Even though it's not near the AICW, Cape Lookout Bight remains the most popular anchorage on the North Carolina coastline. That's because it's a wonderful natural habor, and the nearby beachcombing can be spectacular.
The best way to reach the bight is to cruise out Beaufort Inlet for a safe distance, and then cut east, paralleling Shackleford Banks (staying WELL offshore), and then enter the harbor by a marked entrance.

One anchorage NOT to miss: Cape Lookout Bight.  it's worth the 6 miles out the inlet, beautiful place!  We took the tender around the back of Shackleford to see the wild horses. Good holding (although our 110lbs Claw started dragging just a little in 40kts wind…), plenty of water, great beaches to walk on.  It's going on my mandatory stop over list.
We spent one night on the hook in Cape Look Out bight, a must do stop if the ocean isn't too rough between beaufort inlet and the bight (unless you draw little and can sneak inside).  Take the dink to the beach, lighthouse, etc… and the back side of the Shackleford banks to see the wild horses. Terrific anchorage, plenty of room, good holding although our 110lbs claw started dragging early in the night when the winds reached about 40kts. didn't come loose but a slow drag forcing me to haul anchor and move up toward the entrance… Not much fun to relocate in 40kts at night although I
can't blame the anchor, 110lbs on a 70 footer enclosed FB isn't storm anchor grade…  
Pascal
M/Y Charmer (70' Johnson)
live cel helmcam at www.sandbarhopper.com

Shackleford Banks is a long, somewhat thin island that flanks the eastern side of Beaufort Inlet, almost opposite Fort Macon. This isle's western tip almost touches Cape Lookout, but is separated from the Cape by Barden Inlet. For years, cruisers, particularly those of the weekend variety, have anchored behind (south of) Shackleford Banks, and dinghied ashore to beahcomb and hunt for shells. One of my earlier shelling finds here, a large conch, currently sits atop this writer's desk.
There has always been shallow water to watch for around Shackleford, and running around here is a not uncommon occurrence, particulary for non local captains. Now, Captain Bently reports below that the shape of Shackleford has changed, and these changes are apparently not reflected on the NOAA charts covering these waters (11547 and 11545). Read his note carefully before naviating the waters near Shackleford Banks!

Cedar Creek is the only really good anchorage anywhere near the ICW between Neuse River and the Morehead – City. There have been several earlier postings on this page concerning the sunken or semi-sunken wreck here, so watch out for that hazzard.

Subject: Cedar Creek anchorage MM187
Message: Cedar Creek anchorage, just off Adams Creek at green “9” at MM 187 is a great anchorage. Room for a number of boats in water that runs about 7.5 feet deep. Only caution: a sailboat sunk in the anchorage several years ago – its mast used to be visible, but now the mast is gone and the sunken boat is marked with PVC pipe and several orange floats. Just avoid them as you pass and anchor further to the east.

Click Here For More Information On The Cedar Creek Anchorage

I’m glad Captains Nita and Rick found such a warm welcome at Morhead City Yacht Basin. As I’ve often said, after its total rebuild several years ago, this is one of the BEST marinas from North Carolina to New Orleans. And, of course, they are also a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!

MOREHEAD CITY (9/3 – 9/8, TS Hanna). We went to the MC Yacht Basin there because it is on the north side of US 70 and better protected than the marinas along the waterfront. They took us in with a warning that we might have to evacuate, but were very friendly and helpful. Many of the slip owners were taking their boats up to Core Creek for haul out, while some others (like us) were coming in for refuge! The town was semi-closed, but we enjoyed suppers at Floyd’s, Sanitary Seafood, and the Ice House. There is a courtesy car available (for $10 rental) for grocery and other shopping. About 0600 Saturday morning we had gusts to better that 60 mph. Several of us had canvas casualties, but no serious damage.
Regards, Nita and Rick George aboard MV Hale Kai

Click Here For More Information On Morehead City Yacht Basin

I think I can state, without any fear of passing along an inaccuracy, that Cape Lookout Bight is THE most popular anchorage along the North Carolina coastline. An approach from Beaufort inlet is relatively easy, being sure to follow the charts and exercise the usual caution. Trying to cruise into the Bight from Harkers Island is another story entirely, and I specifically do NOT recommend this passage for vessels larger than 25 feet, or those drawing 3 feet or more!

CAPE LOOKOUT BIGHT (9/3). One of the best anchorages we've ever done.  The lighthouse and beach were definitely worth a ride in the dink.  We would have stayed another night if TS Hanna had not been coming along.
Regards, Nita and Rick George aboard MV Hale Kai