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Crystal Coast History

Historically speaking, the Crystal Coast is absolutely fascinating. Not only was it one of Blackbeard the Pirate’s favorite destinations for pillaging, it was also the home of a major Civil War battle and countless shipwrecks that led to its “Graveyard of the Atlantic” nickname. If you’re a history buff, take a look at some of the tours listed below. They’re a great way to engage with the amazing history that thrives here on the Crystal Coast.

Adventure CALO- Port City Pirates & Ghosts Tour

An interactive pirate guided tour inside of an authentic haunted historic building.  The building has such a haunted reputation, that it has been investigated dozens of times by professional paranormal teams, and their findings have been nothing short of spectacular.  Everyone in your group gets a real swordfighting lesson. You get to help load & fire a working cannon & of course you will hear some of the area’s creepiest ghost stories. This tour is perfect for families & groups – interactive and tons of FUN!! Paranormal experiences can and do happen, so be prepared for anything - bring your camera!

View Website 601-4 Atlantic Beach Causeway
Atlantic Beach, NC 28512
(252) 772-9925

Beaufort Historic Site Tours

Tours are led by docents in period dress through anthentically restored dwellings. Tours begin at 10:00 and 11:30 AM, 1:00 and 3:00 PM Monday-Saturday, year round. Tickets are $8 for adults, $4 for children (under 6 free).

View Website 100 Turner Street
Beaufort, NC 28516

(252) 728-5225

Cape Lookout Conch Tours

Provides island transportation and historic/eco tours on Cape Lookout National Seashore from the Lighthouse South to Cape Point. Take a ferry over to Cape Lookout from Harkers Island or bring your boat and come for a ride around the barrier island. The service is 15 dollars and that takes you to the cape point, going through the village and giving you a history of the park service, lighthouse and the houses on the island. Schedule with the driver your desired time of return. The tours accept cash on site, or you can pay with credit card at any of the 4 ferry services out of Harkers Island -Calico Jacks -HI Fishing -Cape Pointe -Local Yokel Call 252-732-4578 or capelookoutconchtours@live.com for more information Please note that this is not a service that is run through the Cape Lookout National Seashore Office.


Harkers Island, NC 28570
252-732-4578

Core Sound Waterfowl Museum

Building on the foundation laid by the Core Sound Decoy Carvers Guild, the success of the Core Sound Decoy Festival and the vision of thousands who love Core Sound, the Core Sound Waterfowl Museum & Heritage Center stands as a testament to the determination of the Down East people and the generosity of people here and across the state and beyond who "share the vision of preserving and protecting the heritage of Core Sound."

View Website 1785 Island Road
Harkers Island, NC 28531

252.728.1500

Crystal Coast Lady

The Crystal Coast Lady is Beaufort's newest and largest cruising vessel. We offer the comfort of both inside and outside seating on the upper and lower decks, kids steering station, giant bow viewing area, as well as on-board restrooms and full snack bar.This super cruiser can accommodate up to 149 passengers.Our vessels are US Coast Guard Inspected, and staffed by a knowledgeable and experienced crew. Available for public cruises, private charters, and school field trips. Our motto is to give each and every passenger \an experience to last a lifetime.

View Website 617 Front Street
Beaufort, NC 28516
(252) 728-7827
or (252) 728-8687

Fort Macon State Park

NC's most visited state park includes a 19th century Civil War fort, recreation area with lifeguard-protected swimming, bathhouse and picnic area. Civil War reenactments performed in summer months. Join a guided tour of the fort or conduct your own following the guide available at the bookstore. The fort is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and closed Christmas Day. The fort is located on the eastern end of Atlantic Beach.

View Website 901 Fort Macon Road
Atlantic Beach, NC 28512

(252) 726-3775

Historic Beaufort Double-Decker Bus Tour

Narrated tours of Beaufort's historic district depart from the Beaufort Historic Site April through October on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 11:00 AM and 1:30 PM and Saturday at 11:00 AM. Tickets are $8 for adults, $4 for children (under 6 free).

View Website 100 Turner Street
Beaufort, NC 28516

(252) 728-5225

Hungry Town Bike Tours

Easy-going cruiser bikes--the coolest way to tour America's coolest small town.

View Website
Beaufort, NC 28516
(252) 648-1011

Old Burying Grounds Guided Tour

Regularly scheduled tours are given June through September on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday each day at 2:30 pm. The cost is $8 for adults and $4 for children.

View Website 100 Turner Street
Beaufort, NC 28516

(252) 728-5225

Port City Tour Company

View Website 601 Atlantic Beach Causeway, Suite 3
Atlantic Beach, NC 28512
(252) 772-9925

Rachel Carson Reserve Self Guided Tours

The Rachel Carson National Estuarine Research Reserve is a nature preserve comprised of five islands and is located across from the historic Beaufort waterfront. The Reserve offers a year-round self- guided walking trail that highlights the diverse habitats found on Town Marsh. Self-guided trail brochures can be obtained by calling the Reserve office. During the spring and summer, walking nature tours and a boat cruise along Taylor's Creek to the Carrot Island boardwalk are available to the public at no-charge. Call 252.838.0883 for tour schedule and reservations.

View Website 101 Pivers Island Road
Beaufort, NC 28516

(252) 838-0886

Shackleford Lady

Crystal Coast Lady is Beaufort’s newest, largest, and most comfortable vessel. She is a 75 foot all aluminum, custom design super cruiser. It features the areas only fully enclosed large upper deck. It has twin diesel turbo engines and is equipped with state of the art electronics and safety equipment. Our vessel is US Coast Guard certified and inspected and can accommodate up to 150 persons. New in 2012!!! We have added 2 new boats to our fleet! The Lookout Lady and Shackleford Lady. These 49 passenger comfortable eco-tour vessels will allow us to expand our services...Rachel Carson, Shackleford, including special Trent River tours operating out of New Bern.

View Website 617 Front Street (across from BB&T)
Beaufort, NC 28516

252-728-8687
or 252-728-7827

The History Place

The History Place in downtown Morehead City showcases artifacts in this coastal region from Native Americans through World War II. The collection includes a genealogical and Civil War library. Museum store and tea room are on site. Guided tours are available. Hours are Tues. - Sat., 10am-4pm. Admission is free.

View Website 1008 Arendell St.
Morehead City, NC 28557

(252) 247-7533

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