Kay Lynn brings 20+ years of expertise in eco-tourism and outdoor adventure, having guided thousands through the biodiverse waterways of Wilmington and surrounding areas. As a certified ACA Kayak Instructor and Wilderness First Aid provider, Kay Lynn ensures both an adventurous and safe experience for all guests. Her guiding expertise extends beyond Wilmington, including leading kayak tours in the Florida Keys.

Before launching Wilmington Outdoor Adventures in 2021, Kay Lynn managed three nature parks on a small Caribbean island, overseeing a marine park, a national park, and a botanical garden. She then transitioned to southern Louisiana, where she worked as a Biologist/Project Manager for a leading consulting firm. Kay Lynn spent over a decade directing environmental education programs for a nonprofit in southern North Carolina. She also served as Preserve Manager for The Nature Conservancy at Palmyra Atoll, the second largest Marine Protected Area on the planet. 

Hanah is passionate about wildlife and inspiring others to appreciate the natural world through education and hands-on experiences. Growing up on the water in Charleston, South Carolina, she developed a deep connection to nature from an early age. Her journey began by leading kayak ecotours in Charleston, where she discovered how powerful it can be to help people connect with their environment. Hanah is CPR and Wilderness First Aid certified, as well as kayak rescue trained, ensuring every paddle is both safe and memorable. When she’s not on the water, you can find her practicing yoga, running outdoors, capturing moments through photography, or roller skating with friends.

Vic believes the Earth is our playground and loves facilitating group learning through play and curiosity. She is passionate about environmental stewardship and hopes to inspire others to care for our planet through adventure and knowledge.

With a background in Elementary Education and working in traditional classroom settings, Vic has found she feels most alive and inspired when learning and teaching in the classroom of nature. She spent two and a half years in South East Asia, guiding “voluntourism” group trips, where she worked with hundreds of teens and young adults, to work on locally led and sustainable projects. Through this work she has seen, in both herself and other participants, how much growth can happen when people leave their comfort zones. Vic is certified in Wilderness First Aid and ACA kayak rescue trained.

Tonya is a New England native who relocated to the Wilmington area in 2019, drawn by a lifelong love of the coastal lifestyle. An avid kayaker with more than 25 years of paddling experience, she is also certified in Wilderness First Aid, CPR, and ACA Kayaking, and takes every opportunity to be out on the water.

When she’s not kayaking, she enjoys just about anything that gets her outdoors, including hiking, mountain biking, beach days, and exploring new places with her dogs. A devoted animal lover, she is a passionate advocate for animal rescue and adoption and never misses a chance to spoil her pups.

Melissa discovered her love for kayaking during years of family vacations, where paddling became her favorite way to explore places most people never get to see. From coastal waterways to her unforgettable adventure on Arizona’s Salt River—where wild horses casually swim alongside kayakers—she fell in love with the magic of wildlife encounters and hidden natural beauty. With over 15 years of paddling experience, Melissa now guides others so they can create their own unforgettable memories and experience the wonder of the Southeast coastline from the best seat in the house: a kayak.

Known for her friendly, outgoing personality and full-on nature nerd enthusiasm, Melissa loves pointing out wildlife and small details that often go unnoticed. When she’s not on the water, you’ll find her biking, hiking, running, practicing beach yoga, or hanging out with her two golden retrievers. Whether you’re new to kayaking or ready for your next adventure, Melissa brings fun, curiosity, and calm confidence to every paddle — making each tour equal parts relaxing, educational, and memorable.

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Ryleigh is passionate about exploring the natural world and sharing its wonders with others. A Wilmington, NC local for over a decade, she blends her knowledge of the area’s ecosystems with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Environmental Science with minors in Marine Biology and Sustainability from UNC-Wilmington. With hands-on experience working with birds, reptiles, and mammals, as well as conducting research on both native and invasive species, she has gained a deep understanding of local wildlife and habitats. Certified in Wilderness First Aid, CPR and ACA Kayaking, she ensures every kayak tour is both safe and engaging. Growing up kayaking the lakes of Michigan, Ryleigh developed an early love for water, which continues to inspire her work. When she’s not leading eco-guided tours, she enjoys nature photography, gardening, and hiking. She is dedicated to helping others connect with the environment, fostering a deeper appreciation for nature, and creating unforgettable experiences on the water."