Data Disclaimer: Water level data is provided by USGS and NOAA for informational purposes only. Verify conditions on-site before any water activities.
Learn more
Cedar Island offers convenient public boat access to Pamlico Sound in Carteret County, with multiple launch points along NC Highway 12. The primary ramp at Cedar Island provides easy access to this shallow, protected sound environment—ideal for kayakers and canoeists exploring calm waters. From this location, paddlers can access the nearby Core Sound and venture to the barrier islands of Cape Lookout National Seashore, located just three miles offshore, offering opportunities for fishing, shelling, birding, and wildlife viewing.
The area is well-suited for recreational boating, with Pamlico Sound's relatively sheltered waters providing manageable conditions for paddlers of various skill levels. Nearby attractions include the Cedar Island National Wildlife Refuge, accessible directly via NC Highway 12, and several camping options including North Core Banks beach camping and Long Point Cabin Camp. The Cedar Island Ferry Terminal is also conveniently located, making this a practical hub for exploring the Outer Banks region by water.