Outer Banks Boat Cruises

Looking to get out on the water? Crystal Dawn, docked at Pirate's Cove Marina on the Nags Head/Manteo Causeway, is a comfortable, 65-foot, double-decker party boat / head boat that's all about good times on the water. Whether you want to take the kids fishing in the sound and around Oregon Inlet or gather up your friends and family for a party cruise around Roanoke Island, they have got you covered. For sightseeing on the sound, Sunset Cruises are offered from 6 to 7:30 pm nightly in April, May, September and October. During the summer season in June, July, and August cruises are from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Along the way you'll see lighthouses, historic sites, working watermen and wildlife like birds and dolphin. Crystal Dawn is available for private charters for birthday and anniversary celebrations, bachelor and bachelorette parties, small weddings, school groups, ashes at sea ceremonies, family functions and more. The boat can accommodate up to 100 passengers. On one of their half-day head boat fishing trips, you'll catch fish such as flounder, croaker, spot, trout, sea mullet, sea bass and more, depending on the season and conditions. All bait, tackle and licenses are furnished, and this is a great way to introduce kids to fishing. The on-board mate can help with everything. They limit the number of passengers on fishing trips to 50 for the comfort of all passengers. Ask about other tours, including the 4th of July Fireworks Cruise and Purple Martin Excursions in late July and early August.

Kitty Hawk Kites has been teaching the world to fly since 1974. With 10 retail locations from Corolla to Ocracoke, Kitty Hawk Kites boasts an impressive selection of kites, flags and spinners, toys, apparel, gifts and games on the Outer Banks. Kitty Hawk Kites specializes in kites, from the single-lines for kids to high-tech stunt varieties. The stores also sell fun outdoor goodies such as flags, toys, boomerangs and games. You’ll find a wide selection of Outer Banks gear, beach sportswear and footwear from Crocs, Chaco, Hey Dude, Southern Fried and Life is Good apparel, t-shirts, sweatshirts, outdoor clothing, sunglasses and more. Kitty Hawk Kites also offers a number of adventure activities including hang gliding, kayak and SUP tours, lessons and rentals, parasailing, Jet Skis, dolphin tours, wild horse tours, historic tours and much more. The brand-new Whalebone Watersports Center on the Nags Head Causeway offers kayak fishing, Jet Skis, pontoon boat rentals and more. At Kitty Hawk Kites' Waves Village Watersports in Rodanthe, you can learn kiteboarding; buy and rent kiteboarding gear; rent a kayak, surfboard or standup paddleboard or climb the adventure tower/ropes course. Kitty Hawk Kites Hang Gliding School at Jockey's Ridge in Nags Head offers private lessons, beginner lessons, advanced lessons and training packages for hang gliding, as well as retail merchandise and sand boards available for rent.

Looking to get out of the house and on the water? Take a fishing trip on the Miss Oregon Inlet II head boat. With the shortest drive time to fishing grounds around Oregon Inlet, they catch many different species of fish, such as spot, croaker, trout, bluefish, puppy drum, sea mullet and more, and they’re known as the “flounder pounder.” They have everything you need to fish, and everyone is covered under their fishing license. The head boat takes two half-day inshore trips a day. They also offer a Twilight Fishing Cruise most days that includes two hours of fishing and sunset viewing. Most every trip includes dolphin and shorebird sightings as well as views of Savage Inlet Oyster Farm, sound islands and Basnight Bridge. Phone chargers onboard ensure you’ll capture all the memorable moments. The experienced local captain and crew cater to anglers of all ages and skill levels. Advance reservations are recommended, and booking is through Kitty Hawk Kites. Coupons, group rates, military and first responder discounts and private charters are available.

In a prime location right on Pamlico Sound, Ocean Air Sports has been making Hatteras Island watersports adventures happen since 1987. Locals and visitors of all ages and experience levels have trusted this iconic north Avon business for family-oriented outdoor fun for more than 30 years. Ocean Air rents kayaks and standup paddleboards (SUP) and offers lessons and rentals in windsurfing, kiteboarding and wing foiling. Windsurfing enthusiasts have been flocking to Hatteras Island for decades, and Ocean Air Sports is their first stop for gear, rentals and the latest island and industry scoop. Whether you’re playing on the water or watching the action from the soundfront deck, Ocean Air is the perfect place to spend the day. The shop sells all the goods and gear for the outdoor experience, from boards, kites, sails and paddles to wetsuits, sunglasses, t-shirts, sunscreen and a whole lot more.