Hatteras Clamming & Sightseeing Adventure
Private Trip
Shore Fishing
Fourhour clamming adventure with dolphin watching includedFamilyfriendly shore trip accommodates up to six guestsGuided tour of historic Old Hatteras area
Looking for something different than your typical fishing charter? This top-rated clamming trip with Hook Up Charters puts you knee-deep in the productive waters around Hatteras, NC, where you'll dig for some of the best clams on the Outer Banks. We're talking about a solid four hours on the water that combines hands-on clamming with dolphin watching and a tour of historic Old Hatteras. Captain and crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on the clams while showing you why Hatteras has been a fishing and shellfishing destination for generations. Perfect for families who want to try something new or anglers looking to switch up their routine with a different kind of harvest.
This customer favorite departs right at noon from the dock and brings you back by 4 PM, giving you plenty of time to work the flats and explore the area. The boat holds up to six people, so it's intimate enough that everyone gets personal attention from the crew. You'll start by heading to some of the best clamming spots around Hatteras, where the bottom composition and tidal flow create perfect habitat for these tasty bivalves. The crew will show you exactly how to feel for clams with your feet and hands, teaching you the techniques that locals have used for decades. Between clamming spots, keep your eyes peeled for the resident dolphin pods that love to cruise these waters – they're curious about boats and often put on quite a show. The tour portion takes you around Old Hatteras, where you'll see historic structures and learn about the area's rich maritime heritage from guides who've spent their lives on these waters.
Clamming is all about reading the water and knowing where to dig. The crew provides all the necessary equipment, including clam rakes, buckets, and measuring tools to ensure you're keeping legal-sized clams. You'll learn the "shuffle" technique – a method where you move your feet along the bottom to feel for the hard shells beneath the sand. It's surprisingly addictive once you get the hang of it, and there's something satisfying about pulling up a bucket full of fresh clams that you found yourself. The best clamming happens in shallow water with sandy or muddy bottoms, typically in areas protected from heavy surf. Water depth usually ranges from knee-deep to waist-deep, so you'll be getting wet – bring clothes you don't mind getting sandy and muddy. The crew knows exactly where the productive beds are located and will position you in spots where clams are abundant and the digging is manageable for all experience levels.
Hard clams, also known as quahogs, are the stars of this trip and for good reason. These robust shellfish thrive in the sandy bottoms around Hatteras, where the mix of fresh and salt water creates ideal growing conditions. You'll find clams ranging from littlenecks (the smallest and most tender) to cherrystones and chowders (larger specimens perfect for cooking). Hard clams are active year-round in North Carolina waters, but late spring through early fall offers the best clamming conditions when water temperatures are comfortable for wading. What makes clamming so appealing is the immediate reward – unlike fishing where you might go hours without a bite, productive clam beds can yield steady action for the entire trip. These clams filter enormous amounts of water daily, making them incredibly fresh and clean-tasting. The crew will teach you how to identify different sizes and ages, plus share tips on the best ways to prepare your catch once you get home.
Bottlenose dolphins are the other highlight of this world-class experience, and Hatteras waters host one of the most reliable populations on the East Coast. These intelligent marine mammals are year-round residents, though they're most active and playful during warmer months when bait fish are abundant in the shallows. Dolphin pods around Hatteras can range from small family groups to larger aggregations of 20 or more individuals. They're naturally curious about boats and often approach to investigate, especially when the engines are off during clamming stops. Guests love watching their playful behavior – jumping, surfing boat wakes, and hunting cooperatively in the shallows. The best dolphin encounters often happen during moving tides when these apex predators are actively feeding on the abundant bait fish that Hatteras waters are famous for supporting.
This renowned clamming trip fills up fast, especially during peak season when families are looking for unique experiences that everyone can enjoy together. Hook Up Charters has built a solid reputation for putting guests on productive clam beds while delivering the kind of local knowledge that makes a trip memorable. You'll come away with fresh clams for dinner, photos of dolphins, and stories about one of the most historic fishing communities on the Outer Banks. The four-hour timeframe is perfect – long enough to really get into the clamming rhythm and explore the area, but not so long that kids get restless or adults get too tired from digging. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to try something different or a family wanting to introduce kids to harvesting their own seafood, this trip delivers the goods. Book now and get ready to experience Hatteras from a completely different angle than your typical fishing charter.
Hatteras, NC