"Sail Away to Ocracoke!" Top 5 Page for this destination Ocracoke Island by NC_Ziggy

Ocracoke Island Travel Guide: 71 reviews and 109 photos

Sailing into a New Sunrise! - Ocracoke Island

Making Way to the Outer Banks!

After 6 hours and a night of driving through intermitten rain, we arrived at Swan Quarter, NC to begin our journey to the Outer Banks of North Carolina! Though hardly anyone slept prior to our departure from our homes and only the little ones slept during the drive, we still had a feeling of excitment and anticipation as we arrived to a clear, sunny morning...

It is here at Swan Quarter where you can drive aboard the ferry and choose from several destinations to begin your memorable experience to the historical and scenic Outer Banks. We choose to take the southern route to Ocracoke Island, then another ferry to Hatteras Island, and then an 80 mile drive on Highway 12 between the ocean and the sound to our final destination of Nags Head.

*** A special note: Not to be unkind to Ocracoke Island as we only were there for a few hours, but it seemed to me quite small and with less room to roam, especially by car. I'm pretty sure, however, that if you want a relaxing place to stay where walking or travel by bike is preferred, this may be just the place for you! Travel to and from the island is by ferry only, though I think there may be a small airfield for those fortunate enough to have your own plane. ***

Though I have been a resident of North Carolina my entire life, except for my Army years, I had never visited the Outer Banks of my own state... What a BOOB I AM! (Your participation and/or agreement is not required...) All I can say to you is this, If you ever have the opportunity to visit this place... Do It! Perhaps you should even consider "making" the opportunity as I think you will appreciate your decision! Come along as we begin our voyage and subsequent time spent on... The Outer Banks!

Pros and Cons

Pros:Small, Intimate & Historical Island
Cons:Access to Island by Ferry only
In a nutshell:Great Place to visit, but I prefer more freedom to roam by car than the Island affords...

Last visit to Ocracoke Island: Jun 2005
Intro Updated Sep 13, 2005
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Reviews (15)

Western Side of Silver Lake Harbor - Ocracoke Island

View into Silver Lake Harbor Things to Do (11)

And now, we continue with our story, "The Queen Anne's Revenge" or "Some Days I feel Like I've Completely Lost My Head",... more travel advice

We've Come to Plunder & Pillage, Ye! - Ocracoke Island

Silver Lake Harbor Things to Do (11)

The view of Silver Lake Harbor as you enter is not so spectatular as it is striking. Yes, the lighthouse is clearly... more travel advice

Ahoy, Mateys! Prepare to be Boarded! - Ocracoke Island

Entering Silver Lake Harbor Things to Do (11)

Blackbeard the Pirate used to hide here! Arrrrrrrrrrggggh! Now doesn't this look like a great place to hide? It would... more travel advice

How Many Lives Have You Saved? - Ocracoke Island

Visit The Ocracoke Lighthouse Things to Do (11)

The Ocracoke Lighthouse is truly a sight to behold, especially if it is the first lighthouse you've ever viewed as it... more travel advice

Transportation (2)
See All Crossing Ferries....
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Comments (12)

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Sara_-_ Feb 12, 2009 at 11:59 AM

I have read your comment, and i have also discovered a seagul with no legs, it gave me many questions aswell, ecspecially how it lands! ?
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mitch29160 Oct 11, 2008 at 12:47 AM

you need to read more travel tips. what did you think of the small pirate museum?
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Shihar Mar 21, 2006 at 4:37 PM

Hey Ziggy... thanks for the great ocracoke tips! I'm going camping there next month. you have me beat.. I lived in NC for 4 years and never to OBX! FYI- those are Laughing Gulls you were admiring..
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Trekki Jan 25, 2006 at 12:21 PM

Hihi, wonderful page - I love your story of blackbeard and laughed very much about poor seagulls and their hard decisions :-))) And beautiful lighthouse !!! Thanks for leading me here :-))
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cazz38 Jan 21, 2006 at 6:23 AM

What a lovely page Steve,it looks beautiful i would watch the seagulls for hours!!total relaxation.
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mizzzthanggg Sep 12, 2005 at 9:23 PM

lovely! and do they do the hokey kokey in Ocracoke! ;-)
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littlesam1 Sep 8, 2005 at 12:31 PM

I loved all of the Blackbeard information. I also was intrigued by the pirate lore when I was on the Outer Banks.
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arasnosliw Aug 3, 2005 at 9:44 AM

Alas, you made it to the Outer Banks. This looks like a beautiful place to escape to. I kind of have a thing for ferries.
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Stephen-KarenConn Jul 14, 2005 at 12:35 PM

As lighthouse buffs this is high on our list of places to see. We'll make it to Ocracoke someday - maybe summer after next. That 2 hour and 45 minute ferry rides sounds like something we would enjoy.
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ferdnbean Jul 13, 2005 at 8:22 PM

Nice Page. Lighthouse hunting is one of my hobbies, so I will try to see this one next week! Ferd