PRIVATE Wildlife Guiding at Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge, NC

Guides take place in my personal, insured vehicle with air conditioning. Some hiking might be included, but is not required.

To inquire about or book a tour, email wildlifewithaspen@gmail.com

Please note the wildlife ethics policy & viewing guarantees below.

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Wildlife ethics are at the forefront of my guiding. We will never harass, chase, or bait animals. Many of the animals on the refuge are somewhat used to people, but if I notice that an animal becomes distressed or we are blocking their path, we will move aside. This is particularly true for the critically endangered red wolf.

Wildlife viewing guarantee- The refuge is not a zoo; these are wild animals living freely. There is no guarantee to see any particular species on your trip although I will do my best to make the experience as animal-filled as possible. It is exceedingly rare for wolves to come particularly close to the roads (and that is good for their safety)- most viewing opportunities of this rare canid are from afar.

$800/$1000*

Day Tour- 1-3 People

Sunrise to sunset tour

Price for group, not per person.

Pickup from hotel (if staying in Manteo or Manns Harbor)

Includes : lunch at Poor Richard’s Sandwich Shop; optional mid-day break in Manteo; snacks & water

Does Not Include: admission to any selected Manteo attractions (like the aquarium) & Gratuity (optional)

*Priced at $800 for March 1- May 1 2024 and $1000 for May 2- September 2 2024 due to more intense summer seasons

$500/$700*

Half Day Tour- 1-3 People

Either sunrise- mid day or mid day to sunset

Price for group, not per person.

Pickup from hotel (if staying in Manteo or Manns Harbor)

Includes: snacks & water

Does Not Include: Gratuity (optional)

* *Priced at $500 for March 1- May 1 2024 and $700 for May 2- September 2 2024 due to more intense summer seasons

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FAQs

  • If you’re particularly interested in seeing red wolves, I will tailor your experience to do my best to see them. However, this is a critically endangered species of wolf and we will never bait or harass them. Most wolf sightings are from far away and may be brief. There is never a guarantee to see wolves, but we’re most likely to see them at dawn or dusk.

  • Particularly in the summer, weather in coastal North Carolina can be unpredictable. Many of the roads on the refuge are unsafe during/after heavy rainfall. If weather becomes inclement, your tour may be rescheduled at no extra charge.

  • It’s up to you! I typically have the best animal luck from the car, but we may hike a little if some roads are closed to vehicles.

  • Yes! Children are absolutely allowed. Please keep in mind there may be long periods of time in the car.

  • Every season at the refuge provides unique viewing opportunities. Please see below for a chart on general trends.

  • Particularly in the warmer months, North Carolina can be excruciatingly hot. Wildlife is not nearly as active; additionally, since we start at dawn and days are long, it can make for an exhausting day! By no means is a break following lunch required, but I do recommend it. Clients have chosen to visit local coffee shops, stores, and the super fun North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island. If you stay in Manteo, I can drop you off at your hotel for a short nap.

  • No! If you do have a professional camera, absolutely do bring it along. However, I provide binoculars and wildlife viewing can still be a wonderful experience without a camera.

Use this chart to help you plan when to book your guide at Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge!