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Explore the Untamed Beauty of Kitty Hawk Maritime Forest & Marsh Tour - Kitty Hawk

Explore the Untamed Beauty of Kitty Hawk Maritime Forest & Marsh Tour

Kitty Hawkeasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

2–3 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for all fitness levels; mostly flat terrain and gentle walking

Overview

Discover the hidden world of Kitty Hawk’s maritime forest and salt marshes on a guided tour that uncovers vibrant wildlife and resilient coastal ecosystems. Perfect for nature lovers and photographers, this adventure offers a peaceful escape close to town.

Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina

Kitty Hawk Maritime Forest & Marsh Tour

1.5 hours • All Ages

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About This Adventure

Experience the beauty of the Outer Banks on a serene 1.5-hour kayak tour, perfect for families and beginners. Paddle through the enchanting Kitty Hawk Maritime Forest, spotting wildlife like egrets and bald eagles. With expert guidance and comfortable kayaks, immerse yourself in nature's tranquility and create unforgettable memories.

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Duration

1.5 Hours

About

This is an ideal Outer Banks kayak tour for young children and beginner paddlers. We paddle at a very relaxed pace, and the trees surrounding the canal provide excellent protection from the wind, even on gusty days as well as the heat from the summer sun. We explore the Kitty Hawk Maritime Forest by way of Jean Guite Creek. A rare and endangered habitat, the forest is home to an abundance of wildlife and intriguing native plants. On this lengthy, yet highly enjoyable trip you might spot an Egret standing along the shore or a river otter swimming across the creek. Osprey, kingfishers, and majestic bald eagles are often spotted flying just above our watercraft. We usually see turtles sunning on logs as we paddle through the live oak and wax myrtle-filled woods. This paddling tour is perfect for anyone who enjoys being secluded in the beauty of nature.

Here at Outer Banks Kayak Adventures, we want to provide our customers with the best kayaking experience on the OBX. We use American-made Perception Kayaks which are known for being extremely versatile, making it the top choice for beginner and intermediate movability. 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 before you begin, 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. For people with limited mobility, we use sit on top style hybrid kayaks, making it easy for you to get in and out. SUPs (Stand Up Paddleboards) are available for anyone looking for a more advanced tour.

What to Bring

  • Plenty of water and a snack if you'd like
  • Sunscreen, sunglasses and/or a hat
  • A towel for after the tour (you'll want to leave it in your car)
  • Shoes and clothing you don’t mind getting wet
  • You may also want to consider insect repellent, a rain jacket if it might rain, and a dry bag

Adventure Tips

Bring binoculars for wildlife viewing

Enhance your experience by spotting birds and other wildlife more easily with a good pair of binoculars.

Wear insect repellent

Marshy areas can have mosquitoes and other insects, so apply repellent before your tour to stay comfortable.

Dress in layers

Morning and evening temperatures can vary, so wear layers to stay comfortable throughout your visit.

Stick to marked trails

Help protect fragile ecosystems by staying on the designated paths during your tour.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Eastern blue heron
  • Marsh rabbit

History

The maritime forest evolved as a natural barrier to ocean storms and has long protected the Outer Banks communities from erosion.

Conservation

Local guides emphasize Leave No Trace principles and support ongoing habitat restoration efforts to keep the forest and marsh healthy.

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Adventure Hotspots in Kitty Hawk

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Waterproof hiking shoes

Essential

Protect your feet from wet areas along marshy trails.

spring specific

Sunscreen

Essential

Shield your skin from UV exposure during midday hours.

summer specific

Light jacket

Essential

Stay warm during cooler coastal breezes without overheating.

fall specific

Insect repellent

Essential

Keep mosquitoes and biting insects at bay for a comfortable tour.

summer specific