Quick Details
KAYAK WITH ALLIGATORS & WILDLIFE ON THE ALLIGATOR RIVER IN NC
Our Alligator River kayak tour is full of adventure! While kayaking Outer Banks, you’ll explore The Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge and its very unusual habitat to learn all about its exotic wildlife.
This wildlife refuge is a haven for alligators, bears, the incredibly rare and endangered red wolf, and a diverse assortment of unique birds that call the inner banks their home. Alligators, though typically shy, can be spotted in certain canals or larger waterways within the refuge. With Outer Banks Kayak Adventures, experienced kayak guides will take you on an unforgettable journey, scouting for these prehistoric creatures. It’s common to see them either swimming in the water or relaxing along the shoreline.
The Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge is a vast sanctuary that’s home to a diverse array of over 250 bird species. During our Alligator River kayak tours, you’ll frequently encounter stunning birds like Prothonotary Warblers, Wood Ducks, Northern Cardinals, Killdeer, Red-bellied Woodpeckers, Hairy Woodpeckers, and Pileated Woodpeckers. Within the refuge lies the highest concentration of black bears along the eastern coast. These majestic creatures are spotted wandering along the edges of the forests, lounging in the tall grass, or scaling the towering pine trees.
Discover the intriguing history of logging and moonshining while navigating the serene waters of the Alligator River Wildlife Refuge. Glide beneath the grandeur of bald cypress and loblolly pine trees during our unforgettable kayak tour. Whether you’re a novice or an expert paddler, this two-hour excursion on the Alligator River welcomes adventurers of every age.
Which Kayak is Right for You and Your Group?
- We recommend children 12 and under paddle in a tandem (double) kayak with an adult, but it’s not a requirement.
- If your child is ages 10-12 years old and you’re super confident in their kayaking ability, you can request that your child paddle a single kayak (please do so only if you’re certain your child can paddle the entire trip). Only put a child in a single kayak, If you are confident they can paddle for 1 1/2 – 2 hours by themselves.
- Unless requested otherwise, all children ages 12 and under will be placed in a tandem (double) kayak with an adult.
What to Bring while Kayaking Outer Banks
- Plenty of water and a snack if you’d like
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and/or a hat
- A towel for after the tour (you’ll want to leave it in your car)
- Shoes and clothing you don’t mind getting wet
- You may also want to consider insect repellent, a rain jacket if it might rain, and a dry bag
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GPS: Use Google Maps to: “Alligator River – Buffalo City kayak put-in”
Take 64W and cross the bridge to Roanoke Island. Stay straight and cross 2nd bridge, Virginia Dare Memorial Bridge. Continue 9.6 miles and look for a sign on the right for Buffalo City Rd. It will say: “Buffalo City Rd, Paddling Trails 2 miles”. Make the very next left (1/10 of a mile) onto Buffalo City Rd and continue approximately 2 miles to the end of this gravel road and you’ll see the put-in. Please be sure to park on the right-hand side of the road.
Please be sure to arrive 15 minutes prior to the tour start time.
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Outer Banks Kayak Adventures provides the best kayaking experience on the OBX. We use American-made Perception Kayaks which are known for being extremely versatile, making them the top choice for beginner and intermediate paddlers. If you are not very experienced with kayaking and SUP (stand-up paddle boarding) fear not! Before each of our tours, Outer Banks Kayak Adventures provides a paddle lesson on land, ensuring that you and your group have the experience they need before paddling.
There are NO shoe or clothing requirements. Along with kayaks, Outer Banks Kayak Adventures provides the paddles and life jackets. We offer single and tandem (double) kayaks and we use sit on top style hybrid kayaks, making it easy for you to get in and out.
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The Fine Print: All cancellations must be at least 48 hours before your scheduled tour for a refund. We paddle in the rain and the wind but not during thunderstorms. If we must cancel due to inclement weather, we will reschedule your tour or issue a refund. If you choose to reschedule and you don’t attend the tour for any reason without giving us notice before 48 hours of your tour, you will not receive a refund. You are expected to arrive at the correct tour location 15 minutes before the tour’s start time (we will send location details in your confirmation email). Late arrivals and no-shows will not be issued a refund. If you choose to cancel for any reason within 48 hours, there is no refund.