Cruising towards the island of Ocracoke, the ferry is surrounded by an aggressive flock of seagulls. The sea salt spray fills the air as the birds scavenge around for leftover food and fish churned up from the underside of the commuter boat.
The roundtrip Hatteras/Ocracoke route is the most popular of the seven itineraries that operates along the Carolina coastline. Lasting 45 minutes, the ferry transports bikes, cars, trucks and passengers on foot, 365 days a year, free of charge. During the summer season, the ferry runs ever 30 minutes starting at 5 AM in the morning until midnight. Wait times for the ferry can run from 15 minutes to several hours depending on the time of the year and is on a first come, first serve basis. Trips to Ocracoke Island from the mainland are also accessible from both the Cedar Island and Swan Quarter ferries.
Nearby the Hatteras Ferry terminal is the Hatteras Landing shopping center with a convenience store and deli as well as trendy boutiques and a surf shop. Popular food stands provide plenty of options for grabbing a convenient meal before catching the boat ride over to the island.
For those with limited time, there are vending machines at the Visitor’s Center, where tourists can also pick up information about the island’s attractions.
At Hatteras Village, watch the fishermen bring in their day’s catch in the afternoon to have it weighed and cleaned. There are fabulous seafood restaurants at The Harbors as well as spectacular waterfront views.
Once the ferry arrives at the terminal on Ocracoke Island, there is a 13-mile drive to reach Ocracoke Village. Sand dunes provide a buffer between the beaches and the byway with plenty of beach access for the day.
Compared to the Hatteras Terminal, the Ocracoke Ferry Terminal is more primitive and simple with only a vending machine for snacks and basic restroom facilities. A beach is within walking distance and can be accessed by one of three paths along the sound.
No reservations are required to ride the Ocracoke Ferry as it is a first come, first served facility. There is no charge for the ride which runs 365 days per year, depending on the weather. Vehicle parking is clearly marked and visitors can leave their car and stroll around the terminal and nearby beach. The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) recommends that passengers prepare to board the ferry by waiting inside of their vehicle 10 minutes before the time of departure.
The NCDOT provides a list of tips for traveling the Hatteras/Ocracoke ferries.
- Avoid Tuesdays – Thursdays which are the most popular days during the summer. Prime hours are considered 9 AM to 5 PM where waits can take up to several hours.
- Visit Ocracoke Island in the evening and make plans to travel to Hatteras in the morning. The shops in Ocracoke stay open late, closing around sunset or later.
- Be ready to board the ferry 5 – 10 minutes prior to departure so you don’t miss the boat!
- Smoking is not permitted on the ferry, including in your car. Passengers may be fined if they disregard this rule.
- Feeding the seagulls is not permitted.
- Pets must be kept on a leash while riding the ferry.
- The NCDOT reserves the right to check your driver’s license before boarding. This is part of the Homeland Security program.
- Priority passage lanes for those who have a priority pass. No exceptions!
- The last ferry from Hatteras Island or Ocracoke is 12:00 AM. Don’t miss the boat!
- The ferry terminal reserves the right to postpone or cancel ferry service due to extreme weather conditions, such as high winds.
- The most scenic time to take the ferry is at sunset or sunrise.
During our vacations to the Outer Banks, our family has continued the tradition of taking the Hatteras to Ocracoke Ferry to explore the island. The look on the children’s faces as we drive our cars on the ramp is an enjoyable moment. They love the seagulls and feeling the sea mist upon their faces. You can’t beat the price and experience of this entertaining mode of transportation and the memories that are made are forever priceless.
Have you had the opportunity to visit Okracoke Island by taking the Hatteras Ferry? What are some of your most cherished memories of your visit? I would love to hear from you if you would kindly leave your comments below. Many thanks for reading about my wonderful memories of the Outer Banks and wishing you many Happy Travels!
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