Ocracoke Island is open for all amidst the waning COVID-19 pandemic and businesses have opened for the season. As of Friday, May 14, in most settings, indoors or outdoors, the state of North Carolina will no longer require people to wear a mask or to be socially distant. See story here.

Are visitors allowed on Ocracoke?

Visitors are allowed on Ocracoke Island and, even more, there's plenty to do there for a (quiet) weekend getaway.

Are Ocracoke ferries running?

The Hatteras – Ocracoke Ferry generally runs every half hour from both Hatteras and Ocracoke from May 15 to October 1, and roughly every hour in the off-season. In the spring and fall months, the ferry has crossings every half hour during peak times of the day.

What is there to do on Ocracoke Island 2021?

• Ocracoke Lifeguarded Beach. 289. ...
• Springer's Point Preserve. 280. ...
• Ocracoke Lighthouse. 1,040. ...
• British Cemetery. 389. ...
• Ocracoke Beach. Beaches. ...
• Ocracoke Pony Pens. 305. ...
• Ocracoke Island Visitor Center. 181. ...
• Ocracoke Preservation Society Museum.

Is Ocracoke Island airport open?

Airport Operations

yes, WINDSOCK FOR HELIPAD LGTD.

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Can you fly into Ocracoke?

If you're visiting Ocracoke Island, there's no quicker way to reach your destination than by flying with Outer Banks Airlines. Just say the word, and we can fly you to the Ocracoke Island Airport, helping you avoid beach traffic and the ferry required to reach this beautiful, albeit remote island.

What airport is closest to Ocracoke?

Closest airports to Ocracoke

The nearest airport to Ocracoke is New Bern (EWN).

Are there wild horses on Ocracoke Island?

Some of the most popular Ocracoke locals are the Wild Ponies, which are protected in a secluded 180 acre area enclosure on the soundside of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, but can still be enjoyed by anyone passing through the island on NC Highway 12. ...

What is open on Ocracoke?

Ocracoke Seafood Company (the Fish House): Open daily 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Native Seafood: Open Wednesday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Howard's Pub: Open daily 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Pony Island Restaurant: Open for breakfast, 7 to 11:30 a.m.

How long is the ferry ride from Hatteras to Ocracoke?

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.

Are cars allowed 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.

Is Ocracoke Island worth visiting?

This secluded and tranquil island offers a quiet escape to untouched shores and a charming town well worth exploring! For more ways to make the most of your time in the Outer Banks, be sure to download our complimentary Vacation Guide. It's full of the best things to do and places to see in our area!

Is Fort Fisher ferry open?

The ferry can be accessed in Southport via route 211, and by Fort Fisher by basically following 421 south until it ends. ... The ferry schedule varies depending on the time of year, but generally runs year-round from 5:30 a.m. until 7:00 p.m., depending on the departure ferry terminal.

Is Ocracoke Lighthouse open to the public?

There are limited interior or exterior tours of the Ocracoke Island Lighthouse, as the inside of the lighthouse is traditionally not open to the public.

What can I bring to Ocracoke?

• Paper Products (Toilet Paper, Paper Towels, etc.)
• Trash Bags.
• Sheets and Bath Towels (if not supplied by your property)
• Properties that do offer linens provide a sheet set, one hand towel, bath towel and washcloth for each guest.
• Food and Condiments.

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 does the word Ocracoke mean?

Just south of Hatteras is an area known as Ocracoke Island, a landmass that is so remote that you have to take a ferry to access it. ... Based on our research, Ocracoke is said to be named after one of the more unsavory inhabitants of the island, the infamous Edward Teach, more commonly known as Blackbeard.

Has Ocracoke recovered from hurricane?

Yet Ocracoke is still a community on the mend from the devastation that Hurricane Dorian wreaked one year ago. Away from the main business district, among streets where only residents go, or along the quaint dirt roads that are still a part of the village, there is still a journey to be traveled.

What restaurants are in Ocracoke Island?

• Back Porch Lunchbox.
• Back Porch Restaurant.
• Dajio.
• Eduardo's Taco Stand.
• Fig Tree Deli and Bakery and Sweet Tooth.
• Helio's Hideaway.
• Howard's Pub.
• Jason's.

How many ponies currently make up the Ocracoke herd?

Although the herd that once freely roamed the island consisted of as many as 300 horses, the Ocracoke pony pen currently contains only 16 horses, the youngest of which is a female named Hazelnut who was born in February 2015.

How much is ferry from Cedar Island to Ocracoke?

How much is the Ocracoke - Cedar Island Ferry? The cost to ride the Ocracoke – Cedar Island Ferry varies by vehicle / passenger type. Passengers are charged $1 per crossing, while standard cars and trucks less than 20 feet are charged $15 per crossing, and larger vehicles are charged $30 to $45 per crossing.

Where did Ocracoke get its name?

The earliest record of the island's name, on a map made by English explorer John White in 1585, designates the inlet as “Wokokon.” Subsequent spellings include “Woccocock,” “Oakacock” and “Okercock.” The name derives from the Woccon tribe of Native Americans, who lived in the mainland tidewater and established fishing ...

What does OBX stand for?

The letters OBX are short for “Outer Banks” which is a chain of barrier islands located off the coast of North Carolina.

How long does it take to drive the entire Outer Banks?

The entire trip – which includes the two ferries – can take at least 5-6 hours, so visitors will want to reserve a full day for exploring.

Can you fly to the Outer Banks NC?

As for flights, the Outer Banks is easily accessible from Norfolk International Airport (82 miles north), Raleigh Durham International Airport (192 miles west), or Coastal Carolina Airport (138 miles southwest). Expect a scenic drive in and one filled with anticipation.