Oh you don't really need a tour; it's a small place. The main visual feature is the ocean with that long strip of empty sand running all the way up and down the island, though the views over Pamlico Sound to the west of the Outer Banks are also amazing - particularly around sunrise and sunset. The beach is probably where you'll be spending most of your shooting time.

Take some time to go to the Wright Brothers' place in Kitty Hawk at the northern end of the island. Sadly they don't open until 9am, but there's a lot of nice stuff there. The art-deco monument to the Wrights atop Kill Devil Hill is quite visually striking.

Also head on down to the Cape Hatteras fishing docks around dawn. They're on the south end of the main island. After the morning activity is done, the lighthouse (which was picked up and moved as a single unit a few years back) is quite striking.

Take a day and ride the ferry over to Ocracoke Island. It used to be largely unspoiled over there, though it's been a while since I've visited.

Keep your equipment covered and clean or the salt air will chew it up. I always have issues with screw-on filters whenever I'm at the shore. Expect a stiff breeze; sticking out in the ocean like that means that the wind will be blowing pretty much all of the time.

And for the best local stories, stop in for lunch at those little eateries scattered up and down Rt 12. The folks who run them have been there for generations. The food's great too!

It is true one can do much by self. But it is wise to check things out before going to make some plans. These may help you in deciding (although there is much out there, I chose these)

http://www.outer-banks.nc.us/tourism/dchome.htm

http://gosoutheast.about.com/od/toursattractions/ss/obxdrivingtour.htm
And off the beaten path?

http://www.outerbanksguidebook.com/horse...ivingtour_5.htm

It may not be a fair assessment, but most are trying to sellsomething.

Enjou.

I strongly second ChipDoc's comments on keeping your equipment clean and covered when not in use.

Also, you might read It's Bad News When The Bartender Cries, a compilation of newspaper columns by Dennis Rogers. Lots of great anecdotal stuff about the area.

And, remember, official hurricane season starts June 1......