A Handful of Things to Do on The Crystal Coast in the Southern Outer Banks, North Carolina

1. Visit the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores

From a mountain stream high up in the mountains of Western North Carolina to the clear blue ocean on its coast, this aquarium brings you on a journey from the cold waters of freshwater fish to snakes, turtles, otters, nature walks, gators, and large sharks of its saltwater ocean.  Great for kids of all ages.  Seminars and two touch ponds!  Admission to enter.
https://www.ncaquariums.com/pine-knoll-shores
1 Roosevelt Blvd, Pine Knoll Shores
252-247-4003

2. Take a Sunset Cruise with H2O Captain Eco-Tour Private Boat Excursions

Mild evenings, friends & family, skilled and safe Captain, and a big orange ball setting over Bogue Sound.  WOW!  Up to 6 passengers will delight in the setting sun as they also will travel 4 miles of Shackleford Banks as well as the Rachel Carson Reserve in search of the wild horses, plus go through the quaint town of Beaufort and the seaside fishing village of Morehead City, home of the Big Rock Tournament (see below), before the final curtain goes down over Bogue Sound.  3 hours of WOW!
https://h2ocaptain.com
Located at Coral Bay Marina 4531 Arendell St, Morehead City
202-369-1063

3. Learn at the Beaufort Historic Site

If there is a town square in North Carolina’s third oldest quaint walkable town, it is the Beaufort Historic Site.  Originally a fishing village and port of safety dating from the late 1600’s, Beaufort has been visited by patriots, privateers, merchants, and skilled craftsmen who built Bahamian and West Indian style homes and public buildings.  Tours, Gift Shop, and the Olde Burying Ground a short walk away.
https://beauforthistoricsite.org
130 Turner Street, Beaufort
252.728.5225

4. Hike the Ft. Macon State Park trail system

Who says there’s no good hiking at the beach?  The 3.2m Elliott Coues Nature Loop Trail takes you from the ocean to salt marshes, to high elevation dunes home of deer and other animals.  It starts (and ends) at Ft. Macon State Park, of American Civil War relevance, one of the most visited State Parks in NC.  Tours are also available at the Fort along with a Visitor’s Center and Bookstore.  Drive east/north on the island on Route 58 until the end just past USCG Station Ft. Macon.
https://www.ncparks.gov/state-parks/fort-macon-state-park/trails
252-726-3775

5. Watch The Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament boats pull in

This annual event attracted 302 boats, with the winner weighing in at 516 lbs. and a total purse of $7.5m last year.  Basketball great Michael Jordan on his own boat has joined the ranks for the last few years vying for the top prize.  Just drive to Downtown Morehead City and look up!  You won’t miss where to go June 6-15, 2025.  Free to watch.
https://thebigrock.com
(252) 725-1568

A Handful of Fun Things To Do on The Crystal Coast in the Southern Outer Banks, North Carolina

     1.  Hit the Beach(s)

Bogue Banks is a beautiful barrier island, stretching approximately 25 miles. It's known for its stunning beaches and charming communities. Here are some highlights:

Emerald Isle: Located at the western end of Bogue Banks, Emerald Isle offers 12 miles of pristine shoreline and incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean and Bogue Inlet. It's a popular spot for watersports, fishing, and simply relaxing on the sand.
Pine Knoll Shores: This beach is known for its straightforward appeal and minimal frills. It's a great low-cost DIY vacation spot with well-maintained public access points and free parking.
Indian Beach, and Salter Path: These communities offer a mix of public and private beach access points.  Atlantic Beach, with amenities like showers, restrooms, a small food court, picnic areas, and has the largest parking areas.

Getting to the island: There is a Causeway on either side of the island (Atlantic Beach and Emerald Isle) to drive to the beach from the mainland.

     2.  Stay at The Pecan Inn Bed & Breakfast, then walk and shop the quaint town of Beaufort.

Stan and Christine, their innkeepers, prepare delightful breakfast options daily. Enjoy your morning meal in their elegant dining room, on the outdoor porch, or in the tranquil garden patio. Each afternoon, the breakfast menu is posted in the dining room.  From 3:00 pm to 5:30 pm, indulge in freshly baked treats, a variety of snacks, and a selection of hot and cold beverages available in the dining room.

They take great pride in maintaining impeccable cleanliness and food safety. Our Inn is NC ServSafe Certified with a perfect 100% rating for cleanliness and food preparation. We have also been honored with the NC Green Travel Three Dogwood Recognition for our sustainable practices and efforts to reduce our carbon footprint.

