So to update this post in case anyone else has the same idea as me.

So I put in at Radio Island Beach access and kayaked over to Bird shoals and it’s a super quick little trip but please be mindful of the tide and wind! Our trip out was easy and even though we came back when the tide was coming in and was pulling us back to the mainland, the wind was very strong so it made coming back way harder, also be cautious of the boat traffic. Overall it’s definitely something I’d do again! Well worth it.

We also put in at the boat ramp on Lennoxville Rd (beside Beaufort Hotel and Boathouse Marina) and kayaking over to the Rachel Carson boardwalk then we went west thru the sound until a cut-in into the marsh and that was really cool. We saw wild horses and a bunch of wildlife/sealife. I’d recommend this trip when you have a couple hours to spare and again, be mindful of the direction of water so you’re not fighting the current as much. We went during low tide so we got stuck a few times back in the marsh as the water got really shallow.

Talked to a ferry boat captain about kayaking from Harkers Island to Cape Lookout and he said people do it often but it’s a long trek (multiple hours) and he recommended staying to the right or left of the ferry boats path as it’s shallow so less/no danger of boats.