VISIT  —  Rental Policies

If you have any questions relating to Bald Head Island Limited's rental policies, please call 1-800-515-1038 or email vacations@bhisland.com.

Reservations

Reservations may be made at 1-800-515-1038, or online at www.baldheadisland.com. Tentative 2009 reservations are subject to changes in rates and availability. Renters must be at least 24 years old.

Ferry, parking and taxes are not included in the published rates. Taxes and ferry will be charged at time of booking. Published rates include Bald Head Island Club and Shoals Club temporary memberships.

Minimum Stay Requirements

There is a two-night minimum on island homes. Exceptions include a one-night minimum for The Elements and Star & Moon, and a three-night minimum on observed holidays (Easter, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's). There is a seven-night minimum during Summer Season; however, select accommodations offer shorter stays if booked two weeks prior to arrival.

Deposits and Payments

A deposit of 50% of the total account balance, including all applicable fees and taxes along with a signed Guest Rental Agreement, are due within 14 days of reservation. Upon receipt of your deposit and Guest Rental Agreement, a confirmation will be mailed. Your account balance is due in full at least 30 days prior to your arrival date. Reservations made fewer than 30 days in advance require payment in full at time of booking. Deposits are held in an interest-bearing account with accrued interest payable to Bald Head Island Limited. Accepted methods of payment include MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Discover, traveler's cheques, personal check or cash. All checks must be issued in U.S. funds and drawn on a bank that operates within the U.S. Federal Reserve System. A $35 fee will be assessed on all returned checks.

Security Deposit

A credit card number is needed to book reservations. Guests are responsible for any damages, other than normal wear and tear, that occur to accommodations, electric vehicles or household furnishings as a result of their occupancy. Bald Head Island Limited reserves the right to charge the renter's credit card for any damages found, as permitted under N.C. Statute.

Cancellations and Refunds

A 45-day cancellation policy is in effect. The party in whose name the reservation is made must make cancellations. If your reservation is canceled 45 or more days in advance of your arrival date, 90% of any monies paid will be refunded. If the reservation is canceled fewer than 45 days in advance of your arrival date, no refunds will be made unless the accommodation unit is re-rented. If the unit is re-rented at the same rate, 90% of any monies paid will be refunded. If the unit is re-rented at a discount rate, the difference will be applied to your refund. Subject to availability, reservations may be rescheduled one time only for a later arrival date within the same calendar year if notice is given 30 days or more in advance of the originally scheduled arrival date. Any deposits or prepayments may be applied to the rescheduled reservation, and all other reservation requirements are applicable. No refund or rate adjustment will be made for malfunction of air conditioners, TV, appliances or construction noise. Repairs will be made as soon as possible after notification, or other comparable accommodations will be provided, depending upon availability.

Taxes

Your account balance will include a 1/2% Brunswick County tax, a 6% Village of Bald Head Island accommodations tax and 6.25% N.C. sales tax. Any changes in current tax rates will be applied on the effective date.

Check-in and Check-out Information

Our guest check-in and reception area is located inside the Indigo Plantation & Marina ferry landing in Southport. Ferry tickets, property keys, temporary membership cards to the Bald Head Island and Shoals Clubs, along with a welcome packet, can be collected from the Front Desk adjacent to the waiting area inside the terminal building at the appropriate check-in time.

Check-in and check-out times vary according to each accommodation (3 p.m./10:30 a.m.; 4 p.m./11:30 a.m.; 5 p.m./12:30 p.m., check-out day depending). Ferry reservation times will be indicated on the guest's Rental Confirmation. Arrival and departure ferry reservations will be made by a reservationist for times that closely match assigned check-in and check-out times, based on ferry and tram availability.

The check-in time listed on the Rental Confirmation indicates ferry departure from Indigo Plantation & Marina. Guests should arrive at Indigo Plantation & Marina at least 30 minutes prior to scheduled check-in time to allow time for the check-in process, parking, and any security processing. Guests who do not allow adequate time may miss the ferry. Ferries will depart on time. Upon arriving at Indigo Plantation & Marina drive directly to the ferry terminal to check-in to your rental accommodation. Once you have checked-in, place baggage on the luggage racks, and proceed to an available parking lot. When entering a parking lot a parking ticket will be issued. Keep the ticket in your possession as you will need to present it to the attendant at Parking Lot B to pay and obtain a code to exit the lot.

