Top North Carolina Kayaking Tours

Paddle through the Outer Banks' Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge for a fun adventure. Join a small group and learn about the old logging and whiskey distilling community that once thrived during Prohibition as you navigate the waterways. Keep your eyes peeled for several wildlife species including alligators, bald eagles, turtles, river otters, and even a black bear.

On this tubing adventure through Asheville’s gorgeous nature, the only finger you’ll have to lift is the one raising your drink. With your crew, you’ll start across from the fabulous Biltmore Estate, floating down the French Broad River, past the River Arts District, and beyond. Plunge when you need a refresh or simply kick back and relax—a couple hours later, you’ll be sun-soaked and chilled, ready for more Asheville fun.

Live out your *Dirty Dancing* dreams with this kayak tour of the famed Lake Lure. Following your naturalist guide, you’ll explore these blue waters under a blue sky, getting to know the local flora, fauna, and more. When you’re ready, feel free to jump in for a swim—and have the time of your life.

Take a kayak trip along the French Broad River with this semi-private tour led by a naturalist. You'll paddle through town, passing local attractions such as the Biltmore Estate along the way. Your guide will be on hand to provide narration and answer any question you have about the natural world around you.

End your day with a beautiful sunset and a relaxing kayak during your time in Corolla. Board your sit-in kayak and paddle around the waterways of Currituck Sound in the Outer Banks. Navigate bays, canals, and sheltered islands and keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife in the area.

Head out for an evening of drinking and dining with this immersive beer tour. You'll visit four different local breweries, where you'll get to sample craft beer and learn about the brewing process. This tour also includes a stop for a meal at Midwood Smokehouse.

Discover the calm waterways and local wildlife of Kitty Hawk Woods Coastal Reserve during this kayaking excursion. Join a small group and paddle on a glassy creek that winds through the deciduous maritime forest. Learn about the local ecosystem from your guide and keep your eyes peeled for osprey, egrets, herons, turtles, and even river otters.

Enjoy a relaxing time out on the waters of Pamlico Sound on a kayak tour to Cape Hatteras. Join a small group and paddle out onto the calm waterways just around the sunset hour. Keep your eyes peeled for local birds like ospreys, pelicans, egrets as well as sea turtles, rays, and river otters.

Kayaking the waterways along North Carolina is a favorite pastime of locals. Fall in love with the same picturesque views during this private guided kayaking tour around Oak Island. Island locals will lead you through the Montgomery Slough and Davis Canal as you spend the day at a relaxed paddle.

With more than 150 miles of shoreline—and resting at the base of the spectacular Linville Gorge— Lake James is a kayaker’s delight. With a guide, it’s even better: On this half-day adventure, you’ll explore with a naturalist, learning all about this region’s flora, fauna, natural history, and more. One of the most biodiverse areas on the planet, you’ll get grade-A time with Mother Nature, guaranteed.

Kayak fishing can be a fun and rewarding experience, if you know where to go. Don’t waste time by paddling around aimlessly. This small-group tour takes you around Lake Julian in the company of a local guide who knows the waters well and can provide instruction if needed and capture photos for lasting memories. All equipment provided for a hassle-free experience.

Our eco-paddle tour highlights the beauty of Wrightsville Beach’s coastal ecosystem and history. An experienced guide from the Blockade Runner staff, will lead you on a relaxing trip through a wide variety of scenic marshland and tidal flats. Set off on your next tour from the sound side beach directly across from the Blockade Runner Beach Resort.