Do I need prior kayaking experience?

No prior experience is required; guides provide instruction and support for all skill levels.

What wildlife might I see on the tour?

Expect to see dolphins, great blue herons, oyster catchers, stingrays, ibis, and egrets.

What should I bring on the tour?

Bring water, insect repellent, quick-drying clothes, and a waterproof camera if desired.

Is the tour suitable for children?

Yes, the experience is family-friendly and open to paddlers of all ages.

What happens if the tour is canceled due to weather?

You can reschedule, receive a gift card credit, or request a refund if Ride the Wind cancels for safety reasons.

Where does the tour launch from?

Tours launch from Silver Lake Harbor in Ocracoke, North Carolina.

Evening Kayak Eco-Tour with Ride the Wind in Ocracoke | Guided Tour | Kayak

Pamlico Sound, stretching along the Outer Banks of North Carolina, offers a serene and diverse environment rich with wildlife and history. Ride the Wind, based in Ocracoke, taps into this unique setting with their Evening Kayak Eco-Tour, a two-hour guided paddle through calm waters and marshes that shape the sound’s mosaic. This tour is a standout for travelers seeking approachable adventure paired with natural discovery—ideal for novices and seasoned paddlers alike.

Launching from Silver Lake Harbor, the journey slips quietly past Springers Point Nature Preserve, a hotspot where oyster catchers and great blue herons patrol the shoreline. As the kayak glides forward, occasional glimpses of dolphins breaking the surface and stingrays skimming through shallow water punctuate the experience. Paddle into the tidal marshes hugging Ocracoke village, where the landscape shifts from open water to a sheltered wilderness alive with ibis and egret settling in for the evening.

Beyond wildlife, the tour wraps a historical thread through its path. Ocracoke’s storied past as a maritime village centuries old softly echoes beneath the surface of these saltwater channels. Ride the Wind’s guides weave in local lore alongside essential kayaking instruction, ensuring paddlers of all experience levels find comfort and connection on the water.

The tour’s timing culminates at sunset, framing the sound in an unforgettable glow. This photo-worthy finale embodies the area’s blend of wild calm and rugged beauty. For visitors to the Outer Banks who want more than a sunset view from shore, Ride the Wind’s Evening Kayak Eco-Tour offers a hands-on avenue to connect with North Carolina’s coastal ecosystem and seafaring heritage in a respectful, low-impact way.

About Ride the Wind

Ride the Wind operates in Ocracoke, North Carolina, offering kayak, stand-up paddleboard, and bicycle rentals tailored to visitors of Ocracoke Village and the surrounding Pamlico Sound. The company provides short rentals (one-hour and two-hour), daily and weekly options, plus guided mid-morning and evening kayak eco-tours that paddle to Springer's Point Nature Preserve and explore Silver Lake and nearby marshes. Rentals include life jackets (PFDs), paddles, and equipment; weekly board rentals include free delivery when specified.

Trip choices include single and tandem kayaks, fishing kayaks with storage, stable 11-foot standup paddleboards for ages 14 and up, lightweight Priority Bicycles for adults and young riders, and special experiences such as Stand-Up Paddleboard Yoga led by instructor Savana. Guided eco-tours are presented by an expert guide and highlight local wildlife like dolphins and herons, plus Ocracoke history and scenic marshes. Evening tours finish near sunset for added photography and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Ride the Wind focuses on straightforward rental options and guided experiences for a range of skill levels, from beginners to experienced paddlers. Equipment is described as comfortable and well-equipped, supporting safe and enjoyable outings on Silver Lake and Pamlico Sound. Visitors can select flexible durations—hourly, two-hour, daily, or weekly—to match vacation plans and explore Ocracoke at their own pace.

PFDs and paddles are included with weekly kayak rentals, and stand-up paddleboard rentals provide all necessary gear for safe outings. Rental staff can advise on routes such as Silver Lake harbor, Pamlico Sound shorelines, and Springer's Point to help visitors plan trips.