Paddling Trips
Tuesday November 8, 2011 Trips
Alligator River Refuge Canoe Tour (A) (Family Friendly)
Take a canoe tour through the cypress creeks of Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge. This trip is filled with local history and an abundance of wildlife including Great Blue Herons, Pileated Woodpeckers, and Bald Eagles. You might even see a Black Bear. Buffalo City Road boat access. Moderate to strenuous. Cost $35; two children 12 and under may accompany paying adult for no charge.
9 a.m.-Noon, Cindy Heffley, refuge staff.
Backcountry Expedition Kayak and 4x4 tour - Full
The unique combination of off-road 4x4 and kayak eco-touring explores 30 miles of beach and backcountry lanes by SUV and the northern Currituck waterways by kayak. You're likely to see some of the Currituck "wild horses"- possible descendents from the Spanish mustangs. Trained naturalists discuss local ecology, history and shore life. No private boats permitted. Backcountry Outfitters in Corolla Light Town Center. Kayaking, weather permitted. Moderate to strenuous. Cost $50.
Noon-3:30 p.m., Backcountry Outfitters and Guides.
Maritime Forest Sunset Kayak Tour
Kitty Hawk Woods, one of only three maritime forests remaining on the Outer Banks, offers a unique experience as kayakers paddle through an amber-colored creek under a canopy of Live Oaks and Loblolly Pines. Turtles, snakes, and other reptiles are very common in this area, as are birds such as herons, egrets, woodpeckers, kingfishers, Red-tailed Hawks and eagles. At sunset, paddle through the marsh section and possibly witness local wildlife feeding. A great kayak tour for the beginner as well as the experienced paddler. The woods provide shelter from the wind, and the water is shallow. Kitty Hawk Kayaks. Moderate to Strenuous. Cost $35.
3-6 p.m., Kitty Hawk Kayaks.
Wednesday November 9, 2011 Trips
Roanoke Island History Kayak Tour (NEW!) - Full
From the Lost Colony to the Civil War, the history of this area truly makes it unique, and what better way to visit it than in a kayak. Paddle along the shores of Roanoke Island beginning in downtown Manteo and then looping around Ice Plant Island, the site of Festival Park. Paddling though the brackish marsh waters expect to see a variety of waterfowl and wildlife. Good tour for beginners and experts. Downtown Manteo, Kitty Hawk Kites Location. Moderate to strenuous. Cost $35.
9-11 a.m., Outdoors Inn.
Roanoke Island Full Moon Kayak Tour (NEW!) - Full
Don't miss the first Wings Over Water Full Moon Kayak Tour. A popular tour in the summer, the full moon paddle will go through the marshes of Roanoke Island and then circumnavigate Festival Park (Ice Plant Island). By the light of the moon, this paddle gives a very different perspective on the marshes. Owls, herons, and egrets roost nearby and, under the power of the full moon, who knows what other wildlife may become active? Downtown Manteo, Kitty Hawk Kites location. Moderate to strenuous. Cost $35.
6-8 p.m., Kitty Hawk Kayaks.
Thursday November 10, 2011 Trips
Pea Island Refuge Sunrise Kayak Tour
Enjoy a sunrise kayak tour though Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge where the shallow waters bring an abundance of shore birds and other wildlife. Oystercatchers, plovers, gulls, cormorants, pelicans and occasionally migratory snow geese gather here to feed. This is a stunningly beautiful paddle between islands of marsh grass during the first light of day. New Inlet boat access. Moderate to strenuous. Cost $35.
6-9 a.m., Kitty Hawk Kayaks.
Maritime Forest Morning Kayak Tour
Take an early morning paddle through Kitty Hawk Woods, one of three maritime forests remaining on the Outer Banks. This paddling trip offers a unique opportunity to kayak through amber-colored creeks under a canopy of Live Oaks and Loblolly Pines. There generally is an abundance of backyard birds, wrens, and chickadees, as well as Pileated Woodpeckers, kingfishers, herons and egrets. Great for beginners and experienced paddlers. Kitty Hawk Kayaks. Moderate to strenuous. Cost $35.
9-11 a.m., Kitty Hawk Kayaks.
Enjoy the magic of the moonlit night as you join the refuge staff on this special tour of the refuge at a time when it is usually closed to visitors. Look and listen for creatures that prefer the night. Shine your light on one of the many insects creeping along the banks or trees. Learn about the natural and cultural history of Buffalo City under the moonlit sky as you paddle through the man made canals to sawyer lake. Bring a flashlight! Buffalo City Road boat access. Moderate to Strenuous. Cost $35.
4:30-7:30 p.m., Cindy Heffley, refuge staff.
Friday November 11, 2011 Trips
Mashoes Marshes Kayak Tour - Full
Kayak with a local guide through the backwater creeks of the Mashoes community. This is a lesser-traveled portion of the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge, making it one of the most pristine kayak locations on the Outer Banks. The trip combines open water and narrow, winding paths through cordgrass fields. Participants also will have the opportunity to explore a remote beach and maritime forest, on foot, along the Albemarle Sound. Mashoes Road kayak access. Moderate to strenuous. Cost $35.
9-11:30 a.m. Coastal Kayaks.
Corolla Sunset Kayak Tour - Full
Escape to the quiet waters of the Currituck Sound and end the day watching an extraordinary fall sunset as the light from the Currituck Beach Lighthouse begins to wink. The quiet makes it easy to observe wildlife as well as unwind in a unique setting. There are chances to see muskrat, river otter, blue herons, egrets, bald eagles, and migrating waterfowl. Coastal Explorations. Moderate to Strenuous. Cost $35.
3-6 p.m., Coastal Explorations
Sunday November 13, 2011 Trips
Possible traffic delays related to the running of the obx marathon.
Alligator River Refuge Canoe Tour (B) (Family Friendly) - Full
Take a canoe tour through the cypress creeks of Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge. This trip is filled with local history and an abundance of wildlife including Great Blue Herons, Pileated Woodpeckers, and Bald Eagles. You might even see a Black Bear. Buffalo City Road boat access. Moderate to strenuous. Cost $35; two children 12 and under may accompany paying adult for no charge.
9 a.m.-Noon, Abbey Reibel, refuge staff.
