Cedar Island is home to the Cedar Island – Ocracoke ferry, run by the State of North Carolina and is an employer of many Down East people.
There are many species of waterfowl that stop in the Pamlico Sound and northern Core Sound near Cedar Island. There are several hunting guides located here for that reason.
Cedar Island is home to the Cedar Island National Wildlife Refuge.
Hog Island is located to the east of Cedar Island. The community of Lupton was located there, complete with homes, stores, churches and a US Post Office. The storm of 1933 forced residents off of the island.
Cedar Island is home to one of Down’s East few remaining fish houses, Quality Seafood.