Hatteras Island Ocean Center
Hatteras Island Ocean Center
Hatteras Island Ocean Center
5
About
The Ocean Center provides a wide variety of recreational and educational activities for people of all ages. Please come view the exhibits, experience the wetlands and coastal forest, attend our programs and events, and use our ocean access.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
121 reviews
Excellent
106
Very good
13
Average
2
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Stephen H
76 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
Went to the Ocean Center on a recommendation from business owner. While the place is small, it is very informative. The staff are super friendly and knowledgeable. They have several programs available, which combine learning and fun.
We did the kayak tour thru the marshes. Price was reasonable for 2 hours of kayaking. We learned about the marsh lands and got some recommendations of different areas to go. We saw some small stingrays, fish, and plenty of hermit crabs.
The best night of our trip had to be the Stargazing and Smores program. I was surprised our older teens were into this. That was due to Elijah and David. Eiijah keeps everyone involved, speaks very well, and is a fountain of knowledge. He provides great enthusiasm and positivity. He explained about the eco-system, showed us different examples of local wildlife, showed us how to catch ghost crabs, and pointed out several stars. David was great at getting the fofire going on a windy night and adding to the conversations we were having. And who can resist Smores on the beach?
I would highly recommend checking this not so known place out. Great experience no matter the family size. Everyone there is great and has a passion for what they do.
We did the kayak tour thru the marshes. Price was reasonable for 2 hours of kayaking. We learned about the marsh lands and got some recommendations of different areas to go. We saw some small stingrays, fish, and plenty of hermit crabs.
The best night of our trip had to be the Stargazing and Smores program. I was surprised our older teens were into this. That was due to Elijah and David. Eiijah keeps everyone involved, speaks very well, and is a fountain of knowledge. He provides great enthusiasm and positivity. He explained about the eco-system, showed us different examples of local wildlife, showed us how to catch ghost crabs, and pointed out several stars. David was great at getting the fofire going on a windy night and adding to the conversations we were having. And who can resist Smores on the beach?
I would highly recommend checking this not so known place out. Great experience no matter the family size. Everyone there is great and has a passion for what they do.
Written 4 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ailatanie
ilatanie8 contributions
Sept 2020
We attended a 2 programs at the Ocean Center (turtle patrol and marsh madness) and both adults and children absolutely loved it. My kids are curious about the places we visit and they were craving an opportunity to learn about the wildlife we are surrounded by in Hatteras. I cannot think of a better way! Shirley showed them around the nature center (only one family is allowed in due to COVID), described the life cycle of turtles and the efforts to protect them, and showed the nest on the beach. It was fun interactive and all kids (ages 6, 9, 12) were very interested and asked a lot of questions. The next day they went crabbing, caught and learned about blue crabs. We even spotted a snapping turtle. I highly recommend it!
Written 1 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cheri
Raleigh, NC25 contributions
Jul 2022 • Family
We went on a campfire crabs and constellations tour. The kids were amazed. They got to learn how to catch ghost crabs safely. We got sand fleas/ saw females with eggs and return them safely to the ocean. We cooked marshmallows, and ate s’mores over an open fire and looked at the stars. They learned about the constellations. It was a beautiful night an amazing experience, and we are going again this month. This is for kids and families of any age. We had teenagers and middle school elementary and even the little kids there was something for everyone to learn and enjoy! This is the best kept secret on the beach!
Written 30 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Barb R
Long Beach, MS20 contributions
Jul 2020 • Family
We had a family group with people ranging from 7 to late 60s with some to no kayak experience and had a great time! This is our second trip with the center and even though the museum was closed due to COVID-19 restrictions, we still had a great time. Saw crabs, fish, rays in the water, stopped at a beach and an easy paddle. The director, Shirley, was very helpful and the 2 interns that paddled with us were very helpful and pleasant. We took a combination of double and single kayaks. The ONLY drawback (which wasn’t there on our first trip a couple of years ago) were occasional whiffs of an unpleasant smell from some kind of purple algae bloom.
Written 19 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cruwdragon
Kents Store, VA22 contributions
Jun 2021 • Family
We attended the Morning Kayak experience and loved it. We had a 10 and 8 year old that have never been in a kayak or canoe. The intern guides Elijah and David were patient, knowledgeable and fun!
Our family loves nature and greatly enjoyed the quick trip to the beach where we found hermit crabs and blue crabs. We all enjoyed learning more about the Outer Banks and it’s importance as an ecosystem.
When we returned to the center we spent another hour in the center while the kids completed a scavenger hunt so the could feed Mr. Blue, the resident blue crab!
We were disappointed that it was our last day. We would have liked to take part in their other activity offerings.
Our family loves nature and greatly enjoyed the quick trip to the beach where we found hermit crabs and blue crabs. We all enjoyed learning more about the Outer Banks and it’s importance as an ecosystem.
When we returned to the center we spent another hour in the center while the kids completed a scavenger hunt so the could feed Mr. Blue, the resident blue crab!
We were disappointed that it was our last day. We would have liked to take part in their other activity offerings.
Written 15 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bil B
1 contribution
May 2021
I had the pleasure of taking a kayaking tour through the Hatteras Island Ocean Center with a group of friends. Elijah and David were my tour guides, and they were very friendly and knowledgeable about the ecosystem and wildlife around the route we were kayaking. The water was smooth, and we took a break halfway to look at hermit crabs, oysters, and more!
This was a very enjoyable and educational experience - we not only got to have a great time kayaking but we learned a lot about the importance of marshes and conservation efforts in the outer banks. I would fully endorse this program to anyone who is in the area and is looking for a new, exciting activity.
This was a very enjoyable and educational experience - we not only got to have a great time kayaking but we learned a lot about the importance of marshes and conservation efforts in the outer banks. I would fully endorse this program to anyone who is in the area and is looking for a new, exciting activity.
Written 27 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WVgal23
Fairfax, VA19 contributions
Jul 2022
My friend and I took the morning kayak tour through the salt marshes and went to Hermit Crab Beach. It was a wonderful trip! Our guides, Taisho and Matty, were very knowledgeable about the area and provided excellent info during our trip. The time at Hermit Crab Beach was very fun - Taisho and Matty found all kinds of aquatic life to share with us - from scallops to sea worms (yuck!) to mullets and of course, all size and variety of hermit crabs! Highly recommend this tour! Remember to bring water - it does get hot out on the sound without any shade!!
Written 6 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kurt G
1 contribution
Jun 2022
Our family enjoyed the Turtle Patrol Program it was great! The intern Evin was very friendly and knowledgeable about Sea Turtles and their habitats. Shirley the Center's volunteer shared stories about rescuing turtles and rehabilitating them.
The Turtle Patrol was an awesome experience for our family. Thank you to the wonderful staff at the Ocean Center for all you do!
The Turtle Patrol was an awesome experience for our family. Thank you to the wonderful staff at the Ocean Center for all you do!
Written 14 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jchen517
Vienna, VA12 contributions
Jun 2021
My family did the kayak nature tour and we had a wonderful experience. Our two guides, Elijah and David, were very personable, knowledgeable, and great with my two boys. Elijah even spent time after the kayak tour to help them go through the scavenger hunt activity and patiently answer all sorts of questions they had about birds and plants. We learned a lot of interesting and fun facts about the local region's natural environment and enjoyed interacting with the entire staff, who are clearly passionate about their work. Highly recommended!
Written 16 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Deena R
Beltsville, United States8 contributions
Nov 2020 • Family
My favorite part was everything the center offers. However I must say, Shirley the center host was amazing. My kids 4 & 7 loved her as much as me. She truly helped with my kids getting the most out of what the center has to provide in my tight schedule. So much to learn and do. I wish we could have spent 2-3 hrs there because 1 & 1/2 was just not enough for this awesome place. Great way to spend time with kids & even without kids. I am looking forward to going again in the near future and spend more time there. One of Hatteras true gems!
Written 21 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Are pets allowed? We have a small dog, or are there activities outside?
Written 16 May 2018
Hello and thanks for your question. As much as we love dogs, not all of our visitors do. So, we think it is best that you don't bring your dog with you on any programs or inside the exhibit hall. Hope you will still come for visit us.
Written 20 May 2018
Is there any places near Avon where we will be able to watch the NFL games that we are not able to get at our rental?
Written 26 August 2016
Sorry, I don't know. We were south of Avon and only ate lunch there once.
Written 5 September 2016
What type of Kayaks do they use? Single or Double? Do you have a choice? Would like to do this with my 3 grandsons ages 9 & 13 this summer. Oldest is pretty good at Kayaking the other two have done it once. Do they have to be in a Kayak with an adult? Thanks!
Written 26 January 2016
I would have to say what the others said give them a call.
Written 26 August 2016
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