Ocracoke Island Americas
 

Ocracoke Island sits 26 miles from the North Carolina mainland surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and Pamlico Sound. Nestled against the Graveyard of the Atlantic (a coastal area famous for the many seagoing vessels that wrecked there years ago because it was difficult to navigate), it is accessible only by water and air. The island’s remote location invites visitors looking for a pristine place to swim, fish, surf and explore. No chain hotels exist on the island.

The natural, untouched beauty of Ocracoke Island’s sand, clear sunshine, good waves and clean water caught the attention of Dr. Beach years ago. Visitors have come for the same reasons. In addition, they want to see the Ocracoke Lighthouse, Banker pony herd and learn of the reign of Blackbeard. The Island’s top attractions include:

  • The Ocracoke Lighthouse—The second-oldest operating lighthouse in the nation. Completed in 1823, she stands 75-feet tall with a 25-foot diameter at the base and a gracefully tapered 12-foot top. The building is solid brick and was used by some residents as shelter during bad storms.
  • Banker Ponies—In 1565, Sir Richard Grenville’s ship Tiger ran aground on Ocracoke Island. Some speculate this may have been the origin of Ocracoke’s famous Banker pony herd. The ponies were documented on Ocracoke since European settlers came to stay in the 1730s. In the late 1950s, Ocracoke Boy Scouts cared for the ponies and had the only mounted troop in the nation. By law, the free-roaming animals were penned in 1959 to prevent over-grazing and to safeguard them from traffic after Highway 12 was built in 1957.
  • Teach’s Hole or Channel—In the late 1700s, this area near the harbor in Ocracoke was Blackbeard favorite hangout. It is where he fought, and lost, his last battle. Legend has it his headless body swam around the boat three times before sinking to the bottom. 
Ocracoke Lifeguarded Beach is part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore and can be accessed from the Lifeguarded Beach public parking area ¼ mile north of Ramp 70 on N.C. Highway 12 just outside Ocracoke Village. It offers public parking, beach access, restrooms and changing areas. Lifeguards are on staff Memorial Day to Labor Day, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The length of lifeguarded beach varies with lifeguard availability. The Park Service recommends that swimmers stay within sight of manned lifeguard stands. Red warning flags are posted at lifeguarded beaches when swimming conditions are hazardous.

There’s much more to see and explore around the island, including charter fishing, outstanding bird watching, camping, stories of Civil War and World War II ocean battles and more. Getting to Ocracoke Island is now easier as the state adds additional ferry service during the summer months. During the summer, there are four departures from Swan Quarter on mainland Hyde County and Ocracoke Island. Ferry service is also available from Cedar Island and Hatteras.