Book with a local outfitter like Kitty Hawk Kayak or Coastal Kayak. Milltail Creek is the classic route. Go at dawn for wildlife, bring bug spray in summer.
Adventures
Kayak the Alligator River Refuge
Paddle blackwater canals through a cypress swamp — chance to spot black bears, red wolves and gators.
See it from the air
Many Outer Banks activities look completely different from a helicopter. Coastal Helicopters offers scenic tours over the beaches, lighthouses and wild-horse territory.
Book a helicopter tourMore adventures
Kiteboarding Lessons in Rodanthe
Learn to kiteboard in the shallow, steady wind of Pamlico Sound.
Sunset Catamaran Sail from Manteo
Two-hour sunset sail on the Roanoke Sound aboard a 42-ft catamaran — BYOB, dolphins often join.
Corolla Adventure Park Ropes Course
Aerial ropes course with 60+ obstacles and zip lines through a maritime forest canopy.