Top North Carolina Nature and Wildlife Tours

See the wild horses of Corolla on a 2-hour tour on the Outer Banks in North Carolina. Travel by open-air 4-wheel drive vehicle along the sand dunes and ocean to view the wild horses. Along the way, you'll also hear about the history and ecology of the island, stop for photo ops of the horses and other points of interests, and gain private access to the Wild Horse Conservation Area. Choose from several departure times during the day on a tour that includes 4WD tour and guide.

Enjoy a day of family-friendly fun at Elijah Mountain Gem Mine and Goat Farm. Suitable for all ages, mine for gems and fossils along indoor and outdoor water flumes and keep whatever you find. Explore the property, tackle an obstacle course, visit the goats in the goat barn, and see peacocks, pheasants, and more in the aviary.

Come on a sunset tour with us and catch some beautiful views! We also tell some interesting history about the island and then play some beach music.

Hike the best of the Blue Ridge Parkway on this guided day trip to three scenic waterfalls from Asheville. Take in views of the mountains as you tour the classic road in a comfortable van and hear stories about the area’s natural history and culture from your local guide. Watch for blooming laurels and rhododendron as you walk the easy to moderate trails through lush oak and hickory forests. Enjoy light refreshments along the way with plenty of time to relax by the falls before returning to Asheville.

Plan your vacation itinerary before you set foot in Charlotte, prebooking entry to the Sea Life Charlotte-Concord Aquarium. Beat ticket anxiety and secure access to this city aquarium. This family-friendly attraction is home to a whole host of marine life and animals, with plenty of interactive activities to keep children engaged and entertained. See stingrays, jellyfish, seahorses, sea turtles, and more.

Traverse the islands around Wrightsville Beach with a group of fellow travelers and a guide on this boat tour. Set sail on a vessel that’s kitted out with a bar, a sound system, and LED lights to keep the party going while you cruise. Make sure you look out for local wildlife like dolphins too.

Buckle up and prepare for a thrilling off-road adventure in the Smoky Mountains backcountry, one of North America’s most biodiverse regions which boasts a plethora of flora and fauna. Put your driving skills to the test as you bounce along 15 miles of dirt/gravel trails, cross streams and ascend by 5,200 feet (1.6 kilometers), where spectacular views of the entire national park await.

Embark on a captivating journey from Asheville to Cherokee with this Blue Ridge Parkway self-guided driving tour. As you set out on this scenic drive, our audio tour guide will be your trusty companion, sharing intriguing stories about the region's past and present. The journey from Asheville to Cherokee is more than just a drive; it's a chance to immerse yourself in nature's wonders. Explore the diverse ecosystems of the mountains, take leisurely strolls through vibrant forests, and take in views from scenic overlooks. Feel like stretching your legs? We've got you covered with suggestions for scenic hikes and outdoor activities that cater to all levels of adventurers. So, book your experience now and let us be your compass on this remarkable voyage through the heart of the Appalachian Mountains. Download the app to access your purchased tours.

Embark on the US East National Park Self-Guided Driving and Walking Audio Tours Bundle! Explore Acadia, Asheville, and the Smoky Mountains. Visit Cades Cove, Shenandoah, and Cuyahoga Valley, then experience the Everglades and Hot Springs. Cruise the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway (currently closed temporarily) and hike to Clingmans Dome. This bundle offers a diverse mix of nature, history, and adventure in some of the East's most iconic national parks. Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together! After booking, you can check your email before downloading the Tour Guide App by Action, entering your unique password, and accessing your tour. The preceding steps require good internet/Wi-Fi access. Simply follow the audio instructions and the route from there. New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want. This is not an entrance ticket to attractions along the route. Check opening hours before your visit.

Get out of town for a half-day hike up to scenic waterfalls with this small-group hiking experience for up to four people. Your certified naturalist guide will lead you and your group on a challenging hike up to beautiful waterfalls, teaching you how to identify local plant life along the way.

Horseback riding through the Blue Ridge Mountains is a beautiful way to explore the area’s natural attractions. Trot through fern groves, past rows of wild flame azaleas, and into a white pine forest on well-trained, gentle horses. This tour includes a safety training, too, making it a good choice for beginner horseback riders and children.

Unlike the larger ferry boats on our private tours using smaller boats we have the ability to do so much more and stay away from the more crowded areas. Captain Chris is local to the area, having grown up here only leaving the area during his time in the US Navy. Since returning home he has been a full time fishing guide in the area for nearly 20 years spending 200+ days each year on the water. Not only do you get to see sought after areas and sights but, you’ll have an opportunity to “see it like a local, with a local!” Great beach areas, wildlife, sea life, fishing, cast netting, clamming, set a crap pot, photograph your adventure and so many more possibilities.

