Portsmouth Island Boat Tour

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PORTSMOUTH ISLAND BOAT TOUR (Ocracoke) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Portsmouth Island Boat Tour

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Portsmouth Island Boat Tour - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Portsmouth Island Boat Tours

Give us a call! 252-928-4361 or 252-928-5431

Featured on Atlas Obscura and Our State Magazine!

portsmouth island boat tours reviews

Capt. Rudy Austin                Capt. Donald Austin 252-928-4361                         252-928-5431

Cape lookout national seashore, about portsmouth.

Once a major trade route, and one of the largest ports in the state, Portsmouth Island has a rich maritime history.

In the mid-1800's, Portsmouth saw more than 1,400 vessels each year. By 1850, the village had more than 500 permanent residents. The hurricane of 1846 opened Oregon and Hatteras inlets creating more efficient and desirable shipping routes. By 1955 there were only 12 people left on the island. By 1971, there were only 3. That year, the last male resident passed away which prompted the two elderly women to move away. The island homes, post office, life saving station, school, and church are now maintained by the national park service. Come see for yourself what life was like on Portsmouth Island. 

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What to expect

We offer many different kinds of trips from Portsmouth village to sunset cruises to the best secret shelling beaches North Carolina has to offer. 

You will meet us at the community square docks. If you choose to go to the village, the trip over will take about 20 minutes.  The captain will drop you off for a few hours for a self guided tour of Portsmouth. There are posted signs with information on what life was like in each time period throughout the village. 

You may also opt for a dolphin or sunset cruise. T he captains will share local history along the way about pirates, The Civil War, and WWII. 

What to Bring

Bug spray! The mosquitos can be pretty bad at certain times of the year. 

Please call for current rates.

On the way back to Ocracoke, you may be lucky enough to see...

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Pelicans nesting with their babies

A pod of Ocracoke Dolphins

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A famous island sunset

Or a stingray!

Community Square Docks

294 Irvin Garrish Hwy, Ocracoke, NC 27960

Please call us directly! We don't keep up with social media! 

Please call us directly! We don't keep up with social media!  Capt. Rudy Austin 252-928-4361 Capt. Donald Austin 252-928-5431

Portsmouth Island Boat Tour

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Portsmouth Island Boat Tour - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024) - Tripadvisor

Portsmouth Island Boat Tour

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Portsmouth Island Boat Tour - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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Portsmouth Island Boat Tours About

Portsmouth Island Boat Tours

Portsmouth Island Boat Tours

Portsmouth Island Boat Tours offers boat tours to historic Portsmouth Island, where Cape Lookout National Seashore meets the Outer Banks. Their tours depart from the Community Square Dock on  Silver Lake Harbor in Ocracoke, NC. The boat ride is lead by Captain Rudy Austin, a  lifetime resident of Ocracoke. Captain Austin details the intriguing history of the area throughout the 20-minute trip, from Blackbeard the Pirate to World War II.  Upon arrival to Portsmouth Island guests will be dropped off at the historic Portsmouth "Ghost Village" and left to explore the area. Boat tours of the surrounding islands, dolphin and sunset cruises are also available.

Portsmouth Island Boat Tours photo

Visit North Carolina

Portsmouth Island Boat Tours

We offer boat trips to the "ghost village" on Portsmouth Island. You’ll leave Ocracoke and enjoy a 20-minute boat ride, perhaps catching a glimpse of some of the local sea life along the way. We’ll leave you on Portsmouth Island to birdwatch, shell, sight-see, go surf fishing or clamming, camping or sunbathing and later we’ll pick you up and bring you back to Ocracoke. Or Captain Rudy Austin will take you a boat tour of the surrounding islands that lasts about 90 minutes. You’ll listen as Capt Austin, born and raised on Ocracoke, details the intriguing history of the area, from Blackbeard the Pirate to World War II.

  • Tours: Guided

294 Irvin Garrish Hwy. Ocracoke, NC 27960

(252) 928-4361 [email protected]

Local Information

Ocracoke tourism development authority.

Ends: 6/15/2024

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Portsmouth Island

Established in 1753, Portsmouth Island was one of largest settlements along the Outer Banks, but changing shipping routes, Civil War, and a lagging economy caused many people to leave and never return. The last residents remained until the early 1970s, and shortly after, the village fell under the care of the National Park Service and the Friends of Portsmouth Island.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, many of the buildings on Portsmouth Island have been restored. Visitors can explore the church, Coast Guard station, schoolhouse, and post office for a glimpse into old island life. You can peek into the windows of some of the old homes where the interiors look as if villagers went to run errands and never returned. 

There is a Visitor Center with exhibits on the island’s history. Restrooms are available, but potable water and food are not. Visitors are encouraged to bring plenty of water and snacks, plus sunscreen and insect repellent. 

A decent walk from the village, you’ll find Portsmouth Island’s beach. Here you’ll find serious solitude, excellent surf fishing, and outstanding shelling.

Visitors can be dropped off at the beach for a day of shelling and relaxation, take a guided walking tour through the village or explore Portsmouth and surrounding islands on a boat tour.

portsmouth island boat tours reviews

Ocracoke Township Tourism Development Authority Learn More About the TDA PO Box 466, Ocracoke, NC 27960 (252) 928-6711    Email Us

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Portsmouth Island Boat Tour

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PORTSMOUTH ISLAND BOAT TOUR (Ocracoke) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

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Portsmouth Island

Only a handful of Outer Banks visitors will make the long and arduous trek to Portsmouth Island, but those who do tend to return year after year, and with good reason. This small southern Outer Banks barrier island, located just south of Ocracoke Island on the other side of Ocracoke Inlet , is a rustic vacationer's paradise with unlimited camping options, incredible fishing, and some of the best shelling on the East Coast.

The Village at Portsmouth Island

Portsmouth Island is a 13 mile-long island that's only accessible by a small boat or privately run ferry. There are no vacation homes, no stores, no businesses, and just a small handful of National Park Service (NPS) regulated and managed cottages that are clustered on the southern end of the island, and regular vacationers wouldn't have it any other way.

Because of its' hard-to-get-to location, and lack of modern amenities, Portsmouth Island remains one of the last wild frontiers of the Outer Banks, attracting vacationers who love roughing it, love being out in the wild, and simply want a 13-miles stretch of shoreline to call their own personal playground.

The Village at Portsmouth Island

For a completely different beach adventure that is literally miles off the map, consider spending a day, a weekend, or even a week at pristine Portsmouth Island, and enjoy one of the last stretches of undeveloped North Carolina coastline in all its natural and wild splendor.

Portsmouth Island 4x4 beach

History of Portsmouth Island

Portsmouth Island wasn't always the rustic and abandoned retreat it is today, as evident by the small village consisting of a dozen remaining homes, churches, general store, and post office which is maintained in exceptional condition by the National Park Service.

