13 Hours, 2 Ferries, 3 Lighthouses, Crazy Wildlife
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An amazing day exploring the OBX (Outer Banks)
We are only in the area for a few days so we decided to make a big loop and hit the highlights. We caught the first and only at this time of year from Swan Quarter. The 2-1/2 hour ferry crosses Pamlico Sound to the island of Ocracoke which can only be accessed by boat or plane. This ferry cost $15.00 US for the 2 of us in a car ($45.00 total for a motorhome like ours - maximum height 13'6" is allowed). There were 2 snack/drink machines on board so bringing a packed lunch or snacks wouldn't be a bad idea. The trip was calm and comfortable, we saw a couple of dolphins and shrimp boats while walking around the deck but it is hard to see out when sitting inside so I'd bring a book or something to do to pass the time.
Our time was limited in Ocracoke but we loved the laid back atmosphere and look forward to a longer visit camping on the island. The one town is best explored by bicycle, on foot or in a rented golf cart. It has a lighthouse, a British Cemetery, beautiful harbour and plenty of restaurants. We had a tasty lunch at Eduardo's, a permanent food truck specializing in Mexican. From the small town of Ocracoke on the south end to the north end where we caught a second ferry to leave the island for Hatteras the island is basically a sand dune with miles of beaches. It is popular to drive a 4 X 4 on the beaches and the Atlantic side is known for shell collecting.
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| Ocracoke Island - Main road |
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| British Cemetery |
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| As far as you can see |
The ferry from Ocracoke to Hatteras weaves in and around sand bars for an hour to go a fairly short distance. It was fun to be sailing within feet of sandbars, a squadron of pelicans and massive uprooted trees which have been tossed up in storms. This ferry is free, even for motorhomes.
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| A squadron of Pelicans |
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| Free ferry |
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| Close to shore |
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| Ferries weaving through the shallows |
On Hatteras and Bodie Islands, we stopped at two beautiful lighthouses before heading back for what we thought would be an uneventful drive. It was dark by now but still more than surprising to see a bear, an otter, a pile of deer and a raccoon on our trip back, kept us alert for sure.
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| Cape Hatteras Lighthouse |
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| Bodie Island Lighthouses |
This is a wonderful area and we look forward to visiting again to stay at some of the National Park Campgrounds (there are private ones too).
To do next time: Camp at one or two of the National Park Campgrounds on Ocracoke and Hatteras. Ranger says there is not trouble getting space in Ocracoke except for long weekends.
We are only in the area for a few days so we decided to make a big loop and hit the highlights. We caught the first and only at this time of year from Swan Quarter. The 2-1/2 hour ferry crosses Pamlico Sound to the island of Ocracoke which can only be accessed by boat or plane. This ferry cost $15.00 US for the 2 of us in a car ($45.00 total for a motorhome like ours - maximum height 13'6" is allowed). There were 2 snack/drink machines on board so bringing a packed lunch or snacks wouldn't be a bad idea. The trip was calm and comfortable, we saw a couple of dolphins and shrimp boats while walking around the deck but it is hard to see out when sitting inside so I'd bring a book or something to do to pass the time.
Our time was limited in Ocracoke but we loved the laid back atmosphere and look forward to a longer visit camping on the island. The one town is best explored by bicycle, on foot or in a rented golf cart. It has a lighthouse, a British Cemetery, beautiful harbour and plenty of restaurants. We had a tasty lunch at Eduardo's, a permanent food truck specializing in Mexican. From the small town of Ocracoke on the south end to the north end where we caught a second ferry to leave the island for Hatteras the island is basically a sand dune with miles of beaches. It is popular to drive a 4 X 4 on the beaches and the Atlantic side is known for shell collecting.
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