Kayaking in Beaufort NC is one of the best things you can do on the Crystal Coast. The town of Beaufort sits on Taylor's Creek with a wide waterfront and a beautiful waterway right out front. Just across the water is Carrot Island, a barrier island where wild horses roam freely. You can paddle over in just a few minutes and explore one of the most unique spots on the NC coast.
About Beaufort NC
Beaufort (pronounced BOH fort, not Byoo fort like the one in SC) is one of the oldest towns in North Carolina. It was founded in 1709 and has a beautiful historic downtown along the waterfront. Front Street runs right along Taylor's Creek with shops, restaurants, and a boardwalk. It is a great small town with a lot of character.
Carrot Island and the Wild Horses
Carrot Island is a barrier island that sits just across Taylor's Creek from the Beaufort waterfront. Wild horses have lived on the island for generations. They are believed to be descendants of horses brought to NC by early colonists. The island is now part of the Rachel Carson National Estuarine Research Reserve. It is protected natural land with horses, birds, and tidal flats.
How To Kayak to Carrot Island
The paddle across Taylor's Creek from Beaufort to Carrot Island is very short, only about 5 to 10 minutes of paddling. The water is usually calm and the crossing is easy for beginners.
Where To Rent Kayaks
Several rental shops in Beaufort offer kayaks and paddleboards. Down East Kayaks & Tackle and AB WaterSports in nearby Atlantic Beach are popular options. Kayak rentals run about $20 to $30 per hour. Most shops are within walking distance of the waterfront.
Guided Tours
If you prefer a guide, several companies offer guided kayak tours of the area. Tours often include narration about the history of the island, the horses, and the local ecosystem. Great for first time visitors.
What To See on Carrot Island
Once you land on Carrot Island, you can walk around the open sandy areas. The horses roam the island freely. Give them space (at least 50 feet) and never feed them. The tidal flats on the back side of the island are great for finding shells. The views back toward Beaufort are beautiful.
Other Water Activities in Beaufort
Beyond Carrot Island, Beaufort offers dolphin watching tours, sunset cruises, and stand up paddleboarding right along the waterfront. The Beaufort Inlet is great for fishing. The area is a popular stop for sailors and boaters traveling up and down the East Coast.
Tips For Your Visit
- Go in the morning for calmer water and better horse sightings.
- Bring water, sunscreen, and bug spray.
- Do not feed or approach the wild horses.
- The current in Taylor's Creek can pick up in the afternoon. Starting early makes for an easier paddle.
- Check the weather before you go. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer.
What To Do In Downtown Beaufort
After paddling, walk Front Street. Clawson's 1905 Restaurant is a Beaufort institution for seafood. Beaufort Grocery Company is great for casual seafood after a paddle. The Beaufort Historic Site has walking tours of the old town.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is it to kayak to Carrot Island from Beaufort?
Only about 5 to 10 minutes of easy paddling across Taylor's Creek.
Can you see wild horses in Beaufort NC?
Yes. Wild horses live on Carrot Island just across the water from the Beaufort waterfront. You can often spot them from the dock or kayak over to see them up close (from a safe distance).
Is kayaking in Beaufort good for beginners?
Yes. The creek crossing to Carrot Island is short and calm. It is a great first kayak experience.
Beaufort is one of those NC towns that surprises people. The kayaking, the horses, and the historic waterfront all come together to make it one of the best day trips on the Crystal Coast.
Beaufort NC: Waterfront, History and Things To Do
Everything to see and do in Beaufort NC. The waterfront, the historic district, the NC Maritime Museum, the Blackbeard connection, and the best restaurants on Front Street.