Welcome!
Ferry Rides
Bald Head Island is located at the confluence of the Cape Fear River and the Atlantic Ocean. The 25 minute passenger ferry ride from the ferry terminal at Indigo Plantation and Marina in Southport to the harbour at Bald Head Island, a distance of two nautical miles, is scenic. When leaving the ferry terminal at Indigo Plantation you will enter the Intercoastal Waterway. Historic Southport will be on the port side as you turn right into the Cape Fear River with the eastern end of Oak Island and the Oak Island Lighthouse in plain view on the starboard side. After making the turn, Battery Island appears on the port side, home to thousands of seagulls. You will enter Bald Head Harbour with a view of the Bald Head Marina and the Bald Head Lighthouse. Also known as Old Baldy, this was the first lighthouse in North Carolina, built in 1818 to guide ships into the Cape Fear River. The Atlantic Ocean is approximately one mile from Old Baldy.
For most of the year, ferries leave the mainland on the hour and the island on the half hour beginning at 8:00AM. The winter schedule may be abbreviated and the summer schedule expanded. Advance ferry reservations are required and should be confirmed 3 days in advance. Arrive at the ferry terminal at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time. For reservations call (910) 457-5003
Round trip tickets cost $15.00 for adults, $8.00 for children ages 3 through 12. No charge for children age two and younger. Parking is available at the terminal for a fee.
The North Carolina Department of Transportation operates a year round vehicle and passenger ferry between Southport and Fort Fisher. The ferry departs Southport every 45 minutes beginning at 8:30AM and departing Fort Fisher at 9:15AM. Schedules will vary during the winter season. The trip from Southport to Fort Fisher crosses the Cape Fear River going toward Wilmington. Three of North Carolina’s lighthouses can be seen during this 30 minute trip; Price’s Creek Lighthouse built in 1848, is only visible from this ferry and it is the only lighthouse along the Cape Fear River. The Oak Island Lighthouse, built in 1958 and located on the eastern end of Oak Island and the Bald Head Lighthouse, built in 1818 located on Bald Head Island can also be seen.. Frequent sightings during the warmer weather months are dolphins playing in the river and wind and kite surfers at the Fort Fisher point. Occasionally Merchant Marine ships can be seen which seem to dwarf the ferry because of their gigantic size.
One way ferry rates:
Pedestrian - $1.00
Bicycle Rider - $2.00
Motorcycles - $3.00
Vehicles less than 20’ - $5.00
There is an additional cost for larger vehicles.
|
