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    1. Local experiences/
    2. Duck, NC/
    3. Water Activities/
    4. Kayaking Tours/
    5. Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge Kayak Tour
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    Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge Kayak Tour

    Paddle blackwater creeks to spot wildlife and possibly hear red wolves

    From$68/ kayakincl. taxes and fees

    Duration

    2 hours

    Highlights

    Paddle the blackwater creeks of Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge. Explore cypress-lined pocosin waters where wildlife thrives and history lingers.

    • Glide through tannin-dark creeks beneath bald cypress
    • Watch for alligators on slough grass and cypress stumps
    • Listen for the rare red wolves that inhabit the refuge
    • Look for river otter, bobcat, black bear, and barred owl
    • Spot colonies of egret and ibis on mirror-like lakes
    • Learn about Buffalo City logging and moonshining days

    Things to know

    Operates March through December. Tours meet in the mornings and a few hours before sunset. Duration about 2 hours.

    Cancellation policy

    Cancel at least 48 hours before departure to avoid charges. If circumstances beyond our control cause a trip to be canceled, full refunds will be issued or you can reschedule. No-shows will be charged the full ticket price.

    Meeting location

    at the end of Buffalo City Rd., Buffalo City, NC (Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge)

    Experience provided by Coastal Kayak Touring Company
    Experience provided by Coastal Kayak Touring Company

    How can we help?

    We are here to assist with special requests, large groups, last minute needs, and any questions you may have.

    Call or text (650) 414-7338

    Reference #QRU5AY

    Single Kayak

    $68.90

    Public tour, Seats 1 person

    0

    Tandem Kayak

    $137.80

    Public tour, Seats 2 people

    0

    *Price includes taxes and fees

    Why book through Greetwell?

    • Greetwell Approved

      This experience meets our quality and safety standards

    • Includes Concierge Support

      Our team is here to help with questions, timing, or special requests

    • Flexible Cancellation

      Plans change? Most experiences offer flexible cancellation

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    5.0 stars• 1.1K reviews

    Review summary

    5.0
    Excellent
    1.1K reviews•Google Maps

    Joe and Michael stand out as the stars here, leading tours through stunning locations like Alligator River Wildlife Refuge and Pine Island Audubon Sanctuary. Reviewers consistently praise their knowledge of local wildlife, plants, and waterways, with many specifically requesting them for return visits. The guides create a relaxed atmosphere, giving paddlers freedom to explore at their own pace while sharing fascinating insights about everything from alligators to pelicans. Communication is excellent too—they proactively reschedule for weather and go out of their way to accommodate guests, even making last-minute adjustments work. The actual experiences deliver beautifully serene paddling through marshes, narrow channels, and open waters where you'll likely spot alligators, turtles, various birds, and other wildlife. Sunset tours get particular love for their spectacular views. Return visitors are common, with families making it an annual tradition during Outer Banks trips. The peaceful, intimate nature of these tours seems to be exactly what guests are after.

    What people are saying

    Review 1 of 5
    5/5

    My wife and I have taken several kayak tours led by Joe. We intend to take more on our yearly visits to the outer banks. The Alligator River is a must paddle to see alligators in the wild and kayak some beautiful narrow channels and wide open lakes.

    Photo of c tuton

    c tuton

    October 7, 2025

    Review 1 of 1
    5/5

    My wife and I have taken several kayak tours led by Joe. We intend to take more on our yearly visits to the outer banks. The Alligator River is a must paddle to see alligators in the wild and kayak some beautiful narrow channels and wide open lakes.

    Photo of c tuton

    c tuton

    October 7, 2025

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