In fact, Portsmouth was one of the first true bustling ports following European colonization. Already populated with a mixture of settlers, sailors and businessmen, the town was officially established in 1752, and by 1770, was the largest European settlement on the Outer Banks. This was in part due to its proximity to Ocracoke Island, one of the major North Carolina shipping ports, as well as its support facilities, which were built and maintained to provide easier trade and shipping through the narrow inlets along the coast.

The shipping industry along North Carolina thrived in the late 1700s and 1800s, and so did Portsmouth Island. It's estimated that by 1852, more than 66% of North Carolina's imported or shipped good passed through Ocracoke Inlet, by way of Portsmouth Island. The island, which boasted nearly 700 residents by 1860, was clearly thriving and was well on its way to being one of the most populated areas of the Outer Banks.

Portsmouth Island

Portsmouth Island took its first hit during the Civil War. As Union soldiers patrolled the North Carolina coast, attacking its most populous ports, they targeted Portsmouth Village, and a number of residents fled the island before they could be overcome by the onslaught of troops. In addition to this, a new inlet had just formed south of Hatteras Village due to an 1846 storm, and the wide Ocracoke Inlet that attracted so many shipping vessels was slowly starting to close. The implementation of the national railroad, which helped carry goods all across the country, also hurt Portsmouth Island's status as a center of trade, as now virtually every port along the coastline was connected to the mainland.

After the Civil War, the inlet continued to dwindle with the original port becoming a shallow basin, and more and more residents grudgingly left the island in search of work and more fruitful opportunities.

The shipping industry soon abandoned Portsmouth Island for larger ports in the southern North Carolina and South Carolina beaches, and by 1956, only 17 hardy residents remained on the island with limited supplies. This number steadily declined as well, as with no stores or businesses, the residents of Portsmouth Island has to relay on goods that were brought in by private boat to the village. The last two residents, Marion Babb and Elma Dixon, two elderly ladies who had lived in the village for decades, finally and reluctantly left the island in 1971, and the "town" has been deserted ever since.

It only took a couple of years after being completely abandoned for the village, battered by consistent salty winds and no upkeep, to start to deteriorate, but by 1976 the Cape Lookout National Seashore (CLNS) was established, and new efforts were implemented by both the CLNS and concerned locals to bring Portsmouth Village back to life. Over the next four decades, old buildings that had been left to the elements were refurbished and renovated back to their original condition, and today visitors who stroll through the small sandy trails through Portsmouth Island would never guess that it has been 40 years since anyone called these pristine residences home.

The National Park Service continues to maintain the facilities, and a tour through Portsmouth Island's village is literally a step back in time, to the original working and thriving port of a small, working-class coastal community. Though a veritable ghost town, visitors attest it's one of the most remarkable villages on the Outer Banks, and return every year to marvel at the thoroughly well-kept remains, as well as the heritage and history of the Outer Banks' once-busiest and most prosperous settlements.

Morris Marina Ferry

Getting to Portsmouth Island

As stated, getting to Portsmouth Island is part of the adventure, and most visitors to this secluded stretch of the southern Outer Banks will find reaching the shoreline a bit of a challenge.

The only way to reach Portsmouth Island is by boat, and perhaps the most convenient method is to commandeer your own small Carolina skiff or other motorized vessel across Ocracoke Inlet or Cedar Island to the two small docks that are located on both ends of the island. A handful of inshore charter businesses on Hatteras Island, like Got 'Em Charters based out of Teach's Lair Marina , even offer trips to the area upon request.

Visitors who want a more extended stay, and who may not own their own aquatic ride to commandeer to Portsmouth's shores, can also catch a ride aboard the Morris Marina Ferry. Based out of Atlantic, NC, (just 10 miles away from the Cedar Island ferry docks), the Morris Marina offers the only private vehicle ferry to Portsmouth Island.

It should be noted that there are a handful of other ferry services along Cedar Island and the Crystal Coast that can provide taxi services to visitors on foot, who simply want to explore the Cape Lookout area. However, Portsmouth Island is genuinely best explored with a 4WD vehicle , and Morris Marina features two small ferries, the Donza Lee and the Green Grass, that can accommodate a half dozen or so vehicles, and shuttle them to the Portsmouth Island ferry docks.

The first thing you'll need to visit Portsmouth Island this way is obviously a 4WD vehicle . There are no paved roads anywhere on the island, so 4WD is essential before even considering getting onboard a ferry. The second thing you'll need is a reservation. The ferry runs approximately 4-8 times a day, depending on the season, and with limited spots aboard the small boats, reservations for this island taxi can fill up fast. (Be sure and book both an arrival and departure reservation. If you miss your Portsmouth Island departure, the ferries can often make room on the next trip, again, depending on the season.)

The ferry ride to Portsmouth Island takes approximately 45 minutes or so, depending on the weather and the number of vehicles on board. Once en route, many newcomers marvel at the both the novelty of having a vehicle on board such a small vessel, and the incredible views of Cedar Island, the Pamlico Sound, and Portsmouth Island along the way.

The ferry deposits vehicles on the southern end of Portsmouth Island, 100 yards or so away from the small modern community of vacation rental cottages managed by the NPS. Once onshore, 4WD vehicles, ATVs, and pedestrians are free to explore the beaches, relax, and enjoy the completely unspoiled shoreline.

Rates vary depending on the type of vehicle, as well as any accompanying equipment, such as a campers or pull-behind trailers. For rate and reservation information provided by the Morris Marina, visit this website.

Attractions of Portsmouth Island

One of the better-known attractions of Portsmouth Island is, of course, the village itself. Completely deserted except for a satellite NPS office set up in one of the larger structures, visitors can simply wander through the center of town and take in the historic and perfectly preserved village. Several building are open for the random travelers who pass through, including the general store which has glass cases and shelves stocked with 1930s and 1940s goods, and the United Methodist Church, which even features a guest book for the intrepid visitor to sign. An eerie but enthralling expedition, a self-guided tour through Portsmouth Island's village is almost a pre-requisite adventure for any visitor to this island's shores. Public restrooms are also located on the northern outskirts of town, along the path that leads to the fantastic beaches.

Speaking of beaches, Portsmouth Island's other claim to fame is literally 13 miles of completely unspoiled shoreline which is open to the public to enjoy.

One of the biggest attractions on the shoreline is fishing, and vacationing anglers can expect to reel in virtually every type of saltwater species that calls the Eastern Seaboard home, from flounder to trout, mackerel to mullet. The biggest prizes are the red and puppy drum that make seasonal appearances in the spring and fall months as they blaze past the North Carolina coastline during their migration south or north. During the drum runs, Portsmouth Island anglers will literally be able to reel in fish after fish with little competition and plenty of elbow room.

Like most all areas of the Outer Banks, fishing on Portsmouth Island is seasonal with certain varieties in abundance for a month or two. For more info on what's biting, visit the Portsmouth Island Fishing's website . With any luck, your next Portsmouth Island trip may very well produce the next big catch of the month.

