Pirates Quay - 1 South (WP1S)

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Go Beachcombing For Shells

Beachcombing for shells, also called shelling, on the beaches of Ocracoke is an activity enjoyed by all. The best times to look for shells are after a high tide, after a storm, in the morning and during the winter months. When picking up shells from the sand, make sure you check first to make sure nothing is still alive inside the shell. If the shell you choose is still home to a live sea creature, set it back in the sand and keep searching.

Join the Ocrafolk School

The Ocrafolk School is a week of island heritage workshops and fun. They offer courses such photography, pottery, painting and basket weaving. Offered annually and only in October, this is a week you'll never forget! Visit the website, www.OcrafolkFestival.org or call (252) 928-0217 for more details.

Climb the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

The famous Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, located in Buxton on Hatteras Island, is possibly the most famous lighthouse in the nation. At 208 feet tall, it is the tallest brick lighthouse, and has survived a move of more than 1,600 feet and saving it from the danger of an eroding shoreline. The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is open for climbing from late March to early October each year.

Go Boating in the Atlantic Ocean or One of the Local Sounds

There are several docks located throughout Ocracoke to accommodate a range of boat sizes, from small skiffs to large pleasure boats. Many rental properties are equipped with a dock or a bulkhead for your boat. You can also rent a small boat to use during your Ocracoke vacation or consider chartering a boat with an experienced captain to show you the area.

Take a Flightseeing Tour with Coastal Helicopters

Coastal Helicopters offers flightseeing tours, photography and videography flights over the beautiful Outer Banks. You will enjoy panoramic views from the sky with an FAA Certified Commercial Helicopter Pilot when you take your air tour with Coastal Helicopters. The helicopter is a Robinson R-44 Raven II and offers a safe, smooth ride to accompany the unparalleled views. A few attractions that can be seen from the air include Wright Brothers National Monument, Jockey's Ridge State Park, Wild Banker Ponies, Oregon Inlet, Cape Hatteras National Sewashore, Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, Bodie Island Lighthouse, and more! Call Coastal Helicopters today at 252-928-8074 for more information.

Enjoy an Al Fresco Waterfront Dinner

Ocracoke has a number of waterfront dining options where you can sit outdoors and enjoy a lovely breeze off the sound and maybe some live music, too! What could be better than enjoying a cool beverage and a delicious meal as you watch the boats coming in to the harbor for the evening and the watercolor sky lit up with a brilliant sunset. A walk through the heart of the village reveals several waterfront dining options along the shores of Silver Lake Harbor.

Watch the Full Moon Rise and Look For Ghost Crabs at the Beach

Go to the beach on a balmy, summer night and wait for the full moon to come up over the ocean. On a clear night, the full moon rising up over the horizon sometimes has an orange or red tint which is the light from the setting sun filtering through particles in the Earth's atmosphere and reflecting off the moon. It's absolutely beautiful hanging in the sky above the dark ocean waves. When the moonlight floods the beach and reflects brightly off the white sea foam, you will see dozens of ghost crabs skittering about. If the clouds are over the moon, bring a flashlight and see how many ghost crabs you can find!

Take a Free Wildlife Education Program

Stop by the National Park Service Ocracoke Island Visitor Center for information on informative programs including subjects such as Barrier Island Nature, Outer Banks History or Graveyard of the Atlantic. For a closer look at life on a sandy beach, attend Explore the Shore, participate in a talk on the Banker Ponies or join in the Morning Bird Walk. By attending programs and completing a workbook, kids ages 5-13 can become a Seashore Ranger. Offerings and schedules vary by season. For further information on Seashore programs, contact the Ocracoke Visitor Center (252) 928-4531 or check the park website at http://www.nps.gov/caha/planyourvisit/things2do.htm.

Tour the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum

The Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum, located in Hatteras Village, was created to preserve the maritime history and shipwrecks of the Outer Banks throughout history. The museum has a unique design with an entrance modeled after the timbers of the many shipwrecks that have happened along the treacherous Hatteras coast. For more information, contact the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum at (252) 986-2995. Conveniently located next to the Hatteras Ferry Terminal, a museum visit can be combined with other Hatteras Island attractions for a day off the island.

Attend a Free Workout!

Toning Circuit, Anaerobic Circuit, Step Aerobics, Cardio Kick Boxing and more at the Ocracoke Community Center every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7:30 AM (times may vary in the off season). All equipment is supplied for you. Located at 1009 Irvin Garrish Highway on Ocracoke.