List of Authorized Ferry Services

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.

Need to know the location of visitor centers, ferry landings, or key points of interest? Check the park map.

 

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 Lighthouse

Departing from Harkers Island, NC

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

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 Banks

Departing 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 Banks

Departing from Davis, NC

Davis 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 Island

Departing from Atlantic, NC

Morris 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 Village

Departing from Ocracoke, NC

Rudy 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 Transportation

Cape 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 [phone].