By The Suzanne O'Bryant Group
Getting to Bald Head Island requires one thing that most barrier island destinations do not: a ferry. There is no bridge to the island, and personal vehicles are not permitted once you arrive. Every resident, visitor, and property owner makes the same 20-minute crossing from Deep Point Marina in Southport, NC, to the island's ferry terminal — and if you understand how the system works before you go, the process is straightforward and genuinely enjoyable. Here is everything you need to plan your trip.
Key Takeaways
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The Bald Head Island ferry departs from Deep Point Marina at 1301 Ferry Road in Southport, NC, and the crossing takes approximately 20 minutes
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Round-trip tickets are $23.00 for adults and $12.00 for children ages 3–12, purchased in advance or at the terminal
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Tram service from the island ferry terminal to your destination is included with your ferry ticket but requires a separate reservation
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Daily parking at Deep Point Marina is $13.00 per day for the general lot, with annual passes available for frequent visitors and property owners
How to Get to Deep Point Marina
The ferry terminal is located at 1301 Ferry Road in Southport, NC. From Highway 17, Southport is approximately 30 miles south of Wilmington. Entering Southport on Route 211 South, take a left on East Moore Street, then a right onto Ferry Road at the roundabout. Proceed about half a mile and follow the signs into Deep Point Marina.
What to do when you arrive at the terminal:
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Drop off luggage and passengers at the lower level terminal curb before parking — the process mirrors checking in at an airport
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All luggage must have a tag with a contact name and phone number — blank tags are available at the terminal
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All items must be in a covered container, suitcase, or zipped bag to be accepted as checked baggage; loose items will not be accepted
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After dropping off bags, proceed to the parking lot directly across from the terminal
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Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure to allow time for luggage handling and parking
Tickets, Pricing, and Reservations
Tickets can be purchased online at baldheadislandferry.com, through the official iPhone or Android app, or at the ticket window at Deep Point. Booking in advance is strongly recommended, particularly during peak season from late spring through early fall, when popular departures fill quickly.
What you need to know about ferry tickets and pricing:
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Round-trip adult tickets: $23.00
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Round-trip children's tickets (ages 3–12): $12.00
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Children ages two and younger ride free but still require a ticket
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Oversized items such as bikes and kayaks require a separate oversized baggage ticket and must be brought to the lower-level arrivals curb
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Property owners on Bald Head Island typically hold transportation accounts for simplified booking
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Passengers with reservations board through a dedicated area and must be in line 15 minutes before their scheduled departure
The Ferry Schedule
The ferry departs Deep Point Marina on the hour and departs Bald Head Island on the half hour. Service hours vary by season, with expanded schedules during summer months. The ferry is a privately owned, publicly regulated utility operated by Bald Head Island Transportation, Inc. and regulated by the NC Utilities Commission. Always check the current schedule at baldheadislandferry.com before you travel, as hours change seasonally.
Planning around the ferry schedule:
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Book tickets and tram reservations at least three hours before your desired departure time when possible
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Passengers who miss their reserved departure can board as standby on the next available ferry if space permits
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During peak summer season, tram reservations book up quickly — reserve yours at the same time you purchase your ferry ticket
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The ferry runs year-round, though off-season schedules are more limited, particularly on weekday evenings
Parking at Deep Point Marina
Daily parking is available in the general lot for $13.00 per day. A premium lot closer to the terminal is also available. Annual passes are offered for frequent visitors and property owners — the 2026 general lot annual pass is $1,260.00 and the premium lot annual pass is $1,540.00.
Parking options at Deep Point Marina:
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General lot daily rate: $13.00 per day
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A parking ticket is issued from an electronic device at the lot entrance — hold onto it, as you will need it to exit
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Annual pass holders can purchase passes online beginning in December each year
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Oversized vehicles and trailers are not permitted in the gated lots — contact the parking office at 910-457-7289 in advance if you have special vehicle needs
Getting Around Once You Arrive
Stepping off the ferry, you will be directed to your assigned tram if you made a tram reservation. The tram transports you and your luggage directly to your island address. From there, golf carts are the standard way to get around. Many vacation rentals and homes include a golf cart, and rentals are available from providers near the ferry landing. Bicycles are also popular, particularly for short trips to the beach or the shops along Maritime Way.
Transportation options on the island:
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Tram service: included with your ferry ticket but requires a separate reservation made at the time of booking
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Golf cart rentals: available from Always Ready Cart Care and Cary Cart Company, both located on the island
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Bicycle rentals: available through Riverside Adventure Company near the ferry landing
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Walking: the island is manageable on foot for those staying near the village center
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we bring pets on the Bald Head Island ferry?
Pets are permitted on the ferry but are not allowed inside the passenger cabin — they must remain on the exterior areas of the vessel during the crossing. No smoking or alcohol is permitted anywhere on the ferry.
What happens if we miss our reserved departure?
Passengers who miss their scheduled departure can wait for the next available ferry as standby passengers. Standby passengers board after all reservation holders, space permitting, and you can also reschedule for a later departure through the ticketing system.
Do property owners have different ferry access?
Property owners typically hold transportation accounts with Bald Head Island Transportation, Inc., which simplifies booking and billing. Annual parking passes at Deep Point Marina are also available, with 2026 rates of $1,260.00 for the general lot and $1,540.00 for the premium lot.
Ready to Make the Crossing?
Whether you are planning your first visit or considering making Bald Head Island home, the ferry is where island life begins. We can walk you through what ownership looks like — from the ferry logistics to the properties that make this one of the most distinctive addresses on the North Carolina coast. Reach out to us, The Suzanne O'Bryant Group, and let's start the conversation.
