Ocracoke Quick Facts:
Ocracoke Island is home to the oldest lighthouse in the North Carolina still in service, 2nd oldest in the United States.

Ocracoke Island is ranked the #2 beach in the United States and in the top 10 internationally.

The most famous pirate of all, "Blackbeard" is said to of once roamed the Island.

Ocracoke is home to over 100 homes and several commercial buildings listed on the National Registrar of Historical Places

See The Top 10 Reason's To Visit Ocracoke Island

Ocracoke Island Tourism & Attractions

Ocracoke Lighthouse
Hundreds of ships were lost during stormy weather along the coast of North Carolina. Early mariners relied on compasses and sextants to navigate these waters. The first lighthouse at Ocracoke Inlet was located on Shell Island just inside the inlet. It was completed in 1798, but was soon rendered useless due to shifting channels. The land where the Ocracoke Lighthouse now stands was given to North Carolina in 1790 by several Ocracoke residents. Since the initial construction of the lighthouse and the keeper's dwelling in 1823, gradual improvements have been made. The structure is still in use today and is the oldest lighthouse (and shortest at 75 feet tall) in operation the North Carolina coast. The 8,000 candlepower electric light can be seen 14 miles out to sea. The lighthouse is the first thing most visitors want to see when they come to Ocracoke.

Coastguard Station
Ocracoke's coast guard station was built in 1938 and is located on Silver Lake.

Ocracoke Ponies
Legend says that today's ponies are descended from spanish mustangs left behind by explorers in the 16th and 17th centuries. The ponies may have escaped shipwrecks on the shoals of Carolina, or been deliberately thrown overboard to lighten the load. The ponies were permanently penned in 1959. Today the herd numbers nearly 30 horses. The pen is on Hwy. 12 between the Hatteras/Ocracoke ferry and the village.

Portsmouth Island
Located across the inlet from Ocracoke, Portsmouth was once the largest settlement on the Outer Banks. The Civil War and savage storms played a big part in making it the ``ghost" village it is today. Partially restored, it offers the ultimate in solitude. It is accessible only by boat, and be prepared for mosquitoes. Repellent is a MUST! Call the Austin's to book a trip (928-5431)

Museums
Ocracoke Preservation Society Museum, near the ferry docks in the village is a refurbished Ocracoke house built in 1890. It has a history research library and information on fishing. There is also a gift shop. Open daily. Teach's Hole (928-1718) on the Hwy. 12 in the village houses a pirate exhibit focusing on Blackbeard. It also has old weapons, maps and costumes of the period.

Ocracoke Activities
Birdwatching
The diversity of birdlife on the island makes it a ``birder's paradise". It is a wintering ground for tundra swans, Canadian geese and over 25 species of ducks. In the summer, herons, egrets and a wide variety of ducks make their home here. During Spring and Fall the island transition houses many various species of birds and ducks. Bird books are available at island stores.

Crabbing
A dock or pier is a good place to catch Blue Crabs, but anywhere along the shore will do. Tie a fish head or raw chicken leg to a piece of string and let it go in the water. Sit quietly while the crabs gather, then scoop them in a dipnet and place them in a bucket. Nets can be purchased at many island shops. Steam crabs until they turn red. Meat is sweet and tender.

Fishwatching
Around 4:00 P.M. when the charter boats return from a long day's fishing expedition, islanders and visitors alike line up at the docks to view the days catch, such as tuna, wahoo and dolphin. The boats also land billfish such as blue and white marlin and sailfish, but release most as a conservation measure. Look for the white and blue flags on the boats.

Kayak Tours
Kayak around Ocracoke on an eco tour or follow Blackbeard's trails. Take a trip to Portsmouth Island by kayak and paddle with the dolphins along the way. Tour the creeks of the island with experienced guides. Kayak tours are available at several locations on the island. Rates vary but average around $35 per person. Group rates are available. A fun-filled day or just an hour.

Kiting
Take stunt kite flying lessons or choose one of the many beautiful kites available at stores on the island. Everyone is a child at heart when the wind is blowing and your colorful kite is sailing through the air. Single line and quad line kites are also available for the more experienced kite enthusiast. Kiting contests are held on the Outer Banks several times a year where kites from around the world compete.

Sailing Charters
Sailing the waters off Ocracoke make some people decide to chuck it all and move here permanently! You can play with a school of dolphin or just let the wind billow the cobwebs out of your mind. Charters are available at several locations along the harbor and cost around $10 - $15 per person.