The check-out time listed on the Rental Confirmation indicates ferry departure from the island. Check-out procedures for the accommodations are posted in the homes. When departing the island, make sure all luggage is placed at the end of the driveway at least 30 minutes prior to scheduled ferry departure time. Once on the mainland, proceed to Parking Lot B to pay for parking and receive a code to exit the lot. Shuttle service between the parking lots and ferry terminal is available seasonally.

Please note that ferries depart the mainland on the hour and depart the island on the half hour unless otherwise posted.

No provisions are made for rental guests' early arrival or late departure from accommodations. Failure to check-in as scheduled may result in a delay of arrival to your accommodations. Failure to check-out from accommodations on time will result in an additional half-day rental fee.

Ferry & Tram Information

Passengers will be sold tickets in two parts; one ticket will be used for each leg of the round trip to and from the island. Those attempting to depart the island who do not have their ticket must buy another ticket at the lost ticket fare. Tickets are absolutely required to board the ferry.

Regularly scheduled trips to the island are made every hour on the hour starting at 6 a.m. and continue through the evening. Trips to the mainland are made every hour on the half hour from 6:30 a.m. and continue through the evening. Tram service begins at 8 a.m. No provisions are available for guests arriving or departing during times tram service is not available and island carts may not be parked at the ferry terminal. There are two schedules, one during the winter, and another during the remainder of the year. Additional supplemental ferries may run during the peak summer season.

Small gas-powered trucks with passenger trams are used to transport arriving passengers and their luggage from the island ferry terminal to their accommodations and from their accommodations to the island ferry terminal when they depart. Guests are required to make ferry and tram reservations that coordinate with their check-in/check-out times when booking their accommodations. Ferry arrival and departure reservations for Bald Head Island Limited guests will be booked simultaneously with their accommodation reservation to ensure tram availability and to synchronize with check-in and check-out times.

Guests may call their reservationist to make any necessary changes to ferry reservations to the island and from the island. Guests should have their ferry reservation confirmation number available when changing ferry reservations. Transportation personnel will not be able to change arrival reservations pre-booked by a reservationist. Pre-booked reservations will be made to coincide with your accommodation check-in and check-out times.

Visitors going to Bald Head Island should plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before their scheduled ferry departure time and drive directly to the baggage area. This procedure allows the time necessary for dock staff to assist in loading baggage onto the ferry baggage dollies. During the 2008 season, security procedures may be implemented that have the potential to lengthen processing time. Guests who arrive near the time of scheduled ferry departure will risk missing the ferry and subsequent island appointments. Upon departure from the island, make sure all luggage is placed at the end of the driveway at least 30 minutes prior to ferry departure time. Please note, neither smoking nor the consumption of alcoholic beverages is permitted on any Bald Head Island ferry or tram.

Click here to download ferry schedule:

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

How to Pack

Bald Head Island's baggage handling system is similar to that of an airline, so guests should pack as if they were flying to their destination and exercise restraint in what they choose to bring. Please note that a crib and high chair are provided in each accommodation, and other items such as beach chairs, beach umbrellas, boogie boards and bicycles may be rented on the island. When guests arrive at the mainland ferry terminal, they should place their baggage on the baggage racks, and notify an outfitter. Nametags are required on all luggage and boxes, and are available at the ferry terminal. Please limit luggage to no more than three checked pieces and two carry-on pieces per person. Loose items such as open-top bags or boxes, grocery bags, Styrofoam coolers, jackets, shoes, tennis rackets, surfboards or fragile items such as video cameras must be hand-carried. Such items may be subject to security screening.

Large, bulky items such as bicycles will require a Special Cargo Ticket that can be purchased for an additional fee at the mainland ferry terminal. These special cargo items will not be transported in trams due to size, sharp edges and grease. Cargo space on the ferries is limited; therefore, it is possible that during peak periods cargo items will not be transported on the same ferry as passengers. Every effort will be made to transport special cargo within six hours of the guest's ferry time. Special cargo may be claimed at the island ferry terminal and transported by the owner using a golf cart provided with the accommodations. Special cargo departing the island should be brought to the island ferry terminal two hours prior to the guest's departure so it can be transported to the mainland for timely pick-up by the guest. Expensive bicycles are not recommended on the ferry system as they can become damaged in transit. Please note: Bald Head Island Limited and Bald Head Island Transportation accept no liability for road bicycles damaged in transit.

