Visitors Guide
spacer

Crystal Coast

On the Water

Barbour's Marina

1390 Island Road in Harkers Island (7.7 miles after turning onto Island Road off Hwy 70)
(252) 728-6181
www.barboursmarina.com

Barbour's Marina is a full service marina with boat storage, repairs, ramp, lifts & slips. Annual RV sites are available on premise. We have a gift shop & ships store with tackle, boat & beach supplies including ice, sodas, beer, coolers, snacks, sun block, cameras & caps plus many other items. We are the "downeast" location for passenger ferry service to Cape Lookout Lighthouse (CLNS) & Shackleford Banks (east). For marina and ferry information and reservations, call 252-728-6181. Ferry Service is being provided by Island Ferry Adventures which has another location on Front St. in Beaufort (252-728-7555 www.islandferryadventures.com). Barbour's Marina is open year round. All major credit cards accepted.

Barrier Island Kayaks

160 Cedar Point Blvd. (Hwy. 24)
(252) 393-6457
8802 Reed Drive, Emerald Isle
(252) 345-4504
www.barrierislandkayaks.com

This is one of the top kayaking destinations on the east coast, as popular destinations including Bear Island, Shark's Tooth Island, Huggins Island and the White Oak River are just a few paddle strokes away. Whether you choose to rent kayaks or take one of our guided tours, we have the equipment, professional staff and the knowledge to make your kayaking experience one you will remember for a long time. We are located just minutes from Emerald Isle, Swansboro and Jacksonville. Come join the fun at the place where families come to play. We now have two locations to serve you. Our new Emerald Isle store, located next to El Zarape Mexican Restaurant, specializes in Sit on Top rentals and sales. Free delivery for multi-day rentals. We also have the largest selection of Life is Good apparel and Crocs Sandals on the beach.

Beaufort Inlet Water Sports

On the Beaufort Waterfront at Front & Queen streets next to Lookout Cruises catamaran
Reservations recommended: (252) 728-7607

Kids and adults 3 years and up. Every seat is a window seat when you're parasailing. It's easy... it's fun... and bathing suits aren't required, as you take off and land directly from the boat. See Cape Lookout Lighthouse, the Shackleford ponies, Fort Macon and more from a totally different viewpoint. This is an activity the whole family can enjoy - no experience needed. A licensed captain and trained instructors are on board to help make your "flight" memorable and safe. Rental Kayaks for exploring the Outer Banks.

Capt. Stacy Fishing Center

416 Atlantic Beach Causeway, Atlantic Beach
(252) 726-4675 or (800) 533-9417
www.captstacy.com

Enjoy the ultimate in saltwater fishing aboard the Capt. Stacy IV and other vessels operated by a family that has been in the fishing business for more than half a century. Go for a half day, a full day, or even on a 24-hour overnighter. Capt. Stacy’s fleet includes head boats and charter boats for deep sea fishing, bottom fishing, sport fishing (marlin, king mackerel, tuna, and dolphin for instance), and shark fishing. So, whether you’re an avid angler or an occasional one — and whether you have a favorite fishing method or want to try something new — you (and your family) will be able to arrange a trip to highlight your vacation.

Dragonfly Parasail

Located on the main road in Atlantic Beach at the Anchorage Marina (milepost 1.5, Hwy 58)
(252) 422-5000

With over 10 years of experience, flying high over the Crystal Coast is something you and your family will remember for years to come. This parasailing boat tour offers spectacular sky high views of Fort Macon State Park, Cape Lookout Lighthouse, wild horses on Shackleford Banks and the abundant sea life of this beautiful area. With no experience needed, we fly ages 4-100. We gently take off and land on the boat, get a dip or stay completely dry. Bring your cameras and let us show you something you will never forget. Call for reservations.

Freeman’s Bait & Tackle

108 Atlantic Beach Causeway, Atlantic Beach
(252) 726-2607 • (888) 827-FISH
www.freemanstackle.com

Dedicated to the Fisherman for over 40 years, Freeman's Bait & Tackle is Atlantic Beach's oldest and best-established bait and tackle shop -- and the closest to the piers and beaches. Located on the Causeway just before the stop light, Freeman's offers the largest selection of famous name rods and reels, including custom rods, inshore and offshore tackle, fresh, frozen, live and artificial baits, and in-house rod and reel repair. The experienced staff is always on hand to offer free advice and friendly service 7 days a week. Look for the BLUE bait shop for all your fishing needs. Stop by for a current fishing report.

Island Ferry Adventures

610 Front St., Beaufort across from The Inlet Inn
(252) 728-7555
www.islandferryadventures.com

Voted Readers Choice Award Winner: Favorite Ferry Service, Friendliest Business & Favorite Boat Captain. Passenger Ferry Service from Beaufort begins at 9am daily, weather permitting, with departures on the top of the hour/on demand to: Shackleford Banks (west end)(CLNS), shipwrecked mustang descendants & voted #1 shelling beach; Carrot Island (Rachel Carson Reserve); Sand Dollar Island; & Bird Shoals. Ferry operates appx. mid-March to November. Dolphin & Nature Cruise searches for the Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin & coastal wildlife on the calm waters of the intracoastal waterway. Horse & Waterfront Cruise tours the Beaufort waterfront & Shackleford shoreline while searching for the wild mustangs. Reservations are NOT required for any of the above trips but are HIGHLY recommended during the busy summer season. The two cruises listed above operate during the summer season but call for possible spring & fall availability. On these two 1-1/4 hour cruises you remain on the boat & partial shade is provided. Private Charters are available for any occasion with flexible rates, times & destinations. Passenger & rate minimums ARE required for ALL trips. Group rates, MC/VISA. Our Harkers Island location is at Barbouris Marina, 1390 Island Road. This is a full service marina with a ships store for your beach supplies. From there we provide service to Cape Lookout Lighthouse (CLNS) & Shackleford Banks (east end). Call 252-728-6181 for Barbouris Marina departures.

