Posted in North Carolina July 25, 2019 by Robin Jarvis

This Little Known Island In North Carolina Is Perfect For Finding Loads Of Sand Dollars

There aren’t many adventures in North Carolina that lead to striking it rich in sand dollars, but any visit to Sand Dollar Island is sure to deliver loads of the beloved sea urchins that tend to burrow into the sand. If you’re superstitious and believe finding a sand dollar is good luck, then prepare yourself for a visit to this little-known island in North Carolina.

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/

The most commonly found variety of sand dollars along the North Carolina coast is flattened and round with a petal-like formation on the top. Much folklore surrounds the sand dollar, including mythical tales of them being the coins of mermaids.

Whatever the appeal, finding your very own sand dollar (or hoards of them) is worthy of a ferry ride from Morehead City over to the small Sand Dollar Island only a few hundred yards from Shackleford Banks.

Depending upon the tide, pools of water on the island are ideal places to spot the sand dollars washed in from the ebb and flow of the ocean. But you'll also find them along the surf (just under the water) and in the dunes.

Most living sand dollars will be found just beneath the surface of the water, either resting upon the sand or barely burrowed beneath its surface.

A living sand dollar has a velvety underside with tiny little hairs that may move when you flip the sand dollar over. A living sand dollar is also darker in color than a dead one.

It's important to know the difference between the living sand dollars and the dead ones. Visitors are only allowed to take home the ones that are already dead, like this one, which no longer has the velvety touch and has been bleached by the sun.

Don't be surprised if you also find other treasures of the sea on this adventure. If you find a whelk shell (or any other shell) that's no longer occupied by a sea creature, feel free to take it home, too.

Sand Dollar Island is a wonderful place to take the entire family for an adventure like no other. Bring your beach gear and enjoy the empty beach as much as hunting for sand dollars. And don't forget to bring a container to keep your fragile sand dollars safe on the journey home!

Sand Dollar Island is reachable only by way of small, personal watercraft, or you can take a ferry service. Morehead City Ferry Service offers a three-hour excursion to Sand Dollar Island for $17 (ages 12+), $10 (ages 3-11), and free for those under the age of 3. The ferry has a long ramp, making it easy to get on and off once you’re at the island. The service is offered seasonally, from early May to early September. Daily schedules vary, based upon the tide. Learn more from their official website and see the latest from them on their Facebook page.

Please note: Sand Dollar Island has no shade and no facilities. Bring sunscreen and drinking water.

For more summertime family fun along the North Carolina coast, check out this old-school water park!