Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge

Join us for a trip around the refuge and learn about the wild lands and wildlife. We do the driving. You sit, watch, listen and relax. Your tour guide will share interesting facts about Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge. You'll learn about the plants and wildlife found there. We'll stop along the way when we see sights of interest. Don't forget to bring your binoculars and camera. Dress for the weather. You're welcome to bring a seat cushion, towel or blanket to soften the ride. We also suggest snacks, water and insect repellent. Tram seating is limited to approximately 25 people.

Held weekly during the summer and monthly during the fall, winter, and spring; see the Program Schedule for dates and times. Reservations are required; call 252-216-9464 to make a reservation. Tours are $10 for everyone 13 and above. Children 12 and under ride for free with a paying, supervising adult. Registration closes at 2:00 pm the day before the trip. Due to limited spaces this year, you must cancel before registration deadline, or you will be charged for the tour.

There will be no tram tour if there is lightning, heavy wind or rain, or impassable road conditions. Dress for the weather. Co-sponsored by the Coastal Wildlife Refuge Society. Meet at Creef Cut Trail parking lot, Hwy 64 and Milltail Road. App. 5.5 miles west of Roanoke Island.

Alligator River NWR is home to one of the largest populations of black bears in eastern North Carolina and the eastern United States. Learn more about what makes the refuge such a good home for our largest mammal. After a 30-minute presentation, you are free to explore the refuge in your vehicle on the Wildlife Drive to look for bears and other wildlife. Maps will be provided by your presenter.

Held weekly during the summer; see the Program Schedule for dates and times. Reservations are required; visit our Eventbrite page to book. This program is free of charge. Meet at Creef Cut Wildlife Trail parking lot (Milltail Road and Hwy 64 West, approx. 6 miles west of Manns Harbor).

The Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge van tour is customized each time to look for the wildlife that interests participants the most. Refuge volunteers will drive the van around the refuge, stopping any time we see wildlife or sights of interest. The refuge isn’t a zoo, so specific animals aren’t guaranteed, but with thousands of animals living on the refuge, you never know what you'll see. We'll watch out for all these and more: black bears, river otters, turkeys, bald eagles, great blue herons, alligators, turtles, and endangered red wolves.

Held twice weekly during the summer; see the Program Schedule for dates and times. Reservations are required; call 252-216-9464 to make a reservation. 6 people maximum. Ages 6 and up. Tours are $30 per person; $20 for children 12 and under. Registration closes at 2:00 pm the day before the trip. You must cancel before registration deadline, or you will be charged for the tour.

Meet at Creef Cut Trail parking lot, Hwy 64 and Milltail Road. App. 5.5 miles west of Roanoke Island.

Paddle shady blackwater canals into the heart of the refuge and learn about the history of the area while looking for birds, turtles, and alligators.

Held weekly during the summer; see the Program Schedule for dates and times. Reservations are required; call 252-216-9464 to make a reservation. Tours are $35 per person, $20 for children 12 and under. Registration closes at 2:00 pm the day before the trip. You must cancel before registration deadline, or you will be charged for the tour.

Children must be accompanied by an adult. We provide canoes, paddles, life jackets and two leaders. Secure footwear is required. Hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and drinking water are recommended. May be cancelled due to high winds or inclement weather. Meet at the Buffalo City Canoe Launch and Sandy Ridge Trail parking at the end of Buffalo City Rd, 2.2mi south of US Highway 64.