Kayaking on Hatteras: Where to Go
Hatteras Island is a mecca for kayaking enthusiasts of all types. Whether you’re hoping to tackle the crests of waves in the Atlantic or want to float in the Pamlico Sound leisurely, you can experience both on this stretch of the Outer Banks.
Hatteras Island consists of 70 sweeping miles of coastal shoreline and 80 miles of soundside shores, making it the perfect place to go kayaking. Whether you’re hoping to cast a line in and fish or just relax and observe the native wildlife, there’s plenty of room on the open waters surrounding Hatteras.
To help you plan your next kayak adventure, we’ve crafted this quick guide on everything you need to know about kayaking on Hatteras Island.
Where to Go Kayaking: Intracoastal or Ocean
Since the Outer Banks is composed of islands, you have two unique options for kayaking. Both the vast waters of the Atlantic and the Intracoastal Waterway side of these barrier islands are at your disposal.
OCEAN ADVENTURES
Photo Credit: Sharkshock
Adventure junkies will enjoy the thrill of battling the white caps in the Atlantic Ocean. Paddling off in the deeper waters is also one of your best opportunities to interact with native marine life, like playful dolphins. It is important to note that ocean kayaking may only be suitable for experienced kayakers.
The unpredictable and often changing sea conditions make it a better fit for those with previous kayaking experience. The shoreline from Cape Point on Hatteras Island to Ocracoke Island offers the best oceanside kayaking in the area.
INTRACOASTAL WATERWAYS
Photo Credit: Cvandyke
Beginners or those in search of a smoother trip will enjoy the calmer waters of the Intracoastal Waterway. The Pamlico Sound side of Hatteras offers flat waters perfect for kayaking. This slower pace will allow you time to appreciate the stunning coastal scenery fully. Additionally, calmer waters give you time to practice and refine your kayaking skills, preparing you for more adventures.
Where to Launch
Photo Credit: Eli Wisden
While you can typically launch from anywhere on the beach, you may find it easier to do so at one of the many access sites along HWY 12.
Oregon Inlet Kayak Launch
Pea Island Launch (New Inlet parking area south of Pea Island National Refuge)
Salvo Sound Access (just south of Salvo)
Haulover Sound Access (between Avon and Buxton)
Devil Shoals Road (Ocracoke Island)
The end of Highway 12 in Ocracoke Village (across from National Park Visitor Center)
Hatteras Kayak Tours
SLASH CREEK OUTFITTERS
Photo Credit: Pamela Fansler
Address: 57698 North Carolina Hwy 12, Hatteras, NC
Phone Number: 252-986-1500
Locally owned, Slash Creek Outfitters offers affordable kayak rentals for all your kayaking needs. You can choose from single and tandem sit-inside kayaks, sit-on-top kayaks, and fishing kayaks. They also have golf carts, bikes, boards, and beach gear for rent. Guided kayak and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) tours are available daily and offer sunset and full moon tours.
KITTY HAWK SURF CO.
Photo Credit: khsurf
Address: 58848 Marina Way, Hatteras, NC
Phone Number: 252-441-6800
Found in Hatteras Landing, Kitty Hawk Surf Co. has a variety of kayak rental options, including fishing kayaks, single kayaks, and tandem kayaks. You can also rent surfboards, bodyboards, SUP boards, wetsuits, and skimboards here. Kitty Hawk Surf Co. also offers kayak tours at various locations throughout the OBX.
KITTY HAWK KITES
Photo Credit: bierchen
Address: 58848 Marina Way, Hatteras, NC
Phone Number: 252-986-1446
With over twenty locations nationwide, Kitty Hawk Kites is known for providing quality rentals. Here, you’ll find all sizes and styles of kayaks available to rent as well as anything you could possibly need for a fun day on the beach! You are even able to rent sandboards for visits to Jockey’s Ridge. Kitty Hawk Kites also has a number of tours available, including a tour of Hatteras Island.
WATERBOY ESSENTIALS
Photo Credit: Andriy Blokhin
Address: 57500 NC Hwy 12, Hatteras, NC
Phone Number: 252-986-2222
This small Hatteras outfitter offers a variety of rental equipment options, including kayaks, paddleboards, golf carts, crab pots, bikes, and beach equipment. Their staff is helpful and knowledgeable about the area. Waterboy Essentials will even provide free delivery to your vacation rental. Their rental rates are very affordable, and their service is friendly.
Kayak Difficulty Levels Around Hatteras
Experience is not required to kayak. Adventurers of all skill levels are welcome. However, beginners may want to stick to the calmer waters of the Intracoastal Waterways. This will allow you to get a feel for the kayak and become confident. Experienced riders may want to venture out into the deeper seas. Always be familiar with the sea and weather conditions before kayaking in the open ocean.
Best Time of the Year for Kayaking
While the Outer Banks is beautiful year-round, the best conditions for kayaking are certainly in the warmer months. Late spring to early fall usually holds the warmest temperatures in the Outer Banks. Summer is peak season in the OBX, offering the most comfortable water temperatures. Late spring and early fall have the advantage of fewer crowds, potentially leading to calmer waters.
What to Know Before You Go
HereYou’ll want to keep a few things in mind before hitting the open water.
Always wear a life jacket regardless of your swimming ability.
Pay close attention to the safety briefing.
Check the weather and sea conditions before your trip – especially if you are going without a knowledgeable guide.
Keep a respectful distance from any native marine life you encounter.
Wear sunscreen and bring extra to reapply.
Stay hydrated, and be sure to have plenty of water handy.
Other Water Activities on Hatteras
Kayaking isn’t the only aquatic adventure you’ll find here in the Hatteras area. You can also participate in other, more adrenaline-charged watersports. In Hatteras, your aquatic adventure options include kitesurfing, parasailing, or cruising the white caps of the Atlantic on a Wave Runner.
HATTERAS PARASAIL
Address: 57878 North Carolina Hwy 12, Hatteras, NC
Phone Number: 252-986-2627
Located on the soundside of Hatteras Village, Hatteras Parasail offers parasailing adventures soaring through the skies above the Pamlico Sound. You’ll have panoramic views of the barrier islands below. Hatteras Parasail also offers WaveRunner and boat rentals.
HATTERAS WATERSPORTS
Address: 27130 North Carolina Hwy 12, Salvo, NC
Phone Number: 252-987-2306
Iyou wantng to experience the water on a jet ski, you’ll need to head north of Hatteras to Salvo. Here, you’ll find Hatteras Watersports. They offer jet ski rentals as well as paddleboard and kayak rentals.
KITE CLUB HATTERAS
Address: 40159 North End Rd, Avon, NC
Phone Number: 202-549-7693
Kite Club Hatteras, located north of Hatteras in Avon, offers guided lessons. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced surfer, they offer lessons tailored to your skill level. They also offer 3-day Kite Camps throughout the year.
Stay on Hatteras Island
Whether you’re casting a line in the still waters of the sound or chasing adrenaline in the crashing waves of the Atlantic, Hatteras Island offers the ultimate kayak adventures.
Start planning your next trip by booking a room at EdgeCamp Sporting Club's luxurious waterfront properties. Our coastal oasis offers the perfect opportunity to rest and recharge both along the shores of Hatteras Island and back in the comfort of our coastal retreat.
