Island Express Ferry Service

Name: Island Express Ferry Service
Address: 600 Front Street (Beaufort, NC) or 1800 Island Road (Harkers Island, NC), Beaufort, NC, 28516, US
Telephone: (252) 728-7433
Price range: $
Rating: 4.8

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Island Express Ferry Service

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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 some 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.

10/28/2026

Good morning. The ferries are sailing today, Wednesday, October 28th from both Beaufort, NC and Harkers Island. It will be great weather to explore Shackleford Banks and Cape Lookout National Seashore. Beaufort starts at 9:00am and Harkers Island at 8:15am, both sail every hour.
We provide an unforgettable adventure on our modern, comfortable ferries that are helmed by experienced local captains dedicated to making your trip safe, informative, and enjoyable. Whether you’re seeking pristine beaches, wild horse sightings, or serene shelling spots, your coastal escape begins here.
We have a few same day UTVs available. When you arrive on Cape Lookout see the gift shop for details.
For more information or make future reservations either call 252-728-7433 or visit www.islandexpressferryservices.com
Remember, please stay at least 50 feet from the horses while on Shackleford Banks, for your safety and theirs and it is a federal regulation.
All close-up horse pictures are taken with a telephoto lens.
So book now.

10/27/2026

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10/27/2026

Today, Tuesday, October 27, it will perfect weather to explore Shackleford Banks and Cape Lookout National Seashore.

Embark on a journey to the untouched beauty of North Carolina’s Crystal Coast with Island Express Ferry Service. As the only Cape Lookout National Seashore authorized ferry to Cape Lookout Lighthouse and Shackleford Banks offer more than just transportation. We provide an unforgettable adventure. Departing from Beaufort, NC starting at 9:00am and Harkers Island, NC at 8:15am our modern, comfortable ferries are helmed by experienced local captains dedicated to making your trip safe, informative, and enjoyable. Whether you’re seeking pristine beaches, wild horse sightings, or serene shelling spots, your coastal escape begins here.
We have a few same day UTVs available. When you arrive on Cape Lookout see the gift shop for details.
For more information or make future reservations either call 252-728-7433 or visit www.islandexpressferryservices.com
Remember, please stay at least 50 feet from the horses while on Shackleford Banks, for your safety and theirs. Also it is also a federal regulation.
All close-up horse pictures are taken with a telephoto lens.

10/26/2026

Good morning. Our next scheduled Safari is Tuesday, October 27th, at 9:00am which leaves from Beaufort, NC and goes to Shackleford Banks. To book call 252-838-1167 or go online at www.shacklefordwildhorseandshellingsafari.com
It is a great trip with our Naturalist, who can answer all your questions you may have about the island.
We have Safaris scheduled all this week.
Book Now!

10/26/2026

Good morning ferry riders. We are sailing today, Monday, October 26th, from Harkers Island Starting at 8:15am, sailing every hour. We will not sail from Beaufort, NC due to the winds.
We have a few same day UTVs available. When you arrive on Cape Lookout see the gift shop for details.
We provide an unforgettable adventure on our modern, comfortable ferries that are helmed by experienced local captains dedicated to making your trip safe, informative, and enjoyable. Whether you’re seeking pristine beaches, wild horse sightings, or serene shelling spots, your coastal escape begins here.
For more information or reservations call 252-728-7433 or visit www.islandexpressferryservices.com
Remember, please stay at least 50 feet from the horses while on Shackleford Banks, for your safety and theirs. Keep in mind that it is also a federal regulation.
All close-up horse pictures are taken with a telephoto lens.
Have a great day.

10/25/2026

Good morning ferry riders. We are not sailing today, Sunday, October 25th, due to the impending winds.
For more information or make future reservations either call 252-728-7433 or visit www.islandexpressferryservices.com
All close-up horse pictures are taken with a telephoto lens.
Have a great day.

10/24/2026

Good morning ferry riders. We are sailing today, Saturday, October 24th. We start sailing from Beaufort, NC at 9:00am and Harkers Island at 8:15am, both sail every hour.
We have a few same day morning UTVs available and our beach shuttle that starts at 9:00am, runs every hour. When you arrive on Cape Lookout see the gift shop for details on both.
We provide an unforgettable adventure on our modern, comfortable ferries that are helmed by experienced local captains dedicated to making your trip safe, informative, and enjoyable. Whether you’re seeking pristine beaches, wild horse sightings, or serene shelling spots, your coastal escape begins here.
For more information or reservations call 252-728-7433 or visit www.islandexpressferryservices.com
Remember, please stay at least 50 feet from the horses while on Shackleford Banks, for your safety and theirs. Keep in mind that it is also a federal regulation.
All close-up horse pictures are taken with a telephoto lens.
Have a great day.

10/23/2026

Good morning. Our next scheduled Safari is Saturday, October 24th, at 9:00am which leaves from Beaufort, NC and goes to Shackleford Banks. To book call 252-838-1167 or go online at www.shacklefordwildhorseandshellingsafari.com
It is a great trip with our Naturalist, who can answer all your questions you may have about the island.
We have Safaris scheduled all this week.
Book Now!

10/23/2026

Good morning ferry riders. We are sailing today, Friday, October 23rd. We start sailing from Beaufort, NC at 9:00am and Harkers Island at 8:15am, both sail every hour.
We have same day UTVs available all day and our beach shuttle that starts at 9:00am, runs every hour. When you arrive on Cape Lookout see the gift shop for details on both.
We provide an unforgettable adventure on our modern, comfortable ferries that are helmed by experienced local captains dedicated to making your trip safe, informative, and enjoyable. Whether you’re seeking pristine beaches, wild horse sightings, or serene shelling spots, your coastal escape begins here.
For more information or reservations call 252-728-7433 or visit www.islandexpressferryservices.com
Remember, please stay at least 50 feet from the horses while on Shackleford Banks, for your safety and theirs. Keep in mind that it is also a federal regulation.
All close-up horse pictures are taken with a telephoto lens.
Have a great day.

10/22/2026

Beautiful sunny day forecasted on this Thursday, October 22, so lets get out and explore Shackleford Banks and Cape Lookout!
Embark on a journey to the untouched beauty of North Carolina’s Crystal Coast with Island Express Ferry Service. As the only Cape Lookout National Seashore authorized ferry to Cape Lookout Lighthouse and Shackleford Banks offer more than just transportation. We provide an unforgettable adventure. Departing from Beaufort, NC and Harkers Island, NC our modern, comfortable ferries are helmed by experienced local captains dedicated to making your trip safe, informative, and enjoyable. Whether you’re seeking pristine beaches, wild horse sightings, or serene shelling spots, your coastal escape begins here.
We have a couple same day Kubota UTV rentals just stop in the Welcome Center to inquire and they will be happy to assist you. It's the best way to explore Cape Lookout National Seashore.
Remember, please stay at least 50 feet from the horses ON Shackleford Banks, for your safety and theirs. Keep in mind that it is also a federal regulation.
All close-up horse pictures are taken with a telephoto lens.

To make future reservations, please call 252-728-7433 or go online at www.islandexpressferryservices.com

Address

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

Telephone

(252) 728-7433

Website

http://www.islandexpressferryservice.com/

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