Activities on the Sound

“Sounds” like fun!

If you’re planning on staying at an Outer Banks vacation rental during the upcoming spring or summer, it’s highly likely that you’re already planning on visiting the beach. And with our white, sandy, family-friendly beaches, why wouldn’t you? However, if you want to try something just a little bit different this vacation, consider spending some time out on one of the several sounds of the Outer Banks. Any nature lover or adventurer should plan on spending some time on the sound as there are tons of unique water sport activities and it is a place of great natural beauty and is home to diverse wildlife.

Our two main sounds here in the Outer Banks are the Albemarle Sound and the Pamlico Sound, although smaller portions of the two have been given their own names, such as the Roanoke Sound and the Croatan Sound. Much of the water in the Sounds is brackish or fresh, because of river water that pours into the sound. The Albemarle-Pamlico Sound is recognized as one of the nineteen great waters by the America’s Great Waters Coalition. 

When you pack your sunscreen, towel and bathing suit and head out to your beautiful Outer Banks vacation rental for the weekend, make sure that visiting the sound is on your agenda. Here is a short list of just some of the wonderful things you can do on the sound while visiting.

1) Go fishing! There is an amazing variety of fish that call the sound home including the Poppy Drum, red Drum, Speckled Trout, Flounder and Rock Fish. Occasionally you may even find a Tarpon or Spanish Mackerel. The Pamlico Sound, which may have depths of no more than 3 feet for miles and rarely gets deeper than 15 feet, may be hard to navigate for beginners. If you are a visitor staying at an Outer Banks rental, talk to a guide before heading out. Many locals have years of insight and can advise you to the best hot spots beforehand.

2) Do as the locals do and spend the day crabbing. Grab a bucket of ice, tongs, a handline and a dip net, head out the nearest low dock over the sound. Some good local favorites are the “Little Bridge” in Nags Head, the docks in Manteo or the gazebo on Sothel St. in Kill Devil Hills. Before you go, get your fishing license first. It is relatively cheap, is valid for 10 days and is good for fishing in any sound waters or off the pier in the ocean. 

3) Paddle boarding. If you love adventures and nature, paddle boarding is the perfect combination. There are plenty of places in the Outer Banks to rent a paddleboard or even try a guided tour. While it may look easy, it’s actually great exercise for your upper body—by the time you head back to your Outer Banks rental you will be ready for a relaxingnight in. 

4)If paddle boarding intimidates you at first,kayaking and canoeing are two other great sound activities that allow you to exercise all while enjoying the grandeur beauty of the sound. Among the coastal areas are numerous waterfowl nesting sites to keep an eye out for. If you’re an early riser, a leisurely morning spent paddling around and watching the sunrise on the sound is something you will never forget.

There are plenty of other great activities to do while staying at your Outer Banks rental. While most visitors to the Outer Banks head straight to the beach upon arrival, take the time during your vacation to see all that the beautiful sounds have to offer. Don’t say we didn’t warn you though; after you witness all the fun and beauty that the sound has to offer, you may never want to go back home and leave that Outer Banks rental.