![]() Getting to Cape Lookout National Seashore can be an adventure! Several styles and sizes of boats are used as ferries with 16 passenger flat bottom skiffs predominating. There are three main types of ferries. Large passenger ferries operate out of Beaufort and Harkers Island. Small passenger ferries are used by the services from Ocracoke to Portsmouth and from Beaufort and Harkers Island. Ferry companies in Davis, NC, and Atlantic, NC, use small vehicle ferries to reach the cabin camps. Passengers are generally delivered directly onto the sound-side beach. The larger passenger ferries, some carrying up to 49 passengers, and vehicle ferries make use of the docks. All are open to the elements. On windy or rainy days be prepared to get wet. Make your reservations directly with the ferry providers. Ferries usually operate from April through November, but may choose to operate throughout the year. Pets are permitted on SOME ferries to Cape Lookout National Seashore - call first for specifics. Ferry operators have the right to refuse to carry pets. Destination: Cape Lookout LighthouseDeparting from Harkers Island, NCIsland Express Ferry Service (Passenger Ferry)
1800 Island Road Harkers Island, NC 28531 252-728-7433 Reservations: Online or by phone. Walk-ons welcome. Online Schedule Departing from Beaufort, NC Island Express Ferry Service (Passenger Ferry)
600 Front Street Beaufort, NC 28516 252-728-7433 Reservations: Online or by phone. Online Schedule Destination: Shackleford BanksDeparting from Beaufort, NC (for west end of Shackleford Banks)Island Express Ferry Service (Passenger Ferry)
600 Front Street Beaufort, NC 28516 252-728-7433 Reservations: Online or by phone. Online Schedule Departing from Harkers Island, NC (for east end of Shackleford Banks) Island Express Ferry Service (Passenger Ferry)
1800 Island Road Harkers Island, NC 28531 252-728-7433 Reservations: Online or by phone. Walk-ons welcome. Online Schedule Destination: Great Island Cabin Area with Vehicle Access to South Core BanksDeparting from Davis, NCDavis Shore Ferry Service (Vehicle & Passenger Ferry)
148 Willis Road Davis, NC 28524 252-729-3474 Reservations: Online or by phone Online Schedule Cape Lookout Cabins & Camps Ferry Service-South (Vehicle & Passenger Ferry)
125 Grady Davis Lane Davis, NC 28524 252-729-9751 Reservations: Online or by phone Online Schedule Destination: Long Point Cabin Area with Vehicle Access to North Core Banks/Portsmouth IslandDeparting from Atlantic, NCMorris Marina Ferry Service (Vehicle & Passenger Ferry)
1000 Morris Marina Road Atlantic, NC 28511 252-225-4261 Reservations: By phone Online schedule or call the ferry directly Destination: Portsmouth VillageDeparting from Ocracoke, NCRudy Austin's Portsmouth Island Boat Tours (Passenger Ferry)
278 Irvin Garrish Highway Ocracoke Island, NC 27960 252-928-4361 Reservations: By phone. Walk-ons welcome. Contact Ferry for Schedule Land TransportationCape Lookout Light Station to the point of Cape Lookout
The Beach Shuttle truck service from the Light Station to the point of Cape Lookout operates from mid-May through mid-September. The Beach Shuttle leaves the light station on the half hour from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM. The truck leaves the point of Cape Lookout at the top of the hour from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Trip minimums apply. Learn more at islandexpressferryservices.com or by calling (252) 728-7433. |
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Last updated: November 8, 2022