Island Express Ferry Service

Island Express Ferry Service LARGEST OPERATING FERRY SERVICE ON THE CRYSTAL COAST
Pristine Waters & Sandy Beaches - Best Shelling Whichever destination you choose, there is so much to do.
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The ONLY Ferry authorized by National Park Service to drop off at Cape Lookout Lighthouse and Shackleford Banks. Our ferries will take you to Cape Lookout or to Shackleford Banks. Just a quick jaunt to either island--both part of of the Southern Outer Banks, both have pristine beaches, both have crystal clear waters. Take a picnic and relax, swim or fish. Take your kayak! Go shelling, these are so

me of the best shelling beaches in North Carolina. You can stay the night, camping under the stars, falling asleep to the sounds of the sea. On Cape Lookout, visit the lighthouse, Our Diamond Lady--she makes us proud! While there, hop on our Beach Shuttle which will take you to the Point. Our COMBO trip is very popular -- Visit Shackleford Banks and Cape Lookout in one day! On Shackleford Banks, visit with the Wild Banker Horses, they've been roaming the island for centuries...rumor has it they swam ashore from sinking ships! Wildlife, history, time to connect with nature... just a short ferry ride away.

Celebrate America's 250th Birthday in style! We still have space available on ferries departing from Beaufort, NC AND fr...
06/24/2026

Celebrate America's 250th Birthday in style! We still have space available on ferries departing from Beaufort, NC AND from Harker's Island. See below for more information.

06/24/2026
Good morning, everyone. We are sailing today, Wednesday, June 24th. Harkers Island starts sailing at 8:15am and Beaufort...
06/24/2026

Good morning, everyone. We are sailing today, Wednesday, June 24th. Harkers Island starts sailing at 8:15am and Beaufort, NC starts at 8:30am, both going every 1/2 hour.
We have our beach shuttle on Cape Lookout, starting at 9:00am, running every hour. When you arrive on the Cape see the gift shop for details.
To make ferry reservations, call 252-728-7433 or go online at www.islandexpressferryservices.com
On Cape Lookout, we drop passengers off right next to the dock for your convenience, rather than farther away on the beach. Depending on tide conditions, your feet may get a little wet.
While on Shackleford Banks, please stay at least 50 feet from the horses. This is a Federal regulation and is for everyone's safety.
There are still seats available for tonight's Sunset Cruise from Beaufort to Shackleford Banks.
Have a great day at Shackleford Banks and/or Cape Lookout.
*All close-up horse pictures are taken with a telephoto lens*
Have a great day.

Don't forget we have Beaufort, NC to Cape Lookout trips all week. They are on June 23rd. 24th, 25th, 26th and 27th.Book ...
06/23/2026

Don't forget we have Beaufort, NC to Cape Lookout trips all week. They are on June 23rd. 24th, 25th, 26th and 27th.
Book Now!

Good morning, everyone. We are sailing today, Tuesday, June 23rd. Harkers Island starts sailing at 8:15am and Beaufort, ...
06/23/2026

Good morning, everyone. We are sailing today, Tuesday, June 23rd. Harkers Island starts sailing at 8:15am and Beaufort, NC starts at 8:30am, both going every 1/2 hour.
We have our beach shuttle on Cape Lookout, starting at 9:00am, running every hour. When you arrive on the Cape see the gift shop for details.
To make ferry reservations, call 252-728-7433 or go online at www.islandexpressferryservices.com
On Cape Lookout, we drop passengers off right next to the dock for your convenience, rather than farther away on the beach. Depending on tide conditions, your feet may get a little wet.
While on Shackleford Banks, please stay at least 50 feet from the horses. This is a Federal regulation and is for everyone's safety.
There are still seats available for tonight's Sunset Cruise from Beaufort to Shackleford Banks.
Have a great day at Shackleford Banks and/or Cape Lookout.
*All close-up horse pictures are taken with a telephoto lens*
Have a great day.

Good morning, everyone. We are sailing today, Monday, June 22nd. Harkers Island is starting at 8:15am going every 1/2 ho...
06/22/2026

Good morning, everyone. We are sailing today, Monday, June 22nd. Harkers Island is starting at 8:15am going every 1/2 hour. Beaufort, NC is sailing every 1/2 hour beginning at 9:00 am.
On Cape Lookout, we drop passengers off right next to the dock for your convenience, rather than farther away on the beach. Depending on tide conditions, your feet may get a little wet.
While on Shackleford Banks, please stay at least 50 feet from the horses. This is a Federal regulation and is for everyone's safety.
There are still seats available for tonight's Sunset Cruise from Beaufort to Shackleford Banks.
Have a great day at Shackleford Banks and/or Cape Lookout.
*All close-up horse pictures are taken with a telephoto lens*
Have a great day.

06/21/2026

Want to go on an adventure, try the Shackleford Wild Horse and Shelling Safari leaving out of Harker's Island on Tuesday, June 23, at 10:15am. So much to explore on the east end of Shackleford, you won't be disappointed. The Naturalist will walk you through the history of the island while searching for the wild horses.
Call 252-838-1167 if you have questions or want reservations, which are required, or go to shacklefordwildhorseandshellingsafari.com

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY! Today, Sunday June 21, we will be sailing out of Beaufort starting at 8:30 and Harkers Island at 8:1...
06/21/2026

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY! Today, Sunday June 21, we will be sailing out of Beaufort starting at 8:30 and Harkers Island at 8:15. Both locations run every 30 minutes. It will be a beautiful day to go out and see the natural beauty of the islands. So grab Dad and take a ride with us.
For more information and reservations call 252-728-7433 or visit https://www.islandexpressferryservices.com.

06/21/2026

What a lovely sight on the sunset cruise tonight! I don’t think there’s a more beautiful sight than this!!!

Address

600 Front Street (Beaufort, NC) Or 1800 Island Road (Harkers Island, NC)
Beaufort, NC
28516

Telephone

(252) 728-7433

Website

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