Overview
Available languages
1 hour 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
This is one of only a few maritime forests left along the Carolina Coast. The only way to view this area is on a kayak or paddleboard.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
Kitty Hawk Maritime Forest is an ideal Outer Banks kayak tour for young children and beginner paddlers. We paddle at a very relaxed pace. The trees surrounding the canal provide excellent protection from the elements, even on windy days, as well as shade from the heat from the summer sun. We explore the Kitty Hawk Maritime Forest by way of Ginguite Creek. A rare and endangered habitat, the forest is home to abundant wildlife and intriguing native plants. On this lengthy yet delightful Kitty Hawk kayak tour, you might spot an egret standing along the shore or a river otter swimming across the creek. Geese, Osprey, Kingfishers, and majestic Bald Eagles are often spotted flying just above our watercraft. We usually see turtles sunning on logs as we paddle through the loblolly pine, live oak, and wax myrtle woods. This paddling tour is perfect for anyone who enjoys being surrounded by the beauty of nature.
Options
Kitty Hawk Maritime Forrest and Marsh Tour
What‘s Included
Kayak, Paddle, and Life Jacket
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
17 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Fabulous Kayaking Adventure
U809BSericaa,Jun 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had so much fun on this adventure. Great trip kayaking through the marsh. Guide Sam was so knowledgeable and friendly, making sure we could all keep up and enjoy the scenery.
Fun, Informative Tour for Teenagers
Chinghao W,Jun 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00I signed up three 15 year old boys for Kittyhawk Maritime Forrest and Marsh Tour and they had a blast with Keller. He was informative about flora and fauna at OBX, and most importantly was very nice to the new kayakers. The boys said they had so much fun. Highly recommend the tour.
Paddle Board fun :)
720marenv,Jun 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We went on June 14th for a morning paddle board tour. Tour guide (Donnie, Donny?) was super fun and knew a lot about the area and pointed out a lot of cool stuff! Thanks so much! Would do it again!
obx kayak tour
bigbrownmess,Jun 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Was a very nice tour, price was good. Length was a little short ended up 1 and a half hours. our guild was awesome, good for novice to experienced.
We had a great time. It...
kailyn h,Jun 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a great time. It was an easy and slow paced trip and our guide Gavin was very knowledgeable and friendly.
Fun Family Tour
218kz,Jun 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a great tour for beginner kayakers. We had 2 teenagers, a preteen, and 2 adults in three kayaks. This worked out great! Our tour guide was very helpful and knowledgeable about the area. I would definitely recommend this to other families looking for an activity away from the beach.
Relaxing tour
FarAway54549239326,May 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Beautiful morning trip, Gavin was a wonderful guide and was very knowledgeable about the area and wildlife.
First time kayaking in the OBX marsh, team Rebecca/Sonia brought equal amounts energy & education. Highly recommend!
Dawn W,May 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I’d paddle there! And we did!!
Must-Do Experience in the Outer Banks
FeliceAFMH,May 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My sister and I did the Kitty Hawk Maritime Forrest and Marsh Tour in mid-April of 2026 and it was the absolute highlight of our weekend in the Outer Banks. My sister had never kayaked before, and our guide, Gavin, was an absolute rockstar ensuring we knew what to do and that it was a good fit for first-timers. (Selfishly, she said this tour was - and I quote - the best idea that I have ever had). We saw numerous birds, including an osprey and osprey nest, and we learned so much about the Outer Banks area! It was the perfect value for the experience and I’ve already suggested it to a number of people. We booked via Trip Advisor and that made it super easy. The tour company was appreciatively communicative and even sent a reminder text to fill out the waiver prior to our arrival, which was extra helpful for someone like me whose inbox is an infinite black hole. 10/10 recommend this company and this tour, and will be back!
Beautiful Day for Kayaking
Annie F,Apr 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guide, Courtney, gave a brief and informative introduction to kayaking for those who were first timers or needed a review. She was knowledgeable about the wildlife in the reserve as well as general knowledge about the area.
Related Experiences
Operated by Outer Banks Kayak Adventures