Frying Pan Tower - FPTower Inc.

Protect marine life below Frying Pan Tower

MARINE SAFETY

Ensuring Maritime Safety Awareness & Preparedness

Engage with rescue organizations and the public to promote best practices for maritime safety awareness to foster responsible marine stewardship.

OUR PROGRESS

SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH

Innovation for Ocean Ecosystems

Leveraging unique locations for researchers and educational institutions to support studies on ocean health, marine life, and climate impact.

WAYS TO SUPPORT

Environmental Awareness and Public Outreach

ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP

Environmental Awareness & Public Outreach

Join a community of partners and volunteers dedicated to exploring the sea, sharing knowledge, and preserving our maritime history through active stewardship.

VOLUNTEER

ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN

2026 FPTOWER INC. “SAVE A LIFE” RAFFLE

Every ticket purchased supports maritime safety and offshore research. One lucky winner will receive a 5-day, 4-night offshore Mission Immersive Eco-Adventure to Frying Pan Tower for 4 people — plus each ticket counts as a vote for your favorite coastal community to receive one of four life-saving U Safe rescue buoys to be donated by FPTower Inc.

CELEBRATING 60+ YEARS OF MARITIME LEGACY

The Frying Pan Tower™ Collection by Top Deck Gear

FPTower Inc. has partnered with Top Deck Gear to launch an exclusive apparel collection inspired by six decades of maritime history! Whether you’re a seasoned mariner or a coastal enthusiast, this high-quality nautical gear is the perfect way to champion our mission of ocean stewardship and safety.

Impact Beyond the Threads

Your purchase does more than just look good—it does good. A portion of all proceeds directly supports FPTower Inc.’s programmatic initiatives, including maritime safety programs, environmental research, and the continued preservation of the Frying Pan Tower™ as a premier offshore research platform.

Gear up today and help us ensure our coastal ecosystems and maritime heritage remain resilient for generations to come.

LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT FRYING PAN TOWER

Discover a world of natural wonders and thrilling experiences on Frying Pan Tower, located 32 miles off the coast of North Carolina and rises 135′ above the Atlantic Ocean. Join us for an unforgettable weekend where you can immerse yourself in the tranquility of serene sunrises, fiery sunsets, full moon gazing, and Milky Way starlit nights in a pristine dark-sky environment. Or, volunteer your time and talent to help us achieve the mission to restore, protect, and preserve the Frying Pan Tower.

ECO-TOURISM ADVENTURE

All the adventure, all the activities, all the memories that last a lifetime come with a Frying Pan Tower™ Eco-Adventure!

VOLUNTEER ADVENTURE

Participate on projects and be part of the vital repairs that will help the tower be around for another 50 years!

Embark on an Adventure!

Book your trip now to experience the thrill of Frying Pan Tower! With limited spaces available, secure your spot today to ensure you don't miss out on the next available extraordinary journey.

Once you place an order, we'll contact you to discuss your desired dates! Trips fill up quickly, so reserve your place in history and witness the beauty of the tower like never before.

Book your Frying Pan Tower adventure now to be part of an unforgettable maritime experience!

Next Available Trip in...

00 Days
00 Hours
00 Minutes
00 Seconds

OUR MISSION: ADVANCING MARITIME SAFETY & OCEAN SCIENCE

THE EVOLUTION OF FRYING PAN TOWER™

Originally established in 1964, the tower was designed to safeguard vessels navigating the treacherous shallow waters of the Frying Pan Shoals. While the advent of modern GPS led to its retirement as a formal Coast Guard Light Station in 1992, its legacy of service has only expanded.

Today, this iconic offshore platform has been revitalized as a critical hub for FPTower Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. No longer just a sentinel of the shoals, the tower now serves as:

A Living Laboratory: Providing a unique location for research and educational institutions to conduct essential oceanic and environmental studies.
An Ecological Anchor: Supporting a thriving natural ecosystem for a diverse marine wildlife.
A Beacon of Safety: Continuing its tradition of offering a point of refuge and maritime awareness for mariners in the Atlantic.

FPTower Inc. is dedicated to the stewardship and preservation of this historic site, leveraging its unique position to promote coastal resilience and oceanic education for future generations.