Visit Shackleford Banks and Cape Lookout Lighthouse by ferry from Harkers Island
Ferry ride to two islands
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.
This trip cannot accommodate wheelchairs at this time. Missing your island pick-up may result in a $150 fee for a ferry pickup.
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.
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.
Beaufort, NC
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.
Service was great, very kind, safe drive.
Saska Madilka
April 3, 2026
Service was great, very kind, safe drive.
Saska Madilka
April 3, 2026