This island puts anglers in an enviable location for onshore and offshore charter fishing, and this sport is certainly one of the most popular things to do in Ocracoke. There’s no shortage of places to fish from the harbor, on the pristine beaches and on along the sound. However, if you opt for an Ocracoke fishing charter, it includes the thrill of feeling the ocean wind against your face and a boat rocking underfoot. These experiences take anglers out into the sound or ocean aboard boats equipped with top-of-the-line gear and captained by knowledgeable locals. There’s even the option to slow down the pace of your Ocracoke fishing charter when you choose a guided kayak charter trip, where the savvy guides lead you to excellent spots for finding flounder, trout, sheepshead, cobia and more. Options for Ocracoke fishing charters vary from half-day to full-day trips, so fishermen and women can create the experience that works best for their schedules.
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Thing To Do in Ocracoke
49 Water Plant Road, Ocracoke
For a peek into Ocracoke’s past, visit Ocracoke Preservation Society’s Museum. The nonprofit organization is dedicated to preserving the island’s history and cultural heritage and to protecting its environment. Housed in the turn-of-the-century home of Coast Guard Capt. David Williams, the museum lets visitors glimpse island life in the early to mid-1900s. Many of the architectural elements are intact, and a bedroom, living room and kitchen are decorated with period furnishings donated by island families. The museum has photographs, artifacts and exhibits that pertain to island life and culture. A favorite is a video on the Ocracoke brogue. The museum also houses special rotating exhibits and a gift shop. Upstairs is a small research library that can be used by appointment. In the yard of the museum you can find outdoor exhibits including an old-style cistern and the traditional fishing boat, Blanche, circa 1934. During the summer, OPS hosts free porch talks and museum tours with a variety of islanders sharing their knowledge, stories and history. The museum also offers a mid-week Kids Kraft program for kids. This interactive program is fun and informative and the children leave with a handmade island souvenir. Stop at the OPS gift shop for a schedule of these events. It’s free to visit the museum, though donations are encouraged. It’s open from the end of March through the first week of December.
For a peek into Ocracoke’s past, visit Ocracoke Preservation Society’s Museum. The nonprofit organization is dedicated to preserving the island’s history and cultural heritage and to protecting its environment. Housed in the turn-of-the-century home of Coast Guard Capt. David Williams, the museum lets visitors glimpse island life in the early to mid-1900s. Many of the architectural elements are intact, and a bedroom, living room and...read more
For a peek into Ocracoke’s past, visit Ocracoke Preservation Society’s Museum. The nonprofit organization is...read more
Thing To Do in Ocracoke
There are many theories about how ponies found their way to Ocracoke Island. Some say they arrived on English ships during 16th-century exploration, others say they were victims of Spanish shipwrecks and some say they were simply livestock for the locals. However they got here, the ponies roamed the island freely for at least two centuries and were very much a part of the island...read more
Thing To Do in Ocracoke
Ocracoke Waterfowl Hunting provides a unique site for waterfowl hunters. With 4’ X 8’ bushed blinds available, there is no better way to get close to the various types of waterfowl around Pamlico Sound. A duck boat is available as well. Native islander Monroe Gaskill, a licensed guide, has been showing hunters the best locations for more than 30 years, and hunting has been a part...read more
Thing To Do in Ocracoke
Ocracoke is one of the few remaining working maritime communities. Round out your Ocracoke cultural education and learn about the life and history of the local Ocracoke watermen at this exhibit. Located at the former Will Willis Store & Fish House, ca. 1930, on the Community Square docks, the exhibit explores the traditions and daily lives of island watermen, past and present. The mission of...read more
Thing To Do in Ocracoke
The Ocrafolk Festival is one of the most beloved Outer Banks annual events and traditions. On the first weekend in June, storytellers, musicians and artists bring themselves and their trades to Ocracoke Island for a three-day festival. You can shop directly from artisans and crafters, watch art demonstrations, listen to established and up-and-coming musicians and be absorbed by thrilling tales about Ocracoke Island and North...read more
Thing To Do in Ocracoke
