Your Guide to Sunset Tours at Bodie Island
There’s something about a sunset that slows you down. It becomes unforgettable when you’re watching that sunset from a clear kayak. With the Bodie Island Lighthouse in the distance and the waters of the Outer Banks all around you, it creates a beautiful moment that you must experience.
Welcome to one of the best experiences you can have in North Carolina’s Outer Banks: a CLEAR kayaking tour at sunset on Bodie Island.
Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or brand new to kayaking, this will cover everything from what to expect on the water, what you could see, what to bring and why this tour is quickly becoming one of the top things to do in OBX
Why Sunset at Bodie Island is So Special
Bodie Island Lighthouse is one of the most iconic landmarks in the Outer Banks. Located just south of Nags Head, the lighthouse stands 156 feet tall, painted with bold black-and-white horizontal stripes. This historic beacon becomes more than just a photo op, it becomes the backdrop for one peaceful adventure.
There is only one way to get this experience and it’s in a clear kayak. As you paddle through the waters, the sky displays beautiful colors of orange, pink, and purple with the Bodi lighthouse in the distance. You have to join us to understand the true beauty.
Our sunset tours at Bodie Island are designed to immerse you in this natural beauty while giving you a front-row seat to beautiful sunsets in the Outer Banks.
What Is a Clear Kayak Sunset Tour?
Unlike traditional kayaking, clear kayaking lets you see not just what’s around you, but what’s beneath you as well. Our clear kayaks give you a unique window into the underwater world, offering views of fish, turtles, aquatic grasses and more, all beneath you as you paddle through the more shallow areas where the waters are clear. Paddle a bit more, and look up and around you for gorgeous views of the sky and Bodi Lighthouse.
Our guided sunset tours begin in the late afternoon and lasts 2 hours being perfectly timed so you’re paddling as the sun dips below the horizon. Enjoy the stunning views and experience from a local guide who will help you navigate the area and share fun facts, history and wildlife knowledge along the way.
It’s peaceful. It’s beautiful. It’s what vacations are made for.
Where the Tour Takes Place
Your adventure begins near the Bodie Island Lighthouse, located in the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. The surrounding waters are part of a protected ecosystem that is rich in wildlife, natural beauty, and history.
You’ll launch from a nearby access point and paddle through shallow marshes, tidal creeks, and then into open waters where the lighthouse remains visible throughout much of your tour. As sunset nears, we make sure you’re in the best spot possible to enjoy the view.
What You May See on the Tour
This is more than just a scenic paddle, it’s a wildlife and nature experience, too. As you explore the waters surrounding Bodie Island, keep your eyes peeled for:
- Herons, egrets, and ospreys flying overhead or perched in the grasses
- Crabs and fish swimming beneath your clear kayak
- Turtles and stingrays gliding by as the marsh grasses sway below you
- As the sun begins to set, you’ll witness the entire landscape change. The colors become richer, the air cooler. It’s peaceful. It’s beautiful. It’s what vacations are made for.
What to Bring on Your Sunset Paddle
Being prepared will help you enjoy the experience even more. Here’s a quick checklist of what to bring and wear for your sunset kayaking tour at Bodie Island:
- Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing (quick-dry fabric is best)
- Water shoes
- sunglasses for the first part of the tour
- A reusable water bottle
- Sunscreen and bug spray
- Waterproof phone case
Tips for the Best Sunset Photos
If you want to capture that perfect sunset picture from your kayak? Here are a few insider tips:
- Bring a phone with a wide-angle lens or use panorama mode
- Shoot toward the lighthouse as the sun sets
- Use the reflection on the water to create unique photos
- For best light, take photos about 10–15 minutes before the sun actually sets
Our guides know all the best photo spots and are happy to take a picture of you with the lighthouse in the background!
Why Sunset Tours Are So Popular (and Why You Should Book Ahead)
Sunset is the most popular time to kayak, and for good reason. It’s cooler, calmer, and more visually stunning than any other time of day. Because of this, sunset tours book fast, especially in the summer months.
To avoid missing out, book your tour in advance, ideally a few days before your desired date.
👉 https://getupandgokayaking.com/locations/outer-banks/bodie-island/
What Makes This Tour Different from Others in the Outer Banks?
There are plenty of kayak rentals in the Outer Banks, but this tour stands apart for a few key reasons:
1. It’s the ONLY clear kayak tour in OBX
Get Up And Go Kayaking is the first and only company offering guided clear kayak tours in the Outer Banks. That alone makes this a one-of-a-kind experience.
2. Local Guides = Better Experience
Our guides are local and know the waters, the wildlife, and the history of Bodie Island. They’re passionate about conservation and love helping guests connect with nature.
3. Eco-Friendly and Educational
We believe in protecting what we explore so we donate a portion of every booking to conservation efforts, helping protect the natural beauty of the surrounding areas.
Your Next Favorite Memory Awaits
A sunset kayak tour at Bodie Island Lighthouse isn’t just another OBX activity, it’s a memory waiting to be made. Whether you’re a nature lover, a sunset chaser, or someone just looking for a peaceful paddle through some of North Carolina’s most stunning scenery, this is a must-do on your next trip to the Outer Banks.
There’s nothing quite like watching the day fade away being surrounded by water, wildlife, and history and a beautiful sunset.
Book early, bring your camera, and prepare for an unforgettable adventure.
We hope we see you on a sunset tour soon!