Island Express Ferry Service

Be prepared for intense heat and humidity mid-July thru September.

• There are few trees on the islands and shade is non-existent. Sunscreen, protective clothing, and eyewear are essential.
• In summer, the sand and boardwalk at Cape Lookout may be extremely hot, so shoes are required.
• Shaded seating can be found at Cape Lookout in the park service’s areas and also at the picnic shelter located near the boat dock.
• There are no sinks or running water.

Ferry passengers are allowed a limited amount of carry-on items.

• You are permitted to carry on items such as backpacks, beach bags, and small coolers.
• Don’t overload yourself: in short, too much gear is an unnecessary burden on everyone for such a short excursion.
• Travel light for a more enjoyable visitor experience and easier hiking, especially in the heat of mid-summer.
• Our regular passengers carry very little during their island visits for good reason.

Remember to wear suitable clothing for sand and wet conditions. Moreover, check the local weather prior to leaving and dress accordingly.

From the Island Express Ferry Service website

Individual passengers are allowed two (2) free carry-ons: totes, backpacks, small coolers, etc. Additionally, there is a fee of $5.00 per item for any item over 2 or for oversized items. Beach wagons are also $5.00.

Shackleford Banks

There are no concessions on the island.

Cape Lookout

There will be a concession trailer during the summer on Cape Lookout. The concession trailer will have snacks, drinks, bagged ice, beach goods such as towels, flip flops, beach toys, sunglasses, hats, sunscreen, tanning lotion, all-natural insect repellent as well as beach chair and umbrella rentals. The concession trailer will be operational during ferry business hours during the summer schedule.

Weather

Please check the weather before you depart. It is imperative that you have a charged cellphone with you. In the event of ferry cancellation due to weather, we will contact you via cell phone to arrange an early pick-up. If you are unreachable, the ferry will not be able to pick you up until the bad weather passes and it is safe to resume service.

More information about camping on Cape Lookout or Shackleford Banks can be found on the National Park Service website?.