Waterfront lodging and dining at the end of NC-12, steps from the Ocracoke ferry
Breakwater Inn sits directly on NC Highway 12 in Hatteras village, at the southern tip of Hatteras Island where the road runs out and the free NC ferry to Ocracoke Island departs. The waterfront property combines lodging and dining under one roof and is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Hatteras village anchors the south end of a chain of villages — Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, and Buxton — strung along the single road, NC-12, that runs the length of Hatteras Island through Cape Hatteras National Seashore. That road washes out or closes during storms with real regularity, particularly during hurricane season, which runs June through November here, with August through October carrying the highest risk. Guests planning a stay should build that into their trip, not treat it as a rare exception.
Arriving by car means driving NC-12 south through the other Hatteras Island villages; arriving from Ocracoke means taking the ferry north. Call (252) 986-2565 or check breakwaterhatteras.com ahead of a visit, since storm activity can affect both road conditions and operating hours this far down the island.
178 reviews
10 months ago
We arrived after hours so did the key pick up, as the office was already closed - it was easy. The room was clean and tidy, and I liked the little balcony area facing the boats. I could see that staying here with the little fridge and microwave when it's warmer (we were there in the offseason), would be very convenient. They do have a restaurant on-site as well.
8 months ago
I've been enjoying the Breakwater Inn for more than 20 years and it never disappoints! The accommodations are nice but their service is the star of the show. The entire staff has always made my wife and I feel like family. The sunsets easily seen from your room or the Breakwater Restaurant are unforgettable. When in Hatteras, do yourself a favor and see for yourself. There's no place like the Breakwater Inn!
7 months ago
We had all intentions of only staying one night but ended up having to ask them to let us hang out in our room for another half fay due to our vehicle breaking down. They were so kind and allowed us to stay without charge but I was most willing to pay to keep my kids warm. I cant say enough good things about this hotel and we most definitely will stay again. Thank you all so much for going above and beyond for my family.
11 months ago
Pleasant room with microwave, fridge and sink/counter space. Keurig coffee maker. Clean room and bathroom. Balcony overlooking the marina. Dock store with fishing gear, snacks, drinks, t-shirts, etc. Two dinners at the restaurant were very good. Great location for us. Other restaurants and shops nearby. Recommend the Red & White for groceries and really good pre-made sandwiches
a year ago
My husband and I absolutely love the Outer Banks, and Hatteras Island is our go-to spot when we need to unplug and reset. We make it a point to visit at least two or three times a year, and Breakwater Inn has always been one of our favorite places to stay. This past weekend, we planned a spontaneous getaway after a tough month and hit the road for an eight-hour drive. We arrived at Breakwater Inn around 4:00 a.m., only to find that our key was not in the after-hours lockbox. Understandably, we were exhausted and frustrated. We called the emergency number and received a call back around 5:00 a.m. from April, the owner of Breakwater Inn. Within five minutes, April was on-site. She immediately took charge, explained that the hotel was at full capacity, and without hesitation, made arrangements for us to rest at another local hotel, at no cost to us. She assured us she would handle everything, and she did. Later that day, we checked back into Breakwater Inn and found our room perfectly prepared, cool, clean, and welcoming. April went above and beyond by not only covering both stays but also comping us dinner at the Breakwater Inn Restaurant, which we had never tried before. What a pleasant surprise! The food and service were phenomenal, one of the best meals we've had in the Outer Banks. We will definitely make it a point to dine there every trip moving forward. April’s quick action, professionalism, and genuine care turned what could have been a stressful experience into a wonderful reminder of why we love Breakwater Inn so much. She truly saved our trip, and we are so grateful. April, thank you for making everything right and for giving us yet another reason to keep coming back. You have our loyalty! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 stars, highly recommended to anyone visiting Hatteras Island!