It depends on the wind direction, the tide stage, storms out at sea and all sorts of things like luck. My wife and I had pretty good luck two weeks ago on the north end off Ramp 59. The wind was blowing up the beach and the shelling was pretty good north of the ramp about 2 hours or so before low tide. We found 5 intact scotch bonnets in 3 days. along with a number of intact sand dollars and the usual assortment of common shells. It just depends. But it is always beautiful.
Wow, that is great! I plan to check out Portsmouth Island next winter when I am in the area. I hope they run out there in the winter. It was too windy when I was there last time. thanks for the info!😊
There is a pedestrian only ferry from Hatteras but there is also a vehicle ferry from Hatteras as well and it is free. The pedestrian ferry has a charge.
If you wanted to go shelling, you should have taken a charter to Portsmouth island nest to Ocracoke. Look it up, very cool place, but bring the bug spray.
Oh gosh - this is on my bucket list! Since we were there "pre-season", I recall asking around about getting there. and it seems like the timing wasn't quite right when we were there. Next time we get there, I will make sure to get out there. Thanks for the reminder, I'm adding it to my maps now!😊
The best place for shells is at the north end of the island at the last beach access before the ferry terminal. Go at low tide. Also it is 2nd oldest operating lighthouse definitely not 2nd tallest. I have been going to ocracoke for 30 years it is beautiful and is the only beach in the country to be named number 1 beach twice by Dr. Beach.
Oh good to know! I actually did stop at that access and there was nothing. Probably cyclical? And weather dependent. Who is Dr. Beach? I will have to look that up! But I agree, it is a beautiful place!❤
Sometimes there are no shells on the beach in the mid Atlantic and sometimes they are deposited three inches thick in a line up the beach mostly really nice scollop shells and conchs, clams oysters snails, a few sand dollars, rocks , etc...and sea glass...Here where I live in Delaware, at certain times, you could fill up a five gallon bucket with shells and such if you were so inclined.
Thanks for the comment! I did have a few good days in the southern part of the Outer Banks, but not as good in the north. But, just being out there made it a happy day!😊
Very cool video! Ocracoke seems quite inconsistent for shells. Feels like some days it's throwing in intact whelks and scotch bonnets like it's nothing, and on other days, there are just zero shells out there, like what you experienced. I only went there once so I don't have too much trial and error to go off of, but that's kind of what I've heard.
Thank you! I know, i had read that Ocracoke was one of the best places to shell in the OBX and that was not true during early May this year. I had much better luck off Bogue Island, south of Morehead City. As is with anywhere, tides, winds, storms etc.. all play a factor. That is why the "hunt" is the most fun! ❤️❤️
The hole in the beach that had been raked out could have been a sea turtle nest where the hatchlings had just emerged. There are scientists on the islands that monitor them and they likely just immediately raked out the hole so no one would hurt themselves.
@@TravelingTreasureFinder bring a BIG bag for shells and GO EARLY- make it the first or second trip of day for the ferry over there are so many shells on the beach and the early bird gets the worm!!! When you get off the boat head right and go to the point!! Good luck ❤️❤️
@@TravelingTreasureFinder It was a beautiful wedding! Everything turned out exactly the way they wanted it. I was an exhausted but happy momma. We’ll be in Maine until the end of September and then start making our way down to Florida for the winter. Working on getting our solar panels installed on our roof before we leave! Are you settled in Michigan yet?
I'm definitely going there next time I am in the area. It was bad weather (too windy) and very early in the season when we were there so we couldn't get there. 😞
@@TravelingTreasureFinder best to arrive just after the storms and when the waters calmer and easier for rentals to get over, charters. Definitely pack bug spray and water, shade device. But all the best shells that are sold to tourists that are sourced locally are from Portsmouth island. They used to have a vehicle ferry to 4x4 over there but the water is rising too high to do it now. Essentially driving and sitting in saltwater, not very good on the trucks. It’s a really cool feeling to be in a place that’s fading back into the natural cycle after its brief habitation. It’s really wild.
@@SLHJR0390 I was reading about it tonight. is it best to take the car ferry over, or just go on foot? It seems like you wouldn't be able to get too far if you are on foot? Oh, I would love to go!
