivers a truly immersive OBX adventure.

This is one of our most popular Outer Banks kayak tours and often sells out—early booking is highly recommended!

Need to Know

Frequently Asked Questions

Review some commonly asked questions so you know before you go.

Are there alligators in Alligator River? +

Yes, there are Alligators in the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge. However, these are calm waters in protected land, so its rare to see the alligators in the water when people are around. Its often said that these Alligators are more afraid of you, then you are of them. But you can witness them in their habitat with guided kayak tours from trained guides.

Why is it called Alligator River? +

The river was once the northernmost retreat for the American alligator, giving the beautiful location it’s name. Today, visitors can still occasionally spot these remarkable creatures in their natural habitat through guided kayak tours with Kitty Hawk Kites.

Is it safe to kayak in alligator waters? +

Yes, it is generally safe to kayak in alligator waters when proper precautions are taken. Alligators typically avoid human interaction, and guided tours, such as those offered by Kitty Hawk Kites, ensure safety by following established guidelines and maintaining a respectful distance from wildlife. Always follow the instructions of your guide and remain aware of your surroundings for a safe and enjoyable experience.

Reservations Policy

Adventure Reservations Policies

We try to be as flexible as we possibly can to make your experience great, but please be mindful that we do have some policies that should be reviewed.

Read Policy

Reservations Policy

Adventure Reservations Policies

Our activities tend to fill up, so we encourage you to make your reservation early, especially if you plan to come in June, July, August, September, or during a holiday. While walk-ins are welcome, there is no guarantee that space will be available without a reservation.

Payment

Full payment is required to book your reservation. Kitty Hawk Kites does not hold spots without payment. Your card will be charged when you click “Accept” on the confirmation page. We accept Visa, Master Card, American Express, and Discover. If you want to pay by cash or gift card, you must make your reservation at one of our retail stores or activity sites. If you are unsure of where the nearest reservations facility is, please call or text 252-251-4314.
Prices are subject to change, so confirm the rates at time of reservation.

Weather Related Cancellations and Refunds

Weather changes frequently and unexpectedly in coastal areas, and many weather forecasts are inaccurate. Due to these factors, weather related cancellations will likely not occur until very close to time of the scheduled reservation. Should Kitty Hawk Kites cancel your scheduled activity due to unsafe weather conditions, you will be offered the chance to reschedule your activity or Kitty Hawk Kites can either issue you a **wind check** (for Hang Gliding, Paragliding, Kayaking, Kiteboarding, Paddleboarding and Surfing) or provide you with a refund for the portion of the activity you were unable to complete.

For instance, in the case of Demo and Beginner Dune Hang Gliding Lessons the first portion (“Ground School”) of your lesson will not be cancelled and is non-refundable within 48 hours. The ground school is pro-rated at $39 per student.
Note: if you were booked on one of our packages, and part of your activities are cancelled due to weather, and you opt for a refund, you will be charged regular price for the activities you completed.

Customer Related Cancellations & Rescheduling

Should the purchasing customer request a refund, Kitty Hawk Kites will provide a full refund for any request that is made at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled activity. No refunds will be given for customer cancellations made within the 48 hours before the scheduled activity. If the reservation is made within the 48 hours before the activity time, the reservation is non-refundable at the time of the booking.

Fishing Trips scheduled on the Carolina Blue and the Southern Run require a weeks notice to cancel for a full refund.  Any cancellations made within a week of your fishing trip will be charged full cost of the trip.

Reschedules

Customers may request to reschedule or wind check their scheduled activity to a future time or date at any time up until the day preceding their scheduled activity. Same day rescheduling shall not be permitted.

Late Arrivals & No Show Policy

NO REFUNDS or reschedules will be given if you fail to show up for your activity. Please contact Kitty Hawk Kites 24 hours prior to your scheduled activity if you need to reschedule.

Waivers

For activities that require a liability waiver to be completed, each participant of that activity must complete a waiver to participate in that activity. Minor participants (anyone under 18 years old) must have their waiver completed by their parent or legal guardian in order for the minor participant to take part in the scheduled activity. If you have any questions concerning whether the scheduled activity requires a waiver or how to obtain a waiver for a minor not traveling with their parent or legal guardian, please call 1-877-FLY-THIS to speak to a Kitty Hawk Kites reservations associate.

**Wind Checks**

A wind check is a non expiring voucher which allows you to schedule your activity (Hang Gliding, Paragliding, Kayaking, Kiteboarding, Paddleboarding and Surfing) for a future date if you are unable to complete your scheduled activity and cannot reschedule during your stay on the Outer Banks. Wind checks do not have to be used by the person to whom they were issued – so don’t lose them. Kitty Hawk Kites is not responsible for lost or stolen wind checks. If you have a wind check and would like to schedule your activity, simply call reservations at 1-877-FLY-THIS and them know you are redeeming a wind check to begin the scheduling process.

Accessibility

We are committed to making our activities as accessible as possible. While some activities may have limitations, we’re happy to work with you to explore accommodations. For assistance or questions, please contact us at (252) 441-4124.