An OBXPert Itinerary: Your 2025 Outer Banks Activity Guide

With the holidays behind us, a New Year means it’s time to plan new vacations! Whether you’re a veteran visitor to the OBX or you’re looking for a new and exciting place to explore, the Outer Banks, NC offers an amazing set of activities for adults and the everyday adventurer! To save time and get to the good stuff, we’ve broken down the best of these exciting activities into a handy OBXpert Guide with frequently asked questions and pro tips included! Read more to discover all the incredible things to do in the Outer Banks:

It’s a well-known fact that the Outer Banks is the birthplace of flight! Hang Gliding is one of the most exciting activities you can do in the Outer Banks, combining the thrill of flight with the beauty of the natural sand dunes. Our hang gliding school in Jockey’s Ridge is the longest running in the world, with seasoned instructors who will teach you to fly in just a few short hours.

1) How difficult is hang gliding?

Hang gliding is a fun and easy sport for all ages, especially with the help of experienced instructors who make safety their top priority. Takeoffs and landings are smooth and gentle, so beginners can feel totally comfortable. With a low risk factor and solid safety rules, hang gliding is an exciting adventure you can feel good about trying.

2) How much does Hang Gliding cost?

Hang gliding is an awesome and affordable adventure, with beginner lessons starting at just $139—such a great deal for an unforgettable experience! Prices can vary depending on the type of hang gliding you choose, but beginner lessons are the perfect, budget-friendly way to get started. It’s an exciting experience that won’t break the bank!

3) Can you Hang Glide with no experience?

Absolutely! You don’t need any experience to try hang gliding. Our lessons are designed for beginners and led by experienced, highly trained instructors who will guide you every step of the way. It’s a safe and thrilling adventure that’s perfect for first-timers!

Kayaking in the Outer Banks is an awesome way to soak up the natural beauty of the area. Whether you’re paddling through peaceful marshes or cruising the calm waters of the sound, it’s perfect for beginners and experienced paddlers alike. Tours are available all across the OBX if you’re looking for some local guidance, or you can rent the kayaks and discover the fun all on your own. Explore the scenery, spot some local wildlife, and enjoy the laid-back vibes of the Outer Banks!

1) Maritime Forest- Kitty Hawk, NC

 The maritime forest in Kitty Hawk, NC, is an awesome spot for kayaking, with quiet, tree-lined waterways and tons of natural beauty. It’s a great place to relax, explore, and maybe even spot some local wildlife! The historic covered bridge is always a huge hit and an explorer’s favorite! To top it all off, our team of guides runs a great tour through this marshland at a super affordable price.  

2) Alligator River- Dare County, NC 

 Alligator River is a beautiful wildlife refuge just west of the Outer Banks, perfect for exploring and spotting some amazing animals. You might catch a glimpse of a black bear, endangered red wolves, or even an alligator! The guided tour through this area is great for all ages and skill levels, making it an awesome choice for families. With calm waters and tons of wildlife, the Alligator River Kayak Tour is a relaxing adventure that shows off one of the coolest ecosystems in North Carolina. 

3) Cape Hatteras National Seashore 

Cape Hatteras National Seashore is a must-see in the Outer Banks, with over 70 miles of stunning shoreline and rich history. Paddlers can explore untouched marshes on Hatteras Island, with amazing wildlife and calm waters perfect for all skill levels. Our guides offer a tour that launches near Salvo, but the shoreline is stocked with great, shallow launch sites to explore in your own rented boat! 

Get ready for the ultimate adrenaline rush with tandem hang gliding at Currituck County flight park! Soar to over 2,000 feet, taking in jaw-dropping views of Currituck Sound, the ocean, and the countryside. Feel the thrill as the ultralight plane releases the glider, and you and your instructor dive, turn, and glide through the open sky. With smooth takeoffs and landings, this heart-pounding experience is a must for any Outer Banks adventure seeker! 

1) Is it safe?

Absolutely! Tandem hang gliding is super safe, and here’s why—our instructors are certified by the United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association and have years of experience in the sport. These pros know their stuff and have dedicated their careers to making sure every flight is as safe as it is exciting. With top-notch gear and expert guidance, you can relax and enjoy the ride! 

2) Is there an age minimum?

Yes. 14 is the minimum age in which tandem flights are authorized due to weight restrictions. Additionally, all minors must have signed parental consent forms from their parent or legal guardian if participating in tandem hang gliding. Still, tandem hang gliding is one of our most recommended and popular activities for adults! It’s both a thrill and a stunning aerial tour of the Outer Banks wrapped into one! 

3) How long is the flight?

This is a popular, but tricky question. Flights can range in length due a variety of factors like wind conditions, wind direction, and ultimate height of the ultra-light aircraft that tows the hang glider up into the air. A standard flight is up to 2000 feet and can take anywhere from 12 to 18 minutes. We also offer a mile high flight that takes around 25 to 35 minutes to descend from. Be sure to check that out if you’re looking for a taller thrill and a longer dissection of the aerotow process! 

Jet skiing in the Outer Banks is the perfect way to add some excitement to your trip! Our soundside locations in Nags Head and Duck are ready to get you out on the water for an epic ride with amazing views. It’s fast, fun, and the ultimate way to turn up the adventure on your OBX vacation! 

1) What should I wear?

Most renters just wear their swimsuits, but we’ve got neoprene bottoms available if you want them. You can ride barefoot or throw on some water shoes—whatever works best for you! 

2) What should I bring?

We recommend bringing sunscreen, water, a towel, a change of clothes, sunglasses with a strap, and a dry bag. 

3) Where can I go with the jet ski?

Our jet ski rentals take place in a designated area slightly larger than a football field at both of our locations. Our crew keeps a close eye on this space throughout your rental to make sure you and everyone else stays safe. 

Wing foiling is blowing up as one of the coolest new water sports, and learning it has never been easier at our beginner-friendly lesson center in Rodanthe, North Carolina. The consistent winds here are perfect for getting the hang of it, and our expert instructors will have you gliding over the water in no time. Whether you’re trying something new or looking for your next adventure, the Outer Banks is most definitely the spot to dive into wing foiling! 

1) What will I learn in a Wing Foiling Lesson? 

Our lessons kick off with an on-land tutorial where you’ll learn the basics of handling the wing and balancing on the board. Then, you’ll move to shallow water to practice controlling the wing and getting comfortable gliding. Once you’re feeling confident, you’ll head to deeper water to sharpen your skills, work on maneuvers, and really start riding the wind! 

2) Do I need previous experience? 

You don’t need any wing foiling experience to join our beginner lessons! If you’ve done other water sports like surfing, kiteboarding, or windsurfing, you might pick it up a bit faster. For those with foiling experience, the Wing & Wingfoil Combo Lesson is perfect for taking your skills to the next level. 

3) Can I rent equipment after my lesson? 

Absolutely! After your lesson, you can rent SUPs and wings to use onsite. It’s a great way to keep practicing on your own or just spend more time out on the water. 

Each of these activities are super unique and exciting in their own right! If you’re looking for things to do in the Outer Banks, the perfect place to start is our Adventures Page. You can discover activities such as these plus up to 25 more things to do in and around the OBX! If you’re in need of a friendly hand in planning your vacation, don’t hesitate to reach out to our incredible reservations team at 1-877-FLY-THIS! Our employees can answer any and all questions and help you build a personalized itinerary for you and your needs! Start planning now, and we can’t wait to help make Summer 2025 the best yet!