From Nags Head and its surrounding Roanoke Island, Bodie Island, and Hatteras Island regions, mariners can explore multiple saltwater sounds, the open ocean waters, and even the Gulf Stream.

Fishing Charters

Local Charter Boats

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Nags Head visitors will be close to two of the biggest hubs for fishing charter businesses on the Outer Banks - the Oregon Inlet Fishing Center and the marinas in the longstanding fishing town of Wanchese on Roanoke Island.

Between the two regions, there are more than 100 charter businesses to choose from, which can offer both inshore fishing trips and offshore trips to the Gulf Stream. Both regions are minutes away from Oregon Inlet, which connects the sound with the Atlantic Ocean, and which is roughly 15 miles away from the Gulf Stream.

Most charter trips are available in half-day or full-day increments, depending on the targeted Outer Banks fishing region, and offshore trips leave early at 6:00, 5:00, or even 4:00 in the morning.

Advanced reservations are required, and anglers can often reserve trips via the individual charter business directly, or through the marina where their vessel is stationed. Smaller parties of 1-2 anglers can often book last-minute reservations and join a smaller fishing group that's already booked - (a short-cut that can also be a money saver.)

Fishing charters generally cost between $250 - $1200 per trip, depending on the length and destination of the fishing trip, and the party size. Parties of 1-6 anglers are welcome, though some vessels can accommodate larger groups.

Boating and Personal Watercraft Regulations

  • The open waters off of Nags Head, including the Albemarle Sound, Roanoke Sound, and the Atlantic Ocean are patrolled by the US Coast Guard as well as the Marine Patrol of the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries.
  • Boaters who need assistance can also contact SEATOW / Boat U.S. service, which serves the Outer Banks area.
  • All children under the age of 13 are required to wear an approved personal floatation device when a vessel is moving, according to North Carolina state law.
  • Personal watercrafts must be operated by mariners who are 14 and older, according to North Carolina state law.
  • Personal watercrafts can be operated within 300 feet of the shoreline or fishing pier in the town of Nags Head.
  • When launching from a public or private boat ramp, mariners must go straight in and straight out, and not exceed 5 miles per hour until well outside the town limits.
  • Motorized vessels cannot be launched from the Jockey's Ridge State Park or the Danube Street Albemarle Sound access.
  • Boaters and personalized watercraft operators close to Oregon Inlet must heed all area closures administered by the National Park Service, which may include the waters adjacent to the beaches. Signs will be posted when these waters are closed to the public.
  • For a complete overview of the North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commissions' regulations, which includes regulations for vessels, operators, and local waters, review their online handbook at http://www.ncwildlife.org/Portals/0/Boating/documents/VOG.pdf.

Boating is big in the 'Banks, and there are several regional public access ramps that are within a 15-20 minute drive for Nags Head vacationers. These include the following

Oregon Inlet Boat Ramp - Located just off of NC Highway 12, behind the Oregon Inlet Fishing Center.

Washington Baum Bridge - Located adjacent to the western side of the Washington Baum Bridge, in between Nags Head and Roanoke Island.

Wanchese Boat Ramp - Located next to Moon Tillett's Fish Company and Fisherman's Wharf Restaurant, about a mile past the US 64 intersection.

Kill Devil Hills Boat Ramp - Located on the soundside, next to the intersection of Bay Drive and Dock Street.

Manteo Bowerstown Road Boat Ramp - Located at the end of Bowerstown Road, which is on the edge of Manteo, next to the US 64 intersection.

Manteo Downtown Boat Ramp - Located just off of Budleigh Street, close to the historic Elizabeth II, which is docked in the downtown harbor.

Kitty Hawk Boat Ramp - Located at the end of Bob Perry Road.

Marinas

Though Nags Head doesn't have any marinas within its town limits, it is within 10-30 minutes of some of the OBX's most popular regional marinas. Popular area marinas include the following.

Oregon Inlet Fishing Center - This marina is the largest along the barrier island beaches, and features 45 fishing charter businesses, five public boat ramps, fuel, an extensive marina store, slips for rent, and easy access to the neighboring National Park Service campground. It's also the closest OBX marina to Oregon Inlet.

