The Outer Banks have a long history of shipwrecks, pirates, storms and disappearances, which makes them fertile ground for ghost stories. OBX Ghost Tours turns those legends into an evening walk, led by guides who tell tales of Blackbeard’s ghost, the missing colonists of Roanoke, phantom ships on the Diamond Shoals and haunted inns and lighthouses. The original tour is the area’s best-known, with a 4.6 rating from 346 reviews, and a second tour themed around lighthouse wraiths and dune shadows in Manteo carries 4.3 from 92 reviews. The stories are spooky but suitable for most ages, a mix of true history and local folklore, and the atmosphere of a salt-scented night on a barrier island adds plenty of chill.
The legends
Among the best-known are the ghost ship Carroll A. Deering, found abandoned and aground at Diamond Shoals in 1921 with no crew aboard; the tale of Theodosia Burr Alston, who vanished at sea off Hatteras in 1813 after sailing from South Carolina; and Blackbeard’s headless ghost, said to wander the shores of Ocracoke looking for his missing head.
Lighthouse keepers, lifesavers and settlers each add their own stories. The guides tell them with theatrical flair, mixing documented history with the spookier versions locals prefer, and encourage questions. The tone is atmospheric rather than gory, so most children over eight or so can enjoy it.
What to expect
The walk takes roughly an hour or two, depending on the tour, and covers a modest distance at an easy pace. Tours begin at a set meeting point, so check the location and time when you book. Wear comfortable shoes, bring insect repellent in summer and a light jacket for the sea breeze, and arrive a few minutes early.
The Manteo version offers a different setting, with the waterfront, historic buildings and the Roanoke Marshes lighthouse replica as backdrop. Both tours run on selected evenings, with more departures in summer, and the schedule is seasonal, so reserve ahead for weekends.
Planning
The ghost tour is a good evening activity after a day on the beach or at Fort Raleigh, and it pairs well with dinner in Manteo or Kill Devil Hills. It is less suitable for very young children or anyone who dislikes the dark. Tours operate in most weather, but may be cancelled for storms or lightning.
If you enjoy the tales, the Lost Colony outdoor drama, the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum and the Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station fill in the real history behind them. The price is low compared with other evening entertainment on the islands, which makes it a popular choice for groups and families.
More on the legends
Locals say lights have been seen on the Diamond Shoals, that ships have been heard but not seen, and that a gentleman in old-fashioned dress has been spotted in historic Manteo. The tours also nod to the area’s real tragedies, so guides treat the stories with respect even while they tell them with a smile. Bring a small flashlight if you want to read signs, though guides usually carry their own, and take photographs of the buildings, since orbs and shadows appear in many visitors’ pictures.
What to expect
The experience
An evening ghost tour led by a storytelling guide, with legends of pirates, shipwrecks and lighthouses; a second Manteo tour has a lighthouse theme.
Best time
After dark in spring, summer or autumn; check the seasonal schedule.
How long
Roughly one to two hours.
Tips
Wear comfortable shoes, bring repellent and a light jacket, and book ahead for summer weekends.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Couples, groups and folklore lovers.
- Families
- Suitable for older children who enjoy spooky stories.
- Couples
- A fun, atmospheric evening out.
- Pair with
- The Lost Colony outdoor drama and Manteo dinner.
- Time needed
- An evening.
Good questions
Is the tour scary?+
It is atmospheric and spooky, but not gory, and most children over eight can enjoy it.
What stories does it tell?+
Pirates such as Blackbeard, shipwrecks, the missing Roanoke colonists, phantom ships and haunted lighthouses.
Where does it start?+
At a set meeting point given when you book. Check the details for each tour.
How long is it?+
Roughly one to two hours.
Is there a Manteo version?+
Yes. A separate tour focuses on lighthouse legends and dune shadows in Manteo.