Paddle Roanoke Island canals and learn the Lost Colony story
1 Hour & 30 Minutes
Kayak/SUP, Paddles, Life jackets
Explore Roanoke Island by kayak or stand-up paddle board as you paddle scenic canals and marshes with a guide. Hear the story of the first permanent English settlement and the mystery of the Lost Colony.
Arrive 15 minutes before your start time. Children 12 and under are typically placed in a tandem kayak with an adult unless requested otherwise.
Cancel or reschedule at least 48 hours before your tour. 10% of total cost before taxes is non-refundable. Cancel more than 48 hours before start for a 90% refund; within 48 hours no refund. Late arrivals and no-shows: no refund and no reschedule. If canceled due to weather, they will reschedule or issue a refund.
Bring plenty of water and a snack if you’d like, 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.
There are no shoe or clothing requirements. Wear shoes and clothing you don’t mind getting wet.
Yes. Before you start, you get a paddle lesson on land. The tour uses Perception kayaks and is suitable for beginner and intermediate paddlers.
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