For avid beachcombers, Portsmouth Island is a paradise, with hundreds of not thousands of local North Carolina shells washing ashore, perfectly intact, on a daily basis. The reason for the influx of incredible shells is simple geography coupled with isolation. Portsmouth Island is basically a "southern facing" beach with a gradual shoreline, or a gently sloping ocean floor with relatively small waves that allow shells to glide to the beaches without friction or damaging ocean waves.

As a result, beachcombers can expect to find a variety of North Carolina treasures in addition to some spectacular species that are more commonly found on the beaches of South Carolina, Georgia, and even Florida. These include the prized state shell the Scotch Bonnet, spiny murexes, helmet conchs, Florida Fighting Conchs, lightning whelks, channeled whelks, knobbed whelks, and even olive shells and sand dollars. Any of these finds would be mantle-worthy showpieces, but what makes Portsmouth Island unique is that visitors can find any and all of these species in abundance, particularly in the early spring and late fall, when the island hasn't seen beachcombers for months, or has just survived another coastal storm, and the miles of beaches are open for picking.

Some visitors even report instances of simply lounging by the water as a near-perfect whelk, Scotch Bonnet or conch washed up right on front of them, making Portsmouth Island shelling one of the easiest beachcombing locales on the East Coast.

Hikers, beach drivers, and all-around explorers will also fall in love with the area, for its miles upon miles of off-the-beaten paths. ATVs or 4WD vehicles can opt to explore the rustic sand tracks carved out along the shoreline, or take to the soundside in makeshift paths that border the sound and maritime forests and run parallel to the dunes. Small brown mile marker signs are posted throughout the shoreline to give drivers and navigators their bearings, and it's a good thing too - with so much undeveloped shoreline it's easy to forget, geographically, where you're located in the grand scheme of things.

When it comes to nature and wild explorations, it's hard to beat Portsmouth Island. Visitors who hop out of the vehicle for a little on-foot and self-guided hike will be delighted to find miles of maritime forests, woods, soundfront beaches, and gorgeous stretches of oceanfront just waiting to be unearthed.

The area is home to a number of barrier island regulars, including white-tailed deer, foxes, box turtles, seasonal loggerhead turtles and turtle nesting areas, and hundreds of different kinds of both migratory and year-round shorebirds. In addition, and due to its isolation and respect of visitors, the area is a thriving home to a number of endangered or threatened species, such as the Piping Plover or the American Oyster Catcher. On the shoreline, vacationers can expect to see ghost crabs peeking out of their small, self-burrowed holes, and even dolphins that swim courageously close to shore to check out human visitors.

Wildlife lovers, fishermen, and dedicated beachcombers all adore Portsmouth Island, and while on the surface it may seem like their initial interests are wildly different, in the end it all comes down to the same attraction. Portsmouth Island, because of its undeveloped and undiscovered nature, allows wild hobbies of all kinds to simply flourish on its shores, and visitors of all varieties can simply relax and enjoy the rewards.

Beach camping on Portsmouth Island

Lodging and Camping on Portsmouth Island

Portsmouth Island is unique on the Outer Banks in that rustic campers can literally choose any stretch of shoreline to stake a tent. Tent and RV campers are allowed throughout the island, including on the beaches, the dunes, the maritime forests, and even adjacent to the soundfront for perfect evening sunsets over the water. Basically, if you can find a place to park or pitch a tent stake, then you can set up a temporary home away from home.

Over the years, a few established but hidden "camping sites" have been claimed and developed throughout the shoreline, marked only by the brown milepost markers that consistently line the seashore. Tent campers, especially during the breezy fall and spring months when wind speed can reach a consistent 15-20 mph, are advised to stay away from the oceanfront, and explore the tucked-away patches of soundfront and maritime forest. Not only do these sections of the island provide a natural barrier against the wind, but campers here can enjoy the best of the island's wildlife right outside their tent door.

Sunrise Portsmouth Island

Of course, all campers are expected to follow the Cape Lookout National Seashore's guidelines, which can be found on the NPS website , and are advised to leave nothing behind and take nothing with them but pictures, fresh catches, and fantastic seashells.

To find that perfect spot that's away from the oceanfront and the wind, simply follow the "interior" trail that winds along the west side of the ocean-facing sand dunes, and look for slightly-used and navigated paths leading towards the soundfront. In these relatively undiscovered areas, rustic campers can find sites that border brackish or saltwater ponds, clusters of dense maritime forests, sprawling saltwater marshes, or even picturesque soundfront beaches. With ample room to explore, many campers find it's hard to narrow down one locale to spend their stay, but when you do find that perfect site, you're sure to return to your same makeshift "vacation destination" on Portsmouth Island for years to come.

It should be noted that amenities and facilities are extremely limited for rustic campers. The Morris Marina staff is happy to make runs to town for necessary goods, such as groceries, snacks or beverages, but otherwise, campers are on their own. There are public restrooms located at both ends of the inlet, at the NPS campground and on the edge of Portsmouth Village, and public showers are also located within the NPS's camping facilities on the southern end of Portsmouth Island.

Ghost crab at sunrise

Portsmouth Island visitors who don't necessarily want to rough it, but still want to enjoy the seclusion and the postcard-perfect beaches, can also stay at the National Park Service Campground, located at the southern end of Portsmouth Island next to the Morris Marina Ferry docks.

This campground features 20 "sites," or duplex or circular beach cottages that are open to visitors. There is no electricity on Portsmouth Island, however these cottages have generators which provide interior lighting, functioning stoves, hot showers, and even air conditioning in the hot summer months.

Each cabin or duplex unit generally sleeps 6, with bunk beds or even single beds depending on the layout, and is literally steps away from the beach right outside the door. Each unit also has kitchen cabinets, a table and chairs for impromptu dining, and ceiling fans to circulate those ocean breezes. Several units even have propane heaters for shoulder season guests. Reservations are required, and can be obtained by visiting the Long Point Cabin Camp's website .

Portsmouth Island ATV Tours

Some visitors may wish to forego the extensive stays and long travel involved with a weekend or week-long vacation on Portsmouth Island, and simply spend a morning or afternoon discovering this unique region of the Outer Banks. For those folks, the Portsmouth Island ATV Tours fit the bill, as it provides an efficient exploration of the island's most popular and attractive regions.

The Portsmouth Island ATV Tours, provided by the Ocracoke native Austin Boat Tour company, is the only standardized tour available to Portsmouth Island vacationers, thanks to a long-standing partnership with the National Park Service.

Tour participants must make reservations well in advance at the tour's website , as spots fill up fast, especially in the prime summer season months when Ocracoke's tourism population is at its highest.

On the morning or afternoon of your tour, be sure and show up at the docks at least 20 or 30 minutes before departure to sign in, get situated on the boat, and receive your "shell bag" to collect treasures scooped out of the Atlantic Ocean waters.