Contact
Pecan Tree Inn
116 Queen Street, Beaufort
Your Innkeepers: Stan and Christine
(252) 728-6733 or 1-800-728-7871
https://pecantree.com

     3.  Bucket List Item: Experience the wild horses and discover great shelling

This Bucket List Item can be found on Shackleford Banks or you can visit the Iconic Cape Lookout Lighthouse with H2O Captain Eco-Tour Private Boat Excursions.  National Park Service Authorized Tour Guide 6 years in a row!

Contact
H2O Captain Eco-Tour Private Boat Excursions
Located at Coral Bay Marina, 4531 Arendell St, Morehead City
USCG Licensed 100 Ton Master Captain Mark
202-369-1063
https://h2ocaptain.com

     4.  Good Eats can always be found at Bahia Beach House & Surf Bar on the Atlantic Beach Circle.

What is Bahia in English?  Bay [noun] a wide inward bend of a coastline, and you can walk in from being on the AB beach in just 2 minutes.  Bahian food is a flavorful mix of African, European, and indigenous ingredients. Seafood specials, aged beef, and vegan dishes are deliciously served. 

Although Bahia has wonderful desserts, not to mention a great vibe both inside and outside, toward the beginning of the Atlantic Beach Circle you can finish off your most scrumptious meal with an ice cream cone at Sunset Slush of Atlantic Beach & Ice Cream at 112 West B Drive.

Contact
Don is the owner/manager
208 West Dr, Atlantic Beach
(252) 499-9033
https://bahiabeachhouseab.com/

To keep your stress level low:  Parking is costly and a competitive sport in this area.  Do not make reservations before 6pm during the main season, unless you are walking in from the beach!

     5.  Go Fish at the Bogue Inlet Fishing Pier, located in the town of Emerald Isle

You do not need a NC Coastal Recreational Fishing License if you fish from their pier and parking is always free for fishermen. No equipment?  No problem as they have for rent your rod, pier pass, bait and tackle! In 2024 16 different game fish were caught from the pier.  Want to know what’s going on there, click here for their pier cam https://bogueinletpier.com/pier-cam/
After a few hours of fishing, you’ll want to stop at the base of the pier at Surf’s Up Grill & Bar to quench your thirst and tummy!

Located at 100 Bogue Inlet Drive, Emerald Isle  (252) 354-2919

More information on The Crystal Coast at https://crystalcoasthospitality.com 

It’s for the Birds!  The Birds of Cape Lookout National Seashore

First of all, what and where is the Cape Lookout National Seashore?  This is a National Park located in the State of North Carolina which encompasses three undeveloped and uninhabited barrier islands on the southern Outer Banks along the Crystal Coast.  The first is Shackleford Banks, located east of Emerald Isle and Atlantic Beach.  The other two are North and South Core Banks.  These are part of North Carolina’s Outer Banks.  At the Southern end of South Core Banks the Cape Lookout Lighthouse is hosted.  North Core Banks hosts the site of the deserted village of Portsmouth, which was the first town established on the Outer Banks.  All together these islands make up a 56 mile-long section.

This National Park is only accessible by private or commercial boat. If you intend to hire a boat and a Captain, both would require a National Park Permit and be inspected by the U.S. Coast Guard.

Most visitors are attracted to The Park to experience the Wild Horses of Shackleford Banks or to discover great shelling opportunities.  But to round off a trifecta of ecotour outdoor activities at this beautiful seashore, birdwatching must be a part of your plans.

Below is a tabulation of the birds of the Cape Lookout National Seashore. Feel free to write to Captain Mark atThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., a National Park Permittee and Owner/Operator of H2O Captain Eco-Tour Private Boat Excursions, to ask specifically which birds, such as Sparrows, warblers, Sandpipers, vultures, etc., are prevalent and in which season on these barrier islands.

Photo by Captain Mark and Courtesy of H2O Captain Eco-Tour Private Boat Excursions

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"Shellebrate" on Shackleford Banks on the Crystal Coast in North Carolina

Some of the best shelling in NC, and indeed on the Atlantic Coast, is located on Shackleford Banks in the Southern Outer Banks of NC.

It is on this uninhabited, except for the wild horses who have resided here for the past 400-500 years where you will find 8.25 miles of pristine beach containing an abundance of shells including:

•The Official Seashell of NC, the Scotch Bonnet (Note: difficult to find fully intact)

• The Official Seashell of Virginia, the Eastern Oyster (same as Mississippi)

• The Official Seashell of SC, the Lettered Olive

• The Official Seashell of Georgia, the Knobbed Whelk

• and on a lucky day The Official Seashell of Florida, the Horse Conch

Other shells to be found are:
Bay Scallops, The Atlantic Moon Snail also called Shark's Eye, Atlantic Jackknife Clams, Queen or Empire Helmets, Coquinas, Lightning Whelks, Sand Dollars, Augers, Florida Fighting Conch, and Wampum, etc.