Lookout Cruises

Beaufort Waterfront
(252) 504-SAIL
www.lookoutcruises.com

Sail up the Newport River to a place where dolphins come to play year after year. You can watch them in their natural habitats as they frolic a few feet from the boat. They are longtime "friends" of Lookout Cruises. Recognized by their individual dorsal fins, some even have names they've been given by captain, crew, or visitor. As a sailing catamaran, Lookout Cruises is the only Coast Guard approved vessel that can sail among the dolphins without the use of engines that could disturb their routine. The Dolphin Watch cruise departs daily from the Beaufort Waterfront at 9:30am. Call for reservations and tour information.

Nancy Lee Fishing Center

On Hwy 24 between the bridges in Swansboro, just three miles from Emerald Isle
(252) 354-3474 • (910) 326-4304

Attention fishing enthusiasts and seafood lovers: the Nancy Lee Fishing Center is the place to indulge yourself. In fact, two options: the 16-passenger, 45' sportfisher Nancy Lee III; or the 45-passenger, 52' Nancy Lee V with walk-around cabin. Bait and tackle are furnished. Various trips and charters are available, from half-day to 8-hour to 11-hour. If you catch 'em - we'll ice and pack them for you for free. And that's not all. Waterway and dolphin watch cruises are available for your group. And the well-stocked bait and tackle store can meet all your needs for your self-directed fishing expeditions.

Oceanana Resort Fishing Pier

700 E. Fort Macon Rd., Atlantic Beach
(252) 726-0863
www.oceanana.com

The pier at Oceanana Resort is OPEN TO THE PUBLIC... and it's just as well: the fish are eager to meet you! The Coastal Recreation Fishing License is NOT REQUIRED; the pier provides a blanket license. Bring your gear and bait, or get it at the pier house. Breakfast and lunch grill, an arcade, paved parking for all beachgoers! Check out our motel as a place to stay on your next visit to the Crystal Coast!

Outer Banks Ferry

Across from the Maritime Museum, Beaufort Waterfront
(252) 728-4129
www.outerbanksferry.com

Consider this your one stop shop for all fun things to do on the water. Your personal water taxi, the closest and fastest ferry, departures daily on YOUR schedule to Shackleford Banks (CLNS), Carrot Island, Bird Shoal, Sand Dollar Island and Cape Lookout Lighthouse tours.

Outer Banks Sail & Kayak

612 Atlantic Beach Causeway (next to the Century 21 building), Atlantic Beach
(252) 247-6300
www.obsk.com

Learn to sail on your vacation. Families, couples or any group can receive sailing lessons here. Rent a sailboat or kayak, go on an ocean sailing cruise, sunset or dinner cruise for a couple or the whole family. Kayak tours also available. Come and play at OBSK!

Sandbar Safari

(252) 725-4614
www.sandbarsafari.com

Eastern North Carolina has some great fishing and we want you to be a part of it. Sandbar Safari caters to all the fishermen young and old, and welcomes any level of fishing experience. Captain Rob Koraly has been licensed for four years and has been fishing local waters his whole life. He welcomes any chance to share his knowledge to help you catch more fish. Sandbar Safari also offers Wildlife Tours and Eco-Cruises. Call for more information and reservations.

Water Bug Harbor Tours

(252) 342-3577
www.waterbugtours.com

Join us for an Old Fashioned Boat Ride as we "Cruise the Creek" along the Historic Beaufort Waterfront aboard the Water Bug, our 18 passenger Captain's Launch, for a relaxed, shaded tour. See the wild ponies on Carrot Island, dolphins and their babies, or diving pelicans and soaring gulls. All tours are led by USC - licensed captains with extensive knowledge of the area and its history. Daily 1 hour tours depart hourly beginning at 9:00am.

Water Sports Rentals

Located on the town line of Emerald Isle/Indian Beach at mile marker 11.5
(252) 247-7303
Water Sport Outfitters is located just up the road east one mile in Salter Path at mile marker 12.5
(252) 247-4Fun (4386)

Two locations to better serve all of your vacation dreams. Our original location is located on the town line of Emerald Isle/Indian Beach. At this location we rent waverunners and the public is welcome to come enjoy the Dolphin Deck Tiki Bar at the end of our 200' pier. If you are looking for the best place to view sunsets on the island while enjoying a cold beer, soda or a snack this is the place to be. The Tiki Bar is open to the public and we invite you to come by and watch the action or just sit, relax and enjoy the sunsets. Water Sport Outfitters is our second location and offers banana boat rides, kayak rentals, kayak Eco tours, surfboards and sailboat rentals. We also have the latest in kayaks and surfboards accessories for sale, outdoor sporting equipment, we suits, and gifts. Stop by for all your summer needs and check out our unique gifts and beach accessories. Reservations are strongly suggested at both locations.

spacer