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 Deep Point Marina in historic Southport, N.C. to the harbor at Bald Head Island, a distance of two nautical miles.

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.

Bald Head Island's main land ferry terminal at Deep Point Marina is located at 1301 Ferry Road in Southport, NC, just before the state-operated Southport-Fort Fisher Ferry Landing. Entering Southport on Route 211 South (Howe Street), take a left on East Moore Street and then a right onto Ferry Road at the roundabout. Proceed about a half mile and then turn right into the entrance to Deep Point Marina, following the signs to the ferry terminal.

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, Cape Fear Regional Jetport/Howie Franklin Field Airport is a public, non-commercial airport located nearby on Oak Island. Please call (910) 457-6483 for more information or visit this website.

By Sea

The Bald Head Island Marina, located near buoy #13Aat the mouth of the Cape Fear River, is accessible by boat from the Intracoastal Waterway, Cape Fear River and Atlantic Ocean. The full-service marina can accommodate vessels up to 100 feet in length, with 7' draft at MLW. Monthly and daily slip rates are available.

Contact the dockmaster on VHF channel 16, by phone at (910) 457-7380 or email.

Once You're Here

Upon arrival at the Bald Head Island ferry landing, you’ll disembark the ferry and follow the signs for tram assignments or golf cart rentals. Tram service to your accommodations is included in the price of your ferry ticket. Tram reservations should be made by calling (910) 457-5003 or by booking online.

Once you’ve been given your tram assignment, you’ll need to claim your baggage and place it next to your assigned tram. The tram will then take you to your accommodations. Most rental accommodations include the use of one or more golf carts as a part of your stay. You’ll want to confirm this with your rental company.

If you’re coming to the island just for the day and won’t be needing tram service, you can rent a golf cart by the hour or by the day from Cary Cart Company's cart hut, located a short distance from the ferry landing across from Delphina Cantina. Advance reservations are recommended by visiting bhicarts.com or by calling (910) 457-3333.