Getting here
No bridge, no traffic, no shortcut: everyone arrives by water, and that's the point.
From your car to the island, step by step
Book the ferry (and the tram)
Reserve round-trip ferry tickets through the operator's app or website as soon as your trip is set. Beyond the block of standing reservations, each departure has only about 50 seats left, with no guarantee your preferred time will have room, so the earlier you book the better. Add the tram to your rental address in the same booking; tram service to the island and back is included in the ferry fare.
Drive to Deep Point Marina
1301 Ferry Road, Southport, NC. Park at the marina and leave your car; you will not need it on the island.
Drop your bags at the terminal, 45 minutes out
Unload everything at the terminal and hand it to the crew, who load it into numbered luggage carts. You get three items per passenger, so large bins move the most per item; the black-and-yellow totes from a hardware store are ideal. Tag every piece with your island address and your booked ferry times, and note which numbered cart your things go into.
Be at the lower level before boarding
Boarding is casual but the ferry leaves on time, on the hour.
Cross the river mouth
The crossing is short and pretty; watch for wildlife in the ship channel.
Step off and get your tram number
At the island landing, follow the line to the podium, where an attendant tells you which tram is yours. The luggage carts are lined up nearby with their doors open; find your things, carry them to your tram, and the driver loads them on. The driver helps, but getting your bags from the cart to the tram is on you.
Unload at your door
The tram carries your group and your bags to your rental and sets everything down at the foot of the driveway. Getting it up to the house from there is on you. The tram crew work hard at both ends; tipping them well is customary.
Passenger ferry
The only way to the island for visitors: a passenger ferry from Deep Point Marina in Southport. No cars ride the ferry; you park on the mainland.
- Departs mainland
- Deep Point Marina, 1301 Ferry Rd, Southport, NC, on the hour
- Departs island
- On the half hour
- Season hours
- Roughly 7 am to midnight, seasonal
- Round trip fare
- About $23 adult, $12 child (3 to 12); under 2 free with a ticket
- Baggage
- 3 items per passenger; coolers up to 48 quarts and 50 lbs
- Reservations
- Electronic ticketing via the operator's app; reserve at least 3 hours ahead
- Phone (Deep Point)
- (910) 457-5003
- Phone (island)
- (910) 457-5006
- Arrive at the lower level at least 40 minutes before your ferry; luggage should be ready 45 minutes before departure.
- Fares and schedules change seasonally. Confirm current details with the operator before you travel.
Facts last verified July 4, 2026. Details change;confirm with Bald Head Island Transportationor call (910) 457-5003.
Mainland parking
Your car stays at Deep Point Marina in Southport. Daily and annual parking passes are available steps from the ferry terminal.
- Summer rate
- About $10 per day
- Off-season rate
- About $8 per day
- Annual passes
- Available from the operator
- Rates change; confirm current pricing with the operator before you travel.
Facts last verified July 4, 2026. Details change;confirm with Bald Head Island Transportation
Island tram
A tram meets the ferry and carries you and your bags to your rental door. It is included in the general ferry fare; reserve it when you book the ferry.
- Cost
- Included in the general ferry fare
- Reservations
- Reserve via the ferry site or app when booking
- Timing
- Be at the lower level at least 40 minutes before your ferry; luggage ready 45 minutes before departure
- Tag your bags with your rental address before you reach the marina; it makes the handoff effortless.
Facts last verified July 4, 2026. Details change;confirm with Bald Head Island Transportation
The crossing
The boats, the terminals, and the harbor that greets you.