Boating Attractions at The Crystal Coast Southern Outer Banks of NC including Emerald Isle, Atlantic Beach, and Beaufort

The Crystal Coast and specifically Carteret County are literally surrounded by water. From the island hosting the Cape Lookout Lighthouse to Shackleford Banks where 127 wild horses call home as well as millions of beautiful seashells on almost a deserted part of the beach on this island. Not to mention having play time in Bogue Sound.

There are many boating opportunities here. In Salter Path, ½ way between the town of Emerald Isle and Atlantic Beach is Island Water Sports where you can rent kayaks, and jet skis, or be taken around on their Banana Boat and have fun on the waters of Bogue Sound.

Moving over to Atlantic Beach is H2O Captain Eco-Tour Private Boat Excursions. This company with its USCG licensed Master Captain and their National Park Service Permit takes passengers to see the wild horses and discover great shelling on Shackleford Banks, Sand Dollar Island (at low tide only), as well as visiting the Cape Lookout Lighthouse. However, if you can skipper your own boat, have local knowledge of our waters, and can work with our wind, tides, currents, and waves then Beachside Boat, Bike & Scooter Rentals is for you! Rent your own boat!!

Should you decide to venture off the island of Emerald Isle and drive to Beaufort, make sure you stop at Morehead City’s Impressions Art Gallery & Studio, where you will see fine art of the area’s wild horses and water or Momentum Yoga & Wellness center for some chillin’ moves.

In Beaufort, you will find Captain Ron’s Island Tours. This company leaves the driving up to the Captain and his 1st Mate is free to find the wildlife including the horses on the Rachel Carson Preserve, dolphins, various birds, etc. Should you choose to bring your own libations, there is Cruisin’ Tikis. They provide the ice cubes and cups…you BYOB. Bring your tunes as well to Bluetooth over to their sound system.

Furthermore, to know about the history of boating as well as the seas' largest inhabitants, the NC Maritime Museum and Bonehenge Whale Center are the places to go to on land in Beaufort. The NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores back on Emerald Isle offers a stream to the ocean vantage point of North Carolina’s waterways and has the fish, large and small, to prove it!

Lastly, no matter which excursion(s) you choose you will be enjoying this beautiful area on the water, on land, and its special National Park, The Cape Lookout National Seashore.

Photo Top:  Moma and foal (baby horse), Courtesy of H2O Captain Eco-Tour Private Boat Excursions
Photo Bottom:  Inside the Bonehenge Whale Center