If you're planning a trip to the Outer Banks, your vacation isn't complete without an unforgettable adventure with Kitty Hawk Kites. With locations from Corolla to Ocracoke and a legacy rooted in the spirit of flight, KHK is the Outer Banks’ one-stop-shop for all things fun, adventurous, and unforgettable. Whether you're soaring above the sound or paddling through salt marshes, there's a memory waiting to be made.
Below, we’ve rounded up some of the top activities—especially guest favorites that come with special discounts when you stay with Seaside Vacations—as well as a complete list of adventures categorized by air, water, and land.
On the Water: Dolphin Tours, Kayaks, Jet Skis & More
Dolphin Tours
Set out on a magical excursion along the Roanoke Sound and surrounding waterways in search of wild bottlenose dolphins. These dolphin tours are perfect for families and nature lovers looking to experience the OBX ecosystem up close. Knowledgeable guides provide insight into the area's marine life while you take in stunning views of the coastline—especially at sunset.
Location: Nags Head & Manteo
Tip: Book ahead—sunset tours fill up fast!
Kayak Tours
Explore the quiet side of the Outer Banks with a guided kayak tour through pristine salt marshes, hidden canals, and maritime forests. Kitty Hawk Kites offers several options for kayak tours across many favorite OBX locations, including Alligator River, Hatteras Island, and Kitty Hawk Woods. These tours are ideal for beginners and seasoned paddlers alike.
Bonus: Some tours are even available as eco tours, combining paddling with wildlife education.
Jet Ski Rentals
If you're looking for speed, this is it. Jet ski across the sound with the wind in your hair and the Outer Banks skyline around you. Kitty Hawk Kite’s jet ski rentals are conveniently located in Duck and Nags Head. Rentals can accommodate up to three people per jet ski. Whether you want to ride solo or with a friend, it's a thrilling way to see the OBX from a whole new angle. And if you're staying with Seaside Vacations, enjoy a special Club Seaside discount here.
Additional Activities:
In the Air: Parasailing & Hang Gliding
Parasailing
Rise above it all with a parasailing trip from one of Kitty Hawk Kite's waterfront locations. You’ll glide hundreds of feet above the sound with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, barrier islands, and marshes. It's surprisingly peaceful and perfect for all ages. Choose single, tandem, or even triple flights!
Need some inspiration? Check out the parasailing gallery here!
Dune Hang Gliding, Kids Flights, & Tandem Hang Gliding
Learn to fly where flight began—atop Jockey’s Ridge State Park. Kitty Hawk Kite's hang gliding lessons offer an unforgettable Outer Banks experience for thrill-seekers of all levels. Beginners can run down the soft dunes in solo flights, kids can take gentle flights in special training sessions, and adventurers can book a tandem flight from 2,000 feet high in a tow-launched glider over Currituck County. With Seaside Vacations, save $24 off Tandem Hang Gliding and $20 off Beginner Hang Gliding Lessons!
Why it matters: Kitty Hawk Kites is the largest hang gliding school in the world and was founded on these very dunes!
Additional Activities:
On Land: Tours & More
Walking Tours & Ghost Tours
Discover the hidden stories of the Outer Banks with a guided walking or ghost tour. These tours explore local history, maritime legends, and even the paranormal side of the islands. Take a Walking Ghost Tour, an Outer Banks Walking Tour, or a Duck Walking Tour! It's a fun and interactive way to learn more about OBX’s rich cultural background.
Vineyard Voyage
Set sail from the Duck Kitty Hawk Kites store and cruise to Sanctuary Vineyards, where wine lovers will enjoy a private tour and tasting experience. It's part boating adventure, part wine excursion, and 100% OBX charm. This unique combination of land and sea makes it a standout activity for couples, groups, or anyone who loves a relaxing, scenic experience. And when you stay with Seaside Vacations, you can save $10 per adult on Mondays and Tuesdays! Find out more here.
Additional Activities:
Bonus Highlight: Kayak Fishing
Combine the tranquility of kayaking with the thrill of fishing. Kitty Hawk Kite's guided kayak fishing tours take anglers to hidden spots where red drum, flounder, and speckled trout abound. It’s a peaceful, immersive way to fish the waters of the Outer Banks without the need for a boat. Hands-free kayaking + a fishing rod makes the Hobie Angler Kayaks the perfect vessel for a Kayak Fishing experience, particularly in the shallow sound-side waterways of the Outer Banks. Your guide will take you and up to 3 others on a fully equipped 4-hour charter. You’ll find locations off the beaten path with better access to fish, that you would otherwise not know how to find.
What To Bring: Sunscreen, hat, drinks, snacks, bug spray, and coastal fishing permit.
Why Book with Kitty Hawk Kites?
Local Expertise: Over 40 years of experience on the OBX
Exclusive Discounts: Seaside Vacations guests receive special pricing on many adventures
All Ages Welcome: Activities for kids, teens, adults, and seniors
Multiple Locations: From Corolla to Ocracoke, Kitty Hawk Kites has you covered
Unforgettable Memories: There’s a reason they’re one of the top-rated adventure companies in North Carolina
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes. Many of the most popular activities like dolphin tours and parasailing sell out quickly, especially in peak summer months.
Are Kitty Hawk Kites Tours safe for kids?
Absolutely. Many tours and activities are family-friendly, and there are even hang gliding classes designed just for kids.
What should I bring?
For most activities, consider bringing closed-toed shoes, water, sunscreen, a hat, and for water activities, a waterproof bag for your belongings or phone! Kitty Hawk Kites will typically provide any other required supplies, including life jackets. However, please check with your tour guide before booking to confirm.
Where is my closest Kitty Hawk Kites location?
Kitty Hawk Kites has multiple locations across the Outer Banks, including Corolla, Duck, Nags Head, Manteo, Hatteras, and Rodanthe. For all store locations, please visit https://www.kittyhawk.com/find-a-store/.
Does Kitty Hawk Kites provide discounts?
Yes! Seaside Vacations guests can benefit from exclusive discounts at Kitty Hawk Kites. Please visit Kitty Hawk Kites here for the latest offers.
Start Your Adventure
The Outer Banks is about more than just beach days—it's about living the moment. Whether you’re flying high over the dunes or exploring the waterways by kayak, Kitty Hawk Kites helps you experience the OBX from every angle. Start planning your next adventure today and turn your vacation into something extraordinary.
Book your stay today in one of our cozy vacation rentals and explore all the best and brightest that the Outer Banks has to offer. Give our wonderful Guest Services Team a call today at (866) 884-0267 or take a look at our available rentals to get started planning your next unforgettable adventure to the Outer Banks. There so much to do and see. With amazing food and drinks, exciting excursions, and plenty of sand for everyone to relax, there's something for everyone here on the Outer Banks.
And don't forget about our layaway plan, which makes booking your dream vacation easier than ever. So don't wait. We're booking Outer Banks vacation rentals year round and we're excited to help you create memories to last a lifetime. We're here to help make your OBX vacation fun, exciting, and hassle-free. Give us a call today! Be sure to provide accurate information and make any necessary payments.
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Explore our website and give us a call to help kick-start your unforgettable Outer Banks vacation today. Be sure to follow us on BlueSky, Tumblr, Reddit, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, and TikTok to stay up to date on all of our specials, new & featured homes, and tips & tricks for making the most of your next Outer Banks vacation.
We’ll see you at the beach.
About the Author: Lauren is an Outer Banks local, mom, history professor, and travel enthusiast. When she isn’t writing for the Seaside Vacations Travel Blog, Lauren can usually be found with her nose in a book or cuddling with her cats.
