Ocracoke Island is open for all amidst the waning COVID-19 pandemic and businesses have opened for the season. ... While the COVID-19 pandemic is not over, health officials do not want to see a resurgence.

Is the ferry from Hatteras to Ocracoke open?

Operations of the Ocracoke / Hatteras Ferry

The Ocracoke / Hatteras Ferry departs from both the Hatteras and Ocracoke terminals daily, including all major holidays, from 5:00 a.m. until midnight.

What is there to do on Ocracoke Island 2021?

• Ocracoke Lifeguarded Beach. 289. ...
• Springer's Point Preserve. 280. ...
• Ocracoke Lighthouse. 1,040. ...
• British Cemetery. 389. ...
• Ocracoke Beach. Beaches. ...
• Ocracoke Pony Pens. 305. ...
• Ocracoke Island Visitor Center. 181. ...
• Ocracoke Preservation Society Museum.

Can you get on Ocracoke Island?

You can get to Ocracoke Island by ferry, private boat, or small airplane. But ferry is by far the most popular way to travel to Ocracoke.

How long is the wait for the Ocracoke ferry?

The only way to get to Ocracoke is by boat (or small plane). Free ferries from Hatteras Island run continuously throughout the summer season to Ocracoke Island; wait times may average one to two hours. During the off-season, the ferry Hatteras ferry runs on the hour.

Ocracoke 2020

What is open on Ocracoke?

Ocracoke Seafood Company (the Fish House): Open daily 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Native Seafood: Open Wednesday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Howard's Pub: Open daily 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Pony Island Restaurant: Open for breakfast, 7 to 11:30 a.m.

Are there wild horses on Ocracoke Island?

Some of the most popular Ocracoke locals are the Wild Ponies, which are protected in a secluded 180 acre area enclosure on the soundside of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, but can still be enjoyed by anyone passing through the island on NC Highway 12. ...

Is Ocracoke worth visiting?

This secluded and tranquil island offers a quiet escape to untouched shores and a charming town well worth exploring! For more ways to make the most of your time in the Outer Banks, be sure to download our complimentary Vacation Guide. It's full of the best things to do and places to see in our area!

Are cars allowed on Ocracoke Island?

Cars are allowed on Ocracoke Island, but parking can be limited. So, just unpack your car and forget about it. There are more fun ways to get around the island.

Do you need a car on Ocracoke Island?

On Ocracoke Island, there really is no need for a car. ... If you're curious about the new passenger ferry or simply want an easy daytrip or overnight stay in Ocracoke, here are a few things to know before you go: The Ocracoke Express runs every day, three times each way, from May 20 through September 5, 2019.

Is Hatteras Island open to visitors?

Cape Hatteras National Seashore is open year-round, although facilities and programs do change throughout the year.

How do I spend a day in Ocracoke?

1. Take a Scenic Ride on the Ferry.
2. Mosey Around the Ocracoke Village.
3. Snap a Photograph of the Ocracoke Lighthouse.
4. Explore the Island by Bike or Golf Cart.

Can you stay on Ocracoke Island?

There are no chain accommodations on Ocracoke Island. The options here range from homey bed and breakfasts to elegant inns and from mom-and-pop motels to luxurious condominium-style suites overlooking the water.

Is Kitty Hawk worth visiting?

The exhibit does not take long to visit but it is fascinating to see the representation of advances in flight from 1903 to 2003. It is definitely worth visitng.

How much is ferry from Cedar Island to Ocracoke?

How much is the Ocracoke - Cedar Island Ferry? The cost to ride the Ocracoke – Cedar Island Ferry varies by vehicle / passenger type. Passengers are charged $1 per crossing, while standard cars and trucks less than 20 feet are charged $15 per crossing, and larger vehicles are charged $30 to $45 per crossing.

How many ponies currently make up the Ocracoke herd?

Although the herd that once freely roamed the island consisted of as many as 300 horses, the Ocracoke pony pen currently contains only 16 horses, the youngest of which is a female named Hazelnut who was born in February 2015.

Can you drive on the beach at Ocracoke Island?

Can you drive on the beach on Ocracoke Island? Driving on the beach is permitted at a number of beaches on Ocracoke Island, year round. Beach drivers must obtain a beach driving permit first from the National Park Service website, or in person at the ranger station near the Ocracoke Campground.

What does the word Ocracoke mean?

Just south of Hatteras is an area known as Ocracoke Island, a landmass that is so remote that you have to take a ferry to access it. ... Based on our research, Ocracoke is said to be named after one of the more unsavory inhabitants of the island, the infamous Edward Teach, more commonly known as Blackbeard.

What restaurants are in Ocracoke Island?

• Back Porch Lunchbox.
• Back Porch Restaurant.
• Dajio.
• Eduardo's Taco Stand.
• Fig Tree Deli and Bakery and Sweet Tooth.
• Helio's Hideaway.
• Howard's Pub.
• Jason's.

Has Ocracoke recovered from hurricane?

Yet Ocracoke is still a community on the mend from the devastation that Hurricane Dorian wreaked one year ago. Away from the main business district, among streets where only residents go, or along the quaint dirt roads that are still a part of the village, there is still a journey to be traveled.

Is there a bridge to Ocracoke Island?

The only way to reach Ocracoke is by ferry, private boat or plane. It wasn't always thus. For a period of about 82 years, Ocracoke Island was joined to Hatteras Island. ... Today, the lack of a bridge lends the Ocracoke a remote feel, even though it's only a few miles from Hatteras.

Where do you catch the ferry to Ocracoke?

From Highway 12, located along the Outer Banks, the Hatteras Ferry crossing is free and takes about one hour. If you're making a day trip to Ocracoke, plan to arrive at the Hatteras Ferry landing as early as possible since it operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

Do you have to take a ferry to get to the Outer Banks?

If you are staying in Ocracoke, you'll need to take a ferry no matter which direction you arrive from! ... From the mainland, there are two ferries to the Outer Banks; each takes about two and a half hours. If you are traveling from the south of the Pamlico Sound, you'll take the Cedar Island to Ocracoke Ferry.