Avon Pier opens, and other National Seashore updates for the week of May 5

The Cape Hatteras National Seashore (CHNS) announced several recent updates and news items related to recreational activities and seashore conditions on Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands.

News items and events related to the National Seashore for the week of May 5 include the following:

Seashore Updates

• North Carolina Department of Transportation’s passenger ferry at Cape Hatteras National Seashore will begin operating between Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands on Tuesday, May 17. Purchase tickets for the Ocracoke Express passenger ferry online or call 1-800-BY-FERRY.
• Cape Hatteras National Seashore’s Avon Fishing Pier is open for the season. The current hours of operation are 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
• Text OBXBeachConditions to 77295 to sign up for beach-related weather and ocean condition alerts. Learn about beach and ocean safety at www.lovethebeachrespecttheocean.com.

Upcoming Events

Bodie Island Lighthouse Climbing

• Dates: Wednesday-Saturday through early fall 2022. First climb at 9 a.m. and final climb at 5:40 p.m.
• Details: Climbing tickets can only be purchased on the day of intended climb. Tickets are on sale Wednesday-Saturday starting at 7 a.m. Purchase tickets at www.recreation.gov/ticket/252034/ticket/10087143.

Bodie Island Educational Programs

Lighting the way for 150 years – Bodie Island Lighthouse

• Dates: Wednesday and Thursday from 11-11:30 a.m. (April 24-May 27)
• Location: Meet on the back porch of the keeper’s quarters.
• Description: Discuss the details and history of this beautiful sentinel.

Shaping these barrier islands

• Dates: Wednesday and Thursday from 2:30-3p.m. (April 24-May 27)
• Location: Meet on the back porch of the keeper’s quarters.
• Description: Wars, hurricanes and ocean currents have all had impacts on the shores of Cape Hatteras. Join us to learn about some of these events and the changes they have made to these islands.

Hatteras Island Educational Programs

Lighting the way for over 150 years – Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

• Dates: Monday-Friday from 11-11:30 a.m. (April 24-May 27)
• Location: Meet at Hatteras Island Visitor Center Pavilion
• Description: Discuss the details and history of this beautiful sentinel and learn about current restoration efforts.

Shaping these barrier islands

• Dates: Monday-Friday from 2:30-3 p.m. (April 24-May 27)
• Location: Meet at Hatteras Island Visitor Center Pavilion
• Description: Wars, hurricanes and ocean currents have all had impacts on the shores of Cape Hatteras. Join us to learn about some of these events and the changes they have made to these islands.

Ocracoke Lighthouse

• The base of the Ocracoke Lighthouse is open for viewing Monday-Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. (April 24-May 27)

Ocracoke Island Educational Programs

Lighting the way for nearly 200 years – Ocracoke Lighthouse

• Dates: Tuesday and Thursday from 11-11:30 a.m. (April 24-May 27)
• Location: Meet on the grounds of the Ocracoke Lighthouse
• Description: Discuss the details and history of this beautiful sentinel.

Shaping these barrier islands

• Dates: Monday-Thursday from 2:30-3 p.m. (April 24-May 27)
• Location: Meet outside the Ocracoke Island Discovery Center
• Description: Wars, hurricanes and ocean currents have all had impacts on the shores of Cape Hatteras. Join us to learn about some of these events and the changes they have made to these islands.