Top-rated 2024 tours for exceptional kayaking in North Carolina

Are you looking for some exciting places to go kayaking while visiting North Carolina? If so, you’ve come to the right place.

Whether you’re a seasoned kayaker or just want to explore the natural beauty of the state from a different perspective, there are plenty of North Carolina kayak adventures available. There’s the Outer Banks and the barrier islands for sea kayaking in the east, the mountain rivers for river and whitewater kayaking in the west, and all the lakes and rivers in between.

I’ve been a casual kayaker since 2001 and some of my most enjoyable and relaxing kayak (and canoe) moments have been on the water in North Carolina.

So how do you find the best kayaking in North Carolina?

Picking the best kayaking tours in North Carolina

Picking the best tour is a matter of what you’re looking for. For this story I’m assuming that, as a vacationer, you’re not a dyed-in-the-wool expert kayaker. lf you were, you’d likely not need the help of the information in this story.

For the rest of us, here’s the results of our research to help you cut through the noise. I’ve listed the top North Carolina kayaking tours in the state as rated by travellers just like you and me. I’ve even thrown in a few unrated extras — just because they look pretty interesting!

#1 – French Broad River Kayak Tour in Asheville

▶︎ BOOK French Broad River Kayak Tour in Asheville

• RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars — With 28 positive reviews.
• TOUR LENGTH: 2.5 hours
• Starts and ends at: Hominy Creek River Park, Asheville, NC

Why choose this kayaking in North Carolina tour?  This semi-private tour is guided by a Blue Ridge certified naturalist with knowledge about local flora and fauna as well as the local history. You’ll follow the winding French Broad River, starting at Bent Creek Inlet and paddling through Asheville and past the Biltmore Estate.

The French Broad River Kayak Tour in Asheville includes: 

• An up-close look at Asheville from the water
• A Blue Ridge certified naturalist to show the way and ensure your safety.
• Pick up at your hotel and transportation to the Bent Creek inlet.
• Your kayak, paddle, and life vest.
• A maximum of five travellers per trip for a cozy experience.

▶︎ Check availability and prices now!

#2 – Cape Hatteras Kayak Adventure in Rodanthe

▶︎ BOOK Cape Hatteras Kayak Adventure in Rodanthe

• RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars — With 8 positive reviews.
• TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours
• Starts and ends at: Rodanthe, NC

Why choose this kayaking in North Carolina tour?  This tour is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts as you may see wild ospreys, pelicans, herons, egrets, terns, rails, skimmers, wrens, and warbles as well as sea turtles, rays, and river otters. It’s an evening paddle — so if the weather permits you’ll enjoy spectacular sunsets as you explore the salt marsh canals and flat waters of Pamlico Sound in the Cape Hatteras National Seashore near Rodanthe, North Carolina.

The Cape Hatteras Kayak Adventure in Rodanthe tour includes: 

• All kayaks, life jackets, and safety equipment.
• A small group size (15 maximum) for more attention from your guide.
• Kayakers should be moderately fit for this tour.

▶︎ Check availability and prices now!

#3 – Corolla Kayak Adventure 

▶︎ BOOK Corolla Kayak Adventure

• RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars — With 5 positive reviews.
• TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours
• Starts and ends at: Corolla, NC

Why choose this kayaking in North Carolina tour?  Let this peaceful kayak journey take away the worries of everyday life, with nothing but the sound of nature to surround you. You’ll paddle through the majesty of Currituck Sound in North Carolina’s Outer Banks and soak in the blazing beauty of a North Carolina sunset. Explore the sound’s sheltered islands, bays and canals while your guide teaches you about the local ecosystem, and keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife that can be found in the area.

The Corolla Kayak Adventure tour includes: 

• Your sit-in kayak, life jacket, paddle, and safety equipment.
• Escape the summer madness and enjoy a peaceful kayak paddle.
• A small group size (15 maximum) for more attention from your guide.
• Kayakers should be moderately fit for this tour.

▶︎ Check availability and prices now!

