Cruise at sunset with a 1-hour Cape Lookout stop
2 Hours
Catamaran cruise, Cape stop
Ride a catamaran at sunset for a narrated water-view tour with a pass by Shackleford Banks. You’ll also get a 1-hour drop-off on Cape Lookout to explore on your own.
Trips may be monitored and schedules modified due to the current fuel crisis. Late arrivals are non-refundable.
Cancel at least 24 hours before departure for a refund. If Island Express Ferry Service cancels due to inclement weather, you can reschedule or receive a full refund.
Yes. Pick up your actual tickets at the ticket booth when you check in.
Arrive 30 minutes before departure. If you arrive late, you may be moved to a later ferry if there is room, and late arrivals are non-refundable.
Yes. Trips may be monitored more closely and schedules may be modified due to the current fuel crisis.
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