Exuding a Cape Cod ambiance, Ocracoke Island is peppered with pirate legends and a rich nautical heritage. You will hear Ocracokers speaking with an old English “brogue,” a unique dialect passed down from the early settlers of the Outer Banks. (Remember that to the locals, you are the one speaking with an accent!) 

Ocracoke Island is accessible only by ferry, and taking a ride on the ferry is a great way to see the island and surrounding waters. A one-way trip takes about 70 minutes. With few cars on the island, biking is a popular way to get around and explore the island's natural beauty. The village occupies only 4 square miles and the remaining 13 miles or so are part of Cape Hatteras National Seashore and offer miles of pristine beaches, perfect for swimming, sunbathing and surfing. Or visit the 120-acre Springer's Point Nature Preserve, home to a diverse range of plant and animal life as well as historic sites dating back to the 1700s.