Ocracoke Beach at Cape Hatteras National Seashore

There are four lifeguarded beaches within the National Seashore: Coquina Beach on Bodie Island, Old Lighthouse Beach and Frisco Beach on Hatteras Island, and Ocracoke Beach on Ocracoke Island. Lifeguards are on duty from Memorial Day weekend until Labor Day, from 9 AM to 5 PM. You swim at your own risk at all other beaches.

The beaches can be divided into three areas:

Atlantic Ocean beaches from Bodie Island to Cape Point on Hatteras Island

These beaches have bigger waves and colder temperatures than the park’s other beaches, but they are the ones that people first come to when entering the park, so they tend to be more crowded. In general, the farther you get from the entrance at Whalebone Junction, the less crowded the beach.

Atlantic Ocean beaches from Cape Point to Ocracoke Island

Since these beaches are along the Gulf Stream and not facing the open Atlantic Ocean, the waves are smaller and the temperatures warmer. They are the farthest beaches from the park entrance at Bodie Island. It takes a ferry to reach Ocracoke.

Beaches along the Pamlico Sound

These beaches are perfect for those with toddlers, for the water is more like a lake than the ocean. However, easy access is limited to a few public parking areas on Hatteras Island, and some beaches are dominated by windsurfers and kiteboarders.

For complete information on all of the beaches, including location, description, and photos, see the Beaches web page.

As for snorkeling, the waters of the Pamlico Sound offer plenty of habitats for sea life versus the open ocean with nothing but a sandy bottom. You can snorkel anywhere, but you are more likely to spot sea life on the Sound.

Back to the Top