Hatteras Island Ocean Center

A hands-on look at Hatteras Island's marshes, wildlife, and waterways

(90)

Hatteras, NC

About

At mile marker 71 in Hatteras village, the Hatteras Island Ocean Center is a small indoor/outdoor nature center built around the ecology and history of this stretch of the barrier island. Exhibits and a small aquarium introduce the marshes, dunes, and maritime forest that make up Cape Hatteras National Seashore, alongside mounted specimens of the birds and other wildlife that call the island home.

Getting on the Water

A public put-in for launching kayaks or stand-up paddleboards directly into the sound-side wetlands
Short nature trails and marsh walks for exploring the coastal habitat on foot
Seasonal, weekday programs such as guided kayak nature tours, crabbing lessons, and sea turtle talks during the summer months

Planning a Visit

Hours shift between a shorter winter schedule and a fuller summer one, and program offerings change with the season, so it's worth checking the center's website or calling ahead before stopping by. It's an easy add-on to a day in Hatteras village, especially for families or anyone curious about what's actually living in the water and marsh grass along NC-12.

Reviews (90)

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4.5

90 reviews

Google Reviews

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Phillip Altobelli

3 weeks ago

Helpful, informative, interesting and educational.

Andy Delgado

a year ago

Great staff, super baby friendly and educational, great little activities, our 1 year old loved it!

Barb H.

a year ago

Great milkshakes! Made old-school way, so delicious! You can also buy t-shirts, mugs, and stickers! Girl behind the counter was super nice! I highly recommend you check them out!

NY East

2 years ago

The Ghost Crab event for kids is wonderful! Our guides were two College students who could not have been more personable, or pleasant with our son. They were knowledgeable about the Sea Turtles, the local environment and provided lessons to the kids in a way that seemed appropriately scaffolded to their individual levels. Not to mention, the finding of the Ghost Crabs, and Smore's. If your visiting the Hatteras area, I would highly recommend you partake.

Veronica Hoyos

2 years ago

We visited this center in February and it was closed. The two stars are because of all the unfriendly signs not to park and the advertising of a marsh trail that is just a few meters long. It is a shame that so rich in wildlife habitat is being all to millionaires to bind second homes instead of prioritizing nature.