Ocracoke is no different than the rest of the OBX area. Absolutely, beautiful beaches. And breathtaking scenery. (Especially when you encounter the wild horses) But OBX is not a particularly great area for shelling. (That is what God created Florida for)🤣 There are specific seasons, and post-storm times when the shelling is better, yet I have never experienced OBX to be great shelling. Especially when compared to SW Florida shelling. Although, Low tide shelling on Shackleford Banks can be very rewarding in the right season. Spectacular video though, and as you mentioned, shells or not, it is well worth the experience! I was just on Ocracoke for my first time, 4 months after you. Loved it! But I continued north (there is also a free car ferry from Ocracoke to Hatteras) and travelled all the way north to Corolla, where I enjoyed climbing the lighthouse and viewing the wild horses. Absolutely one of the best vacations of my life. Thank you for the video content. Hope this information helps anyone travelling to the OBX area. God Bless! FYI - That raked hole on the beach is from a vacated turtle egg nest. The tire marks are from the dept. that looks after the marine wildlife.
Did you say that the light house was the second largest in the country ?!?! DEF WRONG THERE. Lol what is wrong with you?! Ya passed two light houses on the way that are much larger !!!!!
Well, gosh I misspoke. What I meant to say is that it is the second OLDEST, not the second largest. Thank you for pointing out my mistake and for being so nice about it.
It depends on the wind direction, the tide stage, storms out at sea and all sorts of things like luck. My wife and I had pretty good luck two weeks ago on the north end off Ramp 59. The wind was blowing up the beach and the shelling was pretty good north of the ramp about 2 hours or so before low tide. We found 5 intact scotch bonnets in 3 days. along with a number of intact sand dollars and the usual assortment of common shells. It just depends. But it is always beautiful.
Wow, that is great! I plan to check out Portsmouth Island next winter when I am in the area. I hope they run out there in the winter. It was too windy when I was there last time. thanks for the info!😊
I love the beach too. Appreciate going along with you. Thank you
Early in the morning after a king tide should produce
Beautiful! Thank you!
Thank you too!
There is a pedestrian only ferry from Hatteras but there is also a vehicle ferry from Hatteras as well and it is free. The pedestrian ferry has a charge.
Thank you for the information!
Loved seeing Ocracoke Island!! Beautiful tour!
I think you would love it there - we need to keep our trip plans! Someday! ❤️
If you wanted to go shelling, you should have taken a charter to Portsmouth island nest to Ocracoke. Look it up, very cool place, but bring the bug spray.
Oh gosh - this is on my bucket list! Since we were there "pre-season", I recall asking around about getting there. and it seems like the timing wasn't quite right when we were there. Next time we get there, I will make sure to get out there. Thanks for the reminder, I'm adding it to my maps now!😊
The best place for shells is at the north end of the island at the last beach access before the ferry terminal. Go at low tide. Also it is 2nd oldest operating lighthouse definitely not 2nd tallest. I have been going to ocracoke for 30 years it is beautiful and is the only beach in the country to be named number 1 beach twice by Dr. Beach.
Oh good to know! I actually did stop at that access and there was nothing. Probably cyclical? And weather dependent. Who is Dr. Beach? I will have to look that up! But I agree, it is a beautiful place!❤
@@TravelingTreasureFinder Dr. Beach is a marine biologist or professor that rates all of the beaches in the USA in a Top 10 list every year.
Those are cool shell pieces and look thick like I think you said. Love to see what you make from them.
Thank you - I will definitely post when I get it worked out! 😊
Sometimes there are no shells on the beach in the mid Atlantic and sometimes they are deposited three inches thick in a line up the beach mostly really nice scollop shells and conchs, clams oysters snails, a few sand dollars, rocks , etc...and sea glass...Here where I live in Delaware, at certain times, you could fill up a five gallon bucket with shells and such if you were so inclined.
Thanks for the comment! I did have a few good days in the southern part of the Outer Banks, but not as good in the north. But, just being out there made it a happy day!😊
Met on FB, subbed! Look forward to catching up!
Thanks for the sub! Nice to meet you!😊
Very cool video! Ocracoke seems quite inconsistent for shells. Feels like some days it's throwing in intact whelks and scotch bonnets like it's nothing, and on other days, there are just zero shells out there, like what you experienced. I only went there once so I don't have too much trial and error to go off of, but that's kind of what I've heard.