The beach on Portsmouth Island

Each tour can accommodate just a handful of visitors, and the journey begins with a scoot across Ocracoke Inlet onboard the boat, which lands on the outskirts of Portsmouth Village. Here, ATVs which can accommodate 4 passengers are waiting to escort tour-goers through the village. In good conditions, tourists are encouraged to hop off and walk around the village, but on buggy days, the tour of the village is slightly abbreviated to ensure a minimal number of mosquito bites, and instead allocates that time to exploring the Portsmouth Island shoreline.

Here, visitors can ride along the beaches in their ATVs and enjoy a bit of "drive-by shelling" as they scoop up treasures that are freshly washed onshore. An experienced guide leads the pack, pointing out interesting sites and facts along the way, (as well as some fantastic shell finds that may be lost on the casual observer.)

The finale of the tour leads to a secluded beach where tour-goers can simply enjoy the water and the fresh air of a stretch of gorgeous Portsmouth Island shoreline as they wait for the boat that will lead them home.

Visitors are encouraged to bring along bottled water and snacks as there are limited facilities on the island, as well as sunscreen and bug spray. Group tours are also available, and the tours generally leave the Ocracoke Harbor twice a day, depending on both the season and weather conditions.

For an easy-going exploration of Portsmouth Island that doesn't require excessive travel or accommodation planning, the Portsmouth Island ATV Tours may be just the ticket to introduce newcomers to this relatively unheard of stretch of Outer Banks beach.

Tips and Trips for Visiting Portsmouth Island

  • Bug spray is a requirement during any time of year, but is most required during the prime summer months of June, July and August. Inshore areas, such as Portsmouth village itself and parcels of maritime forest and marshes, are the most susceptible to mosquitos. That said, visitors who stick close to the ocean and the subsequent salty breezes need not worry as much, especially in the spring and fall months when the mosquito population is relatively dormant.
  • Rustic campers are encouraged to bring along plenty of supplies. The staff at Morris Marina are happy to pick up essentials and deliver them back to on-island campers, however, coming to the island prepared is a key ingredients to fully enjoying a Portsmouth Island vacation.
  • Be sure and mind the NPS rules and regulations, which include but are not limited to having pets leashed at all times, disposing of litter, and staying within the beach campfire guidelines. By heeding these rules, visitors can ensure the beaches will remain open for generations to come.
  • Portsmouth Island has no internet and limited cell phone service, however many visitors are surprised to discover that they are able to place calls or go online even in the middle of nowhere. Be sure and bring vehicular-chargers however, as the only electric outlets on Portsmouth Island are found sparingly in the island's 20 NPS managed cabins. (Although, truth be told, many vacationers are more than happy to be cut off from the rest of the world.)
  • Bring plenty of coolers for fish, and plenty of bags for shells. Many first-time vacationers are surprised at the number of exceptional catches both on and off the shore that they reel in, and sometimes find themselves throwing away food and supplies to make room for their newly discovered treasures. Allot a large space in the truck or the ATV to ensure that all of your finds are able to travel across Ocracoke inlet with you and find a permanent place back home.

Portsmouth Island can often be a literally off-the-map destination for most Outer Banks vacationers. Located just south of Ocracoke Island, and with no businesses, restaurants, or shops to speak of, it's understandable the visitors who are new to the Outer Banks regions have never heard of this delicate parcel of North Carolina coastline.

However, adventurous vacationers who love a wide-open landscape to pitch a tent, in addition to dedicated fishermen and shell seekers, will find Portsmouth Island a vacation dream come true. With miles of undeveloped shoreline to explore, and a bit of history thrown in within the confines of the fantastically-preserved Portsmouth Village, this is one beach vacation destination that is completely unique, wild, and completely beloved by its loyal sect of vacationers.

Like every other section and region of the Outer Banks, Portsmouth Island has its devout followers, and all it takes is a visit or two to determine if you're continually in a PI sort of mind.

Portsmouth Island's wide-open beach

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Portsmouth Island, NC?

Portsmouth Island is an isolated barrier island that is located within the Cape Lookout National Seashore . It is bordered to the north by Ocracoke Inlet and Ocracoke Island, and is bordered to the south by Cape Lookout and the South Core Banks.

How do you get to Portsmouth Island, NC?

Visitors can reach Portsmouth Island via a private vessel, or by a boat tour or passenger / vehicular ferry . Boat tours launch from neighboring Ocracoke Island, and a passenger / vehicle ferry that accesses Portsmouth Island is located in the town of Davis on the North Carolina mainland.

What’s the easiest way to get to Portsmouth Island?

The quickest way to reach Portsmouth Island is via Ocracoke Island , which is just 2-3 miles away from the northern tip of Portsmouth Island. Boat tours and ATV tours are regularly available in the summer months in Ocracoke village.

Do you need a 4WD vehicle to explore Portsmouth Island?

Because Portsmouth Island has no paved roads, a 4WD vehicle is recommended to explore the miles of undeveloped shoreline . Pedestrians can access Portsmouth Island, however, via area boat tours and passenger / vehicular ferries.

Are there tours of Portsmouth Island?

Tours of Portsmouth Island are available in Ocracoke village , and can include private boat tours, boat and ATV tours, or inshore charter fishing trips.

Are there wild horses on Portsmouth Island?

Although there are wild horses in the southern regions of the Cape Lookout National Seashore , (including the South Core Banks and the Shackleford Banks), surprisingly, there are no wild horses on Portsmouth Island.

Where is Portsmouth Island Village?

Portsmouth Island Village is located on the northern tip of Portsmouth Island, just across the inlet from Ocracoke Island .

How old is Portsmouth Island village?

The historic Portsmouth Village on Portsmouth Island was established in the 1750s and was one of the largest port communities along the North Carolina coastline by the mid-19 th century. Eventually, as the harbor began to shallow and railroads were established at other large coastal ports, the population dwindled until the last two residents - Marion Babb and Elma Dixon – left the island in 1971.

Are the mosquitos bad on Portsmouth Island?

The mosquitos on Portsmouth Island are legendary. Warm weather visitors are advised to bring along plenty of bug spray and even mosquito netting, especially if they are exploring inland areas away from the beach, such as the historic Portsmouth Village.

Where can you camp on Portsmouth Island?

Camping is allowed throughout the Portsmouth Island shoreline for tents and / or 4WD trucks and RVs . (Camping is not allowed within the historic district of Portsmouth Village.) There are also rustic cabins available to rent on Portsmouth Island, which are available through the Cape Lookout National Seashore .

Does anyone live on Portsmouth Island?

Portsmouth Island was occupied for centuries, but is now a deserted seaside ghost town. The last residents to live on Portsmouth Island were two older women, who left the island in the 1970s.

Where are the ferries that go to Portsmouth Island?

