Outer Banks Things To Do

Bob White is a legend in the horse-tour business. He and his highly trained staff have been offering tours since 1996, and they have a reputation for being both entertaining and informative. Bob’s tours last two hours and incorporate quite a bit of local history and interesting lore to complement the sightseeing. In the four-wheel-drive area, you’ll see the horses grazing in their natural habitat, often along with the sight of dolphins in the ocean. All tours are given in safari-style, open-air vehicles for a one-of-a-kind experience, and they can accommodate large groups of as many as 15 people. Call for details and reservations. 

Corolla Wild Horse Fund's museum, gift shop and offices are located in Historic Corolla Village. Visit them to discover the fascinating history and legacy of the Banker strain of Colonial Spanish Mustangs. Mustangs were brought to the Outer Banks nearly 500 years ago and their descendants are still with us today, although this hardy, majestic breed is now highly endangered. The whole family can learn about the horses and their cultural significance by visiting the Fund's new exhibit and speaking with their knowledgeable staff. Donations are accepted and benefit the Corolla Wild Horse Fund, managers of the wild herd. All proceeds from the Corolla Wild Horse Fund gift shop also benefit the Fund and the wild horses. The Fund has a Porch Pick-Up program so you can shop online and pick up your merchandise on the porch. 

Open all year, the Corolla Wild Horse Fund also offers special programming, especially in the summer. Activities include a weekly event called Mustang Mornings in which their rehabilitation facility at the Betsy Dowdy Equine Center in Grandy will be open for visitors to see the rescued mustangs under the Fund's care and the work that they do with them. It's an opportunity to get an inside look at things and perhaps meet a horse you've heard much about. There are also Meet a Mustang events at various locations and times throughout the summer where visitors can see and pet a tamed and gentled mustang as well as Paint a Mustang events using wooden horses in various sizes. For current information on hours of operation and the scheduling of any of these events, see the Fund's website and Facebook page. All events are subject to cancellation.

Just about every afternoon between 4 and 5 p.m., a dozen or more sport fishing boats return from the Gulf Stream to the Pirate’s Cove Marina to unload their catches of tuna, dolphin, wahoo and other deep-sea fish. If you’re interested in seeing the fish before they’re cleaned, head down to the docks and watch the mates hurl the whopping creatures onto the docks. Kids love this, and the anglers are friendly about sharing their experiences of the day.

If you’re more of a hands-on type, escape from the same old beach routine and head over to Pirate's Cove Marina and Yacht Club to experience the thrill of a lifetime fishing from one of their offshore charter boats. Your adrenaline will be pumping listening to the scream of the drag while you are reeling in your tuna, dolphin, wahoo and marlin. Or book a near-shore trip and drop deep to catch tile fish, sea bass, trigger fish and grouper, or troll for Spanish mackerel and bluefish. No matter what you choose, Pirate's Cove’s charter fleet will show you a great time. Back at the docks you can stop by the Pirates Cove Ship's Store, where you'll find a great selection of t-shirts, resort wear, gifts and one of the best selections of sunglasses on the Outer Banks. Or you can visit Mimi's Tiki Hut, a dockside bar open in the warmer months, and Blue Water Grill & Raw Bar, a full-service restaurant on the second floor overlooking the marina.  

The Pavilion at Pirate's Cove Marina is home base for three renowned summer fishing tournaments – Pirate's Cove Billfish Tournament, Alice Kelly Memorial Ladies Only Billfish Tournament and Dare County Boat Builders Foundation Tournament – as well as other events. The Pavilion is the largest venue on the Outer Banks and is available for rental, including 24-hour rental, for weddings and other events. A variety of accommodations are available on-site through Pirate's Cove Realty.