The island in pictures

A few of our favourite photos of Oak Island, all taken here by locals. Tap any photo to see it full size.

The beachSand, sea oats and the lighthouse

About 12 miles of beach end to end: 9+ miles in the Town of Oak Island, plus Caswell Beach and the lighthouse at the east end.

Davis CanalDavis Canal

The quiet canal behind the beach houses, best seen from a kayak. Paddlers put in at the town launch at SE 31st Street.

ParksParks and marsh boardwalks

Picnic shade, marsh overlooks and boardwalks out over the water.

The marshMarsh, parks and wading birds

Salt marsh between the canal and the waterway: herons, egrets, ibis and long evening light.

WildlifeIsland wildlife

Birds and animals around the island, photographed by Shane Gillespie.

See the full photo collection →

Hire a proLocal photographers

Want your own beach portraits or a print for the wall? These photographers work on the island. Independent businesses, not affiliated with us; we don’t take a fee.

• Snapp-Shot Photography — Family beach sessions, maternity and seniors; based on Oak Island since 2006.
• Nick Noble Photography — Sunrises, moonrises and the lighthouse; prints and a Southport–Oak Island calendar.
• LTL Photography — Family, couple and senior sessions from Southport, on the Oak Island beaches.
• Brenda Torrey Photography — Wildlife and real-estate photography from Southport; herons and turtle hatchlings on the island.

Our own photos, taken on Oak Island and Caswell Beach. Tap any photo to see it larger. Photos © their photographers; please don’t reuse them without asking at [email protected].