The Ocracoke Express: ‘It really is fantastic’

Published 5:07 pm Thursday, May 23, 2019

“It’s a wonderful ride. You just need to do it,” said Liz Browning Fox, a passenger on the maiden voyage of the Ocracoke Express.

The NCDOT-leased catamaran flew through the Pamlico Sound water at 32.2 miles per hour.

The journey from the Hatteras ferry dock starts with a disconcerting turn to the right. The long familiar car ferry turns left.

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Once in front of the Hatteras Harbor breakwater, the passenger ferry moves into the Rollinson channel and goes deep into Pamlico Sound and then into Ocracoke’s Silver Lake.

The ride takes 70 minutes including loading and unloading.

In Ocracoke, a tram waits to take people on the established route around the village.

A couple of tips: The ticket purchase is round trip. Ticket buyers will be asked to select a return trip. Wear a hat that ties so it will not fly off if you are outside on the upper deck.

passenger ferry

Upper deck outside seating numbers 35 seats on the Ocracoke Express. Liz Browning Fox photo

 

passenger ferry

A tram met the maiden voyage of the Ocracoke Express and embarked on a journey around Ocracoke village. Liz Browning Fox photo

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