Wilmington, NC (ILM) is the closest airport, about a 45 minute drive from the ferry. Direct flight options are offered on American, Delta and United from most major airports. From the airport, you will need to take an Uber, Lyft, or car service to the Deep Point Marina, where you’ll catch the ferry to the island.

If you are in-state or plan on driving, you can park at the ferry landing for the weekend for $12 per day.

Ferry

Deep Point Marina located at 1301 Ferry Road. Southport, N.C.

When you arrive, follow the signs down to the ferry landing, and the marina staff will meet you at the entrance to help unload your luggage before you board the ferry. Everything you bring needs to be in luggage, a cooler, or a container with a lid. The staff will load your things onto a rolling cart, and you’ll retrieve it after the ride over. Traveling light or bringing an open bag? Feel free to carry on instead.

Ferry reservations are encouraged to ensure your spot. You can snag your tickets at the link. If you are coming in from the Wilmington airport, be sure to account for travel from airport & bag drop when selecting your ferry time. (If you get there early, there is a small coffee shop and bar upstairs so you can sip on the water while you wait!)

The ferry offers a free shuttle service to take you to your bed-and-breakfast or house rental. This is optional, but usually the best option because they have plenty of room for your luggage and know exactly where they’re going. When you disembark from the ferry upon arrival, follow the crowd to the podium at top of landing. There will be someone there to let you know which tram you've been assigned to. Just collect your luggage and set it beside that tram — they’ll load it up and off you go!!

The shuttle service will also pick you up on your way out of town to take your to your farewell ferry.