The 10 Best Kayaking & Canoeing in North Carolina, United States

Edge of the World in North Carolina is the family-friendly white water rafting, whitewater kayaking, and climbing leader. Rafting day trips include guides, equipment, free rapids reruns, and a home cooked lunch. The Barrow Family has been delighting guests for 30+ years. Located in North Carolina Mountains convenient to Ashville NC, Boone NC, and Charlotte. Climbing and Rappelling includes a lesson from an experienced pro.

Nantahala Outdoor Center is one of the nation’s largest outdoor recreation companies. Over a million guests visit NOC annually to embark on a diverse collection of more than 120 different whitewater rafting and land-based itineraries. Learn to kayak at NOC’s world-renowned Paddling School, soar through the trees on NOC's multiple zip lines, travel to foreign countries with NOC’s Adventure Travel program, test the latest outdoor gear and shop at our three LEED-certified flagship retail stores or enjoy NOC’s resort amenities such as our three restaurants and multi-tiered lodging. Why do more people choose NOC than any other whitewater outfitter in the world? It's because of our experience, unparalleled in the industry. 22 Olympians, including two Gold Medalists, have called NOC home. NOC has been recognized by The New York Times as the “Nation's Premiere Paddling School,” “The Best Place to Learn” by Outside, and as “One of the Best Outfitters on Earth” by National Geographic ADVENTURE. Trust NOC to provide you with the outdoor experience of your lifetime.

Western North Carolina is a dream vacation destination and we take advantage of everything WNC has to offer: whitewater rafting on three great rivers, white water kayak instruction, fly fishing, scenic lake tours and a store overlooking the Nantahala River. And when winter arrives, we take our expertise to Costa Rica and Ecuador for more great outdoor adventures.

Coastal Kayak Touring Company named a National Geographic Top 100 America's Best Adventures. We offer Kayak Tours & Stand Up Paddle Board Tours from Corolla to Duck to Kitty Hawk, Hatteras Island, and the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge...Our tours are perfect for all ages and experience.

Specializing with guided whitewater trips from class 1 to class 4 whitewater, waterfall rappelling, stand up paddleboarding, and whitewater kayak instruction. Green River Adventures has trips for all ages, skill, and thrill levels.

Our only goal is to share our passion for paddling and the outdoors with as many of you as we can! We offer Lazy River Tubing and rental of Canoes, Kayaks and Paddle Boards! We also teach kayaking and paddle board classes, offer guided whitewater trips in rafts or whitewater kayaks, do paddle board yoga, sunset paddles, river cleanup, and other fun events!

Specializing in guided kayak tours, historical Southport bicycle and walking tours, kayak and bicycle rentals, kayak lessons and kayak retail shop.

Coastal Explorations is an outdoor touring company dedicated to providing adventure, education, and entertainment fueled by the resources in our own backyard - The Outer Banks of North Carolina. Come join us on a kayak trip or stand-up paddleboard lesson, rent your own kayak or stand-up paddleboard, or go on a crabbing charter for some fun and a fresh seafood dinner!

The Asheville Outdoor Center has been offering family-friendly calm-water river paddling since 1992. Enjoy a leisurely 7-mile canoe, kayak, SUP, or raft paddle down the French Broad River through the Biltmore Estate property. Please check out our website for more information and call us to make a reservation. Normal business hours Thursday-Sunday 9AM-5PM. We will also be open on Memorial Day and Labor Day. We are closed for the season from November thru March. We are the "Pioneers of the French Broad." Come visit us!

Nor'Banks Sailing & Watersports is the premier sailing and water sports location on the Outer Banks. Established in 1979, Nor'Banks has always been a leader in the industry and provides quality equipment, excellent customer service, and a safe environment for everyone. Nor'Banks offers the most complete water sports center on the OBX, with Waverunners, Parasailing, Wake Boarding, Waterskiing, Tubing, Kayaks, SUP, Tours, Pontoon Boat Rentals and Sailing (Rentals, Lessons, Youth Camps and Sales). The waterfront location is amazing with bathrooms, showers, 200-foot pier, and a grassy lawn. Nor'Banks is now the OBX Hobie Cat dealer and features all of their amazing boats for rental and for sale. We have a full restaurant and bar right above us! Come enjoy a day on the water and a night on the town.