We're here to help
    Book online or call (650) 414-7338
    1. Local experiences/
    2. Things to do in Kill Devil Hills…/
    3. Water Activities/
    4. Kayaking Tours/
    5. Alligator River Refuge Kayak Tour At Buffalo City
    Why travelers choose Greetwell

    Curated by our team

    Every experience is hand selected and approved by Greetwell.

    Personal concierge

    Real humans available to help before, during, and after your booking.

    Intimate & authentic

    Including unique in-home experiences you won't find anywhere else.

    Easy booking & cancellation

    Reserve in minutes with free cancellation on most experiences.

    Greetwell

    Experiences that stay with you long after the trip

    Greetwell curates authentic local experiences and provides personal concierge support in over 500 destinations, helping you explore confidently wherever you go.

    About

    • Our Story
    • For Experience Providers
    • For Hospitality Partners
    • For Developers

    Concierge Support

    • Help Center
    concierge@greetwell.com(650) 414-7338

    Safe & Secure Payments

    © 2026 Greetwell, Inc. All rights reserved.
    Privacy PolicyTerms
    Product image 1
    Product image 2
    Product image 3
    Product image 4
    Product image 5
    Gallery image
    Gallery image 1
    Gallery image 2
    Gallery image 3
    Gallery image 5

    Alligator River Refuge Kayak Tour At Buffalo City

    Paddle with expert guides through refuge canals as you look for alligators and native birds

    4.9 stars• 1.2K reviews
    From$68/ kayakincl. taxes and fees

    Duration

    2 Hours

    Includes

    Kayak, paddle, life jacket

    Highlights

    Explore the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge by kayak and learn about the area’s unique habitat and wildlife as you paddle. Your guide leads the route and shares local stories as you search the waterways and shoreline.

    • Paddle through canals and larger waterways in the refuge
    • Search for alligators in the water or along the shore
    • Spot native birds among bald cypress and loblolly pines
    • Learn about the area’s wildlife and moonshiner history
    • Get a paddle lesson on land before you launch

    What's Included

    • Kayak, paddle, and life jacket

    Things to know

    Arrive 15 minutes before the start time. Dogs are not allowed on this tour. Children 12 and under are placed in a tandem kayak with an adult unless requested otherwise.

    Cancellation Policy

    Cancellations or reschedules must be made more than 48 hours before the scheduled start time for a 90% refund; within 48 hours no refund is issued. Late arrivals and no-shows are not refunded. If the tour is canceled due to weather, it will be rescheduled or refunded.

    FAQs

    Bring plenty of water (and a snack if you’d like), sunscreen, sunglasses and/or a hat, and a towel to leave in your car for after the tour. Wear shoes and clothing you don’t mind getting wet. You may also want insect repellent, a rain jacket if it might rain, and a dry bag.

    No. There are no shoe or clothing requirements.

    Single and tandem (double) kayaks are available; you select the number of tandem kayaks during the online reservation. Children 12 and under are placed in a tandem kayak with an adult unless requested otherwise. Children 12 and under are recommended to paddle tandem with an adult (not required), and ages 10–12 may request a single kayak if you’re confident they can paddle the entire trip.

    Meeting details

    Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948,

    Experience provided by Outer Banks Kayak Adventures
    Experience provided by Outer Banks Kayak Adventures

    How can we help?

    We are here to assist with special requests, large groups, last minute needs, and any questions you may have.

    Call or text (650) 414-7338

    Reference #JKMXB8

    Single Kayak • Adult

    $68.90

    Ages 13+

    0

    Single Kayak • Child

    $58.30

    Ages 10-12

    0

    Tandem Kayak • 2 Adults

    $137.80

    Ages 13+

    0

    Tandem Kayak • 1 Adult & 1 Child

    $127.20

    Adult: Ages 13+ • Child: Ages 12 & Under

    0

    Why book through Greetwell?

    • No Added Fees

      No booking or service fees, ever

    • Concierge Support Included

      Real humans ready to help with timing, questions, or special requests

    • Free Cancellation Available

      Most experiences can be cancelled for a full refund

    Discover what we've curated for you

    Review summary

    4.9
    Excellent
    1.2K reviews•Google Maps

    Gavin stands out as the star guide here, with guests consistently praising his deep knowledge of local ecology and history. He makes tours feel relaxed and unhurried, even when working with large family groups of 15 or intimate couples who end up with private experiences. Bex (Rebecca) and Blain also get enthusiastic shoutouts for their friendly, knowledgeable approach and ability to spot wildlife that guests would otherwise miss. The maritime forest tour gets mentioned frequently as perfect for families and beginners, offering an easy 1.5-hour paddle through calm waters. The alligator refuge tour delivers on its promise, with multiple sightings reported even in cooler weather. Guests appreciate the blend of paddling, wildlife viewing, and storytelling about the area's history. The kayak rental delivery service to vacation homes adds convenience for those wanting to explore on their own time. Overall, this feels like a well-run operation with passionate guides who genuinely love sharing the Outer Banks ecosystem with visitors.

    What people are saying

    Review 1 of 5
    5/5

    Our group did the Maritime Forest tour in the morning and had a phenomenal time. Our guide, Courtney, was knowledgeable and accommodating, happy to go at any pace that suited us. We saw lots of water snakes, osprey, egrets and songbirds. It was a great way to see a unique and ecologically special area of the Outer Banks. Highly recommend it to everyone, especially those looking to explore natural areas of OBX.

    Photo of Courtnye Koivisto

    Courtnye Koivisto

    April 4, 2026

    Review 1 of 1
    5/5

    Our group did the Maritime Forest tour in the morning and had a phenomenal time. Our guide, Courtney, was knowledgeable and accommodating, happy to go at any pace that suited us. We saw lots of water snakes, osprey, egrets and songbirds. It was a great way to see a unique and ecologically special area of the Outer Banks. Highly recommend it to everyone, especially those looking to explore natural areas of OBX.

    Photo of Courtnye Koivisto

    Courtnye Koivisto

    April 4, 2026

    Great for groups

    Thumbnail
    Private Boat ChartersUp to 35

    Private Charter on OBX Tiki Time Pontoon Boat

    $1,482
    Thumbnail
    Private Boat ChartersUp to 6

    Private 3-Hour Catamaran Sunset Cruise Manteo

    $655.08
    Thumbnail
    Private Boat ChartersUp to 6

    Outer Banks Private Catamaran Sail for 6 Guests

    $545.90

    Nearby activities

    Thumbnail
    Kayaking Tours

    Kitty Hawk Maritime Forest and Marsh Kayak Tour

    From$58
    Thumbnail
    Bike Rentals

    E-Bike Rental in Kill Devil Hills (10 Hours)

    From$111/ bike
    Thumbnail
    Ghost and Haunted

    Manteo Ghost Tour with Lanterns & OBX Legends

    From$30/ person
    Thumbnail
    Historical Tours

    Manteo Candlelight History Tour with Police Chief

    From$39/ person
    Thumbnail
    Car RentalsUp to 20

    Magic Bus Rental for Private Events

    From$868
    Thumbnail
    Private TransfersUp to 28

    The Beachin' Bus Private Transportation Rental

    From$868