Clamming

Come experience what fishermen and locals have enjoyed in Carteret County for generations – the thrill of searching and catching your very own clams for dinner! Carteret County is renowned for its tasty clams.

Crystal Coast Ecotours will take you to areas that are only accessible by boat where the waters are clean, the area is filled with natural beauty and clams can be harvested. They will provide all of the gear necessary to catch these delicious bivalves.

Captain Jess Hawkins provides instruction on how to “dig & feel” the clams with your clam rake and then retrieve them from the ground. You will have the opportunity to experience the exhilaration of harvesting your own clams for the first time. Throughout the adventure, Capt. Jess will draw from his 30 years’ experience as a marine biologist and explain the biology and ecology of what you find while exploring. He might even share some of his favorite recipes as you consider how you will prepare your clams for dinner! This is one of many ways to have a wonderful time with Crystal Coast Ecotours.

Personalized Experiences

Your Outer Banks adventure will depart from the Beaufort Hotel.

Capt. Jess Hawkins has fished recreationally in the waters of coastal North Carolina for over 50 years. Also, he studied fish his entire career as a marine biologist and has taught fishing classes to people of all ages. He loves sharing his passion for fishing with others and specializes in having fun with individuals or families while fishing the nearshore waters and sounds. So, don’t worry about any lack of experience!

Half-day Ecotour: $400 – 4 hours
Full-day Ecotour: $500  – 6 hours

Payment is accepted by cash or personal check.

Contact Capt. Jess directly to make your arrangements during your stay for this once in a lifetime experience.

Advance Reservations Only

Call Crystal Coast Ecotours directly to book at (252) 808-3354 or (252) 241-6909. Be sure to tell them you are staying at the Beaufort Hotel. You can also email Capt. Jess at crystalcoastecotours@gmail.com

Please note that these are individualized experiences so they are in high demand and book up very fast.

group of people on a beach looking for clams

Locals Recommend

“A day on the water with Captain Jess has been the highlight of all our trips. My son caught not only his first fish, but his first three fishes ever! We can’t wait to schedule a trip (or two) when we come back next year!”

Where your Outer Banks adventure begins.

Situated on ten acres, the Beaufort Hotel is offers the privacy of a boutique hotel within minutes to some of the best experiences you’ll enjoy on the Southern Outer Banks.

During your stay, discover, experience, and explore Beaufort – named the “Best Small Town for Adventure” in America by USA Today.

The Beaufort Hotel is a private escape that’s close to every kind of adventure you can imagine. We encourage you to explore like a local, as we give you a slice of what it’s like to live here on the Crystal Coast.

Attraction Details

Need to Know

  • Family-Friendly
  • Groups Welcome

Experience Beaufort North Carolina’s Attractions

Discover 300 years of Beaufort’s history and step back in time and experience some amazing local attractions during your stay.