A Great Weekend at Cape Lookout, off the AICW, via Beaufort Inlet and the Atlantic Ocean
Cape Lookout Bight is a wonderful, natural harbor formed by Cape Lookout’s curve of land. This superb anchorage, one of the most popular in North Carolina, as confirmed by Skipper Merriman, is best accessed via the Beaufort Inlet, rather than through Back Sound.
Labor Day Weekend August 30 ‘“ September 2nd 2014
Wow! Just Wow!
This was our first time to Cape Lookout. This place is fantastic. The water is warm and clear enough to snorkel. About 7 -10 feet of visibility, The water has a green tint to it.
We anchored about 3/4 of the way into the bite. We were in 25 feet of water and just a short dinghy row from the beach.
When we first arrived I was concerned because there must have been close to 100 boats in there. However, we had no problem finding a place to drop the hook. The very next morning most of the boats were gone, By day 3 there were only a handful.
The sunsets and sunrises are super. The light house looks great. Although we didn’t make it up to the top. Good fishing, nice walks on the beach,
Anybody who is sailing the coast and doesn’t stop by here is missing out.
Will & Sheila
s/v Sheila B
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Cape Lookout Bight
Comments from Cruisers (2)
Absolutely one of the most beautiful anchorages! We spent a few days there 2 yrs ago, and were there for 6 nights a few weeks ago. During the week and non-holiday weekends, there are typically only 3-4 boats. Wild horses on the Shackleford Banks shore. Finding numerous and varied seashells is a highlight as well as touring the lighthouse and beachcoming. We had visits from large sea turtles and a river otter. It’s an easy 7 mile trek east of the Beaufort inlet.
Debbie and Howard
S/V Dreamer
It appears Will & Sheila have discovered one of the best kept secrets on the coast. We all hear that Key West is the only spot on the east coast to watch the sun set over the ocean. Not So. Due to the NC coast at Beaufort and Cape Lookout running East-West not North-South, from the bite at Cape Lookout the sun comes up and set over the ocean. A truly beautiful spot.
D. Davis