Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Full Moon Tour
Cape Hatteras National Seashore
- The National Park Service provides visitors the unique opportunity to climb the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse at night under the light of the full moon. Full Moon Tours are a great way to experience this historic structure as the light keepers would have on their nightly watches. Rangers guiding the tours will share stories of keepers of old and give climbers a rare peak at the working light in the lantern room. On a clear night, the full moon rising over the Atlantic Ocean is a breathtaking site.
- 2020 Tour dates:
The Full Moon Tours have been suspended for the 2020 climbing season until further notice.
- This tour may be cancelled if weather conditions are unsafe (i.e., high winds, storms, and/or lightning in the area).
- The National Park Service provides visitors the unique opportunity to climb the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse at night under the light of the full moon. Full Moon Tours are a great way to experience this historic structure as the light keepers would have on their nightly watches. Rangers guiding the tours will share stories of keepers of old and give climbers a rare peak at the working light in the lantern room. On a clear night, the full moon rising over the Atlantic Ocean is a breathtaking site.
- 2020 Tour dates:
The Full Moon Tours have been suspended for the 2020 climbing season until further notice.
- This tour may be cancelled if weather conditions are unsafe (i.e., high winds, storms, and/or lightning in the area).
Need to Know
- Safety and Rules
- Children must be at least 42" tall and will be measured prior to climbing. Children must be capable of climbing all steps on their own. Keep in mind that some children may not enjoy the dark, sometimes claustrophobic environment.
- Children 11 years of age or younger must be accompanied by an adult who is 16 years of age or older.
- No person may be lifted or carried.
- Running, jumping, or stomping on stairs and landings is not allowed.
- Do not eat, drink, smoke, or chew tobacco in the lighthouse.
- No pets, other than service animals will be allowed.
- Do not arrive in heels over 1.5 inches high or with bare feet.
- Leave umbrellas in your car.
- Backpacks, tripods, coolers, beach bags, and other bulky items also need to be left in your car.
- Throwing any object off of the lighthouse is unsafe and may get you in big trouble!
- What to Expect
- The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse has 257 steps from the ground to the balcony level--equal to climbing a 12-story building. The narrow spiral flights of stairs have a handrail only on one side and a landing every 31 steps.
- There is no air conditioning and no elevator in the lighthouse. It may be noisy, humid, and hot inside the lighthouse. Visitors with heart, respiratory or other medical conditions, or who have trouble climbing stairs, should use their own discretion as to whether to take this tour.
- Climbers are welcome to bring water in a non-glass sealable container.
- There is no lighting inside the lighthouse so climbers should bring a flashlight on this tour.
Booking Windows
No specific booking information available at this time. Please continue to monitor this page for status updates on ticket releases.
Changes and Cancellations
No refunds once tour starts. See Facility Rates for fees.
Contact Information
Mailing Address
46379 Buxton NC 27920
Phone Number
2524759602
