Things to Do on Ocracoke: Swimming

Surf in the ocean, swim around Silver Lake, splash in the sound – Ocracoke Island has no shortage of opportunities for a wet and refreshing thing to do on Ocracoke. The Ocracoke beach offers 16 miles of protected seashore, and the temperatures in the ocean can hit mid-80 degrees in the summer. On days when the ocean experiences rough waves and strong currents, take a break from the Ocracoke beach, and head to the gentler waters on island’s sound side. And for hot summer days in the midst of exploring the village, a quick dip in Silver Lake’s sparkling water leaves you feel pleasantly refreshed.

Beach on Ocracoke Island

Swimming in Ocracoke

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Ocracoke’s beach has attracted increasing national attention as it worked its way up on Dr. Beach’s acclaimed annual list of 10 Best Beaches in the USA; he named Ocracoke's Lifeguard Beach (formally called Ocracoke Beach Access) as America's #1 beach in 2007 and 2022. The beach is wide and clean and there are plenty of spots where, with a little effort, you can enjoy it undisturbed by...read more

Cape Hatteras National Seashore

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The first national seashore in the country, Cape Hatteras National Seashore stretches more than 70 miles along parts of three islands: Bodie Island (just south of Nags Head), Hatteras Island and Ocracoke Island. It is a place for recreation, immersion in nature and inspiration for humans as well as a safe haven for a variety of wildlife. The beautiful barrier island environment is a place...read more

Springer’s Point

Swimming in Ocracoke

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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