The best times of the day to find shells for your collection are on an ebb tide, at times of low visitation by humans for example between Memorial Day through Labor Day, after a storm, or when you find yourself at the beach.

To avoid the crowded eastern and western shores of Shackleford, where ferries offload up to 50 tourists at a time, consider engaging a private boat captain. They can guide you to the less-traveled central areas of the island, away from the ferry routes. However, it’s important to choose a captain who holds a National Park Permit, as Shackleford is protected under the National Seashore regulations. Before embarking, verify their permit, which is typically displayed as a decal on the boat’s windshield. These authorized boats can accommodate 1-6 passengers and offer personalized tours, including guided walks to the island’s prime shelling locations.

H2O Captain Eco-Tour Private Boat Excursions proudly stands among the select group of operators granted a National Park Service permit. To ensure an exclusive and environmentally conscious shelling adventure, reach out to them directly. You can secure your booking by visiting https://h2ocaptain.com or by calling 202-369-1063. As part of their commitment to sustainability, every group embarking on a shelling excursion receives a complimentary reusable shelling bag to cherish as a memento from their eco-friendly journey.

Happy Shelling! 😊

Photo Courtesy of H2O Captain Eco-Tour Private Boat Excursions

The Turtles of Cape Lookout and Shackleford Banks at the Crystal Coast, NC

Shackleford Banks as well as Cape Lookout is a renowned nesting ground for four distinct sea turtle species: the Loggerhead, Kemp’s Ridley, Green, and Leatherback turtles. These magnificent creatures deposit between 80 to 150 eggs, carefully camouflaging their nests with sand using their hind flippers. Approximately 59 days later, the hatchlings, each about two inches in length, must excavate their way out of the nest and embark on a perilous trek to the sea, dodging predators like seagulls and ghost crabs.

To safeguard these vulnerable nests, The National Park Service staff, which gives its permit to H2O Captain Eco-Tour Private Boat Excursions to bring passengers to both the Cape and Shackleford Banks, diligently patrols the beaches daily. During the critical incubation period, nests are encircled with white PVC pipes to shield them from vehicular harm and facilitate monitoring. Additionally, plastic screens fortify the nests against predatory interference and erosion due to wave actions. Visitors to Cape Lookout National Seashore are urged to respect these conservation efforts by steering clear of marked nesting sites, which its tour guides will show you, ensuring the undisturbed development of the next generation of sea turtles. 🐢🌊

Illegal Boat Charters

The goal of uncovering illegal charters, whether illegal fishing or sightseeing boat charters, is to ensure public safety by detecting and deterring illegal passenger vessel operations through a robust on-water presence, education and outreach, termination of unsafe operations, and justified enforcement actions.

Combating illegal passenger vessel operations is a persistent and dynamic issue the U. S. Coast Guard faces throughout the country and here in North Carolina around Cape Lookout and Shackleford Banks. Illegal passenger vessels may be dangerously overloaded, operated by an unlicensed and inexperienced individual who is more likely to engage in negligent operations due to a lack of training, lack of adequate safety or lifesaving equipment, and failure to comply with vessel maintenance, repair, and construction safety standards.
The Coast Guard urges the public to exercise caution before operating or chartering a vessel.

“It’s important the public be aware of the dangers associated with illegal passenger vessel operations and immediately report signs of illegal operations to the Coast Guard,” said Lt. Cmdr. Sonha Gomez, chief of investigations for Coast Guard Sector Maryland-National Capital Region. “Not only is it against the law, unlicensed operators and uninspected vessels pose a significant risk to passengers and other boaters on our waterways.”

For their safety, paying vessel passengers are asked to consider these key questions:
• Does the vessel have a Coast Guard licensed master aboard?
• Does the vessel have proper documentation and safety equipment aboard?
• Is the master enrolled in a Department of Transportation Drug and Alcohol Testing program?
• If carrying more than six passengers, does the vessel hold a valid Certificate of Inspection issued by the Coast Guard?
• Does the vessel display an up-to-date UPV Inspection Decal?
• Does the vessel display other permits, an annual pass, e.g. an up-to-date National Park Service permit?

