North Carolina, United States
Ferries from Beaufort
Beaufort (North Carolina, United States) has 2 ferry routes to 1 destination, operated by Cape Lookout National Seashore. You can sail from Beaufort to Shackleford Banks West End. Crossing times and timetables for each route are listed below.
- 2
- Routes
- 1
- Destinations
- 1
- Operators
Routes & timetables
What ferry routes connect Beaufort?
2 crossings with live schedules — each card opens its full timetable.
Timetable
Ferry departures from Beaufort
19 scheduled sailings leaving Beaufort, across every route. Times are local.
| Departs | Arrives | To | Duration | Operator | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08:30 | 08:55 | Shackleford Banks West End | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 09:00 | 09:25 | Shackleford Banks West End | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 09:30 | 09:55 | Shackleford Banks West End | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 10:00 | 10:25 | Shackleford Banks West End | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 10:30 | 10:55 | Shackleford Banks West End | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 11:00 | 11:25 | Shackleford Banks West End | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 11:30 | 11:55 | Shackleford Banks West End | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 12:00 | 12:25 | Shackleford Banks West End | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 12:30 | 12:55 | Shackleford Banks West End | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 13:00 | 13:25 | Shackleford Banks West End | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 13:30 | 13:55 | Shackleford Banks West End | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 14:00 | 14:25 | Shackleford Banks West End | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 14:30 | 14:55 | Shackleford Banks West End | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 15:00 | 15:25 | Shackleford Banks West End | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 15:30 | 15:55 | Shackleford Banks West End | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 16:00 | 16:25 | Shackleford Banks West End | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 16:30 | 16:55 | Shackleford Banks West End | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 17:00 | 17:25 | Shackleford Banks West End | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 17:30 | 17:55 | Shackleford Banks West End | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
Times are indicative and may change seasonally. Confirm with the operator before travelling.
Network
Where does Beaufort connect?
Ports connected
Operators
Location
Where is Beaufort?
- Region
- North Carolina
- Coordinates
- 34.715° N, 76.663° W
- Shortest crossing
- 25m
Plan your trip
The day at Beaufort
First 08:30
Last 17:30
Busiest 09:00–10:00
10 of 24 hours served
Nothing sails outside 08:30–17:30, so a day trip has to fit inside that window; the last departure is the last one. 19 scheduled departures in total.
About
About Beaufort
Beaufort is the mainland departure point for the Shackleford Banks crossing, 38 sailings running 08:30 to 18:00 on a trip of about 25 minutes. The town itself is one of the oldest in North Carolina, with a waterfront of eighteenth and nineteenth-century houses facing the channel, and the ferry docks sit along the boardwalk in the middle of it. This is the departure most visitors use to see the wild horses on Shackleford. In summer the boats fill and operators run on demand as well as to the published times, but the last return is fixed — the island has no facilities and no overnight access. Some operators also run to Cape Lookout from here, so it is worth confirming which island a ticket is for before boarding.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Where can I get a ferry to from Beaufort?
From Beaufort you can take a ferry to Shackleford Banks West End. Each route page shows the crossing time and timetable.
Which ferry companies operate from Beaufort?
Ferries from Beaufort are run by Cape Lookout National Seashore. Open an operator page for its fleet, routes and contact details.
How many ferry routes serve Beaufort?
Beaufort is served by 2 ferry routes connecting 1 port. Timetables can change seasonally, so confirm with the operator before travelling.
Where is Beaufort ferry port located?
Beaufort is in North Carolina, United States (around 34.715, -76.663). See the map on this page for its exact location.
How do I get to Beaufort ferry terminal?
Beaufort serves short local crossings — arriving 10–15 minutes before departure is usually enough for foot passengers. Confirm the exact boarding point with your operator.
What are the most popular ferries from Beaufort?
Popular crossings from Beaufort include Shackleford Banks West End. Browse the full list below for crossing times and live timetables.
Do ferries from Beaufort carry cars?
Vehicle capacity varies by route and vessel, and short local crossings are often passenger-only. Check the individual route page and confirm with the operator before travelling with a car.
When should I book a ferry from Beaufort?
For peak season and any sailing with a vehicle, book as early as possible. Off-peak foot-passenger fares are usually more flexible. Always confirm the latest timetable before travelling.
Reviewed by Serhat Özçelik, Founder & Editor of Ferry Schedule Hub · Last updated Aug 5, 2026.
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