CONTACT  —  Directions

Getting to Bald Head Island

The southernmost of North Carolina's cape islands, Bald Head Island is located at the confluence of the Cape Fear River and Atlantic Ocean. A pleasant 20-minute passenger ferry ride transports you from the ferry terminal at Indigo Plantation and Marina in historic Southport, N.C. to the harbour at Bald Head Island, a distance of two nautical miles.

• Interactive Island Map
  Island Weather
• Download Ferry Schedule: Summer
  Download Ferry Schedule: Winter

By Land

Via Highway 17, Southport is 30 miles south of Wilmington, N.C. and 60 miles north of Myrtle Beach, S.C. From points west, Interstate 40 and Highway 74/76 link the region directly with I-95.

Entering Southport on Route 211 (Howe Street), turn right onto West 9th Street and continue to the ferry landing.

By Air

New Hanover International Airport in Wilmington, N.C., is just 35 miles north of Southport, and the Myrtle Beach Jetport is 60 miles south. Please consult your carrier or travel agent for daily flight schedules.

Additionally, Brunswick County Airport/ Ocean Air Aviation, Inc. is a public, non-commercial airport in the Southport area. Please call (910) 457-6483 for more information or visit brunswickcounty.ncflyports.com.

Ground transportation to ferry terminal is available.

Passenger Ferry Information

For most of the year, ferries leave the mainland on the hour and the island on the half-hour, beginning at 8 a.m. The winter schedule may be abbreviated, and the summer schedule expanded.

Download the Bald Head Island ferry schedule:

• Winter Schedule (12/1 - 2/28)
• Summer Schedule (3/1 - 11/30)

Current schedules are also posted at the ferry terminals, or may be ascertained by calling the Indigo depot at (910) 457-5003.

Advance ferry reservations are required, and should be confirmed three days in advance. Please arrive at the ferry terminal at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time.

Round-trip tickets cost $15 for adults, $8 for children ages 3-12. There is no charge for children age two and younger. Tram service to your accommodations is included in the price. A discounted "no-frills" ticket is available at the Bald Head Island Marina for same-day round-trips that originate on the island and require no baggage handling or tram service.

Ferry Terminal Instructions

Departing the mainland

• For your convenience, drive to the ticketing office and luggage depot before you park your car. Pick up your reservation packet, ferry tickets and luggage tags at the ticket window. Additional fees for bikes and other cargo may apply.
• Outfitters will help you unload your luggage and then place it in the luggage hold of the ferry. Make sure each piece of luggage is properly tagged. Open bags of any kind must be hand-carried.
• Park in lots B, C or D. Bring your parking ticket with you. You will need to give it to the attendant in lot B when you leave and get a punch code to open the gate. A daily parking fee is charged.
• Give your ferry ticket to the boat crew and board. Seating is available inside the cabin or on deck.
• Enjoy a scenic cruise along the Intracoastal Waterway and across the Cape Fear River.

Arriving on the island

• You will arrive in the Bald Head Island Marina, the heart of Harbour Village.
• After disembarking, an outfitter will assign your party to a tram.
• Load your luggage on the tram, which will take you to your accommodations.
• Make departure ferry reservations early. Call 457-5006.

By Sea

Bald Head Island Harbour, located near buoy #13 at the mouth of the Cape Fear River, is accessible by boat from the Intracoastal Waterway, Cape Fear River and Atlantic Ocean. The full-service Bald Head Island Marina can accommodate vessels up to 94 feet in length, with 8' draft at MLW. Winter-monthly and daily slip rates are available.

Contact the dockmaster on VHF channel 16, by phone (910) 457-7380 or email bhi-marina@bhisland.com.

Map your trip to Bald Head Island