This island supports several gorgeous preserves and protected natural areas that are open for the public to visit and that provide excellent things to do on Ocracoke. See a centuries-old maritime forest that served as Blackbeard’s hideaway during the infamous pirate’s final days. Hike through an abandoned village on Portsmouth Island until you reach its beach, a pristine portion of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. These natural environments are brilliant places to see the islands’ history and culture reflected in the vegetation and wildlife.
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
Wildlife Refuges & Programs 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
Wildlife Refuges & Programs 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
Wildlife Refuges & Programs 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