A boat and ATV tour that accesses Portsmouth Island is located in Ocracoke village, while a passenger / vehicular ferry that heads to Portsmouth Island is found in the mainland town of Davis, NC, on Cedar Island.

How long is the ferry ride to Portsmouth Island?

From Davis, NC, the passenger / vehicular ferry to Portsmouth is approximately 45 minutes to one hour, depending on the weather conditions.

What is there to do on Portsmouth Island, NC?

Portsmouth Island is isolated and undeveloped, and is famous for its exceptional shelling and surf fishing . The island is also home to the historic Portsmouth Village, which is a now-deserted village that was established in 1752, and which was occupied until the early 1970s.

What are the special events on Portsmouth Island?

The historic Portsmouth Village on Portsmouth Island hosts a homecoming every year in April, where descendants and friends of Portsmouth Island gather together in the heart of the village.

Are there lifeguards on Portsmouth Island?

There are no lifeguards on Portsmouth Island.

What are the attractions on Portsmouth Island, NC?

Portsmouth Island’s primary attractions are the beaches, and the historic Portsmouth Village. Now deserted, the village still has a number of restored buildings and structures, including the Portsmouth United Methodist Church, a general store, and a National Park Service ranger station and visitor center. 

Are there shops and restaurants on Portsmouth Island, NC?

There are no restaurants or shops on Portsmouth Island.

Is there drinking water and restrooms on Portsmouth Island?

Facilities are very limited on Portsmouth Island. Restrooms and / or drinking water can be found on the southern tip of the island near the National Park Service cabins, and on the northern end of the island near historic Portsmouth Village.

Where do you stay on Portsmouth Island, NC?

Visitors can camp anywhere on the Portsmouth Island beaches, except within the historic district where Portsmouth Village is located. There are also 20 rustic cabins that each sleep 6 people on the southern end of the island, which are managed by the Cape Lookout National Seashore.

Are pets allowed on the beach on Portsmouth Island, NC?

Pets are allowed throughout the Portsmouth Island beaches but must be on a leash.

Can I drive on the beach on Portsmouth Island, NC?

Driving is allowed throughout Portsmouth Island along the beaches and along marked interior roads that border the dunes. A 4WD vehicle – (truck or ATV) - is required. 

Are there shells on Portsmouth Island, NC?

Portsmouth Island is known as one of the best shelling destinations in the state of North Carolina, due to its isolation and location well off the coast of the mainland.

Where do you find shells on Portsmouth Island?

Shells are scattered throughout the Portsmouth Island shoreline, and especially along beaches that border the island’s two adjacent inlets.

What kind of shells are on Portsmouth Island?

Portsmouth Island attracts a number of shells that are otherwise unusual on the North Carolina coastline. Favorite finds for shell collectors include Scotch Bonnets, Florida Fighting conchs, spiny murexes, whelks, and helmet conchs.

Are beach bonfires allowed in Portsmouth Island?

Beach bonfires are allowed below the high tide line on Portsmouth Island.

When is the best time to visit Portsmouth Island?

The best time to visit Portsmouth Island is in the fall and spring months, when the fishing and shelling is at its best, and the mosquito population is noticeably reduced. Generally, ferry service to Portsmouth Island is not available from early December until March.

What are the air temperatures each month in Portsmouth Island?

January - high: 54°, low: 40°F 

February - high: 55°, low: 41°F 

March - high: 60°, low: 46°F 

April - high: 67°, low: 54°F 

May - high: 74°, low: 62°F 

June - high: 81°, low: 69°F 

July - high: 85°, low: 75°F 

August - high: 84°, low: 74°F 

September - high: 81°, low: 69°F 

October - high: 73°, low: 60°F 

November - high: 64°, low: 52°F 

December - high: 57°, low: 45°F 

        

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Northern Beaches

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  • 5. Kitty Hawk
  • 6. Kill Devil Hills
  • 7. Nags Head

Roanoke Island

  • 9. Wanchese

Hatteras Island

  • 10. Rodanthe
  • 16. Hatteras

Ocracoke Island

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Outer Banks Map

Upcoming Events

Events & Family Fun

  • Outer Banks Bike Week April 22nd, 2024 - April 26th, 2024
  • ESA Mid-Atlantic Regional Surfing Championship April 26th, 2024 - April 28th, 2024
  • Scallywag 5K/10K/half-marathon April 27th, 2024 - April 28th, 2024

Nags Head Dolphin Watch

Nags Head Dolphin Watch

Scientists run these dolphin tours as part of their research on these beloved aquatic animals, so you know this will be an interesting trip. Passengers will be able to see how researchers with the Outer Banks Center for Dolphin Research, a nonprofit organization,  conduct their research and hear about some of the discoveries from more than a decade of studies and monitoring. Some of the hundreds of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins in the area show up so frequently they’ve even been given names, like “Rake,” “Scarlet,” and “Onion.”  

  • 252-449-8999

Buxton Woods

Buxton Woods

Perhaps the reason that this area of maritime forest goes unnoticed, (an area which in fact comprises the majority of Frisco Village), is simply because the oceanfront beaches just yards away are too alluring to ignore, and garner the lion's share of vacationers' interest. This is understandable, as when most folks think of an Outer Banks vacation, they envision miles of unspoiled beaches, refreshing ocean waves, and plenty of room to spread out a beach blanket, and Frisco's beaches have all of these attributes in spades.

  • 252-838-0880

Brew Thru

No trip to the Outer Banks is complete without cruising through Brew Thru, the Outer Banks’ original drive thru convenience store. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing cold beverage of Coke, Pepsi and other soft drinks on the go, stocking up your cooler with refreshments to enjoy at the beach or piling up on beer and wine for a party, Brew Thru is a fun and unique experience all vacationers need to see for themselves.

Brew Thru is Your One-Stop Shop at the Beach

The year was 1977, and Dana and Becky Lawrentz were chatting with friends over brews in their hometown of Akron, Ohio. They got to talking about a gas station convenience store in the area that had built a makeshift drive-through. Everyone agreed it would be pretty great if you could actually drive through a convenience store and pick up everything you needed without getting out of the car. But what would you call a place like that?

Well, you’d call it a Brew Thru.

It was an idea they couldn’t shake, so the Lawrentzes moved to the Outer Banks and built the first Brew Thru with the help of a partner. The idea was that people could come buy everything they would need for their trip to the beach—beer, wine, soft drinks, snacks, ice—without getting out of the car. That same year, a t-shirt salesman visiting the store and talked them into adding t-shirts to their product line—and 44 years later there are now more than five million Brew Thru t-shirts out in the wild.

The Lawrentzes’ daughter Brandy and her husband Philip Foreman purchased the business from them in 2002, and they now operate five locations across the Outer Banks.“We love being the one-stop shop for folks on the way to their beach house,” Foreman says. “Our car tenders are the friendliest people at the beach. We’re here to greet you, get you everything you need for your trip, load it up in the trunk for you, and have you leaving with a smile on your face.”

