Tours are one of the favorite things to do in Hatteras. If you want to know more about Hatteras Island's history and natural world, try seeing the island through the eyes of a tour guide. Hatteras tours range from birding tours to bus tours to canoe tours, and all of them are a great way to get to know the island better.
Featured for Your Visit
Tours in Hatteras
23645 N.C. Highway 12, Rodanthe
The Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station is the nation’s largest and most complete existing example of the life-saving stations that were built along the Atlantic coast in the late 19th century to attend to shipwrecks and to rescue survivors. The 1874 Station was the first operational U.S. Life-Saving Service station built in North Carolina, serving until 1954. Chicamacomico has been partially restored, thanks to numerous volunteers who formed a nonprofit organization to save it, and it is now a fine museum and historic site; all structures are original buildings.
On a visit here you’ll see the 1874 Station, the 1911 Station, two cookhouses, water tanks and a cistern, a stable, a tractor shed, the smaller boathouse and a village home built in 1907. In the museum, you’ll learn about the U.S. Life-Saving Service Station and some of the rescues that occurred here. Artifacts, uniforms, rescue equipment, displays, video presentations and self-guided tours help complete your knowledge of place and history. These stations have many stories to tell. Life-Saving crews at Chicamacomico performed many daring rescues, including one of the greatest rescues of WWI, that of the British tanker Mirlo in 1918. When the Mirlo was sunk by the German submarine U-117, Chicamacomico’s crew rescued 42 of 51 British sailors. The gift shop is full of unique nautical items and works by local craftspeople plus books and old-fashioned toys.
The historic breeches buoy demonstration is held every Thursday at 2 p.m. from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The 100th anniversary of the Mirlo rescue was commemorated on August 16, 2018, with a centennial event.
Check their website for special program information, admission fees and hours of operation and to see what is happening on any given day. Chicamacomico is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit raising all of its own funds; it has no federal, state or other budget.
The Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station is the nation’s largest and most complete existing example of the life-saving stations that were built along the Atlantic coast in the late 19th century to attend to shipwrecks and to rescue survivors. The 1874 Station was the first operational U.S. Life-Saving Service station built in North Carolina, serving until 1954. Chicamacomico has been partially restored, thanks to numerous volunteers who...read more
The Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station is the nation’s largest and most complete existing example of the...read more
Tours in Hatteras
This soundfront recreation center offers rentals of kayaks, sailboats, standup paddleboards (SUP) and windsurfing equipment plus lessons in windsurfing, kiteboarding and SUP. An on-site launching facility makes it easy to slip into the water. They sell SUP, kiteboarding and windsurfing equipment as well as active-inspired clothing and all the gear you need for your favorite watersports.read more
Tours in Hatteras
There’s nothing like a bird’s-eye view of the Pamlico Sound to lift your spirits. Hatteras Parasail can take you hundreds of feet above the islands for a view you won’t forget. Parasailing can be done as singles, tandems or triples. This family-owned company has been operating for more than 20 years. They also rent Waverunners that carry up to three people and offer boat rentals...read more
Tours in Ocracoke
For a local historian’s perspective of Hatteras and Ocracoke islands, you won’t want to miss this bus tour of Hatteras Island. Island native Danny Couch leads tours in a 28-passenger mini-bus, telling fascinating stories and bits of island history along the way. Couch grew up on the island and is passionate about its history. The stories he tells will intrigue you. Tours include Chicamacomico (Rodanthe,...read more
Tours 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
To see a totally different side of the Outer Banks, slip back into the marsh creeks and coves on a kayak. Kitty Hawk Kites offers kayak tours leaving from several locations, including the Manteo waterfront, Kitty Hawk, Alligator River, Pea Island, Bodie Island, Cape Hatteras National Seashore and Corolla. Guides point out features of the area ecology and wildlife and talk about the history of...read more
Take your family on a horseback riding journey on the beach or in Buxton Woods. Lighthouse Horse Rides offers something for everyone, from walks on the beach for more experienced riders to cart rides pulled by a miniature horse or pony for the little ones. Available rides vary by days of the week. The owners of this business love the Outer Banks and their horses...read more
Tours in Hatteras
Feeling adventurous? Little Godspeed Charters has so many Hatteras Island adventures that you could have fun doing a different one every day of your vacation. Capt. David Wilson is a local, seasoned captain who's been running boats for decades. When he decided to retire from offshore fishing, he still had a yearning for being on the water and helping people understand our waterways, so he...read more
Tours in Hatteras
Miss Hatteras, a 75-foot head boat, makes daily trips in season to the fishing grounds, with individuals paying a per-person fee to go along. All the gear and tackle you’ll need, along with instruction from the helpful crew, is provided. On Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays Miss Hatteras takes full-day (6:30 a.m to 4 p.m.) trips to the Gulf Stream to bottom fish for triggerfish,...read more
Want to enjoy a roaring beach bonfire but you don't know where to start to make that happen? Outer Banks Beach Fires will take care of everything. They get the permit, gather up all the supplies and do all the work. All you have to do is relax by the fire, maybe roast a marshmallow or two and enjoy the moonrise. They can accommodate a...read more
Tours 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
Tours in Hatteras
Sailor Jo's offers customized standup paddleboarding excursions, lessons and eco tours and even provides all of the equipment. You can rent an SUP, schedule a private surf lesson, take a yoga class or share the fun and sign the gang up for an SUP party, choosing from flatwater and ocean adventures. read more
Tours in Hatteras
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, weather observations gathered near Cape Hatteras were important for forecasters all along the East Coast. The Hatteras Island weather station was so critical that in 1901 the U.S. Weather Bureau constructed a dedicated Weather Bureau building in Hatteras village, one of only 11 such buildings constructed in the nation at the turn of the century. The building...read more