The only tour in Asheville that includes an easy, beautiful and interesting urban bird lake hike with a luxury private spa experience that is unique and completely relaxing. The spa has only 100% five-star reviews on Google, Viator and TripAdvisor.

The private charter offers an exclusive cruise for up to 7 passengers aboard a high-end Bennington pontoon boat. This adventure takes you to Masonboro Island, a pristine barrier island known for its unspoiled beaches and marine sanctuary. Enjoy a relaxing day with a cooler of drinks, music, and the option for water restaurant service. Perfect for family outings, bachelor/bachelorette parties, or a unique day with friends, this tour can be customized for 2 to 4 hours of fun on the water. - Private cruise for up to 7 passengers on a cushy pontoon boat - Cruise duration options from 2-4 hours for a flexible experience - Visit Masonboro Island, one of North Carolina's last untouched beaches - Includes captain, first mate, and music for a complete experience -includes float options

Join a guided birding cruise of Masonboro Island and Bradley Creek! Learn about shorebirds, wetlands, and local wildlife.. Spot pelicans, herons, skimmers, and more aboard the M/V Shamrock

Discover Western NC's diverse firefly species, including the elusive Blue Ghost, on our intimate night hike in the Blue Ridge Mountains. For $185 per person, this 3-hour experience includes transportation from downtown Asheville, guided interpretation, snacks, and red-light headlamps (required for firefly viewing). The easy to moderate 2-mile hike accommodates most fitness levels and is perfect for ages 14+. With a maximum of 6 participants, your expert guide will lead you through well-maintained trails while sharing insights about local ecology and history. Tours depart at 7pm and return around 10pm, running daily from May 22 - June 1 and June 26 - July 1. Please note that while this area is known for firefly activity, sightings cannot be guaranteed, particularly following Hurricane Helene. Closed-toe shoes are required, and photography is prohibited to protect the habitat. Book through our trip calendar - minimum 2 participants required.

Enjoy a leisurely ride through Blowing Rock’s Moses H. Cone Park on a horse and carriage. Pre-book your ride and meet your coachman at the park, then sit back and relax as you ride in the comfortable carriage. Ride past the historical manor and along carriage trails and take in the views of the Blue Ridge parkway.

Cruise through the waters of Wrightsville Beach aboard a 42-foot (13-meter) yacht during this small-group coastal sailing adventure. Enjoy scenic views of the surrounding waterways and barrier islands, and catch a glimpse of marine life. Soft drinks, juice, bottled water, and light refreshments are provided on board the boat. Plus, choose from morning, afternoon, or sunset cruises to best suit your schedule.

Get away from the crowds and hop On the shamrock to Masonboro Island Spend a quarter or half day exploring NC largest marine santuary . Experience a special day gathering shells and swimming in the creeks behind the island. Masonboro Island can only be accessed by boat , providing a real secluded excursion

Take a spooky stroll through the streets of downtown Asheville on this ghost walking tour that helps you navigate at night safely. Your ghoulish guide will reveal some of the area’s hair-raising tales and dark history that you won't find in the guidebook, like the woman who haunts the Omni Grove Park Inn, the body entombed in the wall of the Basilica of St. Lawrence, and much more.

Go hiking in the outskirts of Asheville with a naturalist guide on this small-group tour. You and your small group of fellow hikers will head out into the hills, where you'll learn how to ID local flowers and trees. If you're lucky, you may even spot some wildlife along the way.

One of the most biodiverse spots in the nation, the Blue Ridge Parkway shouldn’t just be driven—it deserves to be seen on foot, with a naturalist leading the way. With your guide at the helm, you and your small group will hike to gorgeous waterfalls, up to panoramic mountain views, and through the technicolor meadows, hills, and valleys that make Asheville and the Pisgah National Forest so beloved.

Journey through the Great Smoky Mountains, Cherokee Reservation & Blue Ridge Parkway Ride in an open-air Jeep to remote waterfalls, rivers & elk meadows Enjoy real Cherokee legends & local Appalachian storytelling Spot elk, black bears & other native wildlife Visit the Cherokee Trout Hatchery (when open) Visit Baptist Church Built it 1836 Breathe fresh mountain air and enjoy scenic forest views Small group size for a personal, relaxed experience Free photo & video package included (AirDrop or email)