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When checking in at the ticket booth, prior to departure, the ticket booth agent will ask you what time you would like to be picked up from the island. We recommend choosing the latest pick-up time you think you would want since you can always come back on an earlier boat if there’s room. We cannot push back pick-up times.
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How long you stay on the island is up to you. Before leaving, you will schedule your pick-up time at the ticket booth.
Pick-up times vary depending on the season and ferry schedule.
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Reservations are not required, but they are always recommended, especially during our busy summer months. Some special trips may require a reservation. To make a reservation you may either do so on our website, or by giving us a call at 252-728-7433.
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If we have to cancel our ferries due to inclement or unsafe weather conditions, we will immediately call you using the phone number in your reservation, and we will then work with you to re-book, give you a voucher for a future time, etc.
Please insure that the phone number included on your reservation is a correct, working, mobile phone number that we will be able to reach you at. In the event that we cannot reach you, we will also send an email and text.
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We have a 24-hour cancellation policy for our ferry trips. This means in the event that you need to cancel your trip, you must do so at least 24 hours prior to your departure time. If you cancel within 24 hours of your trip, your tickets will be non-refundable.
Special trips may be non-refundable.
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When you purchase your ticket, it is for a round-trip ride to and from the island.
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On Shackleford Banks, the wild horses are protected by federal law. Visitors on Shackleford Banks may not come within 50′ (the length of a school bus). This is to protect both you and the horses.
On Rachel Carson Reserve, they are protected by North Carolina law and Town of Beaufort ordinance.
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Toilet facilities are limited on the islands. Composting-style toilets are located on Shackleford Banks about a half mile on the west end. Flush-style toilets are available during the day at the Harkers Island Visitor Center and at the Light Station Visitor Center, as well as on the boardwalk near the ocean beach.
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Limited food and beverages are sold at the ticket booth in Beaufort. We sell snacks, beverages, and beach gear at the lighthouse station on Cape Lookout.
If you are departing from our Harkers Island location, we have a food truck, Shark Island Eats, that serves hotdogs, hamburgers, fresh seafood and more! Perfect for before or after your trip!
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Dogs are welcome on Cape Lookout National Seashore, but must be kept on a leash no longer than 6′ at all times. This policy includes both Cape Lookout and Shackleford Banks. We charge a fee of $7 for dogs aboard our ferry.
