OBX Cedar Island to Ocracoke Island Ferry North Carolina
Nearly 10 percent of North Carolina is underwater, and most of those 5,200 square miles of water are in the Coastal Plain in the form of inlets, sounds and rivers.
Early settlers were challenged to cross these waters by boats, and some ferries were established to transport people, wagons and livestock. Eventually, as automobiles began to roll off assembly lines in the early 20th century, people wanted to take their motorized vehicles with them on these ferries.
One of the true pioneers in North Carolina’s ferry industry was J. B. “Toby” Tillett, a commercial fisherman, who in 1924 started a tug and barge service from Wanchese on Roanoke Island to Oregon Inlet on the Outer Banks, between Bodie and Pea islands in Dare County. Tillett’s barge was capable of transporting two cars at a time.
According to an article written by David Stick that appeared in the June 1949 issue of Our State magazine, Tillett asked his passengers to hoist a flag up the staff at the ferry landing when they were ready to cross. He would see the flag and come get them. Stick’s story said Tillett was running a regular schedule of seven round-trips a day by 1928.
Tillett built and launched the Barcelona in 1931, which could handle 14 cars at a time. He charged $2 per vehicle one-way, Stick wrote.
In 1934, the North Carolina Highway Commission began subsidizing Tillett’s business, and the fee was reduced to $1 each way.
The North Carolina ferry system was created in 1947, when the state purchased a ferry service operated by Thomas A. Baum that ran across Croatan Sound in Dare County, connecting Manns Harbor and Roanoke Island. This became the first “official” route operated by the state ferry operation. Hence, 2017 marks the 70-year anniversary of the establishment of the North Carolina ferry system.
In 1950, the state bought Tillett’s ferry business as well.
In 1957, the state began running regular ferry service between Hatteras Island in Dare County and Ocracoke Island in Hyde County.
Ferry access came to Carteret County in 1959, when a private company began service between Ocracoke and the Town of Atlantic in the Down East section of Carteret County. This run was abruptly halted the following year because of damage done by Hurricane Donna.
The state purchased the operation in May 1961 and soon thereafter resumed service to Ocracoke. This became the first toll ferry in the state system. In 1964, the southern docks were moved from Atlantic to Cedar Island, cutting the crossing time by 75 minutes.
The next route to be added crossed Currituck Sound between Currituck and Knotts Island in Currituck County; the route from Southport in Brunswick County to Fort Fisher in New Hanover County was established in 1965; and the Bayview-Aurora route crossing the Pamlico River in Beaufort County was added in 1966.
Beginning in 1973, service across the Neuse River was added, connecting Minnesott Beach in Pamlico County with Cherry Branch in Craven County. The Swan Quarter-Ocracoke route was the last to be added in 1977, finally providing the residents of Ocracoke with a direct link to their county seat (Swan Quarter) in Hyde County.
Over the years, certain routes became obsolete as bridges were built, providing even easier transport to and from the islands. The original Baum route was replaced by the Manns Harbor Bridge and later the Virginia Dare Memorial Bridge, while the original Tillett route was discontinued in 1963 upon the grand opening of the Herbert C. Bonner Bridge.
Today, the NC Ferry Division is a unit of the NC Dept. of Transportation (NCDOT). There are 22 vessels in the fleet with more than 400 ferry system employees. North Carolina’s ferry operation is the second largest state-run program in the nation. Only Washington state’s is larger.
This economic impact is likely to increase dramatically due to new signage that was installed in the spring of 2016 along the route of the Outer Banks National Scenic Byway, which includes U.S. 70 and N.C. 12 in Carteret County. Officially, the byway is 137.8 miles in length. (For the benefit of international travelers, that translates to 221.8 kilometers.)
Only 150 routes across America have attained the distinction of being labeled National Scenic Byways. The official guidebook says: “Leave the mainland behind and come to the most romantic byway in North Carolina – the Outer Banks Scenic Byway … a must for any traveler looking to escape to a time of front porch talks and simple maritime living.”
