20 Exciting Outer Banks Outdoor Activities

1. Corolla Adventure Park
Designed as a giant “jungle gym,” the Corolla Adventure Park is an obstacle course in which participants maneuver between platforms ranging from 12 feet to 50 feet above the ground. Climbers take the action into their own hands by choosing to go on a combination of 9 easy, intermediate, and advanced obstacle courses. No two obstacles are alike and all are designed around a coastal theme using ropes, cables, barrels, and other materials sure to physically and mentally challenge climbers of all fitness levels. In the center of several circuits climbers may choose to take a 80 foot zip line back to the central tower, which offers another type of thrill. But have no fear, climbers will be in a harness and attached to a safety device while completing any obstacle at all times. Climbers may set their own pace and complete as much or as little of the course as they want to during their 2 hour climb. (252) 597-1997; Address: 1215 Ponton Road, Corolla, NC

2. Corolla Surf Shop
Surfboards, bodyboards, skateboards, skimboards, instruction videos, clothing and accessories for the watersports enthusiast. Surfing equipment rental with free delivery is also available within Corolla area. Home of the Corolla Surf School where both surfing and stand-up paddle board (SUP) lessons are offered with a number of different classes, both private or in groups, from introductory to advanced levels. Summer surf on the Outer Banks, especially in Corolla, is considered among the safest areas to learn how to surf. (252) 453-9283 (WAVE); Address: 807 Ocean Trail, Corolla, NC

3. Duck Village Outfitters
Offers rentals and lessons for surfing and stand-up paddle board (252) 261-7222; Address: 1207 Duck Road, Duck, NC

4. Island Revolution Surf Co.
Stocked with the latest equipment and gear for the water sports enthusiast, this shop also offers lessons in surfing, stand-up paddle boarding (SUP), and skateboarding for all skill levels, especially children. Individual or group sessions can be arranged. (252) 453-9484; Address: 1159-E Austin Street, Corolla, NC

5. Kitty Hawk Surf Co.
Three locations but your one-stop shop for all things “surfing” from surfboards to skim boards, skateboards to balance boards. Equipment rentals and lessons are offered in-season for surfing, stand-up paddle board, and a 2-day kiteboarding camp to learn the sport. See Kitty Hawk Kites for more exciting wind and water adventure tours. (252) 261-8787; Address: 1214 Duck Road, Duck; (252) 453-4999; Address: 785L Sunset Boulevard, Corolla, and (252) 453-3685; Address: 819 Ocean Trail, Corolla, NC

6. Outer Banks Surf Shop
Everything for the surfer or those who want to learn to surf! Wetsuits, life vests, long boards, skim boards, eyewear and all the latest gear for the watersport enthusiast. Surf lessons are available all summer. (252) 261-2907; Address: 1176 Duck Road, Duck, NC

7. Back Country Safari Kayak Tours
A beginner’s kayak tour navigates protected waters in search of horses and other wildlife, while also focusing on the nuts and bolts of how to kayak. Wildlife abounds on this trip and your adventure will be packed full of the natural history of all things Outer Banks! Two-person (tandem) kayaks make this adventure very family-friendly and safe. They also offer Segway® tours for exploring in-town or in the 4WD area. (252) 453-0877; Address: 1159 Austin Street, Corolla, NC

8. Coastal Explorations
If exploring the maritime coastline and learning about its unique nature, birds, and other wildlife will fit your adventure style, then consider one of these guided kayak tours: sunrise, daytime, sunset, moonlight, or for experienced kayakers, to Monkey Island in the Currituck Sound. Guided fishing boat tours during the day or at sunset plus crabbing charters are part of their activities. Kayak, bike and stand-up paddle board equipment rentals are available. (252) 453-9872; Address: 1118 Corolla Village Road, Corolla, NC

9. Coastal Kayak Touring Company
Plan an eco-kayak tour to a variety of soundside locations: the Pine Island Audubon Sanctuary, the Kitty Hawk Woods Maritime Forest or the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge. Stand-up paddleboard tours also available. Located within The Waterfront Shoppes on the Duck waterfront. (252) 441-3393: Address: 1240 Duck Road, #116, Duck, NC

10. Corolla Watersports
Part of Kitty Hawk Watersports, they offer water adventures of all kinds: parasailing, wave runners (Jet Ski®), kayak tours and rentals, boat and paddleboat rentals, plus local fishing off their 2000 foot pier that extends into the Currituck Sound. Specialized charter fishing trips can be arranged. With experienced staff that focuses on fun and safety, they use quality equipment that is upgraded each season. Also, Golf Links is an 18-hole mini-golf course which is part of this amusement area. (252) 453-6900; Address: 798K Sunset Boulevard (TimBuck II Shopping Village), Corolla, NC

11. Duck Village Outfitters Kayak Tours
Plan for a 2 hour paddle, in a single or double kayak, through the Kitty Hawk Maritime Forest eco-system. The tour guide will transport all necessary equipment to the tour site which is about 15 minutes south of Duck. It’s a great source of exercise that virtually anyone can do, whether a beginner or expert, and it is at a relaxed pace. (252) 261-7222; Address: 1207 Duck Road, Duck, NC