#4 – Kayak tour at Lake Lure

▶︎ BOOK Kayak tour at Lake Lure

• RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars — With 4 positive reviews.
• TOUR LENGTH: 4 hours (starts at 9am)
• Starts and ends at: Asheville Visitor Center, Asheville, NC

Why choose this kayaking in North Carolina tour?  A certified naturalist guides you around the lake, points out local flora and fauna, and tells the story of the area’s history. And if that’s not enough, you can jump in the lake and swim! So come explore this serene lake surrounded by blue skies of North Carolina – you won’t regret it!

The Kayak tour at Lake Lure tour includes: 

• Your kayaks, paddles, and life vests.
• A small group size (4 maximum) for more attention from your guide.
• Air-conditioned shuttle that takes you to the put-in point and back to your car after the tour.
• Most travellers can participate – easy effort.

▶︎ Check availability and prices now!

#5 – Beautiful self-guided kayaking by the Biltmore

▶︎ BOOK Beautiful self-guided kayaking by the Biltmore

• RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars — With 19 positive reviews.
• TOUR LENGTH: 3 hours
• Starts and ends at: Asheville, NC

Why choose this kayaking in North Carolina tour?  Well, to start with there’s the Biltmore Estate — George W. Vanderbilt’s iconic French Renaissance château that features 250 rooms and lavish gardens. You’ll see the Biltmore House and farm as well as views of the surrounding Appalachian Mountains as you float by on the majestic French Broad River. You might even see some of the local wildlife. After the trip, you’ll finish back at their outpost at the famous River Arts District where you can relax and enjoy a beer by the river.

The Beautiful self-guided kayaking by the Biltmore tour includes: 

• An air-conditioned shuttle to take you to the private access point at the Bent Creek Experimental Forest.
• Your kayaks, paddles, and PFD (personal flotation device).
• A small group size (12 maximum) for more attention from your guide.
• Most travellers can participate (easy effort).

▶︎ Check availability and prices now!

Unrated tours for kayaking in North Carolina

As well as tours on our “rated” list, there are also a few interesting ones that have, as yet, no ratings.

#6 – Private kayak tour in Oak Island (unrated)

• TOUR LENGTH: 1 to 2 hours. During the summer, there are morning and afternoon tours.
• Starts and ends at: Oak Island, NC

This is an easy effort private tour for your group only (up to 5 people). Explore the Oak Island water channels of the Montgomery Slough and Davis Canal and watch for wildlife including birds, fish, dolphins, sea otters and more. Your knowledgeable local guide can share their in-depth knowledge of the waters and the history of the area.

The Private kayak tour in Oak Island tour includes: 

• Your kayak, paddle, life jacket, dry pouch, and bottled water.
• Because it’s a private group, you can go as far and as fast as you want.

▶︎ BOOK Private kayak tour in Oak Island 

#7 – Kayak tour of Lake James (unrated)

• TOUR LENGTH: 4 hours (starts at 9am)
• Starts and ends at: Asheville Visitor Center, Asheville, NC

This is an easy effort private tour for your group only (up to 4 people) at one of the most serene lakes in North Carolina, surrounded by blue skies and lush greenery. You’ll be accompanied by a certified naturalist guide who’ll point out interesting facts about the flora and fauna as well as some history of the area.

The Kayak tour of Lake James includes: 

• Your kayak, paddle, and life vests.

▶︎ BOOK Kayak tour of Lake James 

#8 – Kayak fishing guides and scenic paddle tour (unrated)

• TOUR LENGTH: 4 hours (starts and 9am)
• Starts and ends at: Asheville, NC

There’s fishing — need we say more? After a safety briefing that also includes tips for paddling and fishing, you’ll be off and running.. er, paddling. All you have to do is apply your sunscreen and put on your life vest. You’ll see amazing locations, such as hidden waterfalls or secret spots for bass fishing. Your guide has a digital camera just so you can prove to your friends that you caught one that big!

The Kayak fishing guides and scenic paddle tour includes: 

• Your fishing kayak, paddle, and life vests.
• All gear: rods, reels, and tackle, and coolers
• A small group size (5 maximum) for more attention from your guide.
• Kayakers should be moderately fit for this trip.

▶︎ BOOK Kayak fishing guides and scenic paddle tour 

FAQ – Kayaking in North Carolina frequently asked questions

What are the laws for kayaking in North Carolina?

