The Outer Banks may be known for its wide natural beaches and southern hospitality, but it's the Outer Banks rustic and untamed side that beckons guests to get out and explore. From hang gliding and offshore fishing to kayaking and surfing, you’ll find a remarkable array of outdoor activities - by land, sea or air. Below are seven different activities perfect for the adventurous type who loves an exciting rush of adrenaline.
DAY 1: HANG GLIDING AT JOCKEY'S RIDGE
Nags Head is home to Jockey's Ridge State Park - the largest sand dune on the east coast. High atop Jockey's Ridge, you can find dune hang gliding and take your own hang gliding lessons. Since 1974, Kitty Hawk Kites* has been teaching people to fly. Aspiring hangglider pilots come here from all over the world to learn to instruct, fly, and perfect their skills. Kitty Hawk Kites has taught more people to fly (over 300,000 and counting) than any other Hang Gliding School in the world. They offer kids, beginner, intermediate and advanced instruction and routinely instruct people of varying ages and fitness levels.
*Seaside Vacations guests who book Hang Gliding lessons with Kitty Hawk Kites are eligible to receive a discount on lessons through Club Seaside!
Kitty Hawk Kites
Jockey's Ridge Crossing
3933 N. Croatan Highway (the Bypass, MP 13)
Nags Head, NC 27959
DAY 2: KAYAKING
You haven’t seen the Outer Banks until you’ve seen it from the water, and kayaking is the perfect way to do just that. Kitty Hawk Kites offers four different tours that offer the ultimate kayaking experience. Explore the Kitty Hawk Woods Coastal Preserve or take a sunset paddle from the Sanderling Resort, Bodie Island Wildlife Refuge, or the sheltered waters around Roanoke Island. Tours last two to three hours and the guides offer kayaking instruction if you need it. Guides also narrate about the local history and ecology along the way. Single and tandem kayaks are available. Children are welcome (with certain weight restrictions), but certain trips are better for kids than others. Reservations are required. And when you choose to stay with Seaside Vacations during your Outer Banks adventure, you can save $10 per person on your chosen tour!
Kitty Hawk Kites
Jockey's Ridge Crossing
3933 N. Croatan Highway (the Bypass, MP 13)
Nags Head, NC 27959
DAY 3: SURFING
One of the best reasons for coming to the Outer Banks is the fact that we have some of the best surf on the entire east coast. With over 100 miles of coastline, you're sure to find the perfect swell and have the time of your life. Farmdog Surf School offers surf lesssons for beginner to intermediate surfers of all ages. Robert "Farmdog" Farmer is an NSSIA and CPR Certified Surf Instructor who has been helping surfers young and old get their feet under themselves on the Outer Banks since 1997. In addition to the Farmdog, staff members include local pro surfer Noah Snyder and other local surf legends.
Farmdog Surf School
2500 South Virginia Dare Trail
Nags Head, NC 27959
DAY 4: OFFSHORE FISHING
From the ocean to the sound, fishing piers to offshore charters, you’ll find an unparalleled array of catch on the Outer Banks. However, a true Outer Banks adventurer will find thrills approximately 40 miles offshore - fishing for tuna, dolphin, wahoo and billfish. Often called “The Billfish Capital of the World," the International Game Fish Association lists 92 world records for fish caught on the Outer Banks.
Offshore fishing charters typically ship out of three main local marinas - Wanchese Marina*, Oregon Inlet Fishing Center and Pirates Cove. Trips are booked year-round with experienced captains and mates (weather permitting). Anglers go for a variety of species depending on the season including marlin, tuna, dolphin, king mackerel, stripers, drum, bluefish and cobia.
*Seaside Vacations guests who book charters at Wanchese Marina are eligible to receive complimentary refreshments and a $2.00 discount on t-shirts through Club Seaside!
Wanchese Marina
4457 Mill Landing Rd.
Wanchese, NC 27981
Fishin' Fannatic Charters
4457 Mill Landing Rd.
Wanchese, NC 27981
*Seaside Vacations guests are eligible to receive a $50.00 discount off their total price with Fishin' Fannatic Charters through Club Seaside.
Pirates Cove Marina
2000 Sailfish Dr.
Manteo, NC 27954
Oregon Inlet Fishing Center
98 NC 12 Hwy.
Nags Head, NC 27959
Rock Solid Fishing Charters
Oregon Inlet Fishing Center or Wanchese Marina (depending on charter)
*Seaside Vacations guests are eligible to receive a $25.00 discount off the cost of Half Day, Three-Quarter Day, or Full Day Fishing Charters with Rock Solid Fishing Charters through Club Seaside.
DAY 5: SUNSET CRUISE ON THE CURRITUCK SOUND
After a full day offshore fishing, relax and enjoy a sunset cruise on the sound. Crystal Dawn offers sunset cruises on the Roanoke Sound in one of their spacious boats while Outer Banks Boat Tours offers an acrross-the-water wine tour across the Currituck Sound out of Duck.
Crystal Dawn
2000 Sailfish Drive
Manteo, NC 27954
Outer Banks Boat Tours - Vineyard Voyage
Kitty Hawk Kites dock in downtown Duck
Duck, NC 27949
DAY 6: COROLLA WILD HORSE TOUR
No Outer Banks adventure is complete without a visit to the northern beaches to see the Corolla wild horses that roam the sands and dunes there. These gorgeous animals trace their heritage back hundreds of years and Back Country Safari Tours offers multiple options for observing and photographs these spectacular animals. With their Corolla Wild Horse Safari Tour, you'll travel through the beaches of Corolla and the Spanish Mustang Preserve on one of their custom Open Air Safari Cruisers that give you the priceless opportunity to see the wild horses of the Outer Banks, as well as other beautiful wildlife like dolphin, deer, and nearly 400 species of birds that call this area of the world home! Enjoy the rich exploration of the surrounding area as your tour guides gives more information about the ecology, folklore, and history of this unique strip of barrier islands.
Back Country Safari Tours
1159 Austin Street
Corolla, NC 27949
DAY 7: BIPLANE TOUR
Before you leave the beach, experience the beautiful panoramic views of the Outer Banks that only a biplane tour can offer. Barrier Island Aviation offers tours in a 1942 open-cockpit biplane. Relive the romance and adventure of the Golden Age of Aviation. Step back in time, strap on your flying helmet, climb up on the wing and into the front seat of their beautiful biplane for memories that will last a lifetime. You’ll see dolphins, sea turtles, shipwrecks and a wide array of other local attractions from a brand-new perspective!
Barrier Island Aviation
407 Airport Road
Manteo, NC 27954