Throughout the summer season, Ocracoke Preservation Society hosts weekly porch talks on topics of local and historical interest. Stop in at the museum for a schedule of these talks and check out their website for more information. read more
Thing To Do in Ocracoke
Portsmouth Island, just across the inlet from Ocracoke Island, is an enchanting place to visit. This uninhabited island is rugged and remote, one of the last Atlantic coast islands that is free of development, thanks to its status as part of the Cape Lookout National Seashore. There is much to do on this island, all of it free and simple, filled with history and the...read more
Thing To Do in Ocracoke
This outfitter takes passengers to Portsmouth Island for four-hour excursions on a remote, uninhabited island. The boat can take up to 12 passengers and leaves Ocracoke three times a day at 8, 9 and 10 a.m. Returns are four hours later, at 12, 1 and 2 p.m. Reservations are required. You can visit both the historic village and the isolated beach for surf fishing and shelling. read more
Thing To Do in Ocracoke
Brothers Rudy and Donald Austin, both former ferry captains, offer boat tours to historic Portsmouth Island. Departing daily from Silver Lake Harbor at the dock shared by the Watermen's Museum, the Austins are excellent guides for local history as well. You can explore the historic village or beach or both. All trips are weather permitting. The Austins are also happy to work with special event...read more
Thing To Do in Ocracoke
Going fishing is one of the most enjoyable ways to spend an afternoon on Ocracoke's pleasant soundside waters, and you can explore the waters between Ocracoke and Portsmouth Island on your own. You are the captain when you rent one of the Restless Native center console 18' to 24' boats. The Pamlico Sound offers beautiful sightseeing, fishing and clamming. Enjoy a day over at Portsmouth...read more
Thing To Do in Ocracoke
Capt. Rob Temple will take you for sunset cruises, 1.5-hour sails, private charters and weddings at sea on the 32’ schooner Windfall II (for up to six passengers). You can sign up for any of these excursions by phoning for a reservation or stopping by the Community Square docks. The tour leaves the harbor and sails into Pamlico Sound to Teach's Hole, where Blackbeard was...read more
Thing To Do in Ocracoke
Springer’s Point covers about 120 acres of maritime forest, tidal red cedar forest, salt marsh, wet grasslands and soundfront beach bordering Pamlico Sound near South Point. In 2002 after 10 years of research and negotiation, the North Carolina Coastal Land Trust purchased a 31-acre tract of this land and established a nature preserve. A high point of land overlooking the inlet, Springer’s is believed to...read more
Thing To Do in Ocracoke
Ocracoke Civic & Business Association Contributor
Interested in kitesurfing? This is your place on Ocracoke Island. The Sea Monkey Kite Lodge owner Keith Croghan is the ambassador of kiting on the island and gladly shares his love of the island and sport. With more than 15 years of experience teaching kite-surfing lessons, Keith operates the island's only kite school for all levels from beginners to advanced riders looking to enhance their skills and experience some of Ocracoke’s truly world-class kiting conditions and scenery. Beginner lessons are held in the safe, shallow, calm waters of the Pamlico Sound. For more advanced riders, Keith facilitates downwinders and excursions as well as tricks and wave-riding clinics. Want to graduate from the sound to the surf? This is the place! The guided downwinders are truly hidden gems through some of the island’s more hard-to-reach and untouched places. Keith also offers multi-day kite camps for all levels as well as sailing lessons on 15’ daysailers.
Keith operates a boutique kite lodge and budding permaculture ranch. The guest house, a perfect base for all your adventures, serves as the center for like-minded windsports and watersports enthusiasts. The lodge offers accommodations for larger groups but also welcomes solo travelers, with options of booking the whole property for your group, private rooms or even the occasional van/tent/coach camper. Tucked away on a quiet creek with plenty of shade and a well-provisioned kitchen, it’s got everything you need and is centrally located within walking distance to shops, bars and restaurants.
Interested in kitesurfing? This is your place on Ocracoke Island. The Sea Monkey Kite Lodge owner Keith Croghan is the ambassador of kiting on the island and gladly shares his love of the island and sport. With more than 15 years of experience teaching kite-surfing lessons, Keith operates the island's only kite school for all levels from beginners to advanced riders looking to enhance their...read more
Interested in kitesurfing? This is your place on Ocracoke Island. The Sea Monkey Kite Lodge...read more