Things to do in North Carolina, United States: The Best Ferries

August 27, 2021 Enriqueta Cusson

North Carolina has something for everyone, with the highest mountains in the eastern U.S., 300 miles of pristine coastline, quaint towns and vibrant cities. From the mountains to the sea, explore the natural, scenic beauty, discover outdoor adventure or try one of 500 golf courses, including the legendary Pinehurst No. 2. Discover a favorite among 100 wineries and 60 craft breweries, tour historic and cultural treasures, sample farm to table delicacies and get the thrill of motorsports in the "home" of NASCAR.
Restaurants in North Carolina

1. Cherry Branch-Minnesott Beach Free Ferry

2300 Ferry Rd, Havelock, NC 28532-9364 +1 252-447-1055
Excellent
82%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 56 reviews

Cherry Branch-Minnesott Beach Free Ferry

Reviewed By ameadventures - Newville, United States

My husband and I honeymooned in Minnesott beach and we used the ferry many times to get to destinations on the other side of the river. They are always on time, the staff is friendly and there is ample room for plenty of cars. One ride is about 10-15 minutes. A few of the ferry’s also have viewing decks, which are nice! And the best part is that it’s free!

2. Morehead City Ferry Service

Excellent
91%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 185 reviews

Morehead City Ferry Service

Morehead City Ferry Service offers the Largest Ferry to Sand Dollar Island. Our Sand Dollar Island trip schedule vary with low tide times. The new Miss Morehead City is a 49-passenger Catamaran. We also offer Sea Life Encounter Cruises and Sunset Evening Cruises. Reservations are required. BOOK ONLINE! Free parking!

3. Island Express Ferry Service

Excellent
91%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 969 reviews

Island Express Ferry Service

Island Express Ferry Service is the ONLY ferry service out of Beaufort and Harkers Island, NC that is authorized by the National Park Service to drop passengers off at Shackleford Banks and Cape Lookout. Shackleford Banks is the southernmost barrier island in Cape Lookout National Seashore. Shackleford Banks is a pristine island with one of the best shelling beaches in North Carolina. Famous for the wild banker horses that roam the uninhabited island, this is one of the few places in the eastern United States where wild horses can still be seen. Enjoy the beauty and tranquility of Cape Lookout, famous for the Cape Lookout Lighthouse Station. While you are there, take time to collect some of the most beautiful shells in the world. Bird watch, swim in the ocean, climb the lighthouse, or ride our famous Beach Shuttle. There is something for everyone to enjoy on this island paradise. Island Express Ferry Service is an authorized National Park Service Concessionaire. Although our name has, at times, been confused with smaller services that do not go to Shackleford Banks or Cape Lookout, there is only one ISLAND EXPRESS FERRY SERVICE. Be sure to add an S for Services when looking for us online.

4. Knotts Island Ferry

Ferry Dock Rd, Knotts Island, NC +1 800-293-3779 http://knottsislandonline.com/travelguide/ferry.htm
Excellent
83%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 18 reviews

Knotts Island Ferry

5. Southport-Fort Fisher Ferry

1650 Ferry Rd., Southport, NC 28461 +1 910-457-6942 http://www.southporttimes.com/southportferry.html
Excellent
84%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 493 reviews

Southport-Fort Fisher Ferry

Reviewed By jeanettelamm - Gibsonville, United States

the ferry is always a fun thing to do and takes you over to southport and oak island its a great thing for a day trip to go across and see more of our beautiful coast

6. NC Ferries

229 NC Hwy, Bath, NC 27808 +1 252-964-4521 http://www.ncferries.com/ferries/bayview-to-aurora
Excellent
90%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 10 reviews

NC Ferries

7. Tuck’S Water Shuttle

636 Channel Blvd, Topsail Beach, Topsail Island, NC 28445-7909 +1 910-616-7106 https://www.facebook.com/TucksWaterShuttle/
Excellent
90%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 10 reviews

Tuck’S Water Shuttle

Reviewed By 67margied

What a fun sunset cruise. Capt Tate is the nicest guy you'll ever meet and knows everything related to TI, cruising and entertaining his guests with great music and interesting stories. This is a "must do" while vacationing on Topsail Island.

8. Davis Shore Ferry Service

148 Willis Rd, Davis, NC 28524-7018 +1 252-729-3474 [email protected] http://www.davisferry.com
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 5 reviews

Davis Shore Ferry Service

Reviewed By loisp297 - Candler, United States

We were thoroughly impressed with this ferry service. We were able to book the time we needed with no deposit two days ahead. We took a Toyota Tundra over & stayed on South Core for 8 hours. Drove down to the point, visited the lighthouse ( closed for climbing due to COVID) & did some wading & surf fishing. The ferry service has a store with all the needed provisions, from bait & tackle to ice & snacks. They have clean restrooms & service was friendly & informative. The deck hand was very helpful. We were able to decrease our tire pressure on the way over & they have a compressor that you can use to depressurize when you get back. For those with no 4-wheel drive vehicle, you can also rent a Kubota 4-wheel drive vehicle for $100 half-day & $175 full day to drive the beach. Pricing for bringing your own vehicle is based on vehicle length. We paid $80 for our Tundra, plus $16 per person.

9. North Carolina Ferry

Hatteras, Hatteras Island, NC 28449 +1 800-293-3779 http://www.outerbanks.com/hatteras-ocracoke-ferry.html
Excellent
63%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 284 reviews

North Carolina Ferry

Reviewed By steveny1195 - Penn Hills, United States

My wife and I have ridden the NC ferry system on multiple occasions from Hatteras to Ocracoke and Ocracoke to Cedar Island and back. Love being on the water and taking the time to enjoy the scenery, especially on the Cedar Island trips at dusk seeing the sunset over the water.

10. Hatteras Ferry Terminal

Hatteras Island, NC 27943 +1 252-996-6000 http://www.outerbanks.com/hatteras-ocracoke-ferry.html
Excellent
64%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 11 reviews

Hatteras Ferry Terminal

Reviewed By alternativeavenue - Grand Ridge, United States

How can you complain about a free ride to Ocracoke Island? The ride over is an experience in itself! Great views, have your camera ready. Depending where you choose to sit if you get out of your car, it can be hot and/or you deal with some exhaust fumes, so be prepared to relocate or walk around.

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