Bald Head Island Ferry Information

Schedule

Bald Head Island's passenger ferries depart the mainland from Deep Point Marina, 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 211 (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.

The 40,000-square-foot ferry terminal provides a host of creature comforts, including indoor and open-air waiting areas, restrooms, and the Island Times Café (open seasonally).

PASSENGER FERRY SCHEDULE NOTICE – Please note that a change to the passenger ferry schedule has been filed with the North Carolina Utilities Commission (NCUC) to improve ferry system reliability. You may view the filing at baldheadislandferry.com. The current schedule remains in effect pending a NCUC determination, at which time the ferry/tram booking calendar for the remainder of the year will be updated. The earliest possible effective date of the schedule change would be May 1, 2024.

Passenger and Baggage Drop Off

As you approach the ferry terminal area, proceed to the right to the lower level. Pull over to the curb to drop off passengers and bags. Unsecured items and open top bags will have to be placed in a covered container before they can be accepted as baggage by the dock staff, so please pack accordingly. For your convenience, covered containers are available for purchase at the ferry ticket window. Golf bags must have top hoods in place or be in an enclosed protective cover. A good rule of thumb is to pack as if you're taking a flight.

View a brief video that provides an overview of the departure and arrival process, including important information regarding baggage requirements.

Oversized Item Drop Off

If you have larger items such as bikes or kayaks, you will need to purchase an Oversized Baggage ticket for each item. These larger items will need to be taken, along with their Oversized Baggage tickets, to the lower level curb. You'll then proceed to the “Oversized Items” sign where a dock attendant will take your item(s) and ticket(s) for each. Please note: Vehicles taller than nine feet will not be able to drive to the lower level; otherwise, damage to the vehicle and the bridge span over the lower roadway will occur.

Parking Lots

You'll then proceed to a parking lot to secure your car. The Premium Parking Lot and the General Parking Lot, owned and operated by Bald Head Island Limited, are both conveniently located directly across the street from the ferry terminal. Please relieve your pets in the parking lot grassy areas prior to entering the terminal and remember to pick up after your pets.

General Lot Parking is $12 per day. A ticket is issued from an electronic parking device upon entering the lot. You will need to present this ticket to the parking lot attendant for payment upon exiting the lot.

Property owners may purchase an annual pass. A General Lot Annual Pass is $1,100. A Premium Lot Annual Pass is $1,350.

Contractors only may purchase an annual pass for $700.

Visit BaldHeadIslandParking.com for details.

Ferry Tickets, Waiting Areas & Snack Bar

(upper-level lobby & lower-level ticket window)

When entering the terminal on the upper level, you'll follow an elevated footbridge that leads to a snack bar, restrooms, and indoor and outdoor waiting areas, as well as the elevator or stairs leading to the lower-level gate area. If you haven't already purchased your ferry tickets online at BaldHeadIslandFerry.com, you can purchase paper tickets at the lower-level ticket window just outside the gate area.

Ferry Boarding

(lower-level gate waiting area)

Ferry tickets can be purchased at the lower-level ticket window or online at BaldHeadIslandFerry.com. 

If you've reserved a specific ferry time online, please move to the reservations line on the left. If you haven't reserved a specific ferry time online, please move to the standby line on the right. Passengers with reservations will board first. Your paper ferry ticket or electronic ticket QR code will be collected or scanned prior to boarding. You'll then find a seat on the ferry to relax and enjoy the 20-minute ride to the island. Please note that there are no restrooms in the gate area. There are restrooms on board the ferries.

Please be advised that eating, drinking and pets are not permitted inside the passenger cabin but are allowed in the exterior areas of the ferries. Smoking and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages are not permitted anywhere aboard the ferry.

Disembarking & Island Transportation

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 island destination may be provided based on ticket type and availability. Tram reservations should be made by calling (910) 457-5003 or can be booked online at the same time you purchase your ferry tickets 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 day from Cary Cart Company's cart hut, located a short distance from the ferry landing. Reservations are recommended by booking online or by calling (910) 457-7333.

Returning to Deep Point Marina

Disembarking the Ferry

(Gate A)

After disembarking the ferry at Deep Point's Gate A, you will proceed straight out to the street-side curb through an open breezeway on the terminal's lower level.

Baggage Claim

(Between Gates A & B)

If you have baggage to claim, it will be found on the baggage racks that are centrally located between Gate A and Gate B on the lower terminal level. Many passengers will elect to retrieve their car from the parking lot prior to claiming their baggage.

After paying for parking at the exit equipment either using a credit card or your annual parking pass, or paying the attendant at the parking booth, exit the lot and return to the terminal on the lower level to claim your baggage. Dock staff will transfer all items from the baggage dollies onto the racks for your pick-up.