The longest ferry rides are the 26.4-mile crossing from Ocracoke to Swan Quarter (2.5 hours each way) and the 22.6-mile route from Ocracoke to Cedar Island (2.25 hours each way). Fares are charged for these routes as well as the Southport-Fort Fisher run. The other four state ferry routes are free.
Ocracoke Golfcart Tour with Neil
A short little ride around Ocracoke on a Golf Cart winding up at the Lighthouse
Vlog @ Ocracoke Island????????????????????????????????
Here’s a vlog I made while at Ocracoke Island in North Carolina! I toured a lighthouse, went clamming, ate at Howard’s Pub, and had to take a ferry to get there and get back. ♡
Ocracoke Sail May-2010
Oriental to Ocracoke sail May 2010 aboard SV At Last, Catalina 36 hull # 369
Outer Banks, NC | 10K Road Trip Vlog Day 30
We spent two days exploring the Outer Banks of North Carolina. We've heard amazing things about the islands from friends and locals, so we had to check it out for ourselves. And it did not disappoint!
From the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and Bodie Island Lighthouse to the beaches and beautiful sunrises and sunsets, this was an unforgettable experience!
We camped at the Oregon Inlet Campground which is a great location for a few reasons. First, it's close to town. Just a 10-minute drive to Nag's Head and all the restaurants and amenities there. Second, it's on the beach, but protected by dunes. You walk up over the dunes right onto the beach. And third, it's inexpensive. At the time of this video (June 2017), it was only $28/night. We recommend staying here. Check out availability here:
We recognize that our experience in OBX is different from usual. Most people rent a giant beach house with their family and spend a week doing family excursions like mini-golf and the high ropes course. We, however, do not have any family here and we are on a pretty tight budget, so we did all the free and inexpensive things like camping, hanging out on the beach, and visiting lighthouses.
Here are the timestamps for the things we did and places we went to visit in Outer Banks, NC:
0:46 - Setting up Camp at Oregon Inlet Campground and exploring the beach
2:23 - Bodie Island Lighthouse (and kites)
4:36 - Sunrise on the Outer Banks
5:16 - Stars and Milky Way pictures from the beach
5:32 - Exploring another beach
6:09 - Cape Hatteras Lighthouse (climbing to the top - Isa's scared of heights so tell her how awesome she is for going up to the top!)
9:42 - Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge
11:06 - Jennette's Pier and Aquarium
11:29 - Exploring another beach and saving a jellyfish
12:22 - Jockey's Ridge for sunset (absolute must-do!)
This is Day 30 and 31 of our 10,000 mile road trip across the US, but honestly our day count is getting a little fuzzy, so I'm just calling this Day 30 to keep it simple.
---
What's going on here?
We quit our jobs, left New York City, bought a car, and decided to spend the summer driving around the US. The plan is to hit at least 35 states and cover more than 10,000 miles. Watch from the beginning here:
Music is royalty free:
Solar Flares by Silent Partner (YouTube Audio Library)
Colorful Spots by Nicolai Heidlas (
The Mood by Kaelyn (
Filmed on June 28-29, 2017 on a Canon G7X Mark II.
---
Our Gear:
Check out all the gear we use, from cameras and tech to our awesome camping gear, here:
---
About PerfectLittlePlanet:
Subscribe for (almost) daily videos of new experiences in New York City and around the world.
I'm Brian and my wife is Isa. We travel A LOT. We're all about making memories and creating great experiences. We try to stay positive and optimistic and show you everything our perfect little planet has to offer.
Follow us:
YouTube (Subscribe to this channel for free to be the first to see new videos):
Instagram
Brian:
Isa:
Twitter:
Snapchat:
See everything in one place:
Thanks so much for watching, liking, and commenting! We really appreciate you spending your time with us! We hope you have a great day and experience something new today!
50in365 - Day 16 of 365 - State #4: North Carolina - Full Time RVing w/4 Kids
Today, we arrived at Myrtle Beach (Briar Cliffe RV Park). Unfortunately, we missed Bingo, but not the Armada of golf carts.
