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    1. Local experiences/
    2. Things to do in Beaufort…/
    3. Airport and Transfer Services/
    4. Ferries/
    5. Round-Trip Ferry Ride to Shackleford Banks
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    Round-Trip Ferry Ride to Shackleford Banks

    Ride the ferry from Harkers Island Visitor Center to Shackleford Banks

    4.8 stars• 1.8K reviews
    From$30/ personincl. taxes and fees

    Duration

    15 Minutes

    Highlights

    Take a round-trip ferry from Harkers Island Visitor Center to Shackleford Banks with departures every 30 minutes in the summer. The crossing takes about 15 minutes each way.

    • Board a round-trip ferry between Harkers Island Visitor Center and Shackleford Banks
    • Choose a departure time with summer service every 30 minutes
    • Plan a quick 15-minute ride each way
    • Pick up your tickets at the booth when you check in
    • Bring up to 2 free carry-ons per person and pay for extras if needed
    • Keep pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet

    Things to know

    If you miss your scheduled island pick-up, you may be charged a $150 fee for a ferry to come get you. Return pick-up times from the island cannot be changed.

    Cancellation Policy

    Cancel at least 24 hours prior to departure to receive a refund. If Island Express Ferry Service cancels due to inclement weather, you can reschedule or receive a full refund.

    FAQs

    Arrive 30 minutes before departure. If you miss your departure time, you forfeit your scheduled time and go on standby for the next available ferry. Late arrivals are non-refundable.

    No. Pick-up times from the island cannot be changed. Arrive at the pick-up point at least 15 minutes early; if you miss your pick-up, you may not get space on a later ferry. If you cannot get on a later pick-up, a $150 fee is charged to send a ferry to get you.

    Your round-trip ferry fare includes 2 free carry-ons per person (such as a backpack, folding chair, small cooler, or tote). Each additional carry-on costs $5.

    Meeting details

    Beaufort, NC

    Experience provided by Island Express Ferry Service LLC
    Experience provided by Island Express Ferry Service LLC

    How can we help?

    We are here to assist with special requests, large groups, last minute needs, and any questions you may have.

    Call or text (650) 414-7338

    Report an issue

    Reference #7HYFPA

    Adult

    $30.12

    Round-Trip Price | Ages 12+

    0

    Child

    $22

    Round-Trip Price | Ages 3 to 11

    0

    Why book through Greetwell?

    • No Added Fees

      No booking or service fees, ever

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      Real humans ready to help with timing, questions, or special requests

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      Most experiences can be cancelled for a full refund

    Discover what we've curated for you

    Review summary

    4.8
    Excellent
    1.8K reviews•Google Maps

    The staff really stands out here, with everyone from the ticket counter to the boat captains getting consistent praise for being friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable about the islands. Reviewers describe this as an "old school business" with reasonable prices and genuinely nice people, which seems increasingly rare. Several visitors mentioned crew members going above and beyond, like coming early to pick up passengers when weather turned bad or helping out when travel plans got complicated. The destinations themselves, Shackleford Banks and Cape Lookout, are clearly the main draw with their wild horses, excellent shelling, and serene beaches. Travelers rave about spotting horses along the shoreline and feeling like they have the island to themselves. A couple practical tips from recent visitors: bring serious bug spray since mosquitoes can be intense, and watch out for parking enforcement near the dock since signage isn't great. Overall, this comes across as a straightforward, well-run operation staffed by people who genuinely care about giving visitors a good island experience.

    What people are saying

    Review 1 of 3
    5/5

    Service was great, very kind, safe drive.

    Photo of Saska Madilka

    Saska Madilka

    April 3, 2026

    Review 1 of 1
    5/5

    Service was great, very kind, safe drive.

    Photo of Saska Madilka

    Saska Madilka

    April 3, 2026

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