12. envirOBX Island Eco-Adventures – Paramount Perk 25% off
Promotes conservation and respect for natural resources by creating fun, family-friendly adventures that highlight the diversity and beauty of the Outer Banks’ coastal wildlife and habitat. Local guides are seasoned watermen who’ve devoted their lives to living off the sea and land. Guided kayak fishing tours, cruises and lessons offered in SUP, surfing and sailing! Call for more information (252) 619-1477

13. Kitty Hawk Kites – Paramount Perk Discounts
Don’t let the name fool you: Kitty Hawk Kites isn’t just about kites! They offer a large array of wind and water adventure tours beginning with hang gliding, parasailing, kiteboarding, boat sailing to aerial tours by bi-plane or helicopter. Their kayak eco-tours explore different soundside areas of the Currituck Sound or enjoy a leisurely cruise to the Sanctuary Vineyard on the mainland. Off-road Segway® tours are family-friendly and fun! (252) 453-4450; Address: 1226 Duck Road, Duck; (252) 453-8845; Address: 785L Sunset Boulevard, Corolla, and (252) 453-3685; Address: 819 Ocean Trail, Corolla, NC

14. Kitty Hawk Watersports
Start your Outer Banks adventure by renting a Jet Ski®, kayak, surfboard, stand-up paddle board (SUP), practically anything to enjoy a Barrier Island vacation. Thrill-seekers will enjoy their Jet Ski®, Banana Boat and parasailing tours. There are also guided tours for kayaks and dolphin watch excursions. Equipment rentals and lessons are available for surfing, SUP, kiteboarding, sailing and windsurfing. (252) 441-2756; Address: 6920 S. Croatan Hwy, Nags Head, NC

15. Nor’Banks Sailing & Watersports
Nor’Banks Sailing has been teaching sailing on the Currituck Sound since 1979. Their friendly and professional staff of US Sailing instructors conduct classes daily; private lessons are available or enroll in the ‘Sailing Camp‘ which can lead to earning a Small Boat Sailing Certification. A large variety of water sport activities, tours, equipment rentals and/or lessons to learn a new type of sport are offered: wake boarding, waterskiing, tubing, parasailing, wave runners, stand-up paddle, sailboats, pontoon boats and kayaks. Their secluded spot across the Currituck Sound will ensure no other boats or boat wakes will interfere with your water activities. (252) 261-2900: Address: 1314 Duck Road, Duck, NC

16. North Beach Watersports
Looking to spice up your vacation on the Outer Banks? They offer a complete line of watersports recreation that includes parasailing, windsurfing, Jet Skis®, kayaks, stand-up paddle board, pontoon boats, tubing and Banana Board rides. Plan a sunset cruise for your family or a fishing and crabbing trip. Parasailing and windsurfing rentals and lessons are available. (252) 455-9977or (252) 597-1928; Address: 1066 Ocean Trail, Corolla, NC

17. North Duck Watersports
Your one-stop location for family water activities, it is also the first and longest-running watersports company on the northern Outer Banks. They emphasize the same commitment to fun and safety as Corolla Watersports (part of Kitty Hawk Watersports). Rentals are available for Jet Ski® wave runners, kayaks, pontoon boats, and sailboats. US Coast Guard certified parasailing and windsurfing rentals and instruction is available. (252) 261-4200; Address: 1446 Duck Road, Duck, NC

18. Outer Banks Kayak Adventures
Offering kayak and stand-up paddleboard eco-tours and equipment rentals, Outer Banks Kayak Adventures was created for those who love nature and wish to have meaningful outdoor experiences. Choose them for an affordable, relaxing and unforgettable family adventure and see a more natural side of the Outer Banks. (252) 489-8146; Address: 1240 Duck Road (The Waterfront Shoppes), Duck, NC

19. Sunset Watersports
An exciting watersports facility located at the gazebo next to the Sunset Grille, this is an excellent place to enjoy water sport activities as you explore the Currituck Sound. The choice of rental equipment includes Jet Ski® wave runners, kayaks, or parasailing (up to 1200 feet high) so get set to get wet! There are skiff rentals for fishing or crabbing or take your family on a pontoon boat for a sunset cruise complete with appetizers and preferred dinner seating at the Sunset Grille upon your return. (252) 261-1839; Address: 1264 Duck Road, Duck, NC

20. H2OBX Waterpark
Located 3 miles before you reach the Wright Memorial Bridge, the new H2OBX Waterpark is designed with a beach theme and has over 30 rides, slides and attractions designed for thrill-seekers, family-friendly or kiddie rides. Everyone will have plenty to do among tube slides, body slides, and river adventures to challenging races, boogie boarding & surfing! Whether you enjoy whipping turns from the nine-story slide tower and screaming thrills or showing off your talent and skills at the Flow Rider, a day at H2OBX Waterpark is guaranteed as the best family fun in the Outer Banks. (570) 629-9141; Address: 8526 Caratoke Highway, Powells Point, NC