• Brown Pelican taking off.

    Cape Hatteras

    National Seashore North Carolina

There are park alerts in effect.
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  • New Off Road Vehicle Regulations

    New off road vehicle (ORV) regulations are now in effect. Please check here for information on how to get your ORV permit More »

  • Beach Fire Permits are required

    Beach Fire Permits are now required. These permits are free. Please check here for information on how to get your Beach Fire Permit More »

Reporting Shipwrecks

An unidentified shipwreck piece on the beach.

An unidentified shipwreck piece.

NPS

Today as you explore the beaches of Cape Hatteras, keep in mind that, if you come across a shipwreck or wooden piece, it is a protected resource. The National Park Service protects the beach shipwrecks on park grounds through the Archeological Resource Protection Act (16 U.S.C. 470ee). The North Carolina State Archeology Office protects endangered archaeological sites within the waters of North Carolina through enforcement of the North Carolina Archaeological Resources Protection Act (G.S. 70, article 2) and the "Abandoned Shipwreck Law" (G.S. 121, article 3).

Please report any shipwrecks to a ranger or call the park's Cultural Resource Manager at 252-473-2111 ext 153. You can also use a beach shipwreck report form (click here for instructions).

Did You Know?

Sand Dunes at Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Cape Hatteras National Seashore, established in 1953, was our nation's first national seashore. Cape Hatteras National Seashore is located on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. More...