Are previous kayaking experience or skills required?

No experience is necessary; the tour welcomes beginners and includes guidance from certified instructors.

What safety equipment is provided?

Each tour includes life jackets, paddles, clear kayaks, and dry bags for personal items.

Can children participate in the tour?

Yes, the tour is family-friendly and suitable for all ages, though children should be accompanied by an adult.

Is there a weight limit for the kayaks?

Yes, each tandem kayak has a maximum combined weight capacity of 425 pounds, with no more than 250 pounds per individual.

Are reservations required?

Yes, all tours require pre-booking to ensure availability and safety compliance.

Is alcohol allowed on the tour?

Alcohol is prohibited to maintain safety and enhance the experience for all participants.

Explore North Carolina’s Outer Banks on the Bodie Island Clear Kayak Tour | Guided Tour | Kayak

Located along the windswept shores of North Carolina’s Outer Banks, the Bodie Island Clear Kayak Tour offers an immersive window into one of the region’s most historic and ecologically rich waterways. Launching just south of Nags Head, this 1.5- to 2-hour guided excursion charts a tranquil course across Roanoke Sound, revealing remarkable views of the iconic Bodie Island Lighthouse—a beacon that’s been guiding mariners since 1872.

The tour’s real draw is its unique clear kayaks, crafted from transparent materials that invite paddlers to peer directly beneath the water’s glassy surface. As you glide over the sound, you’ll be treated to glimpses of underwater life, from graceful stingrays to shy turtles navigating the tidal currents. Above water, the skies are alive with the flurry of blue herons, elegant egrets, sleek pelicans, and cormorants fishing along the shores. Bird watchers and nature enthusiasts will find themselves in a front-row seat to the diverse ecosystems that thrive here.

Beyond natural marvels, the Bodie Island Lighthouse stands tall as a historical centerpiece. You’ll hear stories of its role in coastal navigation and the broader maritime heritage of the Outer Banks, a tangled seascape once integral to America’s earliest English settlers as they navigated toward Roanoke Island. This tour blends nature and history seamlessly, enriching your understanding of the area’s significance.

Accessible to paddlers of all skill levels, the tour welcomes beginners and seasoned kayakers alike. Because the tandem kayaks have a capacity that supports up to 425 pounds per boat but limits per person to ensure safety, it’s an ideal adventure for families, couples, or small friend groups. Certified guides provide not only safe trip leadership but also knowledgeable commentary, ensuring every paddle stroke brings new insights.

Safety gear and dry bags for personal items are included, and the company enforces responsible practices, including a strict no-alcohol policy. Group sizes are limited to 10 participants per tour, fostering an intimate and relaxed atmosphere.

Nags Head, the closest town, offers plentiful accommodations and dining, making it a perfect base to explore the Outer Banks’ expansive natural offerings. Whether escaping for a quick afternoon paddle or seeking to deepen your connection with this coastal environment, the Bodie Island Clear Kayak Tour stands out as a must-do experience that celebrates the region’s unique heritage and vibrant wildlife with every stroke.

About Get Up and Go Kayaking - Outer Banks

Get Up and Go Kayaking - Outer Banks offers guided clear kayak tours around Bodie Island Lighthouse and Roanoke Sound. The company specializes in transparent-hull kayaks that deliver immersive wildlife viewing, shoreline scenery, and safe paddling for families, couples, and solo adventurers. Guided tours include small-group public excursions and private experiences tailored to skill level and interest. All trips depart from Bodie Island launch sites near the historic Bodie Island Lighthouse, combining paddling with local history and lighthouse interpretation.

Guides are trained in water safety, local ecology, and interpretive narration, and they provide instruction for beginners and experienced paddlers alike. Equipment is maintained to meet safety standards, including life vests and clear kayaks designed for stability and visibility. Tours emphasize wildlife encounters—shorebirds, dolphins, and estuarine species—while respecting protected habitats.

Booking options include scheduled public tours and private clear kayak tours for families, friends, and special events. The private option offers a personalized pace, dedicated guide attention, and flexible departure times. Accessibility and accommodations can be discussed at booking to help match participant needs.

Customer trust is built through transparent safety practices, knowledgeable guides, and consistent local experience on the Outer Banks. Reviews highlight memorable wildlife sightings, clear-hull visibility, and informative lighthouse history. For visitors seeking a safe, educational, and scenic way to experience Bodie Island Lighthouse and Roanoke Sound, Get Up and Go Kayaking - Outer Banks provides reliable guided clear kayak adventures. Reservations are available online and by phone, with flexible cancellation policies and clear pre-trip guidance. Safety briefings included onboard.

Explore North Carolina’s Outer Banks on the Bodie Island Clear Kayak Tour

Adventure Brief

Keep the Adventure Going

Trip Details from the Operator

Frequently Asked Questions

Key Highlights

Local Insights

Related Adventures & Guides

Operated By

About Get Up and Go Kayaking - Outer Banks

Reserve a Bodie Island Clear Kayak Tour Today

Adventure Tips

Recommended Gear