Island evacuations start as Earl nears East Coast
(1 Sep 2010)
Hatteras, North Carolina
1. Wide of ferry arriving from Ocracoke, North Carolina
2. Cars exiting ferry
3. Close up of ferry worker
4. Wide of cars leaving ferry landing
5. Mid of cars leaving
6. SOUNDBITE: (English) Marvin Ashely, Evacuated from Ocracoke:
The lady that we rented the cottage from just told us last night that starting at 5 o'clock this morning everybody had to, it was mandatory, had to leave. All the visitors had to leave.
7. Wide of ferry returning to Ocracoke
8. Wide of people moving out of their rental home
9. Mid view of Brittany Grippaldi packing up car
10. Mid view of people leaving house
11. SOUNDBITE: (English) Brittany Grippaldi, Evacuating beach area:
It's sad because reality hasn't really set in because it is so beautiful out. It's like oh, I don't want to leave this but it's like the calm before the storm so just trying to keep a cool head and get out as fast as we can I guess.
Miami, Florida
12. Wide of sign for National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
13. Pull out from sign at National Hurricane Center
14. Wide view of satellite image of hurricane Earl on computer screen
15. SOUNDBITE: (English) Bill Read, Director of National Hurricane Centre:
We're coming into the last big week of the summer as far as beaches leading into the Labour Day weekend. If nothing else the high waves and the dangerous rip currents are going to make for a tough, remainder of the week, into the weekend for life guards and other people that are involved in rescue because people are not going to be able to resist that urge, I wish they would, of getting into ocean on a beautiful warm day when these huge waves are going on.
Hatteras, North Carolina
16. Wide of beach front at Hatteras
17. SOUNDBITE: (English) Landley Patton, Vacationing from Virginia: ++AUDIO AS INCOMING++
You feel dumb. You feel dumb leaving when you're here, but the authorities say we need to do it, so I want to respect the authorities, so ...
18. Patton walks up dunes
19. Mid view of waves breaking on beach
STORYLINE:
Powerful Hurricane Earl spun toward the East Coast of the United States on Wednesday, driving tourists from North Carolina's vacation islands and threatening to bring damaging winds and waves all along the Atlantic seaboard through Labour Day weekend.
Visitors took ferries off of Ocracoke Island and were told to leave neighbouring Cape Hatteras in North Carolina's Outer Banks, and federal authorities have warned people along the coast to be prepared to evacuate if necessary.
Tourist cars, some with campers in tow, lined up for the first ferries of the day from Ocracoke to the mainland.
Another car ferry connects to Hatteras, which has a bridge to the mainland and came under the second evacuation order a little later on Wednesday morning.
Earl's effect on the East Coast will depend on when it makes its expected turn to the northeast.
A later-than-expected turn could mean the storm's eye makes landfall on the extreme eastern tip of North Carolina as a Category 3 storm late Thursday or early Friday.
If that happens, hurricane-force winds also could reach New York's Long Island and Cape Cod in Massachusetts.
Those who had expected to spend the last few days of summer basking on the beach were suddenly being ousted from their beds and ordered to leave.
Some were returning home, others were moving inland in hopes of salvaging a few hours over the weekend in the wake of Earl's northward swing.
Earl was still more than 700 miles (1,126 kilometres) south-southeast of Cape Hatteras on Wednesday afternoon, with top sustained winds of 125 mph (200 kph).
The National Weather Service issued a hurricane warning for much of the North Carolina coast and hurricane watches from Virginia to Delaware.
You can license this story through AP Archive:
Find out more about AP Archive:
Cedar Point, North Carolina USA
Just a drive along Highway 24, passing through Cedar Point. It's located between Swansboro, North Carolina and Broad Creek, North Carolina.
Flashback
Oak Island, NC 2017.
Faking Bright, Saski-
OBX Daydream | Beach Camping on the Outer Banks
Bring your RV, tent, or rent a space at the many camp sites along the Outer Banks' coast. Don't forget your golf cart for easy access around sites and to visit local attractions at ease. Live music, pools, tennis courts, dog parks, are just a few of the many amenities provided. A special thanks for Camp Hatteras for giving us a special look into the ocean & soundfront campground.
