Paddle Under the Light of the Moon
Full Moon Paddles offer a guided evening kayak experience on calm water during the brightest night of the month.
When you join a Full Moon Paddle, you launch as the sun sets and paddle under the light of a full moon reflecting off the water. The experience is calm, scenic, and unlike a typical daytime rental. Aquatic Adventures schedules these guided evening trips around the lunar calendar, and each paddle includes a kayak, paddle, and life jacket along with guidance before and during the trip. You follow the group at a relaxed pace, stopping to float in quiet sections where the moonlight creates clear reflections and the surroundings are noticeably quieter than during the day.
Full Moon Paddles attract adults and confident beginners looking for something beyond a standard trip. The atmosphere is different because of the lighting, the cooler evening air, and the way sound carries across the water at night. You do not need advanced paddling skills, but you should feel comfortable steering a kayak and following directions in low light. The guide stays with the group the entire time and uses a headlamp or light stick to remain visible.
Reserve your spot for the next Full Moon Paddle before it fills up in Charlotte and surrounding areas.
What the Evening Looks Like From Check-In to Return
You check in about thirty minutes before the scheduled launch time, and the guide confirms the group size and distributes life jackets and paddles. The guide explains what to expect during the paddle, how to stay visible, and what to do if you need to stop or fall behind. Once the group launches, the guide sets a slow pace and points out reflections, wildlife, and landmarks that are easier to notice in the stillness of evening.
After you return to the dock, you notice how different the water felt at night compared to a daytime trip. The moonlight made it easier to see than you expected, and the quiet atmosphere changed the way you heard the paddle cutting through the water and the sounds of the shore. The guide kept the group together without making it feel rushed, and the trip felt more like an event than a routine paddle.
Full Moon Paddles are scheduled only a few times each month based on the lunar calendar, and spots fill quickly because the dates are limited. The guide carries a safety kit and communication device, and the route is chosen based on current conditions and moon visibility. The trip does not include food, drinks, or transportation to the launch site, so plan to arrive on time and bring water if you want it.
These questions help people decide if a Full Moon Paddle fits their comfort level and what they are looking for in an evening outing.
What to Know Before You Reserve Your Spot
What makes a Full Moon Paddle different from a regular kayak trip?
A Full Moon Paddle takes place in the evening under moonlight, creating a quieter and more scenic atmosphere than a daytime trip. The route is the same type of calm water, but the lighting and timing make the experience feel distinct.
How much light is there during a Full Moon Paddle?
The full moon provides enough light to see the water, the shoreline, and other paddlers clearly once your eyes adjust. The guide also uses a light to stay visible, and participants are encouraged to bring a small headlamp or light stick.
When should I book my spot for a Full Moon Paddle?
Full Moon Paddles are scheduled only during the nights closest to the full moon each month, so availability is limited. Booking at least two weeks ahead is recommended, especially during summer months when demand is highest.
What happens if I have never paddled at night before?
The guide provides extra instruction before launching and stays with the group throughout the paddle. The pace is slower than a daytime trip, and the route is chosen for calm water and minimal obstacles.
Why is this trip only available certain nights of the month?
The trip is scheduled around the full moon to take advantage of the brightest natural light, which makes the water easier to navigate and the scenery more visible. Outside of the full moon window, there is not enough moonlight to safely guide a group.
Aquatic Adventures schedules Full Moon Paddles throughout the season, and each trip offers a unique way to experience the water after dark. The combination of moonlight, calm conditions, and guided support makes the paddle accessible even for people who have never kayaked at night. Contact Aquatic Adventures to confirm the next available date and reserve your spot before the limited slots are claimed.