Discover Pamlico Sound: The Hidden Treasure of Hatteras Island
Most people know about the Atlantic Ocean side of the Outer Banks, with its beautiful beaches, crashing waves and amazing sunrises. But just across Hatteras Island lies another coastal treasure that deserves just as much recognition: Pamlico Sound.
Pamlico Sound is part of the largest lagoonal estuary system in the United States and is one of the defining geographical features of Hatteras Island. Stretching for 80 miles along the coast, this vast body of water separates the Outer Banks from mainland North Carolina.
For visitors, Pamlico Sound is much more than a beautiful backdrop. It is a place to fish, kayak, paddleboard, kiteboard, windsurf, see wildlife and experience some of the most spectacular sunsets on the East Coast.
The Geography of the Pamlico Sound
Hatteras Island is a narrow barrier island bordered by two very different bodies of water. The Atlantic to the east and Pamlico Sound to the west.
The barrier islands protect the sound from the full force of the Atlantic, creating shallow and calmer waters. Freshwater flowing from North Carolina's rivers mixes with saltwater from the Atlantic, creating the brackish environment. And before modern roads connected the villages, the sound was an important route for fishermen, boaters and local residents.
Wildlife on Pamlico Sound
The calm, shallow waters and surrounding wetlands provide a habitat for an amazing variety of wildlife!
Depending on the season visitors may spot:
- Bottlenose dolphins
- Blue crabs and shrimp
- Red drum and speckled trout
- Flounder
- Stingrays
- Ospreys
- Great blue herons
- Egrets
- Pelicans
- Bald eagles
One of the best things about exploring the sound is that you never quite know what you might see. Bring a pair of binoculars on a morning kayak trip, or just sit quietly along the shoreline and watch the birds and other wildlife moving across the water.
Things to Do on Pamlico Sound
You don't have to be an experienced outdoorsman or adventurer to enjoy Pamlico Sound! There are plenty of ways to get out on the water- or simply enjoy it from shore.
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Kayaking and Paddleboarding: The calmer waters make Pamlico Sound ideal for kayaking and paddleboarding. On a quiet morning, the water can become almost glass-like, making it so easy to enjoy the peaceful surroundings and shoreline.
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Fishing: Fishing has been part of Hatteras Island's culture for generations. Visitors can fish from the shoreline, piers, kayaks, boats, or guided charters. Depending on the season, you may catch red drum, speckled trout, flounder and bluefish.
- Crabbing: Crabbing is another way for visitors to experience the sound. Spending an evening along the shoreline waiting to see what you've caught can become one of those simple vacation memories everyone remembers. Be sure to check current North Carolina fishing and shellfish regulations before heading out.
A World-Class Watersports Destination
If you've ever driven along the sound side of Hatteras Island on a windy day, you've probably seen colorful kites filling the water and skyline.
Avon and the surrounding Hatteras Island communities are internationally known for kiteboarding and windsurfing. The combination of steady winds, shallow water, and miles of open sound creates ideal conditions for both beginners and experienced riders.
One of the most famous spots is Canadian Hole, located just south of Avon along Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Even if you're not a kiteboarder or windsurfer, Canadian Hole is a worth a stop on your next trip. Watching riders skim across the water is a classic Hatteras Island experience.
The Sunsets of Pamlico Sound
If the Atlantic Ocean gives Hatteras Island the most breathtaking sunrises, Pamlico Sound gives it something equally beautiful: sunsets. The enormous western horizon allows the sun to disappear over the water with very little blocking the view. As the sun begins to set, the sky can transform from blue to gold, orange, pink and purple, with the colors reflected on the water.
Local Tip
Don't wait until the sun is touching the horizon! Head to the sound about 30 minutes to 1 hour before sunset and watch the colors change. Bring drinks, a chair, or a blanket and make the sunset part of your evening. And if you're lucky enough to be staying in a sound front vacation home, you may not even have to leave your deck.
Experience Pamlico Sound from Your Vacation Home
There's something special about staying directly on Pamlico sound. Instead of simply visiting Pamlico Sound for an evening, it becomes part of your entire vacation.
At Hatteras Island Vacation Rentals, we have three beautiful sound front homes in Avon where you can experience it for yourself.
Sounds Sea'rious
Our newest sound front home, Sounds Sea'rious, is a spectacular 10-bedroom, 13-bathroom home that sleeps up to 24 guests. With a private sound front pool, hot tub, theater room, elevator, private decks, with a walk very close to the beach, it's designed for large families and groups who want to enjoy Hatteras Island together. And when the day winds down, the sound front setting provides the perfect place to watch the sunset.
Seas the Breeze I
Seas the Breeze I, another 10-bedroom, 13-bathroom home, offers guests another wonderful way to experience sound front living in Avon. One of its favorite gathering spots is the private tiki bar- perfect for relaxing with family and friends while enjoying the views of Pamlico Sound. It also features a private boardwalk that leads to a dock and pergola over the sound.
Seas the Breeze II
Seas the Breeze II, the neighboring 10-bedroom, 13-bathroom home to Seas the Breeze I, is another sound front retreat where you can enjoy the breathtaking sound side of Hatteras Island right outside your door. And the breezy afternoons make a great location for the windsurfer enthusiasts!
View of Pamlico Sound from Sounds Sea'rious
Come Discover the Other Side of Hatteras Island
The Atlantic Ocean may be what first brings visitors to Hatteras Island, but Pamlico Sound is often what makes them fall in love with it. The peaceful mornings on the water. The fishing and kayaking. The colorful kites "floating" across the sky. The dolphins and birds along the shoreline. And watching the sun at the end of the day as the sun disappears over the sound.
Come experience the stiller, and wonderfully dazzling side of Hatteras Island- explore our sound front vacation homes in Avon and make Pamlico Sound part of your next Hatteras Island Vacation.