Quick Details
EXPERIENCE OUTER BANKS BIOLUMINESCENCE
Outer Banks Kayak Adventures is excited to offer Bioluminescence and Full Moon Kayak Tours again this season! Join us for either a full moon tour or a bioluminescence tour, determined by your booking date and the phase of the moon. Whether you choose to visit on a dark, moonless night to witness the mesmerizing brilliance of bioluminescence or schedule your tour during a full moon for a breathtaking view of a star-filled sky, you’ll undoubtedly be enchanted by the wondrous beauty of this remarkable natural spot.
Bioluminescence occurs when organisms generate light through a chemical process. Join our nighttime kayak tours to witness this captivating natural phenomenon in the waters of the Outer Banks.
Starting just after sunset, our tour offers the unique experience of kayaking in the twilight hours. As night descends, you’ll marvel at the luminous organisms lighting up the water. And if luck is on our side, we might catch a glimpse of shooting stars, making this nighttime journey one you’ll never forget—a true bucket list kayak tour!
With the full moon lighting up the night sky, spotting bioluminescence becomes a challenge. These mesmerizing organisms thrive in darkness, so the brilliance of the full moon can overshadow their gentle glow. But fret not! On such occasions, our kayak adventure takes on a different allure as we navigate beneath a stunning starry backdrop and the radiant beam of the moon. If the idea of paddling amidst this celestial spectacle intrigues you, aim for a date when the moon is at its peak. Occasionally, Mother Nature grants us a special treat—a chance to witness both bioluminescence and the majestic rise of the full moon. We carefully time these outings to ensure you enjoy the best of both worlds. Also note that on brighter nights when the moon is shining strongly, you can still witness bioluminescence. This happens because the clouds and the moon’s position in the sky play a role in making it possible for us to see this enchanting phenomenon.
While our Full Moon & Bioluminescence kayak tours promise excitement, they may not be suitable for young children or beginners. These nighttime excursions require paddling in complete darkness, making it crucial for all participants to stay with the group and manage their weight and balance. To maintain the enjoyment of everyone on the tour, we kindly ask that those with crying children or those unable to adhere to group dynamics refrain from signing up. Additionally, individuals weighing over 275 lbs or those who may have difficulty managing weight and balance should avoid booking this tour. We encourage all potential participants to carefully assess their abilities and limitations before reserving a spot to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
The start time will change throughout the season, so if you make your reservation more than a month in advance, please check your email a day before your tour for your updated start time. *Please note: Our kayak tours are subject to weather-related changes, as with all outdoor activities. We recommend making reservations early on in your vacation to move your tour to another date if needed. This is a warm-weather tour that we typically schedule from mid-May through mid-September. Weather, wind, and water conditions are determining factors.
What to know when booking?
- We require children 12 and under paddle tandem (double) kayak with an adult.
What to bring?
- Plenty of water and a snack if you’d like
- A towel for after the tour (you’ll want to have it in your car)
- Shoes and clothing you don’t mind getting wet
- Apply insect repellent and bring a rain jacket if it might rain.
Please Note
This tour requires a minimum of THREE ADULTS to run, if we’ve not received enough bookings at the time you’ve requested, we will contact you to reschedule or refund your booking costs.
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Heading south, exit Croatan Hwy 158 onto Hwy 12 South to Nags Head Beaches and Hatteras Island. Drive south approx 1.6 miles. There is a pull-off for parking on the west side of the road. It is located right next to the Outer Banks National Scenic Byway Sign.
Google Directions Link https://goo.gl/maps/trEGX5ZKs8n1eZRn6
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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. Please be sure to select the number of tandem (double) kayaks you’d like for your tour when making the online reservation.
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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.