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Kayak Tours

Adventure

Outer Banks Kayak Tours

Paddle the OBX with the Kayak Experts! For over 30 years, Kitty Hawk Kites has led the way in Outer Banks outdoor adventures, offering the largest selection of kayak tour locations—from Corolla and Duck to Nags Head, Alligator River, Rodanthe, Waves, and Salvo.

Kayak Tours

Starting At

$40 +6% Online Convenience Fee

Duration

1.5 - 2 hours

Best For

Kid-friendly, Wildlife & Eco Tours, Family Favorites, Sunset Experiences, Scenic & Sightseeing, Outdoor Explorers, On the Water, Couples & Romance

Locations

Manns Harbor, NC | Corolla, NC | Duck, NC | Nags Head, NC | Manteo, NC | Salvo, NC

Experiences

Alligator River Kayak Tour, Corolla & Duck Kayak Tours, Kitty Hawk, Nags Head, & Manteo Kayak Tours, Hatteras Island Kayak Tours, Night Time Kayak Tours, Sunset Kayak Tours, Kayak Fishing Tours

Adventure Overview

Outer Banks Kayak Tours & Rentals with Kitty Hawk Kites

Looking for the best kayak tours in the Outer Banks? For over 30 years, Kitty Hawk Kites has been the trusted leader in OBX kayak tours and rentals, offering unforgettable paddling experiences from Corolla to Ocracoke. With the largest selection of guided kayak tours in the Outer Banks, our excursions are perfect for families, couples, and adventurers of all skill levels.

Adventure Promotion Recreation

$5 OFF!

Save $5 person when you book for Sunday, Monday, or Tuesday

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.

Experiences

Explore Available Experiences

Alligator River Kayak Tour

Outer Banks Kayak Tours

Alligator River Kayak Tour

Starting At

$40 +6% Online Convenience Fee

Location

Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge

Corolla & Duck Kayak Tours

Outer Banks Kayak Tours

Corolla & Duck Kayak Tours

Starting At

$40 +6% Online Convenience Fee

Locations

Corolla, Duck

Kitty Hawk, Nags Head, & Manteo Kayak Tours

Outer Banks Kayak Tours

Kitty Hawk, Nags Head, & Manteo Kayak Tours

Starting At

$30 +6% Online Convenience Fee

Locations

Nags Head Whalebone, Manteo

Hatteras Island Kayak Tours

Outer Banks Kayak Tours

Hatteras Island Kayak Tours

Starting At

$40 +6% Online Convenience Fee

Location

Salvo Day Use Area

Night Time Kayak Tours

Outer Banks Kayak Tours

Night Time Kayak Tours

Starting At

$40 +6% Online Convenience Fee

Location

Nags Head Whalebone

Sunset Kayak Tours

Outer Banks Kayak Tours

Sunset Kayak Tours

Starting At

$40 +6% Online Convenience Fee

Locations

Duck, Nags Head Whalebone

Kayak Fishing Tours

Outer Banks Kayak Tours

Kayak Fishing Tours

Starting At

$175 +6% Online Convenience Fee

Location

Nags Head Whalebone

Whether you’re exploring calm sound waters or chasing a breathtaking OBX sunset by kayak, each tour includes high-quality gear, ACA-certified guides, and plenty of opportunities to connect with nature. Paddle solo or in tandem as you spot local wildlife, glide through lush marshes, and discover hidden gems on the water.

Why Choose Kitty Hawk Kites for Your OBX Kayak Adventure?

  • 30+ years of experience in Outer Banks outdoor adventures
  • The widest variety of kayak tours and rental locations
  • Certified, knowledgeable, and safety-trained kayak guides
  • Family-friendly and eco-conscious tour options
  • Year-round availability for select tours

Whether you’re looking to rent a kayak in the Outer Banks or book a guided kayak tour with an expert, Kitty Hawk Kites is your go-to for unforgettable OBX paddling experiences

Best Places to Kayak

Explore the Best Kayaking Destinations in the Outer Banks

The Outer Banks is one of the top destinations for kayaking on the East Coast. With tour locations across Corolla, Duck, Kitty Hawk, Nags Head, Manteo, Rodanthe, Avon, and Hatteras, you’re never far from a unique waterway to explore. Whether you’re a first-time paddler or an experienced kayaker, there’s an adventure waiting for you.

Choose from over 13 guided kayak experiences, including:

  • Ecology and Natural History Tours
  • Sunset Kayak Tours
  • Alligator River Kayak Tours (available year-round)
  • Maritime Forest Excursions
  • Kayaking Skills Instruction
  • And more seasonal and specialty trips!

Need to Know

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What should I wear for kayaking in the Outer Banks? +

When kayaking in the Outer Banks, wear comfortable, quick-drying clothing such as a swimsuit, rash guard, or moisture-wicking activewear. It’s important to bring water shoes or sandals, a hat for sun protection, and reef-safe sunscreen. Avoid cotton, as it retains water and dries slowly. Dress in layers during cooler months and bring a lightweight rain jacket if the forecast is uncertain.

What are the best places to kayak in the OBX? +

The best kayaking spots in the Outer Banks include a variety of scenic and wildlife-rich locations. Top destinations include:

  • Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge
  • Duck Sound Side
  • Kitty Hawk Maritime Forest

These areas are ideal for both beginners and experienced paddlers. Sunset kayak tours and bioluminescence night paddles are especially popular this year. For a full list of scenic routes, check out our guide to the top kayaking locations in the Outer Banks.

What wildlife can I expect to see while kayaking in the Outer Banks? +

While kayaking in the Outer Banks, you may encounter a variety of coastal wildlife depending on your tour location. Common sightings include:

  • Seabirds (like herons, egrets, and ospreys)
  • Turtles
  • Fish
  • River otters
  • Dolphins and even alligators in areas like Alligator River

Each kayak tour offers a chance to explore the Outer Banks’ rich and diverse ecosystems.

What happens if it rains during my kayak tour? +

If it rains during your kayak tour, safety is our top priority. The Outer Banks is known for quick weather changes, and our guides continuously monitor forecasts before and during all outings. If unsafe weather conditions arise, tours may be rescheduled or canceled in accordance with our weather policy. Light rain usually does not affect most tours.

Are the kayak tours beginner friendly? +

Yes! Our Outer Banks kayak tours are beginner friendly and perfect for all skill levels. Each tour starts with a safety briefing and paddling demonstration from an ACA-certified guide. Whether it’s your first time kayaking or you’re a seasoned paddler, our guides are trained to ensure a safe, fun, and informative experience.

What is the age limit of the kayak tours? +

The minimum age for kayak tours with Kitty Hawk Kites is 5 years old. Children ages 5–12 must paddle in a tandem kayak with an adult. We also offer kayak rentals for all ages at locations across Corolla, Duck, Nags Head, Manteo, Rodanthe, Avon, and Hatteras Village. Our guides ensure every family has a safe and enjoyable experience on the water.

What should I bring on my tour? +

For a safe and enjoyable kayaking experience in the Outer Banks, we recommend bringing the following:

  • Water (stay hydrated!)
  • Snacks
  • Sunscreen (reef-safe recommended)
  • Hat and sunglasses (with a strap)
  • Water shoes or sandals
  • A waterproof bag or dry sack for phones, keys, and valuables

These essentials help ensure you’re prepared for a comfortable and memorable paddle.

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.