Paradise Dolphin Cruises

With the best views around and the quickest access to dolphins, Paradise Dolphin Cruises is committed to offering you one of the most amazing experiences of your life! Climb aboard the Kokomo, our 40-passenger catarmaran and the area’s newest dolphin boat­, with a canopied top, cushioned seats and restroom.

Sunset Dolphin Cruises runs daily and departs from the Wanchese Docks on Roanoke Island. Get ready to see some of the most beautiful wildlife you have ever seen!

Reservations are required so please book ahead of time to be sure space is available.

Book Now!

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2025 Best Dolphin Cruises

A family of passengers aboard Paradise Dolphin Cruises

The Kokomo boards in Wanchese on the Outer Banks and cruises the scenic Roanoke Sound in exploration of the magnificent paradise we call home. Our North Carolina shores offer breathtaking beauty that becomes a serene portrait aboard the Kokomo. Our goal for our guests is to search for bottlenose dolphins and local species of birds while taking pleasure in the splendid scenery along the way.  

A family of passengers aboard Paradise Dolphin Cruises

Bottlenose dolphins are well known for their intelligence, friendly disposition, and “smiling” faces. Dolphins have been interacting with humans for centuries and seem to have as much interest in us as we have in them. They often swim near the Kokomo, lifting their heads out of the water to get a glance at all the people onboard. As you embark on our 2 hour journey into the inland waters, we will witness some of the most spectacular scenes ever seen.  

The Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse on the east side of Roanoke Island stands watch over the quaint Manteo Waterfront. The Bodie Island Lighthouse is a majestic view from the Kokomo as we cruise south on the Roanoke Sound in search for dolphins.

The Osprey, also known as the fish hawk is always a welcomed sight from the Kokomo. Many say that the Osprey rule the Outer Banks, being a constant presence as they fly over our waters in search for their next meal.  The OBX is home to a wide variety of birds of prey, waterfowl, wading birds, terns and gulls, and shorebirds. The spectacular Outer Banks sunsets make our sunset cruises a fabulous way to end your day and begin your evening.

Dolphin sighting from Paradise Dolphin Cruises

Dolphin sighting from Paradise Dolphin Cruises

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A view of Bodie Island Lighthouse from Paradise Dolphin Cruises

Passengers spot a dolphin from a Paradise Dolphin Cruise

Reservations are required so please book ahead of time to be sure space is available. A credit card is required to hold your reservation. Book Now!

Times:
Sunset Cruise times can vary.
Please call 252.573.0547 for more information.

Monday – Friday – 4 cruises including the Sunset Cruise
10:00am   1:00pm   3:30pm   6:30pm

Saturday – 2 cruises
10:00am   6:30pm

Arrival:
You MUST arrive 30 minutes prior to the cruise time.
If you arrive past the time of your scheduled cruise you could miss out.
If you are running late, please call us so we will know how to handle the reservation.

Questions? Click on the FAQ link!

Wanchese
Hours
Monday
08:00AM-6:30pm
Tuesday
08:00AM-6:30pm
Wednesday
08:00AM-6:30pm
Thursday
08:00AM-6:30pm
Friday
08:00AM-6:30pm
Saturday
08:00AM-6:30pm
Outer Banks Map
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Duck Jazz Festival
Oct 9

October 9, 2025

This year, the Duck Jazz Festival proudly reaches its 16th anniversary, and with it, we unveil our artistic vision:“Duck Grooves: The Sound of Jazz,” is an electrifying celebration of jazz’s dynamic, ever-evolving nature, set against the stunning backdrop of the Currituck Sound. It’s a fusion of past, present, and future, where the timeless traditions of jazz intersect with the vibrancy of new, innovative sounds. Just as the sound of jazz flows and adapts, so too does the landscape of Duck where the rhythm of the music harmonizes with the natural beauty of the water and the surrounding environment.

Bodie Island Lighthouse

The Bodie Island Lighthouse, (pronounced "Body") is located just south of the town of Nags Head and Whalebone Junction, where Highway 158, Highway 64, and NC Highway 12 intersect. Visitors travelling towards Hatteras Island can't help but notice the black and white horizontal striped structure, peaking out over a line of dense cedar trees on the soundside.

Bennett's Bungalow

When all you need is a seaside bungalow close to the beach, then Bennett's Bungalow nicely fits the bill.    Perfect for beach-loving families or couples that want an affordable way to enjoy the beach. And you can do just that via the boarded walkway connecting you to one of the best beaches in town.   Whether you've come to surf or simply get away for some time at the shore, you will have everything you need to enjoy all that South Nags Head has to offer.  Located just south of  Whalebone Junction, where you will find Jennette's Fishing Pier and several conveniences for shopping, fun, and food.   A short drive south along NC 12 through the breathtaking sand dunes of Coquina Beach and past the Bodie Island Lighthouse leads you to the famous Oregon Inlet.  Located at the foot of the newly constructed Marc Basnight Bridge, spanning 2.8 miles with incredible views from 90 feet high. On the other side, spend some time exploring the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge or drive onward to Hatteras to explore the quaint seaside barrier island towns along the way.   After a day of exploration, come home to the comforts of your beach cottage with amenities, including an outdoor shower, and a covered deck for enjoying your favorite beverage as you listen to the sounds of the ocean just 30 yards away.   Indoors the knotty pine walls welcome you in for a relaxing retreat as you refresh for the next day's adventure.   All One Level: Greatroom w/TV/DVD, CD Player, Dining Area Seats 6, Hall Bath, 1 Bedroom w/Double and Bunkset, 1 Bedroom w/Queen. Parking for 2 vehicles (two mini vans fit fine, or so would that VW bus you've had your eye on for your future beach wanderings. )

  • Nags Head
  • 2 Bedrooms
  • 1 Bathrooms
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