Cape Lookout Bight Anchorage (off the AICW, via Beaufort Inlet and the Atlantic Ocean)
Cape Lookout Bight Anchorage
Lat/Lon: 34 37.395 North/076 32.931 West
Location: lies east of Cape Lookout Bight’s marker #1
Minimum Depth: 15 to 30 feet
Special Note: Be sure to cruise to Cape Lookout Bight by way of Beaufort Inlet and the ocean. While it is possible to enter Cape Lookout Bight from the rear by way of Back Sound and Barden Inlet, this route is shallow and subject to continual change. Don’t even think about attempting this back door without very specific, up-to-date local knowledge
Swing Room: sufficient room for most any size vessel
Foul Weather Shelter: Good, but somewhat open to northern and northeastern winds
Rating: 
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Comments from Cruisers (7)
Best place on earth
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
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
The Cape Lookout Lighthouse is now going to be open to climb to the top, starting May 14 – only Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 10 am – 3:45 pm. (It closes again September 22) Anchor and dinghy ashore!!!!
Frank Erwin
Oct 5 Anchored at Lookout Point [Cape Lookout Bight], great anchorage very calm and clean water, well worth the short trip.
Doug Cordello
This is worth a special trip. Cruisers who by-pass this on their way south are missing one of the most beautiful places on the eastern seaboard. If you are headed to the Exumas, well here is a preview for you. Clean water, miles of undeveloped gorgeous beaches inside the Bight and outside on the ocean with world-class shells (it’s a National Seashore). Break out the dinghy and stay a few days! Only 12 NM from Morehead City. You are on open ocean, so mind the surf and current forecast for navigating the inlet and the trip over there. In good conditions you can cut straight to Masonboro Inlet 70NM from here and miss some of the less attractive parts of the ICW (in our opinion)
George and Ann aboard Hatteras 56MY