Pirate's Cove Yacht Club - Located next to the extensive Pirate's Cove condo, duplex and home community, this marina features charter businesses, regular tournaments, dockage and slip rentals, fuel, and a marine store and on-site restaurant.

Broad Creek Fishing Center - Found along the borders of the Wanchese Seafood Industrial Park in Wanchese, Broad Creek features a ship's store, marine supplies, charter businesses, fish cleaning services, fuel, and an extensive dry-stack storage facility.

Thicket Lump Marina - This smaller Wanchese marina at the end of Thicket Lump Road boasts a number of charters, fish cleaning services, fuel, and a popular bait and tackle shop which features custom built rods.

Manteo Waterfront Marina - This smaller marina features a nearby public boat ramp, as well as walking-distance access to downtown Manteo's acclaimed shopping and restaurants.

 

The Cotton Gin

The Cotton Gin

For those traveling to the Outer Banks, The Cotton Gin is a beloved landmark with its large windmill and picturesque gardens. The Cotton Gin has stood in the same location since 1929, starting as a working cotton gin and growing to a gift store with 4 locations. Visitors are treated to a unique shopping experience in our main store in Jarvisburg, as well as our beach stores in Corolla, Duck, and Nags Head. Explore room after room filled with décor for your home and coastal fashions for both men and women. Discover the brands you really want, like, Vera Bradley, Vineyard Vines, La Mer Luex, Simply Southern, Lindsay Phillips, Scout, Pandora, Kameleon, Brighton, Spartina, Tommy Bahama, Southern Tide and Salt Life and Old Guys Rule - all under one roof!

 

Don’t forget the gourmet market, or shop our beautiful linens for your bedroom and bath. We also feature coastal books and fine art, or just a whimsical fun gift to bring home to family and friends. Stop by soon and don’t forget to try our estate grown wines in our stores or visit our vineyard and winery, Sanctuary Vineyards, located adjacent to the original Cotton Gin in Jarvisburg.

 

Most know The Cotton Gin as a must-stop shop for fine gifts, beachwear, souvenirs and so much more, but this retailer has a long-standing history within the Outer Banks. A local landmark that holds almost a century of memories, The Cotton Gin started from humble beginnings and continues to adapt to the times and tourists. Tommy Wright’s family has been in the Outer Banks for nearly 200 years. His great-great grandfather, Jacob Francis Wright, shipwrecked in Duck back in the early 1800s. Calling these barrier islands his new home, Wright and his family acclimated to their new environment.

 

Adaptation is a common theme for the Wright family. Tommy and his wife Candace, who continue to steer The Cotton Gin, have seen not only their business change with the times, but the Outer Banks as a vacation destination as well. A farm market in Jarvisburg eventually transformed and flourished into several retail locations dotting the Outer Banks.

 

“As the area changed and tourism took off in the 1960s, the family saw people coming for vacations, so they began to grow vegetables and things developed from there,” says Tommy Wright. The Wright family expanded upon the farm market and began to remodel a working cotton gin, later transforming the gin into The Cotton Gin general store in the late 1960s. While the additions to the farm store drew visitors, it was their encounters with the Wright family that kept people coming back year after year, which is something that remains true today.

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Lost Colony Brewery's Waterfront Beer Garden

Lost Colony Brewery's Waterfront Beer Garden

Waterfront Beer Garden serving up the award-winning beer from the Lost Colony Brewery. Kick back on our deck at one of the dozens of waterside tables. We encourage you to pack your own picnic, order a pizza delivery or bring some take/out food from any of the fantastic restaurant OBX restaurants. Browse our shop filled with brewery t-shirts, sweatshirts, long sleeve sun shirts, and local art. Come get Lost in our veiws!

Salt Coast Outfitters

Salt Coast Outfitters

A resource for products, recreational equipment suppliers, weather protection clothing, and gear to Coastal outdoor enthusiasts. Browse the fullest collection of coastal lifestyle clothing on the beach. Featuring a sizable selection of brand names such as Simply Southern, Fish Hippie, Salt Life, Columbia, Wicked Tuna, Puravida Rings and bracelets, 4Ocean bracelets, Yeti and much more. You are sure to find something for the whole family!

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