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    Barrier Island Kayak

    4.6 (31 reviews)
    Open 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

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    The entry point
    John A.

    In the Emerald Isle/Swansboro area, there are not many excursions for people visiting for vacation, especially if they visit this area every year (like me). Well, that stops at Barrier Island Kayak. For $40 per person, we received a ~2.5 hour "eco tour", which is a guided tour, complete with the kayak, pfd, and paddles. Our tour guide, Bob, was really a cool dude, and very knowledgeable about local wildlife and history of the area. Turns out we grew up in the same small town and went to some of the same schools. Just had some real friendly service all around, from the guy we met at the counter to our tour guide. Overall, this was a superb experience and I highly recommend anyone visiting this area who enjoys kayaking, or nature gazing to take this eco tour. For an additional $15 per person, you can take the Bear Island tour, which involves about an hour more kayaking in the sound. Will definitely be taking this trip next trip!

    Therese W.

    Rented kayaks to take my 11 year old to Shark Tooth Island. Reasonable rates and they have sifters you can bring. It's a very quick kayak. We had weird alarm issues with our car and it wouldn't start. One of the staff jumped the car. It didn't work and we had to Uber back to get another key but he offered us water and to sit inside while we waited.

    About to set off for our trip
    Chuck G.

    After trying several kayak places in the area, Barrier Island Kayaks is by far the best! Josh was willing to go above and beyond getting us all setup and started. So many amenities included in the trip. I even seen a group of kayakers struggling to paddle, and there goes Josh on a kayak with speed to get to them. He then instructed them on the beat way to paddle and what direction to take to get to sharks tooth island. I will be sending all my friends to see Josh in the future! Highly recommend!

    Emily P.

    Easy booking experience. We went on a holiday weekend so we were with a decent sized group. Still fun and the guides were friendly and attentive to everyone. All the staff were very friendly. Only one of our group had done any kayaking before so we did the 2 hour eco tour. Great time out on the water with one stop on a small beach to look for shells and shark teeth. If in the area again we may try a longer tour now that we know what it's like. Parking is pretty limited as far as I could tell but the hotel next door let us park there.

    We were here in the off season and called for appointment to rent a kayak. As we generally don't travel with our kayaks in the winter but the weather was stellar and we couldn't resist. Gentlemen was super friendly and knowledgeable. Good 2 person kayak with rudder. We followed his advice for the estuary and shark tooth island and had a blast. Amazing area to kayak. So much nature and even got some shark teeth on the island. Highly recommend this company and area for a day of family fun.

    Went out today with Bob as our tour guide. My family and another went with kids ages 9-14. Had a great time on the Eco-tour for about 2.5 hours. Bob was the best guide you could ask for, for a group of beginner kayakers. He was patient, knowledgeable, and just knew so much about the areas we went through. We found about ten sharks teeth in no time at all, saw Osprey diving and catching fish, snow egrids, fiddler crabs, hermit crabs, blue crab and more. The kids had such a great time they were asking to go back the next day. Unfortunately, the money tree only grows so much, but was worth every penny spent on the tour. Looking forward to next year.

    Hansi R.

    This was a amazing place! 4 of us rented kayaks and each was single kayaks( they also had for two but thought be better if we try on our own ) for a good amount of time we were out on the water. We had a great time loved it and can't wait until we go again.

    Pamela G.

    We did the 2 1/2 hour guided tour. It was our first time ever being in a kayak and it was easier than we thought. Emma was a great guide. We went to Shark Island and I actually found a shark's tooth; I can't wait to show it to my students when school starts. We saw all of the marsh nature, very cool. I would highly recommend this tour.

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    2 months ago

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    2 years ago

    We had a wonderful time kayaking. Check in was easy. Communication was great. We will definitely be back.

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    6 years ago

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    15 years ago

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    7 years ago

    Bad service ,rude,kayaks are out of date price is to high. I wouldn't even give a one star but you have to

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    15 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    12 years ago

    Great place to get out on the water. Staff was so helpful and equipment top notch. We'll be back!!!!

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    Ask the Community - Barrier Island Kayak

    Review Highlights - Barrier Island Kayak

    We went to Shark Island and I actually found a shark's tooth; I can't wait to show it to my students when school starts.

