Island Express Ferry Service

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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 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.

Good morning. Our next scheduled Safari is Monday, October 12th, at 9:00am which leaves from Beaufort, NC and goes to Sh...
10/10/2026

Good morning. Our next scheduled Safari is Monday, October 12th, 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!

Good morning, everyone. The ferries will not be sailing today, Saturday, October 10th, due to the weather. We will resum...
10/10/2026

Good morning, everyone. The ferries will not be sailing today, Saturday, October 10th, due to the weather. We will resume sailing from both Beaufort, NC starting at 9:00am and Harkers Island starting at 8:15am on Monday, October 12th. We will sail every hour.
To make future reservations, please call 252-728-7433 or go online at www.islandexpressferryservices.com
Have a safe day.

Good morning, ferry riders. Looks like a great day to head out to Shackleford Banks or Cape Lookout National Seashore. T...
10/09/2026

Good morning, ferry riders. Looks like a great day to head out to Shackleford Banks or Cape Lookout National Seashore. Today, Friday October 9th, we will be running hourly out of Beaufort, NC starting at 9:00am and out of Harkers Island starting at 8:15am. Our beach shuttle starts at 9:00am and runs every hour. We also have a few morning same day UTV rentals available, just stop at the gift shop when you arrive on Cape Lookout for details on both.
For more information or to make reservations call 252-728-7433 or visit www.islandexpressferryservices.com.
Remember, please stay at least 50 feet from the horses, 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.

Good Day to all! Get out and enjoy the day before the rain comes. We are running hourly out of Beaufort to Shackleford ...
10/08/2026

Good Day to all! Get out and enjoy the day before the rain comes. We are running hourly out of Beaufort to Shackleford Banks starting at 9:00am and Harker's Island starting at 8:15 to Shackleford Banks East and Cape Lookout National Seashore.
We have same day UTV rentals available, just stop at the gift shop when you arrive on Cape Lookout to book.
For more information or to make reservations call 252-728-7433 or visit www.islandexpressferryservices.com.
Remember, please stay at least 50 feet from the horses, 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.

Beautiful Picture from the ferry of horses on Shackleford Banks East out of Harker's Island. Go out and enjoy the day. W...
10/08/2026

Beautiful Picture from the ferry of horses on Shackleford Banks East out of Harker's Island. Go out and enjoy the day. Water was crystal clear yesterday.

Good morning. Our next scheduled Safari is Thursday, October 8th, at 9:00am which leaves from Beaufort, NC and goes to S...
10/07/2026

Good morning. Our next scheduled Safari is Thursday, October 8th, 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!

Good morning, ferry riders. Looks like a great day to head out to Shackleford Banks or Cape Lookout National Seashore. T...
10/07/2026

Good morning, ferry riders. Looks like a great day to head out to Shackleford Banks or Cape Lookout National Seashore. Today, Wednesday October 7, we will be running hourly out of Beaufort, NC starting at 9:00am and out of Harkers Island starting at 8:15am. We have same day UTV rentals available, just stop at the gift shop when you arrive on Cape Lookout to book.
For more information or to make reservations call 252-728-7433 or visit www.islandexpressferryservices.com.
Remember, please stay at least 50 feet from the horses, 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.

Hello ferry riders, It's going to be a beautiful day to head out to Shackleford Banks or Cape Lookout National Seashore....
10/06/2026

Hello ferry riders, It's going to be a beautiful day to head out to Shackleford Banks or Cape Lookout National Seashore. Today, Tuesday October 6, we will be running hourly out of Beaufort starting at 9:00 and out of Harkers Island starting at 8:15. We have same day UTV rentals available, just stop at the visitors center to book.
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.
For more information or reservations call 252-728-7433 or visit www.islandexpressferryservices.com.

Remember, please stay at least 50 feet from the horses, 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. Photo credit Cindy K. Smith, Annie Po Photo

Good morning. Our next Safari is Tuesday, October 6th, at 9:00am which leaves from Beaufort, NC and goes to Shackleford ...
10/05/2026

Good morning. Our next Safari is Tuesday, October 6th, 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!

Address

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

Telephone

(252) 728-7433

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