Clear Kayaking Bodie Island: Paddle through shallow waters

See straight through the kayak to the bottom and the life below

Clear kayaking on Bodie Island in the Outer Banks puts you in a transparent kayak to paddle shallow waterways and spot wildlife around the iconic 1872 Bodie Island Lighthouse. The tour runs 1.5 to 2 hours and operates April through October. You'll navigate tranquil water, watch for birds and marine life, and take in the coastal landscape from water level.

Step-by-step itinerary

Kayak tour and lighthouse visit

• Navigate tranquil waterways
• Observe coastal landscapes
• Spot local wildlife
• Learn history of Bodie Island Lighthouse

The experience

What makes this different from a regular kayak is the hull: you're sitting in clear acrylic, so you see straight down into the water column and the bottom beneath you. The Bodie Island waterways are shallow enough that this matters. You watch the seafloor move past as you paddle, and spot the fish, crustaceans and other life that live there. The tour covers 1.5 to 2 hours of paddling through tranquil water, and the operator provides the clear kayak itself.

Bodie Island Lighthouse, built in 1872 and standing 156 feet tall, anchors the landscape on the Roanoke Sound side of the peninsula. It's the third lighthouse to stand in this spot, and you see it from the water as you paddle: a different angle than the land-based view. The area is part of Cape Hatteras National Seashore, and the waterways here draw a range of coastal wildlife. A live guide leads the tour and narrates what you're seeing as you go.

The tour runs April through October and suits all ages, though the operator notes it's not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or during pregnancy. You'll need at least a moderate level of physical fitness to paddle for the full duration. If you want to climb the lighthouse after the tour, that's a separate paid entry at $20 USD and is not included in the kayaking experience.

What’s included

• Clear kayak provided.
• live guide in English.

Information

Lasts 1h 30m, from US$ 89 per person, with a live guide in English and in groups of up to 10.

Days and timesNext departure: 1 Apr 20272 departing soon ›

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

AgesAdult (14 to 89 years) · Child (under 14)

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPets welcomeNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Get Up And Go Kayaking - Bodie Island

Is this one for you?The tour departs from Bodie Island on the Outer Banks, so if you're staying in the area without a car, confirm the pickup and launch point when you book. The clear kayak and guide are both included, which means you show up ready to paddle: no equipment rental or separate navigation to arrange.

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 14).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

Can I see the Bodie Island Lighthouse from the kayak?

Yes. The lighthouse stands 156 feet tall on the Roanoke Sound side of the peninsula, and you see it from the water as you paddle through the shallow waterways. Climbing the lighthouse itself costs $20 USD and is not part of the kayaking tour.

What wildlife might I spot while paddling?

The Bodie Island waterways are home to a variety of coastal wildlife. The clear kayak lets you see into the water column and the seafloor, so you spot fish and other marine life below as well as birds and other animals along the shore and in the air.

How long does the tour take?

The tour lasts 1.5 to 2 hours of paddling through tranquil waterways. It operates April through October and is available for all ages, though moderate physical fitness is required.

Is this tour suitable if I've never kayaked before?

The tour is designed for all ages and does not require prior kayaking experience. However, the operator notes you should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness to paddle for the full 1.5 to 2 hours.