Outer Banks Ghost Tours
GRAVEYARD OF THE ATLANTIC • LOST COLONY • BLACKBEARD'S DEATH • LIGHTHOUSE SPIRITS
Call: 855-999-0491
GRAVEYARD OF THE ATLANTIC • LOST COLONY • BLACKBEARD'S DEATH • LIGHTHOUSE SPIRITS
The Outer Banks of North Carolina stretch like a thin ribbon of sand between the mainland and the furious Atlantic Ocean, creating one of the most dangerous stretches of coastline in the world. Mariners call it the 'Graveyard of the Atlantic' for good reason—over 5,000 ships have met their doom here since the 1500s, claimed by shifting sandbars, violent storms, treacherous currents, and the notorious Diamond Shoals. Thousands of sailors have drowned in these waters, and locals insist their spirits still walk the beaches, forever searching for a shore they'll never reach.
But shipwrecks are just one layer of the Outer Banks' haunted history. In 1587, 115 English colonists established Roanoke Colony—and then vanished without a trace. The Lost Colony remains America's oldest unsolved mystery, with only the cryptic word 'CROATOAN' carved into a post as evidence of their fate. Were they killed? Did they integrate with Native tribes? The mystery has haunted these islands for over 400 years. In 1718, the infamous pirate Blackbeard met his violent end at Ocracoke Island, beheaded in a brutal battle with Royal Navy forces. His headless body allegedly swam around the ship seven times, and his angry spirit is said to still roam Ocracoke's shores, searching for his missing head.
The Outer Banks' haunted reputation extends to its iconic lighthouses. Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, the tallest brick lighthouse in America, has witnessed countless shipwrecks from its perch above the deadly Diamond Shoals. Lighthouse keepers reported strange phenomena for decades—phantom ships in the fog, the screams of drowning sailors carried on the wind, and unexplained lights along the shore. Hurricane disasters have repeatedly devastated these islands, and coastal erosion occasionally reveals forgotten graveyards that had been swallowed by shifting sands. Join us to explore why the Outer Banks' unique position between land and sea, its centuries of maritime tragedy, and its unsolved mysteries have created one of America's most genuinely haunted coastal regions.
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Experience the haunted history of Outer Banks
Outer Banks is one of America's most haunted cities, with a rich history of paranormal activity.
Our Outer Banks Ghost Tours take you through the most haunted locations, diving deep into the dark history and ghost stories that make this city unique.
Our expert guides bring the haunted history to life, sharing documented encounters and true stories from Outer Banks's most haunted sites.
Over 5,000 ships have wrecked on these shores since the 1500s. The spirits of drowned sailors are said to be visible during storms, walking out of the waves as if still searching for land.
America's oldest unsolved mystery occurred right here. 115 colonists vanished in 1587, leaving only the word 'CROATOAN' behind. Their fate—and their spirits—remain unknown.
The legendary pirate was killed and beheaded at Ocracoke in 1718. His ghost, still searching for his severed head, is one of the Outer Banks' most famous supernatural residents.
America's tallest brick lighthouse has overlooked countless shipwrecks. Keepers reported paranormal phenomena for generations, and visitors continue to experience unexplained activity.
In 1813, the daughter of Vice President Aaron Burr vanished when her ship disappeared off the Outer Banks. Her ghost has been reported along the coast for over 200 years.
Coastal erosion and hurricanes occasionally uncover forgotten graveyards that had been buried for centuries. The dead who were supposed to rest peacefully are exposed once more.
Join thousands who have experienced the paranormal side of Outer Banks. Whether you're a skeptic or a true believer, our tours will leave you with unforgettable memories.
Explore the most ghostly locations in Outer Banks
Outer Banks's haunted locations are currently being documented and will be available soon.
We're currently researching and documenting the most haunted locations in this city. Check back soon for spine-chilling stories and paranormal hotspots!
Experience the most authentic maritime mystery tour on the Atlantic coast
Ghost City Tours brings you the most authentic and engaging haunted history experience.
Our guides are experts in shipwreck history, lighthouse operations, and the maritime culture that defines the Outer Banks. We share documented accounts from ship logs and historical records.
We separate fact from fiction regarding Roanoke and Blackbeard, sharing the true historical mysteries while respecting the genuine supernatural legacy of these events.
The Outer Banks' unique geography—barrier islands between sound and sea—creates an otherworldly atmosphere perfect for ghost stories, especially when fog rolls in from the Atlantic.
Small tour groups are essential on the narrow barrier islands. We ensure you can hear the waves, feel the ocean breeze, and experience the haunted coastal atmosphere.
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Everything you need to know about our Outer Banks ghost tours
The 'Graveyard of the Atlantic' refers to the waters off the Outer Banks where over 5,000 ships have wrecked since the 1500s. The combination of Diamond Shoals (shifting underwater sandbars), the convergence of the warm Gulf Stream and cold Labrador Current, frequent storms, and the barrier islands' jutting geography creates one of the most dangerous shipping lanes in the world. Thousands of sailors have died here, creating the region's haunted maritime legacy.
In 1587, 115 English colonists settled on Roanoke Island. When supply ships returned from England in 1590, the entire colony had vanished. No bodies, no signs of struggle—just the word 'CROATOAN' carved into a post. Theories include: integration with local Croatoan tribes, relocation to the interior, Spanish attack, or disease. Despite over 400 years of investigation, it remains America's oldest unsolved mystery and one of the Outer Banks' greatest supernatural enigmas.
Yes, absolutely. On November 22, 1718, Blackbeard (Edward Teach) was killed at Ocracoke Inlet during a battle with Royal Navy forces led by Lieutenant Robert Maynard. According to historical accounts, Blackbeard sustained five gunshot wounds and over 20 sword cuts before finally dying. He was beheaded, and his head was hung from the bow of Maynard's ship as proof of death. Legend says his headless body swam around the ship seven times—and his ghost still searches Ocracoke for his missing head.
Several Outer Banks lighthouses are open to visitors during daylight hours, including Cape Hatteras, Bodie Island, and Ocracoke. Our ghost tour shares the haunted history of these lighthouses and their role in the Graveyard of the Atlantic. Specific tour routes and lighthouse access may vary depending on location and season.
Theodosia Burr Alston, daughter of former Vice President Aaron Burr, sailed from South Carolina to New York in December 1812 aboard the ship Patriot. Neither she nor the ship were ever seen again. The Patriot is believed to have been lost in a storm off the Outer Banks. Her disappearance remains unsolved, and her ghost—known as the 'Lady in White'—has been reported along the Outer Banks coast for over 200 years.
Ghost tours on the Outer Banks operate in most weather conditions—in fact, coastal fog and ocean storms often enhance the haunted atmosphere. However, tours may be postponed during severe weather warnings or hurricane conditions for safety. We recommend checking weather forecasts and dressing appropriately for coastal conditions.
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