A Guide to Exploring Hatteras by Boat: Fishing, Wildlife, and Scenic Cruises
When it comes to exploring Hatteras, boat cruises are the best option. One can cruise through Pamlico Sound's calm waters or rally via Hatteras Inlet to explore the never ending vast stretches of Atlantic Ocean. There's no match to adventures on boat cruises, whether large or small. One can spot a diverse range of sea life and birds, as well as catch up on the amazing sunrises and sunsets on the way.
Here, we have selected the best, known for giving exhilarating experiences to visitors via their boat cruises.
Avon Harbor Sailing
Located at 39450 N.C. Highway 12, Avon Harbor Sailing offers a wide range of maritime experiences like day sailing, private charters and sunset cruises. Visitors can explore the spectacular Pamlico Sound on a MacGregor 26’. There are appetizers and beverages on board too. For those staying in waterfront homes in Avon, there's an additional surprise as Captain Jay will pick and drop them to their rental homes.
Kite Hatteras
Kite Hatteras located at Buxton Harbor is the first kiteboarding school that started operating on the Outer Banks. One can learn kitesurfing on their custom 27’ boat. There are two separate training sessions - one for board skills and the other for kite skills. One of their biggest attractions if the two and three day kite camps where one can experience sunset cruises, offshore fishing and kite charters.
Little Godspeed Charters
Little Godspeed Charters is located at 57878 N.C. Highway 12 in Hatteras Village where one can experience adventures of a lifetime. The soundside adventures include sightseeing cruises, history cruises, bird watching trips, photography excursions, treasure hunting, seashell and clamming trips. Capt. David Wilson, a retired seasoned captain is in charge of the company.
Miss Hatteras
Miss Hatteras, a 75-foot head boat is located at 57878 N.C. Highway 12 in Hatteras Village. It makes daily trips during season to the fishing grounds. The boat takes full day trips to the Gulf Stream to bottom fish for snapper, triggerfish, sea bass and much more on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Half day trips closer to shore are also offered on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. If visitors don't want to fish they can join the Dolphin and Wildlife Sunset Cruise on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings between 6:30 to 8 p.m. There are dolphins, native birds and other local wildlife that can be spotted while on the cruise.
Oregon Inlet Fishing Center
Oregon Inlet Fishing Center is located at 8770 Oregon Inlet Road off the N.C. Highway 12 in Nags Head. The center is known for its celebrated charter fishing fleet and its close proximity to fishing grounds. They have a fleet of 48 boats that offer a variety of fishing excursions all year round. Their inshore vessels offer half day or full day trips, while their headboat - Miss Oregon Inlet II, offers morning and afternoon inlet/sound fishing. Anglers can enjoy full day fishing for tuna, billfish, mahi mahi and more on board their offshore vessels that travel to the Gulf Stream.
Seabirding Pelagic Trips
Seabirding Pelagic Trips is located at 58848 Marina Way in Hatteras. Headed by Capt. Brian Patteson since 1986, the trips to the Gulf Stream are on his 61-foot boat, Stormy Petrel II. Visitors can gain insights from their well experienced staff who have extensive knowledge about offshore birding.
Sailing OBX
Sailing OBX, a sailing arm of Rodanthe Watersports is located at 24170 N.C. Highway 12 in Rodanthe. One can rent their 18-foot American daysailer or a Sunfish to sail on their own. They also provide sailing lessons if needed or provide a sailor to take you through the trip.
The Kinnakeet Experience
The Kinnakeet Experience is headed by Captain O'Neal an experienced U.S Coast Guard who takes visitors on various experiences like fishing, clamming, cruising, island hopping and sunset watching. The ice, gear and bait are arranged by the captain for fishing and clamming trips. Interestingly, one of the biggest advantages is that the trips are customized as per client's requirements.
Boat cruises in Hatteras are much more than just transportation as they provide immersive experiences that connect visitors with the region's rich maritime environment. From fishing and wildlife to sunset sailing and adventure sports, these maritime journeys explore the true beauty of the Outer Banks. Whether you are seeking adventure or education, these boat cruises provide unforgettable experiences that capture the essence of coastal exploration.