Sailing the Outer Banks

Sailing the Outer Banks

Vacationers will notice a handful of sailboats at every local Outer Banks port, either saddled up to the docks or breezing across the harbor, en route to the nearest sound for a cruise, or to the continent-spanning Intracoastal Waterway to continue a long coastal voyage. Some vacationers are even in it for the long haul, docking for a summer or a winter season at a number of local marinas that offer all the comforts of home. Clearly, sailing lovers of all varieties have plenty of options, but even newcomers to the sport can experiment with life on the water with a local sailing lesson, rental, or waterfront cruise.

Bonner Bridge Pier

Bonner Bridge Pier

Opened in 2021, the Bonner Pier is one of the more unique piers along the Outer Banks, as the 1,000-ft. long concrete structure was once the southern terminal of the original Bonner Bridge. Once the bridge was replaced by the new Basnight Bridge, a section of the old bridge was left intact so that angles could enjoy easy access to Oregon Inlet, and sightseers could enjoy views that extended from the Bodie Island Lighthouse to the historic Oregon Inlet Life-Saving Station.Today, the fishing pier is free and open to the public 24/7, and no fishing pass or payment is required to pop by and drop a line, (although a saltwater fishing license is required, as opposed to other Outer Banks Piers which traditionally have a banket fishing license for all visiting anglers.) Amenities at the site are limited, with trash receptacles and port-a-potties, but visitors will be rewarded with great catches on the edge of the inlet, and panoramic on-the-water views.