Paddle after sunset and look for bioluminescence under the night sky
1 Hour & 30 Minutes
Kayak, paddle, life jacket
Kayak just after sunset on a 1 hour 30 minute guided tour designed for all ages. Watch for glowing organisms in the water, with full-moon dates offering brighter skies.
This tour requires a minimum of three adults to run; if there aren’t enough bookings, you’ll be contacted to reschedule or receive a refund. Start times change throughout the season and may be confirmed by email. Tours are subject to weather-related changes.
Cancel/reschedule 48+ hours before start. 10% of total cost before taxes is a non-refundable deposit. Cancel more than 48 hours before start for a 90% refund; within 48 hours, no refund. If canceled due to weather, they will reschedule or issue a refund.
Wear shoes and clothing you don’t mind getting wet. There are no shoe or clothing requirements.
Bring plenty of water and a snack (optional), sunscreen, sunglasses and/or a hat, and a towel to leave in your car for after the tour. You may also want insect repellent, a rain jacket if it might rain, and a dry bag.
Yes. Outer Banks Kayak Adventures provides kayaks, paddles, and life jackets, and gives an on-land paddle lesson before you begin.
Gavin stands out as the star guide here, with guests consistently praising his deep knowledge of local ecology and history. He makes tours feel relaxed and unhurried, even when working with large family groups of 15 or intimate couples who end up with private experiences. Bex (Rebecca) and Blain also get enthusiastic shoutouts for their friendly, knowledgeable approach and ability to spot wildlife that guests would otherwise miss. The maritime forest tour gets mentioned frequently as perfect for families and beginners, offering an easy 1.5-hour paddle through calm waters. The alligator refuge tour delivers on its promise, with multiple sightings reported even in cooler weather. Guests appreciate the blend of paddling, wildlife viewing, and storytelling about the area's history. The kayak rental delivery service to vacation homes adds convenience for those wanting to explore on their own time. Overall, this feels like a well-run operation with passionate guides who genuinely love sharing the Outer Banks ecosystem with visitors.
Our group did the Maritime Forest tour in the morning and had a phenomenal time. Our guide, Courtney, was knowledgeable and accommodating, happy to go at any pace that suited us. We saw lots of water snakes, osprey, egrets and songbirds. It was a great way to see a unique and ecologically special area of the Outer Banks. Highly recommend it to everyone, especially those looking to explore natural areas of OBX.
Courtnye Koivisto
April 4, 2026
Our group did the Maritime Forest tour in the morning and had a phenomenal time. Our guide, Courtney, was knowledgeable and accommodating, happy to go at any pace that suited us. We saw lots of water snakes, osprey, egrets and songbirds. It was a great way to see a unique and ecologically special area of the Outer Banks. Highly recommend it to everyone, especially those looking to explore natural areas of OBX.
Courtnye Koivisto
April 4, 2026