tour
Go for a tour of historic Beaufort; specialties include the Ghost Walk, the Legend of Blackbeard tour, the Dolphin Adventure and airplane tours of the Crystal Coast.
Beaufort Music Festival
The Beaufort Music Festival, +1-252-728-0707, (http://beaufortmusicfesti...). Free admission. Comes to town for one weekend in April/May, featuring musical groups on several performance stages in town.
Shackleford Ponies
The nine-mile-long island of Shackleford Banks is home to the locally-famous Shackleford Ponies (http://www.shacklefordhor...), the descendants of horses that reportedly swam ashore from a sinking Spanish ship in the 16th century. Today, the horses are endangered, but can be seen on cruises to the island for around $22 adults.
Outer Banks Ferry Service
(http://www.outerbanksferr...) 326 front street across from the maritime museum +1-252-728-4129. passenger ferries to cape lookout, shackleford banks, sand dollar island, carrot island and custom scenic, nature, fishing trips available also. from $8 for adults, $4 for children.
Island Ferry Adventures
610 front street, +1-252-728-7555, (http://islandferryadventu...). ferries run from 9am daily from mid-march to november, weather permitting. passenger ferries to shackleford banks, sand dollar island, carrot island and the bird shoals, as well as a dolphin watch and a scenic nature cruise. $8 - $14 round-trip per adult.
Rachel Carson Estuarine Research Reserve
The Rachel Carson Estuarine Research Reserve (http://www.ncnerr.org/pub...) is a sanctuary covering 2,675 acres on a string of islands on the Taylor Creek, between Beaufort and Shackleford Banks. The reserve is also home to marine laboratories from the three main Research Triangle universities, conducting marine research and education. Features a half-mile interpretive trail highlighting the reserve's native flora and fauna, and special features. Shackleford ponies often swim across to the islands for food. The reserve can be reached by private boat from Beaufort.
relaxing harbor tour
Take a relaxing harbor tour (http://www.waterbugtours.com/) along the historic waterfront in a covered Captains Launch.
Fly fishing
Is becoming a favorite local sport.
Beaufort Old Homes and Gardens Tour
The Beaufort Old Homes and Gardens Tour is held annually during the last weekend in June. Narrated tours take visitors through restored and under-restoration private homes, gardens and other local attractions. An antique car show is also held the same weekend. The tour starts at the Beaufort Historical Association at 138 Turner; tickets are $16 in advance, $20 at the door.
Mystery Tours, Incorporated
410 front street suite 2, +1-252-728-2527 or +1-866-230-boat, (http://www.mysteryboattou...). three tour boats offering fishing trips, dolphin watching including a brunch trip, sightseeing cruises, lighthouse cruises, shrimp buffet cruises, pig-pickin' cruses, dinner cruises, sunset cruises, nightclub cruises, island excursions, high-speed thrill rides and special charters. $9 - $40.
Lookout Cruises
Front street on the waterfront, +1-252-504-sail, (http://www.lookoutcruises.com/). daily sailing excursions on a 45-foot catamaran; offering a cape lookout cruise, dolphin watch, sunset cruise and moonlight cruise. private charters available.
Discovery Diving Company
414 orange street, +1-252-728-2265, (http://www.discoverydivin...). the shipwrecks in this area make beaufort an appealing spot for scuba diving; charter trips are available for $60 - $110 plus equipment rental, and the company also offers classes in various types of diving including nighttime and cavern diving, emergency rescue and underwater photography.