You're on the beach, so: sunbathe, swim and hunt for seashells. The island of Bogue Banks is unusual because of its east-west orientation unlike most of the Outer Banks, which lie north-south, which means that visitors can enjoy sunrises and sunsets over the ocean. Shoppers will enjoy the attractions of quaint Swansboro, historic Beaufort and the waterfront in Morehead City. If you enjoy more active vacation pursuits, you can learn to shag in Atlantic Beach. It's a dance.
To get an underwater view of North Carolina's aquatic animals and environments, visitors enjoy the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores (http://www.ncaquariums.com). The Aquarium offers many educational programs, both indoors and out, including collection cruises, kayaking, surfing classes, and fishing courses. (http://www.ncaquariums.com)
Many visitors come for the fishing competitions: the King Mackerel Blue Water Fishing Tournament (http://www.swansbororotar...) in Swansboro during late May, the Big Rock Blue Marlin Fishing Tournament (http://www.thebigrock.com) in Morehead City for a week in June, and the King Mackerel Tournament (http://www.abkmt.com/) in Atlantic Beach in early September. If you're more interested in solo recreational fishing, there are several piers in the area, or alternatively you can take a deep-sea fishing cruise.
Aside from swimming and fishing, other water sports are very popular in the area: you can go scuba-diving, rent a boat or a jet-ski, or for a more relaxed water-based experience, take a dinner or harbor cruise.
If you're interested in local wildlife, you can visit the Shackleford ponies ferries and cruises are available from Beaufort or Harkers Island or take a hike in one of the area's native maritime forests.
events
The area is home to several major festivals:
There are also a couple of notable holiday celebrations:
The North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores (http://www.ncaquariums.com) also offers events year-round: