Swimming is one of the favorite things to do in Hatteras. Unless you have a private pool at your hotel or vacation rental, swimming on Hatteras Island is limited to the open water sound and ocean. And that’s fine for most of the year. Swimming at the Cape Hatteras beaches is great in the summer and fall because the water is very warm. If you plan on swimming at a Cape Hatteras beach, only go if you’re a strong swimmer. Ocean swimming is much different than pool swimming. If you’re only somewhat confident in your ocean-swimming skills, swim near a lifeguard on Hatteras Island (available only in the summer). Sound swimming is safe for swimmers because the sound is so shallow that you touch the bottom when you’re swimming from shore. Be sure to brush up on swimming safety and rip currents before you swim from the Cape Hatteras beach.
Swimming in Nags Head
The first national seashore in the country, Cape Hatteras National Seashore stretches more than 70 miles along parts of three islands: Bodie Island (just south of Nags Head), Hatteras Island and Ocracoke Island. It is a place for recreation, immersion in nature and inspiration for humans as well as a safe haven for a variety of wildlife. The beautiful barrier island environment is a place...read more
Swimming in Hatteras
Hatteras Island Beaches Safety Information
The Cape Hatteras National Seashore beaches are routinely named on Dr. Steven Leatherman's (aka Dr. Beach) annual Top 10 list of the nation's best beaches. It's a worthy honor – the beaches here are wide and flat with white sand and few crowds.
In North Carolina all of the beach below the high-tide mark is public property. So you can...read more
Swimming in Hatteras
Hatteras Island Ocean Center is an indoor/outdoor nature center that provides a wide variety of interactive educational activities for people of all ages. Nature programs are held on weekdays all summer long, including Sea Turtle Patrol, Kayak Nature Tours and Marsh Madness. Call or see the website for the schedule and prices. The Ocean Center's exhibit room is open from 12 to 5 p.m. Monday...read more
Swimming in Hatteras
The Hatteras Island Park Store is located on the grounds of Cape Hatteras Light Station. No visit to the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is complete without a stop at the Park Store for seashore-related gifts. Lots of parking and restrooms are on site. The Hatteras Island Park Store is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day except Christmas.read more
Swimming in Hatteras
Located on the sound in Salvo, Hatteras Watersports is a family-owned business that’s celebrating 32 years of providing watersports fun on Hatteras Island. Jet Skis, single and two-person kayaks and standup paddleboards can be rented and launched here in this beautiful location. Hatteras Watersports also leads kayak eco-tours in the sound. Between your adventures on the water, this is a great place to hang out,...read more
Swimming in Hatteras
The Haulover Day Use Area is also known as Canadian Hole because it is a hotspot for windsurfers and kiteboarders, many of whom hail from Canada. This soundside access makes a day on the sound very convenient. You'll find plenty of parking plus a bathhouse with rinse-off showers, changing rooms and restrooms. This little beach can be quite the scene when it’s packed with windsurfers...read more
Swimming in Hatteras
The refuge’s visitor center, located on the northern end of Hatteras Island about 4 miles south of Oregon Inlet, is a good place to start a Pea Island visit. It gives an introduction to the ecosystems and wildlife of the refuge and the activities that are permissible there. You may also pick up informational brochures and trail maps. Restrooms and parking are available. You may...read more
Swimming in Hatteras
This is a very cool spot for hanging out by the sound. It got a little beat up in Hurricane Irene, but it’s been fixed up now. When you turn in, head to the right to the northwest corner of the lot. There you’ll find a parking area next to a small cemetery. The sound beach is a superb spot for fishing, launching a kite...read more
