Chasing Low Tide: A Sand Dollar Island Excursion off Beaufort, NC
A tidal sandbar, a quick ferry ride, and two hours of simple, salty discovery.
At low tide the inlet loosens its grip, and a pale, glittering bar of sand rises out of the sea like a secret the Atlantic can’t quite keep. The ferry noses through Beaufort’s calm harbor and out toward the cut, gulls pacing our wake, dolphins flashing like quicksilver beneath the surface. The wind is salty and plainspoken. Ahead, the sandbar waits—a shifting crescent that appears only when the tide steps back and gives everyone a little extra room to breathe.
Trail Wisdom
Time Your Tide Window
This sandbar only reveals itself at low tide. Check the day’s tide table and choose a departure that lets you explore during the lowest water.
Know Your Sand Dollars
Collect only dead sand dollars—white and smooth. Live ones are brown/tan with tiny moving spines and should be returned to the water.
Wear Water Shoes
Shell fragments can be sharp and the sandbar undulates. Lightweight sandals or water shoes add comfort and grip.
Pack Light, Pack Smart
There’s no shade or stores on the sandbar. Bring water, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and a mesh bag for finds—leave the wagon at home.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Carrot Island boardwalk for quiet views of the Rachel Carson Reserve and wild ponies
- •Radio Island beach access for sunrise over the inlet
Wildlife
Bottlenose dolphins, American oystercatchers
Conservation Note
This sandbar is a living system shaped daily by tides and currents—pack out all trash, avoid nesting bird areas, and return any live sand dollars to the water.
Blackbeard’s flagship, the Queen Anne’s Revenge, ran aground just outside Beaufort Inlet in 1718; the wreck site was discovered in 1996.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Post-storm shelling, Cooler air temps
Challenges: Cool water, Variable winds
Spring brings clear light and fewer crowds. After a southerly blow, the bar can be rich with shells, though water temps still favor waders over swimmers.
summer
Best for: Warm-water wading, Family beach days
Challenges: Strong sun, Busier boats
Summer means bathtub-warm water and easy snorkeling around the bar. Plan for intense sun and book ahead for popular low-tide windows.
fall
Best for: Shoulder-season calm, Clear water
Challenges: Occasional storms, Shorter days
Fall often brings glassy seas, migrating birds, and comfortable temps. Watch the forecast for passing fronts and earlier sunsets.
winter
Best for: Solitude, Crisp photography
Challenges: Chilly air, Limited departures
Winter trips are quieter and moody in the best way. Dress warm, expect fewer departures, and enjoy wide-open space.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Reef-Safe Sunscreen and Wide-Brim HatEssential
There’s no shade; protect your skin during peak UV hours.
Water Shoes or SandalsEssential
Comfortable footwear prevents cuts from shells and improves footing on rippled sand.
Mesh Shell Bag or Small Bucket
Keeps delicate sand dollars and shells intact and sand-free on the ride back.
Polarized SunglassesEssential
Cuts surface glare so you can spot sand dollars and marine life in the shallows.
Common Questions
Do I need to be a strong swimmer for this trip?
No. Most exploring happens in shallow water around the sandbar. If you snorkel, stay close to the bar and avoid the deeper channel where currents are stronger.
Are dogs allowed on the ferry and sandbar?
Yes. Dogs are welcome at no extra charge. Bring fresh water and keep them under control to protect wildlife and other visitors.
Can I take home sand dollars?
You may collect dead sand dollars (white, smooth, no moving spines). Live sand dollars must be left in the water; it’s both ethical and part of local conservation practices.
Is there shade or restroom access on the sandbar?
No. There are no facilities or shade. Use restrooms at the dock before departure and bring sun protection and water.
What happens if the weather or tide changes?
Departures are scheduled around low tide and monitored for weather. Trips may be adjusted or canceled for safety; you’ll be advised by the operator.
Should I bring snorkeling gear?
Optional. Goggles and a snorkel are great for peering into tidal pools and along the bar. Use fins cautiously and stay clear of the channel and boat traffic.
What to Pack
Reef-safe sunscreen and a brimmed hat for all-day sun; 1–2 liters of water per person to stay hydrated; water shoes to protect your feet on shell-strewn sand; a mesh shell bag or small bucket to carry fragile sand dollars safely.
Did You Know
The Queen Anne’s Revenge, Blackbeard’s flagship, was discovered in 1996 near Beaufort Inlet—just offshore from the very waters that form Sand Dollar Island.
Quick Travel Tips
Arrive 30 minutes early for check-in and boarding. Book a trip that coincides with the day’s lowest tide for maximum sandbar time. Bring cash or card for parking near the Beaufort waterfront. Check wind and weather the morning of—post-frontal days can deliver standout shelling.
Local Flavor
After your ferry, stroll Front Street for cold craft beer at Fishtowne Brew House, then grab shrimp and grits at Beaufort Grocery Company or a waterside table at Front Street Grill at Stillwater. If you have time, pop into the North Carolina Maritime Museum to connect your day on the water to centuries of coastal lore.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: Coastal Carolina Regional (EWN), New Bern—about 40 minutes by car. Departure: Beaufort waterfront docks (confirm exact pier with your operator). Drive time: 5 minutes from central Beaufort, 10–15 from Morehead City. Cell service: Generally good, but can be spotty on the sandbar. Permits: None required; all guests (including infants) must be counted on the ferry manifest.
Sustainability Note
This tidal sandbar is part of a dynamic coastal ecosystem—collect only dead shells, avoid disturbing live creatures and bird nesting areas, and pack out every scrap. Your light footprint helps keep the Crystal Coast wild and resilient.
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