Hatteras Island Ocean Center

This is an interesting place to spend time and soak up learning about the ecology of this fascinating area of the outer banks. (also -- there is a great ice cream store NEXT DOOR!) lots of science exhibits and interesting items about the locals. I VERY nice boardwalk that goes out into the marsh. There are items for sale as well.

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.

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

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!

Absolutely amazing. Awesome breathtaking views. An absolute must to visit!!

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.

This may be a small building, but it is packed with amazing displays and information. It has tons to see and a number of great activities as well. My family did the Marsh Madness and loved being able to feed and 'fish' for crabs. The staff if friendly and knowledgeable, making this a great place to visit.

We had a great time at the Ocean Center! The staff was extremely helpful in providing information about things that would be good to checkout while we’re here, and the museum had some really interesting information about the history of the area and wildlife we might see while we’re here. It has definitely been a highlight of our trip, and we look forward to coming back when we can take a nature tour!

I definitely recommend the Kayak Tour. Is gets you up and close to marsh ecosystems. The guides who lead our tour had some fascinating things to say. I'm glad to hear this non-profit organization is focused on Environmental Education and their program list is very impressive and budget priced!

I had heard about the oceanic center and read several articles about it in the past . I was really looking forward to seeing it in all that it had to offer it goes into the marshlands and you can kayak through them. It also goes on extensively about the ecological system in how humans can interact in trying to make Hatteras more sustainable as a community and an island not being dependent on everything from the mainland. Has a long history of how humans and individuals can live in harmony but the sea and all sea creatures without endangering them. This is something I'm very interested in and have been for quite some time. My respect for the ocean and all that it entails is just phenomenal. I was glad I got to have a partial look see but really bummed I didn't get to have the full experience. Unfortunately it was closed for renovations but we peeked around and saw enough things that gained our curiosity. If I do return to OBX I definitely will come here and check this out when it is finished being refurbished. What's a girl to do? I love the beach and respect it, so I am all for the sustainability of people and sea creatures living in harmony.