Skimming the Sounds: An Outer Banks Airboat Eco-Tour from Manteo
Starting at $90 per guest, room for up to 10, Cover over 23 miles!
Morning opens slowly over Roanoke Sound. Marsh grass lifts its green shoulders, the wind leans in, and the airboat idles with a low, eager rumble. You step aboard, settle into a padded seat, and feel the hull tense—like a pelican poising to dive—before the pilot feathers the throttle and the boat skims forward, light as a skipping shell. The water, shallow and glassy, dares you to go faster. You do. And suddenly the Outer Banks spreads out in widescreen: the threadline of dunes, the steady gaze of the Bodie Island Lighthouse, and the bright seam where the Atlantic stirs the sounds to life.
Trail Wisdom
Dress for the Wind
Even on warm days, bring a light windbreaker—airboats move fast and the breeze can feel cool over open water.
Go Polarized
Polarized sunglasses cut glare and help you spot dolphins, rays, and schooling fish beneath the surface.
Secure the Small Stuff
Use a lanyard or waterproof pouch for phones and hats—gusts can lift gear before you notice.
Step Lightly on Sandbars
Watch for shells and small critters; avoid trampling marsh edges and respect posted bird-nesting closures.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge overlooks south of Bodie Island
- •Coquina Beach access for post-tour shelling and wide-open shoreline
Wildlife
Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin, Osprey
Conservation Note
The sounds and marshes are sensitive nurseries for fish and birds—pack out everything, avoid wake near marsh edges, and keep your distance from nesting areas.
Roanoke Island is home to the story of the Lost Colony, the first English settlement attempt in the New World (1587), and a touchstone for local heritage.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Birdwatching, Cooler temperatures
Challenges: Changeable winds, Occasional showers
Spring brings busy skies and comfortable temps—ideal for spotting ospreys and migrating waterfowl.
summer
Best for: Calm mornings, Family outings
Challenges: Stronger sun, Afternoon thunderstorms
Expect warm water and bright light; book morning departures for smoother rides and gentler heat.
fall
Best for: Photography, Wildlife variety
Challenges: Breezy fronts, Shorter daylight
Crisp air and dynamic clouds make dramatic frames, while migrating species pass through the sounds.
winter
Best for: Waterfowl viewing, Quiet waterways
Challenges: Cold wind chill, Limited departures
Layer up—winter can be bracing, but rewards include big flocks and wide-open solitude.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Light WindbreakerEssential
Blocks wind at speed and keeps you comfortable during quick runs across open water.
Polarized SunglassesEssential
Cuts surface glare so you can spot wildlife and shell beds in the shallows.
Waterproof Phone Pouch
Protects your phone from spray and lets you shoot photos safely near the water.
Closed-Toe Water Shoes
Useful for sandbar stops and wading where shells and oyster fragments can be sharp.
Common Questions
Where does the tour depart from?
Trips launch from Manteo on Roanoke Island; exact dock instructions are provided with your reservation.
How many stops are included?
Typically three: a Bodie Island Lighthouse viewpoint, an Oregon Inlet-area sandbar, and a small private island, weather and tide permitting.
Is the ride bumpy or wet?
Airboats ride flat and fast, but you may feel wind and occasional spray—bring a light layer and sunglasses.
Are children allowed?
Yes, this is a family-friendly experience; check minimum age or size recommendations when booking.
Will we see wildlife?
Common sightings include ospreys, pelicans, terns, and occasionally dolphins or rays—wildlife is never guaranteed.
Do I need any special permits?
No permits are required for guests; your reservation covers the experience.
What to Pack
Polarized sunglasses for glare-cutting views; light windbreaker to stay warm at speed; waterproof phone pouch for spray and sandbar landings; closed-toe water shoes for shell-strewn wades.
Did You Know
The Bodie Island Lighthouse, completed in 1872, still shines with its original first-order Fresnel lens, restored and relit in 2013.
Quick Travel Tips
Book a morning tour for calmer water; bring cash or card for post-ride snacks along Manteo’s waterfront; allow extra drive time in peak summer traffic on US-64; confirm departure dock and parking instructions the day before.
Local Flavor
After your ride, head to Poor Richard’s Sandwich Shop for a dockside lunch, then sample locally distilled Kill Devil Rum at Outer Banks Distilling. For a seafood feast, O’Neal’s Sea Harvest in Wanchese serves fresh catch straight from the boats. Cap it off with a sunset stroll on the Manteo boardwalk.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest major airport: Norfolk International (ORF), ~1 hour 40 minutes by car; Local GA: Dare County Regional (MQI) in Manteo. Departure dock is minutes from downtown Manteo; Nags Head is a 10–15 minute drive. Expect spotty cell service on the water. No permits required; advance reservations recommended, with a 4-guest minimum to run.
Sustainability Note
These sounds and marshes are critical nurseries—pack out all trash, keep voices low near bird rookeries, and respect no-wake guidance to protect fragile shorelines.