Stretching twelve miles from the Oregon Inlet to Rodanthe, it encompasses 6000 acres of land and 25,700 acres of boundary water of the Pamlico Sound, where hunting is off-limits.
Pea Island is named for the wild pea vine which grows in there abundance.
Several platforms are provided for free observation of the diversity of wildlife found on the refuge. A hiking trail is available or a walk along any beach on Pea Island gives visitors all that is needed to see the islands' shorebirds and waterfowl. The Brown Pelicans soar overhead in groups, looking for their dinner in the waters below. Once they spot it, they dive in to scoop it up in their expandable bill pouch. The osprey hunts for his meal in a similar fashion, except he grabs his prey in his powerful talons and flies back to his home - that pile of sticks on a dead tree limb.