Let’s deal with the serious questions first – what laws do we need to know before going kayaking in North Carolina? Please note (very important) that these bullets are intended as a guide and should not be construed as legal advice.

• Do you need to register a kayak in NC?  Registration is not required for kayaks and canoes, unless the boat has a trolling motor attached.
• Do you have to wear a life vest on a kayak in North Carolina?  A PFD is required for each person on board a kayak or canoe. They must be USCG approved and fit the wearer properly. All children under 13 are required to wear their PFD whether they are paddling or are a passenger.
• All children under 13 are required to wear their PFD whether they are paddling or are a passenger.
• Can you drink on a kayak in North Carolina? Boating Under the Influence (BUI) is illegal. The blood alcohol limit in NC is 0.08% BUT some areas may not allow any alcohol on-site at all.
• A whistle is required for canoes and kayaks.
• A white light is required for paddling between sunset and sunrise.
• Visual Distress Signals (VDS) for night use are required when paddling in coastal waters between sunset and sunrise.
• Please note that there are often rules and regulations that are set for specific bodies of water where you plan to paddle and these may vary across the state. 

Can you go kayaking on the eastern North Carolina coast?

North Carolina boasts a beautiful and varied coastline that offers an array of kayaking adventures. From the protected calm waters of the Outer Banks and the Barrier Islands to coastal marshes and estuaries, kayakers have access to a variety of affordable kayaking experiences including stunning coastal scenery, up close with wildlife in their natural settings, and amazing sunsets.

There are plenty of kayaking options along the coast from Virginia to South Carolina. The town of Kitty Hawk offers scenic views and calm waters. Nags Head hosts a remarkable natural ecosystem. Beaufort, NC, also known as the Crystal Coast, provides a superb kayaking experience with plenty of scenery and wildlife. Further south, paddlers can take part in kayak fishing near Wilmington. 

And if you take advantage of the many tours available, you don’t even have to bring any gear — it’s all supplied for you and waiting at the dock!

Can you kayak in the mountains of western North Carolina? In Asheville?

You certainly can. There are a number of guided tours for Asheville kayaking (some are listed in the guided tours above), and in the mountains of western North Carolina, home to winding rivers and the famous Biltmore Estate, George W. Vanderbilt’s iconic French Renaissance château that features 250 rooms, lavish gardens, and tours.

What is bioluminescent kayaking in North Carolina?

Bioluminescence is a natural chemical process that allows living things in the water to produce light with and in their bodies. Marine creatures like some fish, squid, tiny crustaceans and algae produce bioluminescence to either confuse predators, attract prey or even lure potential mates.

A wave of bioluminescence makes the sea sparkle a neon blue or green or even red, a beautiful sight that many kayakers have on their bucket list. The bioluminescent sea will glow when it’s disturbed by a wave breaking or a splash in the water at night.

Bioluminescence kayak tours (nighttime tours) are offered by Outer Banks Kayak Adventures and Kitty Hawk Kites.

Is there good whitewater kayaking in North Carolina?

In a word: yes!

One of the nice things about whitewater kayaking is you can do it practically anywhere… the boats are small and anywhere there’s a good run of water is fair game. I’ve even seen whitewater kayakers play around in the effluence from a small dam in Raleigh.

Of course, you can’t just get into a whitewater kayak and go and play in the rapids — its a skill that requires experience and good safety equipment. Playing in whitewater is not typically something for the casual kayaker or traveller.

For example, one of the best runs in North Carolina is the Cheoah River near the Fonata dam close to the Tennessee border. It’s a a dam-controlled river and since the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) announces water-release dates, it’s easy to figure out when the water will be running high. There’s back-to-back-to-back Class IV and V rapids, boulder fields, a 12-foot waterfall, and some challenging currents to deal with — so it’s for experienced paddlers only.

A lot of the whitewater companies you’ll find offer whitewater rafting instead of kayaking. But the Nantahala Outdoor Center at Bryson City in the North Carolina mountains (close to Fontana and the Tennessee border) has some whitewater kayaking classes you can take for beginner, Class II, and Class III whitewater skill levels. Located in the Nantahala National Forest, the center offers kayak rentals, runs a shuttle, and much more. There are two restaurants on-site, an outfitters store, hiking trails, and a ropes course.