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    Emerald Isle Paddle Tours

    Emerald Isle Paddle Tours

    5.0(1 review)
    4.3 mi

    My high school BFF hit me with a mere one hour's warning that she was taking me on a paddle board…read moretour for my birthday. Mind you, my birthday is in January, this is August, but she lives in the Rockies and comes home seldom. She is athletic and experienced in SUP. I am short and ungraceful and experienced in couch surfing. I finally gave in after sending my family an email of my last will and testament first. We arrived at the designated time and place and met Ricky, a calm college student born and raised on the island. I was super relieved to see we were the only two paddlers. The last thing I wanted to do was fall head first off a board into shrimp infested waters with a bunch of strangers laughing under their breath. Or out loud. Ricky told us about the run we'd take from the EI Boat Ramp to the Cedar Street boat launch, about 2.5 miles. He showed us a few pointers about turning and stopping on the board, and the all important standing. I was still unsure and Ricky profoundly stated, "Don't worry. Even if you don't know where to go, you're still gonna get there." Once on the water I quickly decided kneeling was my comfort zone. The trip along the shoreline was peaceful with just a few passing boaters who were respectful about not creating wakes. We also had the added bonus of leaping shrimp jumping over the water, over the boards, and on the boards. Evidently this is a phenomenon that occurs only a few weeks a year. Ricky is a wonderful guide! Being a native islander he gave interesting details and engaging conversation the whole way. I am really happy my experience was so positive and maybe next time out I'll actually stand up!

    From the owner: paddle boardingread more

    Photos
    Emerald Isle Paddle Tours - Heading out!

    Heading out!

    Emerald Isle Paddle Tours - The rookie and the pro. The rookie is showing her straddle board technique.

    The rookie and the pro. The rookie is showing her straddle board technique.

    Emerald Isle Paddle Tours - Our awesome guide Ricky!

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    Our awesome guide Ricky!

    Hot Wax Surf Shop

    Hot Wax Surf Shop

    4.3(34 reviews)
    2.5 mi
    $$

    Hot Wax is absolutely amazing! My husband and I have always wanted to go kayaking on one of our…read moreEmerald Isle trips. Hot Wax provided all of the equipment we needed! A standard 1 person kayak for me and an anglier kayak for my fishing hobbist husband; which included a rod holder, anchor as well as paddles and life jackets for both of us! Lani and Mike were super great at communicating with us on delivery timing and answering any questions that we had!  We will absolutely be using Hot Wax in the future and recommending to our family and friends!!  Thank you so much again Lani and Mike!!

    If you're looking to find a great surf and kayak shop, this is the place. I met Mike & Lani just…read morebefore a strong storm was forecast to hit. I'd thought I'd beat the storm, but it was already pushing waves over the docks. They let me postpone my excursion for a few days until the weather improved, then helped me out again. Both Mike and Lani know surfing, it's in their blood. They are well connected to the community and are just great people. Great selection and their store has most anything you'd need to kayak or surf. I enjoyed looking around in their shop. It's actually cheaper for me to rent from the Hot Wax Surf Shop than to haul my own kayak to the island. I can't think of a better place to go for rentals, accessories, and good solid advice.

    Photos
    Hot Wax Surf Shop - My 9 year old daughter enjoying the SUP from Hot Wax Surf Shop

    My 9 year old daughter enjoying the SUP from Hot Wax Surf Shop

    Hot Wax Surf Shop
    Hot Wax Surf Shop

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    Trusty Sail & Paddle - Pedal kayaks are easy and fun to use

    Trusty Sail & Paddle

    5.0(1 review)
    22.5 mi

    I have to admit that I was 1,000% completely wrong about the folks that trusty sale and paddle. I…read moreshould have taken more time and actually spoken with them to work with them about correcting issues before blasting out. After meeting and speaking with them this morning and working with them to resolve the issues, I will say that I was way out of line. They are both incredibly easy to work with and had to buy it just taken the time to speak and work with them in the first place everything would have been great. I adjust my review to five stars and hope that they will accept my apology and know that I am truly sorry. These folks are really truly great to work with and I highly recommend. And on the side note never respond to issues out of frustration and anger so you don't make yourself look like an ass like I have..

    From the owner: We are a locally family owned and operated business specializing in the sale and rental of sailing…read moredinghies and kayaks. Our waterfront rentals location features a fleet of pedal-powered kayaks, allowing you to quickly and effectively navigate a much larger expanse of water on your own or with a guide! We have daily tours, group events, an entire schedule of programs each month, instruction, even Sundaes on Sundays! You will launch from the Morehead City transient docks with immediate access to the beaches of Sugarloaf island, the restaurants on the waterfront, and a beautiful Harbor Channel dotted with moored sailboats along your route.

    Photos
    Trusty Sail & Paddle - Pedal kayaking on the Morehead City waterfront

    Pedal kayaking on the Morehead City waterfront

    Trusty Sail & Paddle - Test your endurance in a race to the AB Bridge

    Test your endurance in a race to the AB Bridge

    Trusty Sail & Paddle - Our general fleet boat is the Perception Crank! Operated by pedal system (or a traditional paddle), this IS NOT your average paddle boat!

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    Our general fleet boat is the Perception Crank! Operated by pedal system (or a traditional paddle), this IS NOT your average paddle boat!

    Barrier Island Kayak - boating - Updated August 2026

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