The geography of the Outer Banks gives you the chance to enjoy many activities that you wouldn’t otherwise experience – sailing in the ocean or sound. Outer Banks boating and sailing can be enjoyed through canoe, kayak and boat tours, crabbing trips, visits to marinas, private charter trips (fishing charters included), boat rentals and even sailing camps. Imagine embarking on your sailing trip in the early morning, watching the sun hit its zenith in the sky between glances of the passing coastline, your captain and crew ready to whisk you away to picturesque spots as you repose on the luxurious boat. Sounds like a pretty nice way to spend the day right? Outer Banks boating and sailing can be suited to fit the adventure you have in mind, whether it’s self-conducted or led by a captain, in a kayak through the marshland or in a boat cruising through the ocean. Check out the listing below to see what Outer Banks sailing and boating adventures await you and your family during your beach trip. Check out our Boat Ramps section for information on where to launch your vessels.
Outer Banks Things To Do by Area
Corolla | Duck & Southern Shores | Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills & Nags Head
Roanoke Island & Manteo | Hatteras Island | Ocracoke Island
Outer Banks Things To Do by Category
Outer Banks Boating & Sailing
Charter fishing on the Outer Banks is one of the most popular activities. Thousands of visitors and locals take advantage of the excellent fishing these waters offer, so not surprisingly there are many businesses that can connect you with the sort of charter you're interested in. Without a doubt, the offshore charter boats that go after the Gulf Stream big game of tuna, wahoo, mahi and more are king! You leave early in the morning, and if Neptune is with you, you come back in the afternoon with a bounty of tasty fish. These charters often book out months in advance, so plan ahead. Most of the time, a predetermined group of up to six anglers book a boat, but it is possible to be part of a make-up charter where you'll be paired with others who are booking individually. If offshore boats are king, then the headboats are definitely queen. These charters stay inshore in the sound or near-shore in the ocean, charge by the head (person) and can take 40 or so out for fish such as drum, flounder, blues, spot, striped bass and croaker. There's a mate on board if you need help baiting that hook. These trips are great choices for kids or those of you who might be susceptible to seasickness since they're half-days and within sight of land. You'll also find charter companies here that will take you fishing in the nearby rivers and lakes.
Charter fishing on the Outer Banks is one of the most popular activities. Thousands of visitors and locals take advantage of the excellent fishing these...read more
Charter fishing on the Outer Banks is one of the most popular activities. Thousands of...read more
Outer Banks Boating & Sailing
798 Sunset Boulevard, TimBuck II Shopping Village, Corolla
If it’s on the water, the folks here can help you do it. On the sound at the backside of TimBuck II next to the minigolf course, Corolla Watersports rents four-stroke Waverunners, pontoon boats, standup paddleboards, sit-on-top and sit-in kayaks and two and four-seat pedal boats. You can rent the pontoons with or without a captain – sunset cruises are perfect in one of these vessels. Guided kayak eco-tours are offered in the morning and afternoon and at sunset. They also offer banana boat rides and tubing. Parasailing adventures – fly double and triple parasail rides up to 1,200 feet – are available. They offer a "Corolla Downwinder" experience, which is a kayak and standup paddleboard adventure where you cruise with the wind at your back the entire time. You can also do guided fishing trips and rent fishing boats. Live blue crabs and select fresh seafood are available for purchase. Go to the sound and look for the watersports building and pier.
If it’s on the water, the folks here can help you do it. On the sound at the backside of TimBuck II next to the minigolf course, Corolla Watersports rents...read more
If it’s on the water, the folks here can help you do it. On the...read more
Outer Banks Boating & Sailing
2000 Sailfish Drive, Docks at Pirate's Cove Marina, Manteo
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.
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-...read more
Looking to get out on the water? Crystal Dawn, docked at Pirate's Cove Marina on...read more
Outer Banks Boating & Sailing
7665 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head/Manteo Causeway, Nags Head
Fishing Unlimited has everything you need for a great fishing trip on the sound – boat rentals, rods and reel rentals, bait and tackle and ice. If you're looking to catch fresh crabs, come try it here; they have the gear to rent or buy, plus a crabbing pier. The boats they rent are 23-foot or 26-foot pontoon boats, and they'll tell you everything you need to know about handling the boats and navigating the sound. Their boat renters almost always see dolphins in the sound areas near the shop and docks. Located on the Manteo-Nags Head Causeway, Fishing Unlimited is convenient for anglers fishing at the Little Bridge, the Nags Head piers and in the surf or for boaters using the boat ramp at Washington Baum Bridge.
Fishing Unlimited has everything you need for a great fishing trip on the sound – boat rentals, rods and reel rentals, bait and tackle and ice. If you're...read more
Fishing Unlimited has everything you need for a great fishing trip on the sound –...read more
Outer Banks Boating & Sailing
4457 Mill Landing Road, Wanchese
Playful dolphins are some of the most intriguing coastal creatures. If you want to see wild dolphins in their natural habitat in the sound, take a tour on Harbor Star. Based at Wanchese Marina, the wide and stable 50-foot Harbor Star runs two-hour cruises multiple times a day, including sunset. A good thing about this boat is its wide canopy that provides a shady retreat from the summer sun! Cost is $20 for adults and $15 for kids ages 12 and younger (infants ride free). Look for the boat at the docks by The Landing Grill, and be sure to enjoy a meal or snack there if you're hungry.
Playful dolphins are some of the most intriguing coastal creatures. If you want to see wild dolphins in their natural habitat in the sound, take a tour on...read more
Playful dolphins are some of the most intriguing coastal creatures. If you want to see...read more
Outer Banks Boating & Sailing
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.
