Fresh Cape Hatteras oysters on crushed ice with lemon and wine, surrounded by blue ocean water
Fresh from the Pamlico Sound

From Our Waters.
To Your Table.

Experience the fresh taste of the North Carolina coast. Family-grown oysters from the pristine waters of Pamlico Sound, ready for your next gathering or unforgettable meal.

FAMILY GROWN IN BUXTON, NORTH CAROLINA
A TASTE OF THE COAST. A MOMENT TO SAVOR.
Rooted in the Water

The Coast Is
in Every Shell.

Cape Hatteras Oyster Co. was born from a love for the waters we call home. Founded by father-and-son watermen Bill and Ryan Belter, our farm grows exceptional Atlantic oysters in North Carolina’s Pamlico Sound.

From fresh half-shell oysters to plump varieties made for steaming and roasting, every harvest reflects our commitment to quality, tradition, and the coast.

Ryan Belter holding freshly harvested oyster bags on Pamlico Sound
OUR OFFICE HAS A PRETTY GOOD VIEW.BUXTON, NC ↗
Straight from the Water

Good Oysters. Great Gatherings.

Whether you’re shucking, steaming, roasting, or sharing, we’ve got the right oysters for you.

Order Fresh Oysters
Petite Half-Shell Oysters
SHUCK. SAVOR. REPEAT.

Petite Half-Shell Oysters

Deep-cupped, deliciously briny oysters cultivated for the half shell. A little taste of the coast, best shared with good company.

Inquire About Petite Oysters
Large Steaming Oysters
MADE FOR THE OYSTER ROAST

Large Steaming Oysters

Plump, hearty, and full of coastal flavor. Made for steaming, roasting, grilling, and those gatherings that last all afternoon.

Order Large Oysters
Retail & Bulk Orders
A DOZEN OR A CELEBRATION

Retail & Bulk Orders

From dinner at home to your next big gathering, get fresh oysters straight from our farm. Ask us about pickup and bulk availability.

Get Oyster Availability
Oyster farming waters in Pamlico Sound
Father. Son. Watermen.

Raised by the Coast.
Rooted in Tradition.

Before growing oysters, Bill and Ryan Belter spent years fishing and crabbing these same waters. Today, that knowledge, grit, and love for the coast go into every oyster we grow.

We’re not a faceless seafood company. We’re your local watermen.

Meet Our Family
A FAMILY FARM. A LIFETIME ON THE WATER.
What Makes Us Special

A Little Different. A Lot Fresher.

01

Unique Coastal Waters

The nutrient-rich Pamlico Sound gives our oysters their clean, distinctive brine.

02

Farm-Direct Freshness

Straight from our operation to you, with less handling along the way.

03

Watermen Experience

Generations of hands-on knowledge of North Carolina’s coastal waters.

04

Every Occasion

Petite half-shell oysters or hearty cooking oysters. Find your perfect shell.

A panoramic view of the Cape Hatteras oyster farm on Pamlico Sound
Come See Where It All Begins

An Experience Worth
Getting Your Feet Wet For.

Join us on the Pamlico Sound for a behind-the-scenes look at how we cultivate, grow, and harvest our oysters. Meet the people behind the farm and experience the coast right where it all begins.

Ask About Farm Tours
From Our Boat to Your Kitchen

Fresh Ideas for Fresh Oysters.

Explore Coastal Recipes
Classic Oysters on the Half Shell

Classic Oysters on the Half Shell

Fresh, briny, and beautifully simple. Let the coast do the talking.

View Recipe
Traditional Steamed Oysters

Traditional Steamed Oysters

A coastal gathering favorite. A pot of oysters and a table of friends.

View Recipe
Grilled Oysters with Garlic Butter

Grilled Oysters with Garlic Butter

Warm garlic butter, a little char, and a squeeze of fresh lemon.

View Recipe

ORIGINAL CAPE HATTERAS OYSTER CO. T-SHIRTS

Product photography coming soon
Wear the Coast

A Little Piece of Hatteras.

Take a little coastal tradition wherever you go. Our original branded tees bring a piece of the Cape Hatteras lifestyle to everyday adventures.

Additional apparel and gear are coming soon.

Good to Know

Oyster Questions?
We’ve Got Answers.

How long do live oysters last, and how should I store them?

When properly stored at 35°F–40°F, live oysters may remain fresh for approximately 7–10 days after harvest, depending on their condition and handling. Place them cup-side down in a draining container, covered with a damp towel. Never allow oysters to sit submerged in fresh water or melted ice. Follow applicable shellfish safety and harvest-date guidance.

Do you ship oysters nationwide?

We offer direct oyster shipments to commercial buyers across the continental United States. Contact us for current shipping options, destination availability, and ordering requirements.

What’s the difference between petite and large oysters?

Petite oysters are deep-cupped and ideal for raw half-shell presentations. Large oysters are plump, hearty, and excellent for steaming, roasting, grilling, and baking.

How do I order retail or wholesale oysters?

Reach out through our website, email, or phone. We’ll help you determine the appropriate oyster selection, quantities, pickup options, and delivery availability.

Can I tour your oyster farm?

Yes! Contact us to inquire about a guided farm experience on the Pamlico Sound and available tour arrangements.

Word from the Coast

Good Words Travel Far.

Verified customer reviews coming soon.

Your Next Great Oyster Experience Starts Here

Fresh From Our Waters. Ready for Yours.

From a dozen fresh oysters for dinner to a full oyster roast, we’re here to help you bring the taste of Cape Hatteras home.