Furnishings and Equipment

All rental accommodations have fully equipped kitchens, washers and dryers, vacuum cleaners, color TV, central heat and air conditioning, telephones, cribs (generally pack & plays), high chairs, bath towels and bed linens. Linens for cribs and sleeper sofas must be requested when reservation is made. Each unit has one or more electric golf cart(s). Complimentary initial supplies of cleaning products, paper towels, bath tissue and soap are provided at check-in. Additional supplies can be purchased at the Maritime Market. Locked closets are maintained by homeowners for personal use. Please respect these areas.

Housekeeping

Accommodations are thoroughly cleaned before each guest's arrival. Additional housekeeping services can be requested at a special rate, based on availability. Reservations of two weeks or more in duration will receive a mid-stay cleaning.

Accommodations Capacity

The number in your party should not exceed the maximum occupancy as stated in each listing. Private functions/parties are not allowed in rental accommodations without prior approval.

Attire

Although the Bald Head Island Clubhouse is a casual facility, a dress code is in effect. “Resort casual” attire is appropriate. Appropriately collared shirts are required in the Clubhouse as well as on the golf course. Golfers are required to wear soft spikes on their golf shoes, which are permitted only in designated areas. (Replacement spikes are available for purchase at the Golf Shop). Appropriate footwear is required in the Clubhouse, on the tennis courts, and in the fitness center. “Cut-off” shorts are not permitted in the Clubhouse. The Bald Head Island Club discourages denim jeans during dinner. The Clubhouse offers a smoke-free and cell phone-free environment. All other facilities, including the Shoals Club, are casual.

Telephone

Long distance calls from rental accommodations phones must be made collect, by credit card or by calling card.

Pets

Pets are allowed only in rental accommodations designated pet-friendly. No pets are allowed in rental accommodations not listed as pet-friendly, except for service pets. We reserve the right to terminate any rental, without refund, if pets are found on the premises, and charge an additional $500 to treat the property for fleas. Pet-friendly accommodations require a non-refundable fee of $200 plus tax. Pets are not allowed inside the passenger cabin of any Bald Head Island ferry.

Safety

The Village of Bald Head Island is an incorporated municipality, and ordinances are in place which are intended to protect the island and its inhabitants. Information about Village ordinances pertinent to your visit and activities can be found in the in-room directory provided in each rental accommodation or by contacting the Village at (910) 457-9700. PLEASE NOTE: Grilling is restricted on wooden decks, patios and under houses. Propane gas grills are generally permitted, but some communities restrict grilling entirely. Please check with your reservationist for further information about grilling. PLEASE ALSO NOTE: Electric golf carts are not toys, and their misuse can lead to serious adverse consequences. They are subject to all laws and ordinances applicable to operation of a motor vehicle on a public road, including the requirement that operators must possess a valid driver's license, be at least 16 years old, and not under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Be sure to read and follow all instructions provided in the vehicle and the in-room directory for golf cart operation, including the precautions suggested for the safety of drivers and passengers. Whether biking, hiking, swimming or riding, please take care and make this a safe vacation trip for you and your family on Bald Head Island.

Construction

Unfortunately, we cannot predict the location of construction activity on the island and may not be able to inform you at the time you make your reservation whether your accommodations are near a construction site. We will not make refunds because of construction activity.

Severe Weather

If hurricanes or other extreme weather conditions occur, the Village of Bald Head Island may declare a voluntary or mandatory evacuation notice. In either event, the lodging portion of accommodations charges will be prorated from the time of departure from the island until the island is reopened, or until the end of your reservation period, whichever comes first. If no evacuation notice is issued, and you choose to leave the island before the end of your reservation period, no refunds will be made. Ferry tickets back to the island will be charged at full rate.

Please Note

Accommodation descriptions are based, in part, upon information provided by the owners of the premises described herein. Bald Head Island Limited has endeavored to ensure the accuracy of this information; however, we cannot be responsible for misinformation or typographical errors. All prices, fees, specifications, configurations and availability are subject to change without notice.