Sand at the Point, Emerald Isle, NC
The video shows the amazing expanse of sand that has accumulated over the last eight years at the Point on Bogue Banks.
Outer Banks Power Outage: Businesses in Cape Hatteras on Edge
After officials declared a state of emergency Saturday evening because of a massive power outage that has forced tens of thousands to leave their homes and summer vacation spots.
Cape Hatteras KOA Resort Tour - Outer Banks NC - R-Pod 182G
Check out our other videos.
Beach Treasures/OBX Sweet Spot
Chamber Ribbon Cutting Celebration
168 Broad Sound Place
For more details:
168 Broad Sound Place
Mooresville, NC 28117-6050
$6,995,000, 6 bed, 10.0 bath, 9,789 SF, MLS# 3472208
Selected by Architectural Digest as NC's Most Beautiful Home For Sale. Savor Lake Norman's most spectacular sunsets from one of LKN's most phenomenal flagship privately gated estates. Main house + Cabana + outdoor under roof living space total 15K. Exquisitely crafted w/ soaring ceilings, walls of windows, polished travertine floors and Mediterranean accents throughout. Spectacular owners suite w/fireplace, wrap around windows w/panoramic views, remote blinds, massive shower, laundry. Perfectly designed for indoor/outdoor living w/ covered dining,fire pit, private sandy beach & meandering terraces. 2nd level rec room/billiards w/wet bar. Private British West Indies inspired guest house, wood & beam vaulted ceiling w/kitchen,refrigerated kegs, Chicago style alder wood bar w/ leathered marble counters. Sensational Infinity edge heated saltwater pool/spa, 5 car garage. Security cameras, elevator, wine cellar. Located in the beautiful Point neighborhood.
Presented By:
Lori Jackson, Ivester Jackson Distinctive Properties | Christie's International Real Estate
704-996-5686
View My Inventory:
Your rights as a vacationer on the Outer Banks
Your rights as a vacationer on the Outer Banks
Subaru Outback on the sand at Island Beach State Park in New Jersey.wmv
Before buying my 2012 Subaru Outback I wanted to see a video of it in action on the beaches of New Jersey. Since I couldn't find one to suite my needs, I went ahead and purchased the Outback and created my own video. I hope this helps anyone considering purchasing an Outback of their own. I traded in a 2006 F150 XLT SuperCrew 4X4 for this Outback and was a little concerned about how it would handle in the soft sand. I had no problems at all and now I'm glad I made the switch. I have 35 years of experience driving on the beach and take all the necessary precautions. If you are a beginner, don't go it alone. Find someone to go with you on your first trip and make sure you have all the proper permits and safety equipment.
A Life Less Ordinary-- Voices of Tangier Island
A documentary on Tangier Island. Tangier Island is located on the Chesapeake Bay and consists of less than 800 people. Residents speak a unique English Restoration dialect of American English. The only way on and off the Island is either by boat or airplane. Residents get around on the Island by golf cart.
Rare Shark Feeding Frenzy in North Carolina
On Thursday, October 9 at around noon, while at a retreat at Cape Lookout National Seashore off the coast of North Carolina, the leaders of One Harbor Church witnessed a shark feeding frenzy. The men were out fishing for the evening’s dinner when they stumbled across more than 100 sharks attacking a school of blue fish. As seagulls and pelicans joined in on the meal, the men began to cast into the surf, catching fish without the use of bait. For more than five minutes, the sharks were observed swimming in and out of the surf, some of which became beached in the fury. Donnie Griggs, the cameraman who captured the footage, is an avid waterman who spearfishes, dives, swims and surfs at Cape Lookout often. We want it to be clear that Cape Lookout and the surrounding beaches of Eastern North Carolina are extremely safe for swimming. The presence of these sharks and large schools of fish is actually a sign of a very healthy ecosystem.
To use this video in a commercial player or in broadcasts, please email licensing@storyful.com
Cape Hatteras Campground May 2, 2011
Early morning flight at campground by lighthouse. Perfect
day, 75deg and light wind. Plane used, Apprentice with
#3 keychain cam.