The store is quite expansive, featuring more than 100 brands of beer, dozens of wines and even a vast selection of cigars—not to mention all the snacks, t-shirts and other gear. To make ordering a little easier, customers in line get a menu—fondly known as the Summer-y—that outlines everything available at the store. These Summer-ies are also available in many of the beach rentals, which allows vacationers to decide what they want before driving through.

For customers who would like to get out and stretch their legs, there’s the Brew Thru Shop in Kill Devil Hills, where you can find their world famous t-shirts and other gifts. New t-shirt designs are created each year, making a yearly Brew Thru t-shirt a favorite of locals and annual visitors to the Outer Banks.

The Foremans both grew up in the Outer Banks, and they love that Brandy’s parents’ vision for a friendly and convenient place for people to grab their brews and other beach stay essentials is continuing to flourish.

“Our family has been welcoming people to the Outer Banks since 1977,” Foreman says. “We love this beautiful place, and we want everybody to get to enjoy it.”

  • Kill Devil Hills
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  • 252-261-3948
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  • 252-441-5108

Hatteras Island

Head south over the Herbert C. Bonner bridge, or take the Hatteras / Ocracoke ferry from Ocracoke Island, and you'll land on the shores of Hatteras Island.

Just for the Beach Rentals

Just for the Beach Rentals

Just for the Beach Rentals (not to be confused with the similarly-named "Just for the Beach") offers rentals to accommodate your stay. Equipment includes linens, baby gates, cribs, monitors, seats, joggers, bikes, kayaks, skim boards, surf boards, and SUP. Free delivery is available with a modest rental order, from Corolla to Nags Head (not including 4x4 areas). Just for the Beach offers two convenient locations in Corolla and Kill Devil Hills.

  • 252-453-9388

Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum

Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum

More than 2,000 shipwrecks sunk off the Coast of North Carolina in what’s called the Graveyard of the Atlantic. With all that history floating around, it was only natural to build a museum to honor and preserve the maritime culture of the Outer Banks. A state-of-the-art structure, the year round museum houses and displays artifacts, and presents a variety of exhibits and interprets the rich maritime culture that includes war, piracy, ghost ships and more. Artifacts include thoseex from the USS Monitor, which sank 16 miles off the Hatteras coast. The lobby features the stunning and original, 1854, First Order Lens from the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. Current hibits include those on piracy and the Civil War on Hatteras Island.

  • 252-986-2995

Super Wings

Super Wings

Best store on the beach! Everything you need for your vacation. The newest ladies' and girls swimsuits, 20% off every day! Largest selection of beach supplies and the best deals on T-shirts, sweatshirts and mens, ladies, and kids, apparel, swimwear and resort wear. Get all your souvenirs, suntan lotions, beach towels, floats, kites, and more. The only 1 stop shop on the beach.

  • 252-480-8525
  • 252-441-3375
  • 252-995-0062
  • 252-441-4113
  • 252-453-4220
  • 252-453-9744
  • 252-986-2280
  • 252-261-4690
  • 252-252-5336
  • 252-261-7455
  • 252-995-3203
  • 252-453-4200
  • 252-441-2086

Historic Corolla Park

Historic Corolla Park

Most all visitors to Corolla will spend at least a sunny afternoon or two at the Historic Corolla Park. This 39 acre site is home to three of the Northern Outer Banks' biggest attractions, the Whalehead in Historic Corolla, the Currituck Beach Lighthouse and the Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education, as well as plenty of gorgeous soundfront grounds that are wide open for visitors to explore.

  • 252-457-0128

Jumpmasters OBX

Jumpmasters OBX

Now with Axe Throwing! Jumpmasters OBX is the ultimate trampoline park on the Outer Banks with attractions the entire family will enjoy. From open jump trampolines to the dodgeball court, 3-D climbing wall, a foam pit, an epic ninja obstacle course, and more, these fitness activities feature a safe environment for families and groups to make memories while getting their heart rate pumping!

  • 252-423-3177

The 8 Best Beach Blankets and Towels for 2024

The 8 Best Beach Blankets and Towels for 2024

If you're planning a relaxing day on the beach, a great beach blanket is a must-have piece of gear. We've curated a list of highly-rated beach blankets, each selected for its unique features, quality, and durability. From lightweight, compact options to large, family-sized choices, we've got you covered. Dive in as we explore the various materials, designs, and functionalities that make these beach blankets stand out.

The Christmas Shop

The Christmas Shop

  • 252-473-2838

Ocracoke Harbor

Ocracoke Harbor

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.

  • 252-928-5731

Henry's Restaurant

Henry's Restaurant

Henry's Restaurant offers down home, simple food done Outer Banks style. Henry's Restaurant has been serving the Outer Banks of North Carolina since the summer of 1989. They are pleased to be considered one of the most popular restaurants in Dare County. Owners Henry and Linda Ezzell, along with daughter Kim Ezzell Parker offer honest American Style food that appeal to people of all ages. With so many fine dining establishments in the area they felt there was a need for a down-to-earth, no-frills experience for those that wanted good food, a pleasant and accommodating staff, and an affordable menu. As their customers will attest, they feel confident they have achieved this goal.

The kid-friendly and casual restaurant has been serving hearty portions to locals and visitors since 1989. Breakfast is what Henry's does best, although it's a wonderful restaurant for lunch and dinner as well. Start your day with incredible hotcakes, omelets, biscuits, french toast, eggs benedict, breakfast sandwiches, and even fried trout, served 7:00am to 1:00pm daily.

  • 252-261-2025

Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education

Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education

Corolla, North Carolina is a must see nautical village scented with the spray of the salty sea. It's located on NC Highway 12 along a thin strip of land bordered on the east by the tempestuous Atlantic Ocean, and on the west by the inland waterway of Currituck Sound. Corolla is home to the Currituck Beach Lighthouse, whose beacon first beckoned to sailors at sea in 1875, and to art noveau Whalehead in Historic Corolla, a turn of the century hunt club for sportsmen. The quaint village is also home to one of North Carolina's natural history gems called the Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education. The center, which opened in 2006, is an impressive and marvelous 22,000 square foot interpretive center for young and old alike to explore the history and vast diversity of North Carolina's wildlife.

  • 252-453-0221

Portsmouth Island Atv Tours

Photo of Portsmouth Island Atv Tours - Ocracoke, NC, US. This is on Portsmouth Island...it is usually just you and your Guide.  Lots of fun!

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133 Loop Rd

Ocracoke, NC 27960

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Photo of Sue S.

Oh my goodness! We had a blast! Mark was our guide and we were lucky enough to have him and the island all to ourselves! He is very knowledgeable and well learned. Such a great respect for nature, which we loved! We learned so very much! Rudy, who captains the boat, added so much of his own local history to the tour! They brought us around by boat to Portsmouth Village. Also very beautiful! If you think you are prepared enough for the mosquitos, you aren't. They are crazy. But if you can do it, walk down to see the village. It is frozen in time! People, skip the parasailing and do this instead!!! We will always have this wonderful memory. Go make your own. And don't forget to tip your guide!

