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The Kitty Hawk Woods Maritime Forest Kayak Tour is hands down one of the best family ecotours experiences to be had on the islands of the OBX. A beginner friendly environment explores a calm, glassy creek that meanders through the natural glory of one of North Carolina’s largest track of deciduous maritime forest habitat.
Beginner Friendly Tour
Search for osprey, egrets, herons. turtles and maybe river otter
Safe, fun & educational
Price Match Guarantee
Quality Sit In Kayaks
Available year round
We are the only kayak outfitter on the Outer Banks certified by the American Canoe and Kayak Association with trained and certified guides.
Service animals allowed
Specialized infant seats are available
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Kitty Hawk Woods Reserve
The Kitty Hawk Woods Maritime Forest Kayak Tour will explore the Kitty Hawk Woods Coastal Preserve in Kitty Hawk, NC. The Reserve encompasses a total of 1,824 acres and is bordered by Currituck Sound on the west, and Kitty Hawk Bay to the south, which contain the Reserve’s Kitty Hawk Bay Islands. Kitty Hawk Woods hosts several globally rare plant communities, including Maritime Deciduous Forest, Maritime Swamp Forest, and ponds.
Kayak, paddle, life jacket and 1st aid kit.
Does not include gratuity.
79 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
640gwynethr,Sep 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
I love to kayak, and thought this tour would tell me about the area, the trees, wildlife etc. It was straight down, and back, no info unless I asked questions. ....with the mud, smell, and snakes. Could have done it alone and saved a lot of money. Had I have known, I would have been sure to do a sound trip, not "maritime forest" ie swamp.
albacore,Sep 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
We had an excellent paddle on the Alligator River with our guide, Trey. He kept a good pace, with lots of info about the plants and wildlife. We saw lots of butterflies, few birds, and yes, several gators. The wetland is a maze, so we were delighted to have a guide to lead us. The kayaks were in good condition and easy to steer. We highly recommend.
A3196WBtonyac,Sep 24, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
Griffin was an excellent guide! He was knowledgable and friendly. We really enjoyed this experience and found it beautiful and relaxing.
Cellbiologist,Sep 1, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
Love Maria as our tour guide. What a great personality! Kayaking trip is perfect for beginners or families to go together.
941michaelf,Aug 25, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
Totally enjoyed! Griffin was phenomenal. Safe, excellent equipment, fair price, good parking. Jay gave great customer service! Easy location. A must do!
Jennifer P,Aug 17, 2024
- Review from Viator
It was so peaceful to glide along the water! We enjoyed having the opportunity to observe the area and see a bunch of turtles!!
Kelly G,Aug 15, 2024
- Review from Viator
Great first kayak trip for our boys (7 & 9). Friendly and knowledgeable guide. We saw lots of turtles, birds, and a few snakes.
Benjamin L,Jul 27, 2024
- Review from Viator
The kayak experience was well organised easy-going and lots of fun. Highly recommended. I would definitely do it again.
Laura W,Jul 6, 2024
- Review from Viator
It was a great experience. The area was beautiful. Our tour guide Nick was knowledgeable and awesome with the teenagers. I would recommend this trip.
bobcZ5465ZO,Jul 4, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
My wife and I really enjoyed this outing. We did the 10 am tour. The kayak part was easy and relaxing; it was special to see this unique slice of nature. Our guide Jalon was a biology major, super knowledgeable and great to be around. We definitely recommend this experience.
Operated by Kitty Hawk Kayak & Surf School