Ghost crabbing on the Northern Outer Banks is a simple, free nighttime beach activity where families use flashlights to spot pale ghost crabs darting across the sand after dark. Corolla and Carova beaches are especially fun places to look, as long as you keep the experience gentle, safe, and respectful of the beach.
What Are Ghost Crabs?
Also known as sand crabs or beach crabs, ghost crabs are of the genus and species Ocypode quadrata (Ocypoda is Latin for “swift-footed”). Distinguishing features of ghost crabs include their stalked, oval-shaped eyes that can rotate 360 degrees to give them a view of everything around them. Sandy brown with white claws, ghost crabs only grow to a size of approximately three to four inches when fully grown. Ghost crabs love secluded beaches, which is why the northern Outer Banks areas between Corolla and Carova, North Carolina are a great place to find them.
Why Are They Called Ghost Crabs?
Atlantic Ghost Crabs (Ocypode quadrata) are common, nocturnal residents of the Outer Banks shoreline, perfectly adapted to beach life. They are named for their ability to blend seamlessly into the sandy environment and their tendency to vanish quickly when approached.
- Physical Traits: They grow to about 2 inches across, feature long legs for fast movement, and possess stalked eyes that rotate 360 degrees, allowing them to detect movement from all directions.
- Behavior: During the day, they remain deep inside their burrows (which can reach up to 4 feet deep) to avoid the sun and predators. At night, they emerge to scavenge the shoreline for clams, mole crabs, and other organic matter.
- Habitat: Look for them between the high tide and low tide lines, where they scurry near the surf to keep their gills moist.
How to Go Ghost Crabbing on the Outer Banks
Ghost crabbing is less about “catching” and more about spotting, observing, and letting the crabs go safely. After dinner, bring a flashlight to the beach, walk slowly along the sand, and look for quick movement near small holes above the high tide line.
What to Bring Ghost Crabbing
The Ghostbusters needed proton packs and ghost traps, but all you need for a night of ghastly fun is a flashlight, bucket, some beach chairs, and a quiet stretch of beach (not recommended for 4WD beach areas). Some people like to use glow sticks in order to keep track of everyone in their groups.
A nylon butterfly or fishing net is highly recommended for young children or anyone concerned about getting pinched — while their claws aren’t very big, the crabs can pinch hard enough to break the skin in very rare cases.
Best Time to Look for Ghost Crabs
Dusk is the best time to begin your ghost crabbing adventure since this is when they rise out of their subterranean homes and make their way to the ocean to wet their gills. Most people are amazed to see how many of these creatures come out after dark!
Where to Look for Ghost Crabs
Once you have all of your gear assembled, set up your “Ghost Crabbing Headquarters” in a centralized location on the beach. Look for small holes in the soft sand above the high tide line, but avoid walking into the dunes or disturbing marked wildlife areas. One thing to remember is that as you get closer to the water, the crabs will be smaller and faster. Adult ghost crabs tend not to stray as far from their homes and are more often found closer to the duneline.
Tips for a Fun and Gentle Ghost Crab Hunt
Ghost crabbing should be fun for kids and safe for the crabs. Move slowly, avoid digging up burrows, and always release ghost crabs where you found them.
- Use a small nylon net if possible, especially if you’re afraid of those claws!
- Look for small holes in the soft sand above the high tide line (this is where they love to burrow).
- Start off in “stealth mode” — turn your flashlight off and stay quiet (you’ll hear them creeping around).
- Surprise! Turn on your flashlight intermittently and watch them scatter.
- Work in pairs. Have one person turn on their light and the other catch them as they run away.
- Treat ghost crabs delicately throughout the process and release them gently once finished.
- Be sure to wear darker clothing and bring a bucket and a camera.
Make Ghost Crabbing Part of Your Northern Outer Banks Night
After a day in the sun, ghost crabbing gives families one more reason to head back to the sand after dinner. It is simple, silly, a little spooky, and easy to enjoy on Corolla and Carova beaches in NC without planning much more than a flashlight and a sense of curiosity.
Bring your family to the Northern Outer Banks… there is no shortage of things to do, and there are plenty of ghost crabs to go around.
