KITTY HAWK KAYAK FIELD GUIDE
Paddling Jean Guite Creek: A Quiet Passage Through Kitty Hawk’s Maritime Forest
A 1.5-hour, beginner-friendly kayak tour through the rare Kitty Hawk Maritime Forest via Jean Guite Creek—essential reading for paddlers planning a relaxed, wildlife-rich outing.
Paddling Jean Guite Creek: A Quiet Passage Through Kitty Hawk’s Maritime Forest.
This short, accessible paddle threads through a rare maritime forest along Jean Guite Creek, where live oaks and wax myrtles form a sheltered canal. At a deliberately relaxed pace, the tour offers close, quiet encounters with egrets, river otters, turtles and raptors while providing strong protection from wind and sun—an ideal outing for young children and first-time paddlers.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A small-boat safari in a rare habitat
The maritime forest is an endangered habitat where paddlers commonly spot egrets, river otters, turtles sunning on logs, osprey, kingfishers and bald eagles along quiet, tree-lined waters.
Sheltered canals and dense coastal woods
Trees surrounding the canal offer strong protection from wind and summer heat, creating a secluded paddling corridor through live oak and wax myrtle–filled woods.
Beginner-friendly equipment and support
The operator supplies American-made Perception kayaks, paddles and life jackets, provides an on-land paddle lesson before launch, and offers sit-on-top hybrid kayaks to accommodate paddlers with limited mobility.
What the day feels like
What the outing feels like
Over a 1.5-hour loop at a very relaxed pace, guides brief the group with a land-based paddle lesson before launching into Jean Guite Creek. The sheltered channel narrows beneath a canopy of live oaks and wax myrtle; progression is quiet and unhurried, with frequent stops to admire sunning turtles, scan shorelines for egrets and watch raptors patrol overhead.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this tour fits best
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Bring plenty of water, a snack if desired, sunscreen, sunglasses or a hat, a towel to leave in your car after the tour, shoes and clothing you don’t mind getting wet, and optionally insect repellent, a rain jacket and a dry bag.
Operator supplies American-made Perception kayaks, paddles and life jackets; a pre-launch paddle lesson is provided for those without experience.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the tour?
The tour runs 1.5 hours.
Is this suitable for children and first-time paddlers?
Yes—this is an ideal tour for young children and beginner paddlers; guides provide an on-land paddle lesson before launch.
Do I need special shoes or clothing?
No—there are no shoe or clothing requirements; bring clothes you don’t mind getting wet.
What equipment does the operator provide?
Outer Banks Kayak Adventures provides Perception kayaks, paddles and life jackets; sit-on-top hybrid kayaks are available for those with limited mobility.
Will we see wildlife?
Yes—participants often spot egrets, river otters, turtles, osprey, kingfishers and bald eagles while paddling through the maritime forest.
Are SUPs available if I want a more advanced outing?
Yes—stand up paddleboards are available for anyone seeking a more advanced tour.