What do I need to bring and wear for a kayak trip?

We supply the kayaks, PFDs (personal flotation device), paddles and safety gear or you can bring your own. A small "six pack" size cooler works well for beverages and snacks. Water or sports drinks are the best beverages for physical activity--figure 2 liters of water per person per day. Put things that need to stay dry into a heavy ziplock bag. We have durable dry bags for items needing extra protection. Please leave alcoholic beverages at home.

Before you go paddling, eat a good breakfast or lunch with complex carbohydrates. Carbs are the fuel of the kayak. Even if you're doing a low-carb diet, you'll burn a potato or sub roll when you go paddling. This is one time when a 7-carb wrap won't cut the mustard so to speak!

In paddle sports, you dress for the water temperature. In summer, swim shorts or suit will usually suffice. You will want a light windbreaker or wrap for the beach. Synthetic, quick drying fabrics are the preferred choice. Cotton fabrics get wet and stay wet, and if there is a chill in the air, they will cool you rapidly. Fleece and polypropylene fabrics in layers with waterproof outerwear are great for paddling in the cooler months. As the water temps drop, neoprene or drysuits are called for. Call us to discuss clothing needs for your trip. Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat are great to have also. Choose beach sandals or water shoes that you can swim in. Barefoot paddling is fine, but you may want shoes for the beach. If you're prone to blisters, you might even consider a pair of light gloves.

Kayaking has been called a "dry sport", but we find that you usually get pretty wet and you need to be prepared to get soaked! So you may want to bring a change of clothes for the trip home.

Barrier Island Kayaks guided kayak tours:
arguably the best value on the Crystal Coast!



Trip Name Cost Time
Bear Island $55/person 8:30am-1:00pm
Eco Adventure $40/person 9am-11:30am
1pm-3:30pm
Cape Lookout
National Seashore		 $80/person Reservation Only
Custom Trips Call us!

Bear Island


Join us as we paddle to the pristine shores of Bear Island, one of the oldest and most beautiful of the Barrier Islands. Meandering through the calm salt marshes and protected waterways, we will encounter a diversity of sea birds and marine life such as the once endangered Osprey Hawk, Great Blue Heron, Ibis, Snowy Egret and the endangered Loggerhead Sea Turtle.

As we silently journey through three distinct eco systems, we are often graced by the magical presence of dolphins, giving us the rare opportunity to unintrusively observe these highly intelligent creatures in their natural habitat. Bear Island, accessible only by boat, offers miles of undeveloped shoreline and is a nesting area for the Loggerhead Sea Turtle. Bear Island is a learning adventure that will leave you with a sense of harmony with nature.

Eco Adventure


Paddling silently through the protected salt marsh and tidal creeks, this 2 1/2 hour kayak excursion will enable the adventurer to encounter wildlife up close and personal without compromising their freedom. Observing coastal birds, dolphins and sea turtles in their natural habitat will help you to better appreciate the need to protect this fragile marine ecosystem. Learn how the dolphin and cow are related and how the temperature of the sand determines the gender of the sea turtle. The Eco Adventure is the perfect trip for anyone seeking a natural experience.

Cape Lookout National Seashore


This is truly one of the finest sea kayak trips available. Home to dolphins, wild horses and numerous coastal birds, Cape Lookout National Seashore is a paddler's paradise. With its miles of unspoiled beaches covered with a variety of unique seashells. Cape Lookout is a playground for the migrating humpback whale and a seasonal nesting site for the endangered loggerhead sea turtle.

Departing from Harkers Island we will travel by ferry to Cape Lookout. At this point we will slip into our sea kayaks and and begin our journey around the Cape. As we travel alone the protected yet untamed beauty of this spectacular coastline, we will encounter feral horses, dolphins and a great diversity of sea birds such as Egrets, Great Blue Herons and Brown Pelicans. If we are lucky we may even get a glimpse of a migrating whale. During this trip we will focus on ecology of the seashore and estuarine communities. Our day will include a visit to the famous Cape Lookout Lighthouse. This trip will most certainly leave you with memories that will last a life time.

Like to paddle somewhere else?


If there's a kayak trip you'd like to do and you want a guide, call us to discuss. We can put together custom trips for your group! Times and destinations are flexible. How about a moonlight paddle or a quick de-stress trip after work? Office team building trips, anyone? Whatever we do, it will be fun!

Scout, Church and School Groups are welcome!


Give us a call and let us know what you'd like to do. We can work with you on specifics and price and will attempt to meet special needs as best we can. Let's go paddling!