Paddle Pamlico Sound and look for birds and marine life with an expert guide
1.5 Hours
Kayak, paddle, life jacket
Explore Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge by kayak on a 1.5-hour guided paddle in Pamlico Sound. Learn about island history and coastal ecology while you scan the water and shore for birds and other wildlife.
Arrive 15 minutes before your start time. Sit-on-top style hybrid kayaks are used, with single and tandem options available.
Cancel or reschedule at least 48 hours before your tour. A 10% deposit (before taxes) is non-refundable. Cancel more than 48 hours before for a 90% refund; no refunds within 48 hours. If the operator cancels due to weather, they will reschedule your tour or issue a refund.
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. Wear shoes and clothing you don’t mind getting wet. Consider insect repellent, a rain jacket if it might rain, and a dry bag.
There are no shoe or clothing requirements. Wear shoes and clothing you don’t mind getting wet.
Yes. Before the Pea Island kayak tour starts, you get a paddle lesson on land.
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