Bald Head Island is located at the southernmost cape of North Carolina, Cape Fear, where the Cape Fear River empties out into the Atlantic Ocean. A 20-minute passenger ferry ride transports you from the ferry terminal at Deep Point Marina in Southport, N.C. to the harbor at Bald Head Island.
In order to take in the full experience that Bald Head Island offers, we encourage you to spend the weekend, if not the week, on the island with us. For information on how to get to the island, please see below!
If booking flights to and from, please keep in mind the ferry schedule. We suggest planning to arrive in NC mid-morning to early evening so you have time to get your luggage and get to the marina in Southport before the last ferry departure. We also suggest booking departure flights later than 11am on the day you leave. The earliest ferry off the island on most days isn't until 7:30am, so after the ferry ride you will still have your car ride to the airport.
Wilmington International Airport (ILM) is the closest airport to the island and is approximately a 40 minute drive to Deep Point Marina in Southport. Taxis, Uber, and rental car agencies are all available for transport from Wilmington International to Deep Point Marina.
Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) is 1.5 hours away from the marina and offers the same ground transportation as Wilmington airport.
Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) is a 2.5 hour drive to the marina but has a larger selection of flights to chose from at a lower price.
If traveling by vehicle, BHI is not directly accessible by car. When entering your final destination into GPS, use the address of Deep Point Marina (1301 Ferry Road, Southport, NCC 28461). This will take you directly to the ferry terminal where you will be able to unload your car, park and board the ferry.
A 20-minute passenger ferry ride will transport you from the ferry terminal at Deep Point Marina in Southport, N.C. to the harbor at Bald Head Island. There are no cars on the island - only golf carts! So you'll need to leave your vehicle parked in a secure lot on the mainland at Deep Point Marina. Parking is $12/day.
You'll need to reserve your spot on the ferry and it is recommended that you do this AFTER you have your housing confirmed. You can book your preferred ferry departure times (both for your arrival and departure) by clicking here.
All passengers, including infants under the age of 3, are required to have a ticket to board the ferry.
Adult round trip tickets =$23
Kids (ages 3-12) round trip tickets = $12
Infants (ages 2 & under) round trip tickets = FREE
Ferries leave the mainland on the hour and leave the island on the half-hour, from 7 A.M - 10:30 P.M, most days. Please click on the link here and enter your travel dates to view the full ferry schedule.
Plan to arrive at the Deep Point Ferry terminal at least 30-45 minutes before your planned departure time to allow enough time to drop off your luggage, park your vehicle and walk back down to the loading zone. The ferry terminal offers restrooms & a snack bar (including alcoholic beverages).
Deep Point Ferry dispatch/call line: 910.457.5003
Once the ferry arrives at the island, you will check in with the tram dispatcher to confirm your rental address. You will then need to collect your luggage and take it to your designated tram.
All tram rides are included with the price of a ferry ticket. Since your rental golf cart will already be at your house, a tram is required for you to get between your accommodations on the island and the ferry terminal. You must make your tram reservations when you book your ferry tickets online. The tram reservations are located under the "Enhancements and Upgrades" tab when purchasing ferry tickets.
Although most rental homes come with golf carts to use during your stay, additional golf carts and bikes can also be rented once you are on the island. You can rent a golf cart by the day from Cary Cart Company (CCC). Golf carts are around $85 - $120 per day, depending on the size of the cart and must be returned by closing time which is usually around 4pm or 5pm. If you return after closing, you will be charged double, so it is recommended that you rent for two days if planning to keep past closing hours. CCC is located within walking distance from the ferry terminal. Advance reservations are recommended.
Bald Head Island is truly a unique place to visit and stay. There are no hotels (only small inns) on the island, but there are hundreds of vacation rental homes you can secure through the agencies listed below. Most of these rental companies require a 3-4 night minimum for booking. VRBO and AirBNB are also an option for renting. All homes come with at least 1 golf cart but many of the larger homes that sleep more than 6 guests will come with two golf carts. Booking calendars for 2025 will typically open around October 2024 or later. However, if you find a home you like earlier, you can reach out to the agencies to put a hold on the property with a deposit.
For smaller groups, there are rooms you can book at The Inn at Bald Head Island & The March Harbour Inn (both linked below). There are also small villas available to rent through the agencies listed below.
If you would rather stay on the mainland and commute over to the island for the day of the wedding, there are several options for hotels in the city of Southport, NC. Southport is the town where you will catch the ferry headed to Bald Head Island.
Many movies have been filmed in Southport and there is a lot to enjoy in the area (even if its just a day trip if you are staying on the island).
Click here for more info on Southport
If you prefer this option, guests will take the ferry to the island on wedding day. From the marina, you will need to schedule a ride with someone on the island to take you to The Village Chapel for the ceremony.
Please let us know if you have any questions about this option.
We have listed a few hotel options below: