Outdoor activities in Hatteras Island
Top Outdoor Activities in Hatteras Island, NC
Outdoor Activities in Hatteras Island
- Traveller favouritesThings to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.
- Traveller rankingHighest rated attractions on Tripadvisor, based on traveller reviews.
Category types
Outdoor Activities
Traveller rating
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64 places sorted by traveller favourites
Sports Camps & Clinics
Boat Tours • Fishing Charters & Tours
Surfing & Windsurfing • Boat Tours
Waterskiing & Jetskiing • Stand Up Paddleboarding
Equipment Hire
Boat Tours • Water Sports
Equipment Hire
Surfing & Windsurfing • Boat Tours
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Surfing & Windsurfing
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Surfing & Windsurfing • Waterskiing & Jetskiing
Boat Tours • Fishing Charters & Tours
Adrenaline & Extreme Tours • Surfing & Windsurfing
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What travellers are saying
- Tara GGrover, NC3 contributionsBy far the best vacation spot! All the history, scenery is just beautiful, plenty to see and places to go. Also its a quiet little town. The only thing I can't stress enough is BE CAREFUL in the ocean because that rip current is very rough and constant, be aware at all times when in the ocean that current can take you under fast.Written 14 December 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Vickie PVirginia38 contributionsHere now for my second time. Such a relaxing atmosphere and quiet even in mid July. We are loving our stay with family. Great memoriesWritten 12 July 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Stephane FScottsdale, AZ4 contributionsThis is a fabulous spot for windsurfers. Parking is great, and there is a lovely outdoor shower. The water is slightly deeper here, so you can bring a hydrofoil. Have fun!Written 3 August 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- TashaPashaPenn Yan, NY83 contributionsIf I was not shopping I was in the sand or the water .
Very clean beach .
Pleasant people and very pet friendly.
Not a morning person , but relished every sunrise but one .
Was so hard leaving , but can't wait to get back and make more memories.Written 12 June 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Nate LSeverna Park, MD30 contributionsWe drove 2 hours south from Kitty Hawk to surprise our kids with a horseback ride on the beach! It was worth the 2 hour drive!
The kids walked freely on 2 beautiful horses, Gus and Shadow, along the beach. The horses were extremely calm and well-trained. There were 2 very kind and personable guides that walked beside the horses. The horses walked on the beach and in the surf. They walked the whole time, so perfect for young kids. They even let mom ride with son for a portion of the ride. They also were very friendly in taking lots of family pictures we asked them to take.
They sanitized the provided helmets before giving them to our kids.
They also allowed our kids to feed the horses carrots (which we brought with us) after the ride. The kids LOVED this part!
We wore shorts, shirts and water shoes - no need for jeans or tennis shoes. This is definitely a casual beach ride, no shoes is fine!
We would highly recommend making a day of your trip down here. We wish we would’ve brought our bathing suits and beach gear, as the beach down here is calm, clear, not crowded and beautiful! There are also tons of amazing shells to collect!Written 4 September 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - ShirleyOTCollingwood, Canada86 contributionsAn easy walk with interpretive signs beside the famous lighthouse.
We found the explanations helpful and enjoyed the habitat variety.Written 9 November 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Paul PMorris County, NJ127 contributionsShelly Island, an instant shoal created by the vigorous tides at Cape Hatteras Point, popped up in 2017 and is gone now (in 2018) - one year and over. It is fascinating that the tides are so strong here than it can create and then bury a half-mile-long island. With a four-wheel drive vehicle and a permit (very important!) one can drive out to the point when the shorebirds are not nesting. Usually that begins in July, but this year the nesting season is running late and an August opening is expected.Written 29 July 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- andrew f6 contributionsI booked this adventure for my wife and I with no expectations and no experience with horses. When we arrived they gave us some tips on how to ride the horses and placed us on them. The horses were all very friendly and seem well trained. The guides were also very professional and knew the trail to get to the beach well. The trail cuts through some forest and it does take some time to get there. Once we got the beach I was amazed by the experience and scenery. There were only about ten people in our group, plus our two guides, and we practically had the beach to ourselves. They gave us an opportunity to gallop on the beach then, they took our picture on the horses before heading back down the trail. Overall it took us about two and a half hours from start to finish. I recommend getting there early. Also, be prepared to travel through a forest that has mosquitos and brush near the trail.Written 19 October 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Jen CCooksville, MD78 contributionsA temporary bridge made of other pieces of bridges is pretty cool - as is the awesome power of mother nature to shift and modify the outer banks at her will. Making this a stop of interest on Trip Advisor seems a bit of a stretch (particularly since it's closed to foot traffic). That said, I do always slow down and smile.Written 17 October 2016This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- minivercheevy95Eaton, OH2 contributionsWe’ve been coming here to OBX for 25 years and always rent from OAR if we need something for the beach. We’ve never had a bad experience. Great people to rent from!Written 30 September 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Bekah F3 contributionsHad a wonderful experience renting 2 sup boards. Staff super accommodating for pick up and drop off. Highly recommend and will be using them each year for our rental needs.Written 26 October 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Travelling_GIHampton, VA67 contributionsWe had an excellent experience with our Jeep rental, from the initial reservation, the pick up & orientation to the vehicle, the time spent exploring the Outer Banks, and finally, the hassle-free return process. We really appreciated Valerie and Eric taking the time to go over the Jeep's details and operation. The travel binder provided by Valerie was outstanding; very detailed and greatly appreciated.Written 18 June 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Kellie M6 contributionsThis was absolutely magical. We were brought to an island and found dozens of conch shells and even some sand dollars, and so much more. We were the only people on the island most of the day and snorkeled too. It was the highlight of our week long vacationWritten 19 January 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- lizzyrunsfarWashington DC, DC29 contributionsSo much fun! We rented a boat and motored around the sound. We are established and die hard landlubbers, yet managing (driving?) the boat was easy. There was zero chance of drifting off to sea Gilligan-style, so don't worry about it. Reasonable fees, great crew, and great location. We will talk about this excursion for many years. Rent your vessel and enjoy!Written 30 December 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Hatteras Island
- These places are best for outdoor activities in Hatteras Island:See more outdoor activities in Hatteras Island on Tripadvisor
- These are the best places for kid-friendly outdoor activities in Hatteras Island:See more outdoor activities for children in Hatteras Island on Tripadvisor
- These are the best places for couples seeking outdoor activities in Hatteras Island:See more outdoor activities for couples in Hatteras Island on Tripadvisor
- These are the best places for groups seeking outdoor activities in Hatteras Island:
- Cape Hatteras National Seashore
- Family Water Adventures
- Frisco Beach
- Charlie’s Boat Rentals
- Equine Adventures
- These are the best places for budget-friendly outdoor activities in Hatteras Island:See more budget-friendly outdoor activities in Hatteras Island on Tripadvisor
- These are the most romantic places for outdoor activities in Hatteras Island:
- Cape Hatteras National Seashore
- Family Water Adventures
- Tightlinez Charters
- Kite Hatteras
- Charlie’s Boat Rentals
- These are the best hidden gems for outdoor activities in Hatteras Island:See more hidden gem outdoor activities in Hatteras Island on Tripadvisor
- These are the best places for adventurous outdoor activities in Hatteras Island:See more adventurous outdoor activities in Hatteras Island on Tripadvisor
- These are the best places for adrenaline seekers looking for outdoor activities in Hatteras Island:See more outdoor activities for adrenaline seekers in Hatteras Island on Tripadvisor