The sun-kissed beaches and beautiful waters of North Carolina’s Outer Banks are legendary.
Among these natural treasures is a gem that stands out for its safety and charm: the Ocracoke Lifeguarded Beach.
Nestled on the southernmost edge of the Outer Banks, Ocracoke Lifeguarded Beach provides spectacular views, golden beaches, and a sense of security that allows guests to relax and enjoy their beach experience to the best.
Geographical Features Of Ocracoke Lifeguarded Beach
Ocracoke Island, which is 16 miles long and hugs the southern coast of North Carolina, is a substantial portion of the Outer Banks and the most remote destination in the OBX.
In order to reach this island, visitors must either bring their own vessel and sail across the Pamlico Sound or board one of the three North Carolina state ferries that make daily trips to and from the island.
The most popular free Hatteras / Ocracoke ferry is a fast 40-45 minute ride across Hatteras Inlet to the northern portion of the island.
On the southern extremity of Ocracoke, adjacent to the village, two larger and longer ferry routes transport passengers to Swan Quarter or Cedar Island on the North Carolina mainland. Each of these ferries lasts approximately 2.5 hours and is available to the public for a nominal fee.
History Of The Ocracoke Lifeguarded Beach
Like many other parts of the Outer Banks, Ocracoke’s history starts with the European travels in the 1600s. Before that, the Wokokkon Native Americans occasionally came or lived in the area.
Many researchers think they were a more nomadic branch of the Hatterask Native Americans who lived on Hatteras Island, who lived nearby. These Native Americans mostly used Ocracoke as a place to hunt and fish, not always as a permanent home.
It may seem unlikely, but the name “Ocracoke” comes from the Wokokkons. Spanning and infrequent travelers changed the spelling of their names to Woccocock, Okercock, and finally Ocracoke.
Things To Do In Ocracoke To Relax
People are happier with less stimulation when they’re here than in towns. Some simple things to do in Ocracoke are taking a quiet walk on the beach (Cape Hatteras National Seashore), fish and clams, looking for shells, building a sandcastle, walking around the town, sitting on the porch swing, watching nature, or chase ghost crabs at night.
You can walk or ride on the new paved bike path to the Ocracoke Campground. From there, you can take a short walk to the Preservation Museum and the Ocracoke Lighthouse, North Carolina’s oldest lighthouse. You can also visit the ponies and go for a short hike.
1. Ocracoke Duck Hunting
Fourteenth-generation island guide for duck hunting on Ocracoke Wade Austin permits up to six hunters to aim for redheads, widgeons, pintails, bluebills, brants, geese, black ducks, and more.
Curtain boxes or stake blinds are utilized to facilitate hunters. Ocracoke Duck Hunting provides transportation to and from the blinds, provides decoys, and can facilitate accommodation.
2. Rentals For Beach Rides
This service rents 4×4 vehicles, including Jeeps and SUVs, ideal for driving on Ocracoke’s shoreline at Silver Lake Road and N.C intersection.
Highway 12. 4x4s are available for daily or half-day rentals. The necessary ORV driver’s licenses are also included when renting a 4WD vehicle from Beach Ride Rentals.
In addition to offering beach drop-offs and pick-ups, this company leases out convertible cars and scooters for use in the village. To make a reservation, please contact the restaurant.
3. Ocracoke Beach Incidents
If you want to enjoy a beach bonfire without the hassle of setting it up and tearing it down, contact Ocracoke Beach Fires. You need only to sit back and relax as they manage everything else.
They provide the National Park Service permit, chairs, firewood, and trash receptacle (add s’mores, beer, wine, and cheese for an additional cost) and remove everything at the conclusion of the trip.
Just before sunset, they will construct a three-hour private conflagration on Lifeguard Beach. Or, you can attend their weekly Pirate & Sea Tales Beach Fires on Mondays from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. or the Ghost Story Beach Fires on Thursdays from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.; online tickets are available.
4. Boat Ramp At Ocracoke
In the center of Ocracoke village, close to the Cedar Island and Swan Quarter ferry piers, the National Park Service maintains a boat ramp.
The launch area is equipped with two paved ramps for launching vessels into Pamlico Sound, courtesy docks, and ample parking for vehicles and trailers. A Cape Hatteras National Seashore visitor center and facilities are adjacent to the launching area.
5. Ocracoke Waterfowl Hunting
Ocracoke Waterfowl Hunting offers waterfowl enthusiasts a one-of-a-kind location. With 4′ x 8′ bushed blinds available, there is no better way to get near the various species of waterfowl in the Pamlico Sound region.
In addition, a duck canoe is offered. Monroe Gaskill, a native islander and licensed guide, has shown hunters the finest locations for more than three decades, and hunting has been a part of his family for four generations.
Gaskill offers transportation to the blinds, canine resting areas, and a complete set of over 100 decoys per blind. Seasons for hunting vary.
Ocracoke Lifeguarded Beach is a beautiful example of the Outer Banks. It’s more than just a place to spend the day at the beach; it’s a haven. It attracts tourists looking for a break from the every day because it focuses on safety, peace, and natural beauty. Take your sunscreen and beach towels with you, and head to Ocracoke Lifeguarded Beach for a memorable vacation by the water.
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