Welcome to Outer Banks, where the Atlantic Ocean meets your paddle board.
Have you imagined gliding through calm waters or exploring hidden marshlands?
The best places to paddle board in Outer Banks, NC are calling your name.
Embark with us on an unforgettable tour of this breathtaking coastal paradise. Get ready to make a splash!
Table of Contents
Map
Where to Paddle Board in Outer Banks
Please note: While we strive for accuracy, always verify details before paddling. If you spot an error or if you're a local official wanting to make a correction, please comment below. Thanks!
#1 Kitty Hawk Bay
- ????️ Location Type: Bay
- ???? Access Point: Sandy Run Park (Google Maps)
- ???? Water, Currents & Wind: Calm, protected waters, can be windy in the afternoon
- Popular Seasons: Spring through Fall
- ???? Wildlife Encounters: Blue crabs, birds, occasionally dolphins
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Collington Island, Outer Banks woodlands
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, respect private properties
Kitty Hawk Bay is an ideal place for paddle boarding in Outer Banks, NC. With its calm and protected waters, it offers a great experience for beginners and experienced paddlers alike.
Explore the tranquil environment while keeping an eye out for local wildlife and enjoying the picturesque woodlands.
#2 Pamlico Sound
- ????️ Location Type: Bay
- ???? Access Point: Canadian Hole (Google Maps)
- ???? Water, Currents & Wind: Shallow, warm waters, can be windy
- Popular Seasons: Spring through Fall
- ???? Wildlife Encounters: Blue crabs, herons, ospreys
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, Hatteras Island
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Beware of sharp sea grass, changing weather conditions
Pamlico Sound, situated between the Outer Banks and mainland North Carolina, offers a large expanse of shallow, warm waters perfect for paddle boarding adventures.
Enjoy views of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and Hatteras Island as you explore this unique coastal environment.
#3 Duck Soundside
- Location Type: Bay
- ???? Access Point: North Carolina Coastal Reserve (Google Maps)
- ???? Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, mild ocean swell
- Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- ???? Wildlife Encounters: Birds, fish, sometimes dolphins
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Currituck Sound, Outer Banks marshlands
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Respect wildlife and habitat conservation areas, adhere to local regulations
Duck Soundside provides a tranquil environment with stunning views of the Currituck Sound and Outer Banks marshlands.
Glide through the calm waters while enjoying the diverse wildlife in this protected reserve, perfect for nature enthusiasts and families alike.
#4 Ocracoke Island
- ????️ Location Type: Oceanfront
- ???? Access Point: Silver Lake Harbor (Google Maps)
- ???? Water, Currents & Wind: Calm harbor waters, can be windy in the afternoon
- Popular Seasons: Spring through Fall
- ???? Wildlife Encounters: Dolphins, sea turtles, shorebirds
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Ocracoke Village, Cape Hatteras National Seashore
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Check ferry schedules, watch for boat traffic, respect wildlife
Ocracoke Island, accessible only by ferry, offers paddle boarders a serene and charming experience.
Paddle in the calm harbor waters of Silver Lake, explore the quaint Ocracoke Village, and enjoy views of the beautiful Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
#5 Buxton Woods
- ????️ Location Type: Oceanfront
- ???? Access Point: Old Lighthouse beach (Google Maps)
- ???? Water, Currents & Wind: Calm bay waters, mild ocean swell
- Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- ???? Wildlife Encounters: Shorebirds, ospreys, turtles
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, maritime forests
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for tides, respect nesting shorebirds
Buxton Woods offers calm waters framed by beautiful maritime forests and the iconic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. Paddle boarders can enjoy a peaceful and scenic setting perfect for nature lovers and bird watchers.
Take in the beauty of the coastal environment as you glide through this serene area.
#6 Oregon Inlet
- ????️ ️Location Type: River/Channel
- ???? Access Point: Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge (Google Maps)
- ???? Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, tidal influence
- Popular Seasons: Spring through Fall
- ???? Wildlife Encounters: Birds, fish, sea turtles
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Bonner Bridge, wildlife refuge
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Pay attention to currents, respect sensitive wildlife areas
Oregon Inlet, located within the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, offers paddle boarders the opportunity to explore a unique coastal environment. Glide through calm waters while enjoying views of the Bonner Bridge and the abundant wildlife that calls this refuge home.
A perfect spot for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a secluded adventure.
FAQ
Where can you paddle board in Outer Banks?
Popular paddle boarding spots in Outer Banks include Kitty Hawk, Corolla, Duck, and Roanoke Island.
Do paddle boards need to get registered in Outer Banks?
No, paddle boards do not require registration in Outer Banks.
When is the best time to paddle board in Outer Banks?
The optimum time for paddleboarding in Outer Banks is between May and October, owing to the pleasant weather.