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...read more
Kitty Hawk Kites has been teaching the world to fly since 1974. With 10 retail...read more
Outer Banks Boating & Sailing
7517 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head/Manteo Causeway, Nags Head
Kitty Hawk Kites' Whalebone Watersports location offers dolphin tours, kiteboarding, Jet Ski rentals and standup paddleboard rentals – some of the most sought-after Outer Banks activities. In addition, kayak eco-tours and rentals are available, including a bioluminescence tour. If you’ve never seen these glowing organisms, you owe yourself this experience!
Kitty Hawk Kites' Whalebone Watersports location offers dolphin tours, kiteboarding, Jet Ski rentals and standup paddleboard rentals – some of the most...read more
Kitty Hawk Kites' Whalebone Watersports location offers dolphin tours, kiteboarding, Jet Ski rentals and standup...read more
Outer Banks Boating & Sailing
Ready for some action? Kitty Hawk Surf Co. has everything you need to enjoy all the Outer Banks has to offer, from the wind and waves to flat water adventures. At Kitty Hawk Surf Co., you can find a huge selection of new and used kayaks, kayaking gear and equipment, standup paddleboards, surfboards, Zap skim boards, wetsuits and more. You can also find top selections of surfwear, sportswear and footwear brands including Rip Curl, Quiksilver, Billabong, Hurley, Volcom, Roxy, Vissla, Reef, Patagonia and many others. As the only Outer Banks Hobie Kayak retailer, Kitty Hawk Surf Co. can also help you out with your kayak fishing needs, whether you need to buy or rent a kayak or pick up simple accessories for your excursion. They even offer kayak fishing charters, in which knowledgeable guides help you catch red drum, speckled trout, flounder and more.
Ready for some action? Kitty Hawk Surf Co. has everything you need to enjoy all the Outer Banks has to offer, from the wind and waves to flat water...read more
Ready for some action? Kitty Hawk Surf Co. has everything you need to enjoy all...read more
Outer Banks Boating & Sailing
With tons of rentals and activities, a surf boutique and great restaurant onsite, Nor’Banks offers one-stop shopping for all the best of the Outer Banks. Nor’Banks' friendly staff, professional service, modern equipment and gorgeous location make it the ideal destination for watersports. Offering Jet Ski rentals and tours, parasailing, tubing, wakeboarding, waterskiing, kayaking, paddleboarding, pontoon boats, sailboat rentals and private sailing instruction, Nor’Banks truly has something for everyone. Their gorgeous soundside facility has plenty of parking, changing rooms, restrooms and showers for your comfort and convenience. The surf shop and boutique is curated with great gear and apparel, including hard-to-find brands handpicked by the crew of outdoor living. Check out the selection of surfboards from local shapers, polarized sunglasses from Raen and Nectar and sustainably minded apparel and gear from brands like Carve, Vissla, Topo and Nomadix. Be sure to check out Surfer Girl, their new luxury 38’ Maine Cat catamaran available for private cruises for up to 15 passengers. Enjoy your favorite beverages with their highly experienced crew at the helm. Book in advance with their online reservation system to enjoy expedited checkout upon arrival, and be sure to stick around for live music and a drink at the waterfront bar.
With tons of rentals and activities, a surf boutique and great restaurant onsite, Nor’Banks offers one-stop shopping for all the best of the Outer Banks....read more
With tons of rentals and activities, a surf boutique and great restaurant onsite, Nor’Banks offers...read more
Outer Banks Boating & Sailing
39450 N.C. Highway 12, Avon
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.
In a prime location right on Pamlico Sound, Ocean Air Sports has been making Hatteras Island watersports adventures happen since 1987. Locals and visitors...read more
In a prime location right on Pamlico Sound, Ocean Air Sports has been making Hatteras...read more
Outer Banks Boating & Sailing
708 Harbor Road, Safe Harbor Marina, Wanchese
Paradise Dolphin Cruises operates the Kokomo, a 40-foot catamaran that carries 40 passengers and offers a comfortable ride with a canopied top, cushioned seats and a restroom. The boat's location at Safe Harbor Marina offers the closest access to the waters where these amazing creatures are most often found. Paradise offers four two-hour dolphin trips daily plus sunset cruises for $20 to $35 per person. As you search for dolphins, you'll also enjoy the local scenery and learn about the other wildlife you will encounter. The boat is handicapped accessible and is available for private parties and catering. Reservations are required for dolphin tours and sunset cruises so call ahead.
Paradise Dolphin Cruises operates the Kokomo, a 40-foot catamaran that carries 40 passengers and offers a comfortable ride with a canopied top,...read more
Paradise Dolphin Cruises operates the Kokomo, a 40-foot catamaran that carries 40 passengers and offers a...read more
Outer Banks Boating & Sailing
24170 N.C. Highway 12, Rodanthe
Watersports enthusiasts love staying at this soundfront campground, where they can view awesome sunsets, windsurf, kiteboard or kayak right out from their RV or tent site and get discounts on renting the watersports equipment. Right on the sound, it has easy, uncrowded access to the warm, shallow water, which is perfect for the entire family. Rodanthe Watersports offers lessons (no experience necessary!) and affordable rentals of sailboats, kayaks, surfboards and standup paddleboards (SUP), and they also rent beach chairs, umbrellas and bikes. Rentals are available by the hour, day or week, and you can use them on site or have them delivered to your place. Electric and water hookups are available at the campground, and there’s a full bathhouse with hot showers. It’s within walking distance of the ocean, pier, convenience stores and restaurants. Look for them next to the Chicamacomico Water Tower.
Watersports enthusiasts love staying at this soundfront campground, where they can view awesome sunsets, windsurf, kiteboard or kayak right out from their...read more
Watersports enthusiasts love staying at this soundfront campground, where they can view awesome sunsets, windsurf,...read more
