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Soundside Excursions

Adventure

Soundside Excursions

Experience the Outer Banks from the water on a private inshore boating adventure with Captain Randy Graham aboard The Island Hopper. These fully customizable boat tours take place on the calm waters of the Roanoke Sound near Nags Head, Wanchese, and Manteo, making them perfect for families, couples, and small groups.

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Soundside Excursions

Starting At

$349 +6% Online Convenience Fee

Duration

2-4 Hours

Best For

Scenic & Sightseeing, Sunset Experiences, On the Water, Family Favorites, Couples & Romance, Surf & Watersports

Locations

Nags Head, NC | Manteo, NC

Experiences

Custom Inshore Trip, Tubing Trips, Private Sunset Cruise

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Adventure Overview

Custom Soundside Boating Excursions in the Outer Banks

Experience the Outer Banks from the water on a private inshore boating adventure with Captain Randy Graham aboard The Island Hopper.

These fully customizable boat tours take place on the calm waters of the Roanoke Sound near Nags Head, Wanchese, and Manteo, making them perfect for families, couples, and small groups.

Choose a 2-hour or half-day private boat charter and enjoy the freedom to design your own experience. Whether you’re looking for a laid-back cruise or an action-packed day on the water, Captain Randy helps you make the most of your time in the OBX.
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

Custom Inshore Trip

Soundside Excursions

Custom Inshore Trip

Starting At

$349 +6% Online Convenience Fee

Locations

Nags Head Whalebone, Manteo

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Tubing Trips

Soundside Excursions

Tubing Trips

Starting At

$300 +6% Online Convenience Fee

Locations

Nags Head Whalebone, Manteo

Check Availability See Details
Private Sunset Cruise

Soundside Excursions

Private Sunset Cruise

Starting At

$399 +6% Online Convenience Fee

Locations

Nags Head Whalebone, Manteo

Check Availability See Details

Your Boat. Your Captain. Your Outer Banks Adventure

One of the biggest reasons guests love boating with Captain Randy is the flexibility. These private Outer Banks boat tours are built around what you want to do — no fixed itinerary, no crowds, and no rushing.

Popular activities include:

  • Dolphin Watching – Search the Roanoke Sound for playful local dolphins
  • Island Hopping & Exploration – Visit quiet OBX islands, sandbars, and hidden shoreline spots
  • Inshore Fishing – A relaxed, beginner-friendly fishing experience
  • Crabbing – A hands-on favorite for kids and families
  • Swimming & Tubing – Cool off and enjoy some fun on the water
  • Sunset Cruises – End your day with breathtaking Outer Banks sunset views

Have something special in mind? Captain Randy is happy to tailor your trip to your interests.

Meet The Island Hopper

Your adventure takes place aboard The Island Hopper, a 21’ Carolina Skiff designed for smooth cruising in shallow inshore waters. This versatile boat is ideal for exploring the sound and offers:

  • Seating for up to 12 passengers
  • 🎶 An onboard stereo system for music during your cruise
  • 🪜 A swim ladder for easy water access
  • Plenty of open space for fishing, crabbing, and relaxing

The Island Hopper provides a comfortable, uncrowded setting so your group can enjoy a true private boat experience in the Outer Banks.

Why Choose Captain Randy

Captain Randy is known for his friendly, easygoing style and deep knowledge of the Roanoke Sound. His goal is simple: to help you experience the Outer Banks in a way that feels personal, relaxed, and unforgettable.

From first-time visitors to returning OBX families, guests consistently say this is one of the highlights of their vacation — and a unique way to explore the area beyond the beach.

Need to Know

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Who is Captain Randy Graham? +

Captain Randy Graham, also known as The OBX Pontoon Man, is a licensed commercial fisherman and experienced local captain who has spent years guiding guests on the Roanoke Sound. He specializes in private, flexible inshore boating experiences for families, couples, and small groups.

Is this a private boat tour? +

Yes. All trips aboard The Island Hopper are private charters. Your group will have the boat exclusively, allowing for a relaxed, personalized Outer Banks boating experience.

Where do the tours take place? +

Trips operate on the Roanoke Sound, serving areas near Nags Head, Manteo, and Wanchese. These calm, protected waters are ideal for sightseeing, dolphin watching, fishing, and family-friendly activities.

How many people can join a trip? +

From May 1 to October 1, the boat can accommodate up to 12 passengers.
From October 1 to May 1, capacity is limited to 6 passengers.

Is this good for families and kids? +

Yes! These inshore boat tours are very family-friendly. Calm waters, flexible activities, and hands-on options like crabbing and dolphin watching make this a popular choice for guests of all ages.

Do we need boating or fishing experience? +

No experience is required. Captain Randy handles all navigation and instruction, making this a great option for first-time boaters or families looking for an easygoing adventure.

Can we combine multiple activities in one trip? +

Yes. One of the highlights of boating with Captain Randy is the ability to customize your trip and enjoy multiple activities during the same excursion.

Will we see dolphins? +

Dolphin sightings are very common on the Roanoke Sound, but cannot be guaranteed. Captain Randy actively looks for dolphins whenever conditions allow.

Can we stop at an island or sandbar? +

Absolutely. Island and sandbar stops are a guest favorite and can include swimming, shelling, picnicking, or relaxing on a quiet stretch of Outer Banks shoreline.

Is there shade or a restroom on the boat +

The boat offers open seating with plenty of space to move around. There is no restroom onboard, so guests should plan accordingly before departure.

Can we bring food, drinks or alcohol? +

Yes. Guests are welcome to bring snacks, picnic meals, and beverages. Alcohol is permitted for guests of legal drinking age. Please drink responsibly and avoid glass containers.

Are pets allowed on the boat? +

Yes. Dogs are welcome on private charters, making this a fun experience for the entire family.

What happens if the weather is bad? +

Safety always comes first. If weather conditions are unsafe, Kitty Hawk Kites will work with you to reschedule or adjust your trip.

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.

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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.