Photo of Ira S.

My wife and I booked a morning trip during a recent stay on Ocracoke. We loved this excursion. Our guide, Mark, was personable and responsive to the desires of the group; my wife wanted to see one house in particular in the village, and he made sure we did. The ATVs were well-used but ran great and were a blast to drive on the beach. We would most definitely do this again. Well worth the money.

Photo of Michele S.

This is a twofer review. We went on 2 tours with the Austins while on Ocracoke for a weeklong vacation recently. This is our second time to go on the ATV Tour and jthe first time for a new tour they are offering, the Sand Bar Cruise. Both are fantastic! We have such a great time with these down to earth folks. First on the ATV Tour...you show up at their office/umbrella stand that is adjacent to the Jolly Roger Marina on the main drag in Ocracoke on Siler Lake Harbor. Bring these thing with you for certain: SUNSCREEN, GOOD BUG SPRAY. Other items you will need: Water, a few snacks if you are bringing kids and maybe some beach towels. Wear your bathing suit under your clothes. You jump in the boat with Wade (a native Ocracoker...very nice) and a guide and off you go (at a great clip) to Portsmouth Island. It is about a 15 minute boat ride. When you get there Wade will beach the boat and help you off and then he leaves you on the island with your super nice quide. You then hop on some ATV Mules (some with windshields, some without-try to get one with!) and away you go. She will take you to the edge of the Historic Portsmouth Village. Before you get there she stops and lets you DRENCH yourself with bug spray. Because this is a deserted island and a National Park, they don't do commercial mass spraying which is a must on the Outer Banks. THE BUGS ARE TERRIBLE!!! It is almost not worth going to the village because of this, but it is a really neat place. The place is like it was left when the last permanent resident left (back in the late 60's I believe). There is a life saving station with all kinds of informative displays including a replica boat. There is the post office, a really nbeat church that really shows the damage of Hurricane Emily and about 6 other houses. It is a walking tour and it is quite a hike and very buggy, but I swear it is worth it if you have any interest in this sort of thing. When you are done looking over the village, you will dash back out to your ATV (they aren't aloud in the village and you have to park where the bugs are the worst..so run!) and then you go back out the the beach where there are practically NO BUGS. There is great shelling here as hardly anyone takes te private ferry (that costs about $200@ car) so you have the beach all to yourself and for the remander of the tour (which is 4 hours total) you go check out the beach and look for shells (we always find big conch/welks!) You ,may even see some fishermen on the beach. While we were there one pulled in a STINGRAY! They let it go while we were there, thank goodness. Then back down the beach to meet Wade and he takes you back to Ocracoke. This tour is expensive (hence the deduction of 1 star) it is $85 per person. But I really think it is worth the money. NOW for the Sand Bar tour. This is the BANG-FOR-YOUR-BUCK experience on Ocracoke Island. It was WONDERFUL! You get on The Native Son, the Austins' new Pontoon Cruiser. It is very nice. THINGS TO TAKE: sunscreen, towels, chairs, a filled cooler, your beach book-basically whatever you would normally take to the beach with you. They have plenty of room on the boat. When we went , Wade and his wife and kids went with us alond with about 15 other people. The boat holds about 30 or so people and so you are very comfortable on the ride out to the Sand Bar. You go about 2/3 of the way to Portsmouth Island and Wade very smoothly and professionally steers you to the barely visable patch of sand and you disembark. You are on the tour for about 3 hours, and in that time, the Sand Bar keeps getting bigger a the tide is falling the entire time. The area you can explore is almost unlimited. The water on the sandbar varies in depth, from about 6" deep to over your head swimming holes. And all this is about 2 miles off shore! It is SO NEAT. While we were there my nephews (the buddied up with Wade's kids, Hayden and Colby) caught about 20 crabs and we found about 40 sand dollars!! It was so nice. Before we left the sandbar was about as big as half a football field exposed. We just turned our kids loose (ages 13 and 10). They had the most fun we had on the whole trip. This is the best deal on the island. $40 for the adults and $20 for the kids! You can't beat that with a stick! And there was even a coupon in the 'Sunny Deals' guide that is in every store for $5 off the adults! Fantastic. We will DEF be going back for more sand bar tours with the Wade Family. BOIL IT DOWN-If you have the cash go on...BOTH! If you are having to choose between the two, We like the Sand Bar Tour...no bugs and tons of laid back fun. If you need to be a little more entertained, the guided tour of Portsmouth Island is for you. Both are fun...its all about your prefrence.

portsmouth island boat tours reviews

See all photos from Michele S. for Portsmouth Island Atv Tours

Photo of Pat M.

Had a tour today and can't say enough good things. The captain and Chelsea were phenomenal. Two couples cancelled and they took us anyway which was apparently against protocol. We arrived at the dock and waited just a short time and were on our way. A quick 20 minute ride across the sound and it was go time. The ATV was easy to use and Chelsea was awesome. We wanted to do a little bit of everything and she led the way and informed us along the ride . We had been forewarned about the bugs and we were still weren't prepared. But our trusty guide gave us a natural bug swatter that improved our odds a bit. Those into history will love the village. Chelsea knew all the history and was interested in it not just repeating the facts. We got ample time to collect shells and still had time to tear up the trails. We highly recommend this day for everyone.

Photo of Andrea K.

Took four hour sand bar tour. Was a wonderful, peaceful time lapping around in the waves, fishing and searching for sand dollars. Will definitely come back next time we are in OBX.

Photo of Star S.

We plan a trip to Ocracoke each year. Last year (2016) we vowed to book the Portsmouth ATV Tour. We were full of excitement planning and waiting for our trip and this was the highlight! We wereNOT disappointed! Due to the weather our tour was cancelled on Saturday but we were able to rebook on Sunday!! Mark was our guide and we could not have had a better one. He is very knowledgeable and so informative. As we left the harbor we were greeted by a pod of dolphin. Our flat bottom boat, made for such shallow waters skipped across to Portsmouth with ease manned by an Ocracoke native with his own wonderful stories to tell. When we reached the island and mounted our ATV we took off on dirt paths laughing and enjoying the scenery and freedom of the ride. The beach is untouched - we had the entire island to ourselves! After shelling and bird watching, learning the history of the island, we headed to the village. It is deserted - I would say because of the Mosquito's! You cannot have too much spray!! Take it all! And then use the mosquito netting the tour guides offer! This tour made our entire trip and we cannot wait to go again! Just do it! You will be so glad you did!

Photo of Tara V.