Owners and operators of illegal passenger vessels can face maximum civil penalties of $60,000 or more for illegal passenger-for-hire operations and over $100,000 for violating a Coast Guard Captain of the Port Order. Moreover, a violation of a Captain of the Port Order is a felony, punishable by up to six years in prison or fines up to $500,000.

To report illegal operations or for information regarding charter operations or passenger vessel regulations, please contact Coast Guard Sector North Carolina, or other locations throughout the USA or go to http://illegalcharters.com/.

Please note that H2O Captain Eco-Tour Private Boat Excursions is a legal charter company that operates in the Crystal Coast of NC, including Emerald Isle, Atlantic Beach, Morehead City, and Beaufort, NC areas. Ask Captain Mark for any/all of the key elements above.

Be safe out there as we embark on Memorial Day and the summer season!

For the Coastal Visitor: Embracing the Ocean’s Grip at The Crystal Coast, NC

Embarking on a Nautical Journey: Imagine yourself aboard a small powerboat, the cool embrace of the sea caressing your skin. As you inhale deeply, the briny zest of the ocean air mingles with your breath, a flavor as ancient as time itself. Your gaze is met with a kaleidoscope of blues and greens, while the sun’s rays perform a shimmering ballet upon the undulating waves.  Or, as the tune by Otis Redding, "Sittin' on the Dock of the Bay" goes:

I'm sittin' on the dock of the bay
Watching the tide roll away
Ooh, I'm just sittin' on the dock of the bay
Wastin' time

The Ocean’s Allure: What is it about the sea that beckons passengers of all ages? Its hues, reminiscent of the depths and the skies, evoke feelings of serenity, vastness, and sagacity. Science is now uncovering what we’ve always felt: our brains are intrinsically attuned to water’s presence, finding solace, connection, and a wellspring of creativity and healing in its proximity.

Water’s Spiritual Essence: Across the globe, water is revered as a source of life and vitality. It’s not uncommon for seekers to traverse many US States for a chance to see waters believed to be charged with not only pastoral colors but serenity. Water, in its boundless grace, is thought to carry our hopes, purify energies, and offer its curative powers.

The Emotional Voyage: Navigating through water on a modest craft can stir a spectrum of emotions. There are moments of profound peace and stillness, and times when the sea’s might summons focus and awe. From the tranquil river to the majestic ocean, each body of water can evoke feelings ranging from serene contemplation to exhilarating joy and respectful wariness.

The H2O Captain Experience: Join us at H2O Captain Eco-Tour Private Boat Excursions, where each journey is a transformative odyssey. Our guests depart our marina docks feeling rejuvenated and enriched. We cherish the magic of uniting people with the water, crafting unforgettable experiences that resonate long after the voyage ends.

Step aboard and share in this aquatic passion. Your adventure awaits. Embark on Your Water Odyssey: Book Your Journey today. Welcome aboard!

Photo of the sunset over the Crystal Coast, NC by Captain Mark, H2O Captain Eco-Tour Private Boat Excursions

The Cape Lookout Lighthouse

2024…another year when the Cape Lookout Lighthouse, located at the most southern point in the beautiful Outer Banks and Crystal Coast of North Carolina, will be closed to the public for climbing, the Lightkeeper’s House, located directly in front of the Lighthouse is open. The Lighthouse is expected to be open again at the earliest in 2027!

That house however was not the original Lightkeeper’s House. Interestingly, the Lighthouse as we know it today also was not the original Cape Lookout Lighthouse!

The First Lightkeeper's Quarters was built in 1812. This Keeper's Quarters was built at the same time as the first Cape Lookout lighthouse. The house was to be 24 feet by 24 feet and one and a half stories tall. Each of the three rooms had a fireplace which fed into the chimney in the center of the house. The exterior was made of pine and covered with pine or cedar shingles. In 1869, this house received extensive repairs.

A kitchen was to be built at least 6 feet away from the house and connected with a covered walkway. The proposal request indicated that this kitchen should be 14 feet by 16 feet and one-story tall. A well was also part of this request.

It is unknown how long these structures remained standing. Photographic records indicate that the Keeper's Quarters remained standing at least until 1893. Part of the foundation of this dwelling can be seen on a sand dune in the lighthouse area. Sadly, the structure was destroyed.

The Second Keeper's Quarters, the one that we know today, was built in 1873. Soon after the second Cape Lookout lighthouse was completed, Assistant Keepers were assigned to the station. A new Keepers' Quarters was built in 1873 to accommodate these keepers. The house was designed as a single-family residence, but by the early 1900s, all three keepers were living in this building. In response to complaints that their families could not be with them, a new Head Keeper's Quarters was built in 1907. The two Assistant Keepers and their families then shared the 1873 dwelling.

