About Ocracoke

One of the barrier islands of the "Outer Banks" of North Carolina, Ocracoke Island is 16 miles long, and bordered by the Pamlico Sound on the west and the Atlantic Ocean on the east. Ocracoke is on the eastern flyway of many migrating water and land birds including sandpipers, herons, willets, cardinals, indigo buntings, grosbeaks, and warblers. Ocracoke and its environs are a birdwatcher's paradise. Bring binoculars if you would like a close up view of the wildlife.

Edward Teach, known as Blackbeard the Pirate, lived, pirated, and died on the waters of Ocracoke Island. Nearby is Teach's Hole, the site where Blackbeard died in hand-to-hand combat with members of the Royal Navy on November 22, 1718. Portsmouth Island, now maintained by the National Park Service, was once a prosperous seaport village. Ships entered the inlet between Portsmouth and Ocracoke to pick up cargo. It was a town of roads, houses, stores, and even a hospital. It is much quieter today, but people still enjoy the beauty and remoteness of this picturesque island.

Ocracoke Links     Directions to Ocracoke     Things to Do   Ferry Information    Village Map

The area offers world class fishing. King mackerel, dolphin, tuna and wahoo are only a short distance outside the inlet. The Gulf Stream is just 60 minutes away. Nature is the real "pirates' gold" of the island! Our island is unmatched in its natural beauty. Soundside fishing is outstanding. Speckle and gray trout, flounder, puppy drum and bluefish are plentiful. Surf fishing can be invigorating with blue blitzes, as well as red drum and whiting runs. South Point is a well known fishing site for a reliable day's catch. Four-wheel drive vehicles are allowed on the beach all year round. With 12 miles of U.S. Park Service Beach, your own private spot is only minutes away. Shelling, kayaking and bird-watching excursions to Portsmouth Village and surrounding sand bars are favorite family activities.

Island Ownership The village of Ocracoke is located on the southern end of the island and makes up approximately 10% of the land mass. All the privately owned land is in the village. The remaining 90% land mass and all of the ocean front is owned and maintained by the U. S. Park Service. Nothing is built on the ocean front.  This makes for outstanding beaches and for nature lovers, it is an ideal vacation spot. You may access the island  by ferry,  private boats and small aircraft.

 

Although Ocracoke Island feels far removed from the city hustle and bustle, it's only about 200 miles east of Raleigh, NC.  From western Carolina take I-40 east to Raleigh; US 70 east to Cedar Island via Morehead City and NC 12 to the ferry. Travelers from the north or south, take I-95 to US 70, near Smithfield, N.C.; and US 70 east to Cedar Island via Morehead City and NC 12 to the ferry. The ferry ride is about two hours.  Take US 264 from Raleigh by way of Wilson, Greenville, Washington (NC) to Swan Quarter. The ferry ride is about two hours and forty-five minutes.   From the northern Outer Banks and Hatteras, follow NC 12 down the Outer Banks crossing the Bonner Bridge at Oregon Inlet. Continue on NC 12 to the village of Hatteras on the southern tip of Hatteras Island. Board the ferry for the forty minute crossing to Ocracoke. The ferry rides are most enjoyable. Feeding the sea gulls, seeing the vast Pamlico Sound from a "Captain's View", or just relaxing and enjoying the ride makes for a special beginning to the island vacation you will long remember. Click Here or on the logo to the right to Visit the NC Ferry System Website Contact the Ferry Office for route information, departure times and to book your reservations 1-800-BY FERRY (1-800-293-3779). Ocracoke also has a small airport for private planes.  Pickup for Edwards of Ocracoke guest can be arranged to and from airport and marina areas.