The offshore waters of Hatteras are dynamic, as the Gulf Stream meanders and unseen currents interact below the surface, while above weather conditions are rarely static for long.  The variability of conditions and tension of competing currents make Hatteras pelagic trips more diverse overall than trips out of other ports in eastern North America.

Seasonal timing is the only factor under a visitor’s control, and it is the main determinant of which birds can be expected or considered reasonable possibilities.  Hatteras trips are organized according to four “seasons” (which have the same names but differ from the familiar seasons) based on historical patterns of bird occurrence.

Winter trips are usually in February, sometimes in March.

Spring typically refers to late May and early June (a brief, busy span with a reputation for producing the most diverse and interesting assortments of species).

Summer trips run infrequently between mid-June and late August.

Fall trips are concentrated in September and October, rarely into November.