Thank you! I know, i had read that Ocracoke was one of the best places to shell in the OBX and that was not true during early May this year. I had much better luck off Bogue Island, south of Morehead City. As is with anywhere, tides, winds, storms etc.. all play a factor. That is why the "hunt" is the most fun! ❤️❤️
The hole in the beach that had been raked out could have been a sea turtle nest where the hatchlings had just emerged. There are scientists on the islands that monitor them and they likely just immediately raked out the hole so no one would hurt themselves.
I was wondering if that happened. This was April - is that sea turtle season?
@@TravelingTreasureFinder hmmm.. I think they may actually hatch in the late summer here in NC. Maybe it was something else!
@@acegh0st yea, I actually thought it may have been a dead animal? I guess it will remain a mystery!
Shakelford banks is the best pace in North Carolina for shells!!!
Thank you! I’m going to go there this coming winter 🙌🏼🩷
@@TravelingTreasureFinder you will find soooooo many good shells!!!!! 🐚
@@nina_love7033 So excited! Any tips for going out there? things to bring or not to bring?
@@TravelingTreasureFinder bring a BIG bag for shells and GO EARLY- make it the first or second trip of day for the ferry over there are so many shells on the beach and the early bird gets the worm!!! When you get off the boat head right and go to the point!! Good luck ❤️❤️
There are always people that will complain.
indeed
It was so nice to see the island! I remember we talked to you when you were there.
We loved it there! How is everything in Maine? It looks like you had a wonderful wedding!❤️
@@TravelingTreasureFinder It was a beautiful wedding! Everything turned out exactly the way they wanted it. I was an exhausted but happy momma. We’ll be in Maine until the end of September and then start making our way down to Florida for the winter. Working on getting our solar panels installed on our roof before we leave! Are you settled in Michigan yet?
Portsmouth Island is where the shelling is at. Rent a boat to drop you off and bring your bags.
I'm definitely going there next time I am in the area. It was bad weather (too windy) and very early in the season when we were there so we couldn't get there. 😞
@@TravelingTreasureFinder best to arrive just after the storms and when the waters calmer and easier for rentals to get over, charters. Definitely pack bug spray and water, shade device. But all the best shells that are sold to tourists that are sourced locally are from Portsmouth island. They used to have a vehicle ferry to 4x4 over there but the water is rising too high to do it now. Essentially driving and sitting in saltwater, not very good on the trucks. It’s a really cool feeling to be in a place that’s fading back into the natural cycle after its brief habitation. It’s really wild.
@@SLHJR0390 I was reading about it tonight. is it best to take the car ferry over, or just go on foot? It seems like you wouldn't be able to get too far if you are on foot? Oh, I would love to go!
@@TravelingTreasureFinder if you’re shelling and take a charter boat over they’ll take you right to the shells. Put you right on them.
Ocracoke is no different than the rest of the OBX area. Absolutely, beautiful beaches. And breathtaking scenery. (Especially when you encounter the wild horses) But OBX is not a particularly great area for shelling. (That is what God created Florida for)🤣 There are specific seasons, and post-storm times when the shelling is better, yet I have never experienced OBX to be great shelling. Especially when compared to SW Florida shelling. Although, Low tide shelling on Shackleford Banks can be very rewarding in the right season. Spectacular video though, and as you mentioned, shells or not, it is well worth the experience! I was just on Ocracoke for my first time, 4 months after you. Loved it! But I continued north (there is also a free car ferry from Ocracoke to Hatteras) and travelled all the way north to Corolla, where I enjoyed climbing the lighthouse and viewing the wild horses. Absolutely one of the best vacations of my life. Thank you for the video content. Hope this information helps anyone travelling to the OBX area. God Bless! FYI - That raked hole on the beach is from a vacated turtle egg nest. The tire marks are from the dept. that looks after the marine wildlife.
Thanks for the comment! Yes, Florida does have a lot of shells! I had heard about Shackleford Banks but did not have time to get there! Next time!😊
Did you say that the light house was the second largest in the country ?!?! DEF WRONG THERE. Lol what is wrong with you?! Ya passed two light houses on the way that are much larger !!!!!
Well, gosh I misspoke. What I meant to say is that it is the second OLDEST, not the second largest. Thank you for pointing out my mistake and for being so nice about it.