And in case you had any remaining doubts, the US National Whitewater Center is actually located in Charlotte, North Carolina. It’s website has a ton of information about whitewater kayaking and places to paddle.

What about flat water kayaking in North Carolina’s lakes and rivers?

North Carolina offers 40,000 miles of rivers and streams and five large and natural freshwater lakes (as well as many other smaller natural and manmade lakes). The opportunities for river and lake kayaking throughout North Carolina are endless. The list could literally be as long as my paddle!

Three Sisters Swamp on the Black River in the southern part of the state near Wilmington. The river and its course through the swamp meanders and turns, but with care, it’s easy to pick out the right path. The scenery goes from a wide river lined with hardwoods and smaller cypress tress to the narrow corridor among the huge, ancient bald cypress. How ancient, you ask? One tree in particular dates back to at least 364 AD making it one of the oldest trees in the world! There’s more about the Black River from Cape Fear Adventures, Mahanaim Adventures (to book a tour), and even our own canoe trip down the river a couple of years ago.

Devil’s Gut near Jamesville, just off the Roanoke River in the northeast of the state, has superb bass fishing and excellent paddling opportunities. This paddle is easy and quite lovely; the forest is close to the river in some places, and the wildlife is abundant. You can also stay overnight and stay at one of the river camping platforms here. Roanoke Outdoor Adventures runs tours in this area. Their website is under reconstruction at the moment, but there’s contact information available for more details.

The best places to kayak in the triangle (that area of the state bounded by Raleigh, the state capital, Winston-Salem to the northwest, and Charlotte to the southwest) include the easy going Neuse River and the expansive Lake Jordan, both near Raleigh, and the Yadkin River which is just outside of Winston-Salem.

Near Charlotte, the undammed Rocky River Blueway provides long-distance flatwater kayaking as it runs for about 49 miles starting at the Pharr Family Preserve in Midland and connecting with the Pee Dee River for another 19 miles. You’ll paddle past farms and fields, rocky bluffs, and some easy going rapids. You also may see egrets, kingfishers, woodpeckers, turkey, and even deer.

The Cape Fear River meanders from Jordan Lake to Wilmington and is a perfect place for whitewater rafting and kayaking in the spring when high water and the river conditions are right. During the summer and early fall, the river is typically calm and slow. Cape Fear River Adventures is one tour company operating on the river and it offers trips as short as an hour or as long as two days between March and October.

This is by no means an exhaustive list — they’re just a few of the places you can consider for flatware kayaking when you visit North Carolina.

Is there camping or multi-day kayaking in North Carolina?

Yes! There’s a couple of tour companies that offer overnight kayaking tours. Cape Fear Adventures offers a two-day trip with overnight camping with either kayaks or canoes.

There are also paddle-in campgrounds that can be accessed only by kayak or canoe, including Bear Island in Hammocks Beach State Park, just off the Carolina coast. There are 14 total campsites at Hammocks Beach State Park and three of them (spots 12, 13, and 14) can only be reached by boat. We travelled there for an overnight stay several years ago and spent the two days paddling around the shoreline and in the ocean waves. The Dyrt Magazine has this great summary of paddle-in campgrounds.

Where’s the strangest place you ever went kayaking?

One dark evening, we went for a paddle in the cooling pond of the Shearon Harris Nuclear Power Plant in New Hill, just outside Raleigh. The water felt uncharacteristically warm to the touch, but I didn’t see any fish that glowed in the dark (I DID look…).

Conclusion: Kayaking in North Carolina is a great way to see the natural beauty of the state

Kayaking in North Carolina is an amazing experience that can be enjoyed by all. From kayak fishing guides to scenic paddle tours in the mountains or on the coast, the options are endless and there’s something for everyone!

Our top rated tour, the French Broad River Kayak Tour in Asheville offers a unique chance to explore some of the most beautiful spots in coastal North Carolina, with the chance to see wildlife led by a knowledgeable tour guide and all the equipment provided for an enjoyable paddle.

So what are you waiting for? Book your kayaking adventure today – you won’t regret it!