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    1. Local experiences/
    2. Things to do in Beaufort…/
    3. Airport and Transfer Services/
    4. Ferries/
    5. Ride a Ferry to Shackleford Banks & Cape Lookout
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    Ride a Ferry to Shackleford Banks & Cape Lookout

    Visit Shackleford Banks and Cape Lookout Lighthouse by ferry from Harkers Island

    4.8 stars• 1.8K reviews
    From$37/ personincl. taxes and fees

    Includes

    Ferry ride to two islands

    Highlights

    Take a combo ferry trip from the Harkers Island Visitor Center to Shackleford Banks and the Cape Lookout Lighthouse area. Enjoy time on both islands with set return pick-up times.

    • Depart from Harkers Island Visitor Center and ride the ferry to two islands
    • Explore Shackleford Banks at your own pace
    • Stop at Cape Lookout Dock for Cape Lookout Lighthouse area access
    • Follow fixed return pick-up times from each island
    • Bring up to two carry-ons per person at no extra cost
    • Add pets on leash with a separate pet ticket

    What's Included

    • Ferry ride to two islands
    • Two free carry-ons per person

    Things to know

    This trip cannot accommodate wheelchairs at this time. Missing your island pick-up may result in a $150 fee for a ferry pickup.

    Cancellation Policy

    Cancel at least 24 hours prior to departure for a refund. If Island Express Ferry Service cancels due to inclement weather, you can reschedule or receive a full refund. No refunds on Special Events & Holiday Trips.

    FAQs

    Arrive 30 minutes before departure. Pick up your actual tickets at the ticket booth when you check in.

    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. Return pick-up times from the islands cannot be changed. Arrive at the pick-up point at least 15 minutes early.

    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 #GYXQ52

    Adult

    $37.09

    Round-Trip Price | Ages 12+

    0

    Child

    $25.49

    Round-Trip Price | Ages 3 to 11

    0

    Why book through Greetwell?

    • No Added Fees

      No booking or service fees, ever

    • Concierge Support Included

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

    • Free Cancellation Available

      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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