Big Hickory Island Kayaking: Premium Crescent Fleet

Mangrove tunnels and dolphins on a two-hour paddle through Big Hickory Island

This eco kayak tour takes you through Big Hickory Island's mangrove tunnels, hidden inlets, and a secluded beach stop in a brand-new Crescent Primo or Crew kayak. You'll paddle alongside manatees (April through October), dolphins year-round, and coastal birds while an expert guide leads the route. The tour includes complimentary water, professional photos, high-quality life jackets and carbon fiber paddles, dry bags, and free parking.

The Experience

Big Hickory Island's mangrove tunnels are narrow enough that branches brush the kayak as you pass through—the guide navigates the route and points out where dolphins and manatees move through the water. The fleet here is Crescent Primos and Crews, built new and designed for stability and comfort over the standard rental kayaks you'd find elsewhere. You choose your setup at checkout: a single kayak, a tandem, a clear tandem if you want to see straight down into the water, or a stand-up paddleboard instead.

The paddle covers mangrove tunnels, scenic inlets, and a stop on a secluded beach where you can step out and walk. Manatees show up most reliably from April through October; dolphins are there year-round. The guide handles the route and timing, and you get complimentary bottled water, professional photos taken during the tour, a mesh shelling bag to collect shells if you find them, and dry bags for anything that needs to stay dry. High-quality back rest seats and carbon fiber paddles come standard. The whole outing runs about two hours.

Free parking is included, and public transportation options are available nearby if you're coming from elsewhere in the area. The tour welcomes children from age 3, and it's suitable for all fitness levels—though it's not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health. An English-speaking guide leads every tour.

What’s included

• Complimentary ice-cold water and professional photos.
• high-quality life jackets and carbon fiber paddles.
• mesh shelling bag and dry bags.
• back rest seats.
• free parking.
• expert English-speaking guide.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditions

Operated by Mike's Coastal Expeditions

Is this one for you?Choose a single kayak if you want to paddle independently, or pick a tandem to share the boat and the paddle with someone else. The clear tandem lets you watch the water and the seafloor as you move, which changes what you notice below the surface.

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Top questions

What kayak should I choose for this tour on Big Hickory Island?

You pick at checkout: a Standard Single Crescent Kayak if you're paddling alone, a Standard Tandem if you want a partner in the same boat, a Clear Tandem Kayak if you want to see through the hull into the water below, or a Paddle Board (SUP) if you prefer standing and balancing. All are from the new Crescent fleet.

Will I see manatees and dolphins on this Big Hickory Island kayak tour?

Dolphins are there year-round, so you have a good chance of spotting them on any departure. Manatees are most common from April through October. The guide knows where they move through the water and will point them out as you paddle.

What's included in the kayak tour besides the paddle?

Complimentary ice-cold water, professional photos taken during the tour, a mesh shelling bag, high-quality life jackets fitted for kayaking, carbon fiber paddles, dry bags for your gear, a back rest seat in the kayak, and free parking are all included. An expert guide leads the route.

How long does the Big Hickory Island kayak tour take?

The tour runs about two hours and covers mangrove tunnels, hidden inlets, and a secluded beach stop where you can step out of the kayak.

Can children join this kayak tour?

Children are welcome from age 3. The tour is suitable for all fitness levels, though it's not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health.