The North Carolina Department of Transportation runs ferry services between the mainland and Ocracoke Island. And yes, you can bring your car or RV with you.
How long is the ferry ride from Ocracoke?
60 minutes
Three vehicle ferries bring cars, trucks, RVs, motorcycles and bicycles to Ocracoke Island. The free Hatteras-Ocracoke Ferry offers multiple trips daily year-round, and the crossing takes 60 minutes.
How far is Ocracoke Island from the mainland?
approximately 20-25 miles
Ocracoke is located approximately 20-25 miles off the mainland coast of North Carolina, (across the Pamlico Sound.)
Is there a ferry from Hatteras to the mainland?
The ferry crosses Hatteras Inlet in roughly 45 minutes and reservations are NOT required. Check the NCDOT Ferry website for current departure schedules. This ferry connects Sea Level, on the mainland, with Ocracoke Village, located on the southwestern part of Ocracoke Island.
Is there a vehicle ferry from Ocracoke to Hatteras?
The Hatteras – Ocracoke Ferry is a free vehicular ferry that connects the southern end of Hatteras Island with the northern end of Ocracoke Island, via a crossing across Hatteras Inlet.
How much does it cost to ride the Ocracoke ferry?
Cedar Island, Ocracoke, Swan Quarter
| Type | One-Way Fare |
|---|---|
| 3-Wheel Motorcycle | $10 |
| Motorcycle with Trailer | $15 |
| Motorcycle with Side Car | $15 |
| Vehicle and/or Combination Less Than 20 Feet | $15 |
What’s special about Ocracoke?
Ocracoke Island is famous for its exceptional shelling and is one of the best shelling destinations on the Outer Banks. Popular finds include whelks, olive shells, moon shells, and the North Carolina State Shell, the Scotch Bonnet.
Are there still wild horses on Ocracoke Island?
Several hundreds of years ago, a shipwreck just offshore left a herd of Spanish mustangs stranded on Ocracoke Island. Their descendants still thrive here today.
Is Ocracoke worth visiting?
Ocracoke Island in the Outer Banks is a wonderful place to visit! And for years I felt like the only person on the east coast who had never been there. But that changed with our first trip to Ocracoke, our foray into the Outer Banks. We’ve returned since because Ocracoke is just so darn enjoyable!
Is there cell service on Ocracoke Island?
Cell phones: Verizon, AT&T, and US Cellular are the mobile services that work best on the island. Sprint has spotty service throughout the island. T-Mobile and Nextel do not work on the island. Ocracoke Island does have a few dead zones north of the National Park Service Campground.
What is the longest ferry ride in North Carolina?
The Swan Quarter ferry is actually the longest of the seven North Carolina routes, and travels 2.5 hours across the quiet North Carolina mainland to Ocracoke Island. The closest “big” towns to Swan Quarter include Bath, Washington, and Belhaven, which makes this route one of the most secluded in the Outer Banks.
How do you get off Ocracoke Island?
Ocracoke is accessible only by ferry, private boat or plane.
How deep is the water between Hatteras and Ocracoke?
General depths in the middle of the sound are 14 to 24 feet, but shoals extend miles from shore in many places. Bluff Shoal, northward of Ocracoke Inlet, has 7 to 12 feet over it and extends completely across the sound.
Can you take your car on the Ocracoke ferry?
The North Carolina Department of Transportation runs ferry services between the mainland and Ocracoke Island. And yes, you can bring your car or RV with you.
Should you take your car to Ocracoke Island?
The north end of the island is part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore and is undeveloped. When you get off the ferry from Hatteras, you drive past 13 miles of open dunes, maritime forest and marshland before you see the village. This is why you need a car on Ocracoke.
Can you sleep on the beach at Ocracoke?
Camping is not allowed on any Outer Banks beaches except in designated campgrounds. There are a couple Oceanside (behind the dune line) campgrounds maintained by the National Park Service (NPS): One in Frisco near the Frisco Air Strip and one on Ocracoke Island.
How do I spend a day in Ocracoke?
Here Is How You Should Spend a Day Trip to Ocracoke Island
- Take a Scenic Ride on the Ferry.
- Mosey Around the Ocracoke Village.
- Snap a Photograph of the Ocracoke Lighthouse.
- Explore the Island by Bike or Golf Cart.
Do you need golf cart on Ocracoke?
You can easily walk, bike, or golf cart around the village. Shops and restaurants have limited parking.
Can you drive cars 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.
Are there rattlesnakes on Ocracoke Island?
In August, a video surfaced on Facebook of a large rattlesnake swimming in the surf at the northeast end of Ocracoke Island. The video showed the reptile slithering out to sea, with its head above the water.
How many wild horses are in Ocracoke?
First recorded by locals in 1730, at one point Ocracoke Island boasted 300 or so wild horses, but today less than 20 horses call the island home. This remaining herd has been fenced in and protected by the NPS since the 1960s, and continue to be some of the island’s most beloved local legends.