Today, this Keepers' Quarters serves as a museum, giving visitors a glimpse into the lives of Lighthouse Keepers and Surfmen of the US Life-Saving Service, now the US Coast Guard. The museum is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, seven days a week during the spring, summer, and fall.

H2O Captain Eco-Tour Private Boat Excursions offers journeys from Morehead City to the Lighthouse across the North Atlantic Ocean. As the sole powerboat operator authorized by the National Park Service for this route, Captain Mark will guide you to anchor near the beach by the Lightkeeper’s house. From there, he'll lead you ashore, providing a guided tour of the Lighthouse and its surroundings.

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Explore the Majesty of Shackleford Banks: Tips for Viewing the Wild Horses

Shackleford Banks, on North Carolina's Crystal Coast, home to 110-130 wild horses, boasts a captivating sight of nature's beauty. These majestic creatures roam in groups known as "harems," comprising stallions, mares, and foals, as well as "bachelor bands," which consist solely of stallions. While they traverse various parts of the island, encountering them might require some trekking unless you're accompanied by an authorized National Park Service tour guide, such as those provided by H2O Captain Eco-Tour Private Boat Excursions. Remember, these horses are wild beings, self-sufficient in finding sustenance and protecting themselves from threats. To them, humans and dogs pose a potential danger, and they may react defensively if approached too closely, resorting to charging, kicking, or biting.

For the safety of both you and your furry companion:
• Maintain a safe distance when observing the horses. If a horse stops and gazes directly at you, halt your approach. If the horse begins to move away, you're already within their comfort zone.
• Equip yourself with binoculars and a telephoto lens to observe without disturbing the horses or risking your safety.
• Keep your dog leashed at all times, not just for their safety but also for the well-being of the horses, as mandated by law.
• Carry an ample supply of fresh water for yourself and your pet.

Maintain a viewing distance of at least 50 feet, roughly equivalent to the length of a large bus. Should the horses approach you, step back or, if that's not possible, remain still until they pass by. Always yield to the horses, giving them the right-of-way.

Disrupting the horses' natural behaviors like grazing, drinking, or resting can jeopardize their social dynamics and overall health. Moreover, wild horses and other wildlife do not recognize human food as suitable nourishment.

Feeding them or leaving food scraps can harm their well-being, so it's crucial to refrain from such actions.
Feeding, touching, teasing, or intentionally disturbing wildlife, including the wild horses, is both perilous and illegal, potentially leading to legal consequences.

Accessing the pristine barrier island of Shackleford Banks requires authorization from the National Park Service. We recommend booking your adventure with an authorized permittee such as H2O Captain Eco-Tour Private Boat Excursions for an unforgettable journey.

Photo Courtesy of passenger David J from an H2O Captain Eco-Tour Private Boat Excursion

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Keep your Eye on the Prize:  Photographing the Wild Horses of Shackleford Banks, Crystal Coast, North Carolina

Keep your gaze fixed on the eyes of the horse, while keeping a distance of at least 50 feet. Engaging in a direct eye-to-eye connection with a wild horse can be exhilarating, an unforgettable experience that truly captivates. The magic intensifies when you manage to capture the wild horse’s gaze directed straight at you. Just like photographing a person, focusing on the eyes is paramount.

Pay close attention to the lighting conditions and their source. The direction of light dictates whether adjustments to your camera settings are necessary or if you need to request your guide to reposition the people for optimal angles, while always considering the safety of the horses as well as the humans.

Maintain a steadfast focus on the horse’s eyes through your camera lens or smartphone. Utilize features such as focus tracking or face detection if available to ensure sharpness. The eyes are the storytellers, breathing vitality into your photographs.

Opt for shooting from a low perspective rather than a high one. Lower angles, captured from ground level, if possible, or with an upward tilt, tend to yield more impactful results. They accentuate the animal's size and presence, creating a striking silhouette. Consider employing a monopod—a single-leg tripod—to stabilize your camera and achieve leveled shots, even from the confines of the horse trail you are probably standing on!

To travel to Shackleford Banks along the Crystal Coast of NC you will need boat transportation and a knowledgeable Captain to escort you on land to assist in finding the elusive wild horses.  We recommend H2O Captain Eco-Tour Private Boat Excursions.  https://h2ocaptain.com.  Or call Captain Mark directly at 202-369-1063 who has been walking and studying this uninhabited, undeveloped, barrier island for a decade.

Photo Credit:  Jill Jordan Imagery

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