Bald Head Island Ferry

The Bald Head Island Ferry is the main access to Bald Head Island for vacationers arriving in Southport, North Carolina who have planned a vacation stay or a day trip to the island. Whether you’ve flown in to Cape Fear Regional Jetport and driven to Southport or you are traveling by car, once you arrive, you will board the ferry at the Deep Point Marina for the leisurely 20-minute ride to Bald Head Island and one of North Carolina’s beautiful beaches.  

Parking is available for ferry-goers in either the premium or general parking lot located across from the terminal. If you are traveling with pets, that won’t be a problem as they can make the ferry ride with you.

Depending on the season, the ferry has a specific operating schedule for departures from the marina during the summer and winter seasons. Generally, the ferry departs at 7am from the mainland every hour with return trips from the island back to the ferry terminal every half-hour. Be sure to allow plenty of time to purchase tickets for the ride, drop off baggage, and take care of any over-sized items that might require an additional ticket. While you are waiting at the marina, enjoy the scenic views of the Cape Fear River from the indoor and outdoor waiting areas or purchase food and drinks from the snack bar. Restrooms are provided at the marina and onboard the ferry.  

North Carolina Map

Once you arrive at Bald Head Island and disembark, be prepared for an outstanding vacation or day adventure of swimming, golfing, fishing, and sightseeing on this premier North Carolina beach.

Bald Head Island is the North Carolina island accessible only by ferry from Southport — no cars, only golf carts and bicycles, 14 miles of beaches, the oldest lighthouse in North Carolina (Old Baldy, 1817), and the Cape Fear River estuary marshes that host one of the largest loggerhead sea turtle nesting populations on the East Coast.