We had a fun morning with our guide Karl. Read Michele's review and bring everything she says, especially the bug spray and sunscreen. The island is deserted but the park service did a good job with the display and information at the village and the lifesaving station. Bug spray is a must, especially in the village where there wasn't a good strong breeze and the horseflies were biting. We spend a good long time up and down the ocean beach in the ATV's hunting for shells and seeing what's washed up during storms. Hurricane Sandy shifted a lot of sand and beach but there was plenty to see.

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COMMENTS

  1. Portsmouth Island Boat Tour

    Ocracoke native Captain Rudy Austin offers an informative, affordable boat ride to historic Portsmouth Island and back. Be sure to include this unique experience in your itinerary. The Captain generously shares his lifetime of knowledge and experience during the brief journey. Upon docking, he depends upon resident National Park Service ...

  2. Portsmouth Island Boat Tour

    Called at the last minute and was able to get a boat ride out to Portsmouth Island. The captain was very friendly and informative. Went out of his way to make the trip fun for the kids too. Low cost, High value. ... Portsmouth Island Boat Tour - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

  3. PORTSMOUTH ISLAND BOAT TOURS

    3 reviews of Portsmouth Island Boat Tours "We went on a tour to Portsmouth Island with the Austins in mid-late August this year. I'll separate this review into pros and cons, assigning star values to each part. Pros: 5 Stars: Rudy Austin was very knowledgeable about local history. 5 Stars: We got to see a beautiful island with dozens of pelicans, and Rudy explained the island to us and paused ...

  4. Shelling Portsmouth with the Austins

    Review of Portsmouth Island Boat Tour. Reviewed June 7, 2015 via mobile . I went to Portsmouth with the Austins 6 different times during my vacation in Ocracoke in May and loved every trip and found great shells!! Small to large and perfect to imperfect (baby ears, small helmet, mermaid purses, purple tagelus, scallops, sand dollar, scotch ...

  5. Portsmouth Island Boat Tour

    Ocracoke native Captain Rudy Austin offers an informative, affordable boat ride to historic Portsmouth Island and back. Be sure to include this unique experience in your itinerary. The Captain generously shares his lifetime of knowledge and experience during the brief journey. Upon docking, he depends upon resident National Park Service ...

  6. Portsmouth Island Boat Tour (Ocracoke): All You Need to Know

    An experience to remember. Ocracoke native Captain Rudy Austin offers an informative, affordable boat ride to historic Portsmouth Island and back. Be sure to include this unique experience in your itinerary. The Captain generously shares his lifetime of knowledge and experience during the brief journey.…. Read more.

  7. Portsmouth Island Boat Tour

    Portsmouth Island Boat Tour, Ocracoke: See 46 reviews, articles, and 50 photos of Portsmouth Island Boat Tour, ranked No.19 on Tripadvisor among 19 attractions in Ocracoke.

  8. Portsmouth Island Boat Tours

    Portsmouth Island Boat Tours. Capt. Rudy Austin Capt. Donald Austin 252-928-4361 252-928-5431. Cape Lookout National Seashore. About Portsmouth. Once a major trade route, and one of the largest ports in the state, Portsmouth Island has a rich maritime history. In the mid-1800's, Portsmouth saw more than 1,400 vessels each year. ...

  9. Portsmouth Island Boat Tour (Ocracoke)

    Portsmouth Island Boat Tour, Ocracoke: See 46 reviews, articles, and 50 photos of Portsmouth Island Boat Tour, ranked No.19 on Tripadvisor among 19 attractions in Ocracoke.

  10. Portsmouth Island Boat Tour

    Apr 2021 • Couples. Ocracoke native Captain Rudy Austin offers an informative, affordable boat ride to historic Portsmouth Island and back. Be sure to include this unique experience in your itinerary. The Captain generously shares his lifetime of knowledge and experience during the brief journey.

  11. Portsmouth Island Boat Tour

    Skip to main content. Review. Trips Alerts

  12. Portsmouth Island Boat Tours

    Portsmouth Island Boat Tours. 294 Irvin Garrish Highway, Community Square Docks, Ocracoke. (252) 928-4361. (252) 928-5431. Brothers Rudy and Donald Austin, both former ferry captains, offer boat tours to historic Portsmouth Island. Departing daily from Silver Lake Harbor at the dock shared by the Watermen's Museum, the Austins are excellent ...

  13. Portsmouth Island Boat Tours

    Upon arrival to Portsmouth Island guests will be dropped off at the historic Portsmouth "Ghost Village" and left to explore the area. Boat tours of the surrounding islands, dolphin and sunset cruises are also available. See full gallery. Tripadvisor. (252) 928-4361. 294 Irvin Garrish Highway. Email us. Portsmouth Island Adventures offers boat ...

  14. PORTSMOUTH ISLAND BOAT TOURS

    You could be the first review for Portsmouth Island Boat Tours. Filter by rating. Search reviews. Search reviews. Business website. portsmouthislandboattours.com. Phone number (252) 928-4361. Suggest an edit. People Also Viewed. Crystal Coast Lady Cruises. 18. Boating, Boat Charters, Boat Tours.

  15. Portsmouth Island Boat Tours

    Portsmouth Island Boat Tours 294 Irvin Garrish Hwy. Ocracoke, NC 27960 (252) 928-4361 ...

  16. Portsmouth Island

    Portsmouth Island Boat Tours. Beaches Enjoy a beach campfire under the stars, or a sunrise drive along the water's edge in a 4x4. Sixteen miles of secluded, natural shoreline with no houses or high rises in sight—perfect for shelling, surf fishing, swimming, long walks in the sand, or just listening to the sound of breaking waves. ...

  17. Portsmouth Island Boat Tour

    Apr 2021 • Couples. Ocracoke native Captain Rudy Austin offers an informative, affordable boat ride to historic Portsmouth Island and back. Be sure to include this unique experience in your itinerary. The Captain generously shares his lifetime of knowledge and experience during the brief journey.

  18. Portsmouth Island

    This small southern Outer Banks barrier island, located just south of Ocracoke Island on the other side of Ocracoke Inlet, is a rustic vacationer's paradise with unlimited camping options, incredible fishing, and some of the best shelling on the East Coast. Portsmouth Island is a 13 mile-long island that's only accessible by a small boat or ...

  19. Portsmouth Island Boat Tour

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  20. PORTSMOUTH ISLAND ATV TOURS

    7 reviews and 5 photos of PORTSMOUTH ISLAND ATV TOURS "This is a twofer review. We went on 2 tours with the Austins while on Ocracoke for a weeklong vacation recently. This is our second time to go on the ATV Tour and jthe first time for a new tour they are offering, the Sand Bar Cruise. Both are fantastic! We have such a great time with these down to earth folks.

  21. Portsmouth Island Boat Tour

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  22. Portsmouth Island Boat Tours

    Portsmouth Island Boat Tours, Ocracoke, North Carolina. 1,065 likes. Call for availability 252-928-5431 or 252-928-4361 Boat Tour to Portsmouth Island...