One of the best day trips that can be taken on the Outer Banks is to head down to Ocracoke and wander through the streets and shops of one of the most unique villages anywhere.
It’s a wonderful place to visit. However getting there can be somewhat of a problem. It is an island, and except for the lucky few who can fly the airport, the only way on and off Ocracoke is by ferry. And the ferry routes this year have been plagued by shoaling The wait to get on a ferry right now is one to two hours.
There is, though, an alternative.
The Ocracoke Express is a high-speed passenger only ferry that connects Hatteras with Ocracoke Village. No cars, just people—or bikes which are allowed.
It’s a $10 roundtrip fare and a one dollar fee for a bike. The regular ferries are free.
This is a great option to consider. Ocracoke Village is a compact little town that surrounds a Silver Lake. Most people end up parking their cars and walking or renting a bike or golf cart to get around. Driving along the narrow streets is slow going—bikes, walkers…just about everyone will be moving faster.
A bike or golf cart would probably be better to take in all of the sites—the trip between the British Cemetery and the Lighthouse is a little long to walk. But there really is very little need for a car to get around.
The ferry makes three trips daily.
From Hatteras: 9:30 a.m., 1 p.m., 4:30 p.m.
From Ocracoke: 11 a.m., 3 p.m., 8 p.m.
Reservations are strongly recommended and can be made either online online at www.ncferry.org , or by calling 1-800-BY-FERRY.
There is so much to do and explore on the Outer Banks that one week is never enough. Be sure to check out Brindley Beach Vacations for that next visit.