2025 Ocracoke Activities Guide

Enjoy a night on the town that is steeped in local history, culture, and miles of fun with a show at the acclaimed Deepwater Theater and Music Hall on Ocracoke Island. Serving as the venue for regular summertime concerts and shows, as well as the host of seasonal or special events, this famed local theatre has a lot of entertainment to offer for visitors of all ages.

The Ocracoke Harbor is easily the busiest quarter mile stretch of Ocracoke Island. Consisting of a small, lagoon-like section of saltwater, and lined by a semi-circle of docks, restaurants, shops, marinas and motels, visitors will find that any and all of the activities on Ocracoke Island can most certainly be found harbor front.

Visitors to Ocracoke Island won't have too much trouble exploring the area. With 16 miles of undeveloped and completely pristine beaches, bordered to the north by a 4-square mile village that encircles the Ocracoke Harbor, it doesn't take long for most vacationers to figure out their way around town.

A picturesque stop and must see for photographers. 

Enjoy an adventure that’s literally miles above a typical day at the beach with a flight that’s launched by the high-flying local pros at Ocracoke Parasail. This popular attraction in the heart of Ocracoke Village provides safe and thrilling rides for visitors of all ages, and is a great way to embark on a unique vacation experience that your crew will never forget.

The Ocracoke Preservation Society is a community-based non-profit organization founded in with the goal of preserving the rich cultural and historical heritage of Ocracoke Island. It's main function is preserving and restoring the island's significant structures, buildings and districts, as well as objects with historic charm or of local interest and those relating to the distinctive character of Ocracoke Island. Another part of OPS's mission is to encourage public participation in these preservation programs and activities through membership and other contributions. Memberships are used to fund special projects and to help operate the Museum and come with several benefits, including a10% discount at the Museum Gift Shop. The public can also participate by sharing personal collections of photographs, documents or other items from Ocracoke's past and by volunteering at the Gift Shop. The OPS website includes a section on the history of Ocracoke Island, and the Museum offers weekly historical "Porch Talks" during the summer season. One of the organization's main fund-raisers is its annual raffle of a one-of-a-kind quilt designed and stitched by local artists and donated by The Ocracoke Needle and Thread Club. Tickets are only $1 each and can be purchased by visiting, emailing or calling OPS. The drawing in is November.

Get ready for the island-hopping adventure of a lifetime with this longtime favorite activity of Ocracoke Island residents and visitors alike. Portsmouth Island ATV Tours provides shuttle service and a guided tour of Portsmouth Island - a deserted but fascinating island that’s situated just south of Ocracoke.

From surfing lessons and kayak tours to all the gear you’ll need to stay active on the Ocracoke beaches, Ride the Wind Surf Shop has everything under the sun for island visitors who want to uncover all the on-the-water fun that the Outer Banks has to offer. Featuring beach gear, watersports equipment sales and rentals, lessons, tours, and a host of other unique items for sale, this destination is miles beyond your typical surf shop, and is a must-stop for anyone who wants to enjoy an active Ocracoke vacation to the fullest.

More than 120 coastal communities oppose offshore drilling- the coast has spoken, and we are determined more than ever to protect our coast. Communities, elected leaders, and impacted businesses and residents along the Southeast spoke out strongly against drilling and for protecting our coastal communities and economies instead. The government is weighing another ill-advised plan for oil and gas drilling in the Atlantic Ocean, which would be a direct threat to the Southeast coast and the millions of people whose livelihoods depend on our beautiful beaches. For further information, please visit, protectourcoastnow.com.

Springer's Point is a gorgeous nature preserve with a legendary past. Populated for centuries, and open to the public, this small parcel of Ocracoke Island is one of the last undeveloped sections of land on the island, and thanks to extensive efforts by the Coastal Land Trust, will forever remain that way.

Coffee and creativity in one venue!

Ocracoke Island is renowned for its miles of exceptional fishing, and visiting anglers will be able to acquire all of the supplies and equipment they’ll need and then some with a visit to the Tradewinds Tackle Shop. This local landmark that’s been fostering fishing on Ocracoke Island for more than 40 years is a must-stop for anyone who wants to spend ample time on the water, and who wants to maximize their chances of reeling in catch after catch.