Raleigh Bay is a large, open coastal bay of the Atlantic Ocean, defined by the shoreline stretching approximately 70 miles from Cape Lookout to Cape Hatteras in North Carolina. This is a significant marine area where the tidal exchange between the Atlantic Ocean and the inland Pamlico Sound primarily occurs through major inlets like Hatteras Inlet, Ocracoke Inlet, and Drum Inlet. For paddlers, this means strong tidal currents are a dominant feature, especially in and near these inlets, and trip planning must be centered around tide tables. The bay is exposed to the open ocean, leading to consistent wave action; a typical forecast shows wave heights around 3 feet with a 6-7 second period, and winds frequently reach 15-17 mph, creating challenging conditions and significant fetch. The coastline features sandy beaches, but direct ocean access for launching is limited and would involve navigating a surf zone. A notable protected launch area is the marked channel known as "the slough" at Cape Lookout, a buoyed passage between sandy shoals that is several hundred yards wide and used by commercial fishing vessels. The water is deep close to shore, with depths reaching 100-150 feet within 15 miles of the beach, and it holds numerous artificial reefs and shipwrecks, such as the AR-220 and AR-230 sites, which are submerged structures attracting marine life. The area has historical significance as a shipwreck location. Paddling here is an advanced undertaking suitable for experienced kayakers comfortable in dynamic ocean conditions, with primary considerations being strong tidal currents, exposure to wind and waves, and potential interaction with larger boat traffic, particularly near the inlets and the Cape Lookout channel.