United States
Beaufort to Shackleford Banks West End Ferry
Schedule, crossing time & sailings for 2026
Departs
Beaufort
North Carolina
Arrives
Shackleford Banks West End
North Carolina
Cape Lookout National SeashoreAt a glance
The Beaufort to Shackleford Banks West End ferry takes about 25m, with 19 sailings a day between 08:30 and 17:30. It is operated by Cape Lookout National Seashore.
- First sailing
- 08:30
- Last sailing
- 17:30
- Sailings / day
- 19
- Crossing
- 25m
Beaufort to Shackleford Banks West End ferry timetable
| Departs | Arrives | Duration | Operator | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08:30 | 08:55 | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 09:00 | 09:25 | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 09:30 | 09:55 | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 10:00 | 10:25 | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 10:30 | 10:55 | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 11:00 | 11:25 | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 11:30 | 11:55 | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 12:00 | 12:25 | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 12:30 | 12:55 | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 13:00 | 13:25 | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 13:30 | 13:55 | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 14:00 | 14:25 | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 14:30 | 14:55 | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 15:00 | 15:25 | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 15:30 | 15:55 | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 16:00 | 16:25 | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 16:30 | 16:55 | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 17:00 | 17:25 | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 17:30 | 17:55 | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
Times are indicative and may change seasonally. Confirm with the operator before travelling.
About the Beaufort – Shackleford Banks West End crossing
Nineteen departures a day, 133 sailings a week, and every one of them 25 minutes over 1.7 nautical miles — this is the most frequent crossing in the batch and it runs on a single calendar.
Boats leave Beaufort between 08:30 and 17:30. There is no early service and nothing after half past five, because the destination has no accommodation, no shop and no power.
Shackleford Banks is a barrier island in Cape Lookout National Seashore, and what draws the traffic is the herd of feral horses that has lived on it for centuries — descendants, by local tradition, of animals from Spanish shipwrecks. The National Park Service manages the island as wilderness, which is why nineteen boats a day deliver visitors and take every one of them off again before dark.
Vehicles, pets & onboard
- Island Express Ferry Service — authorised passenger concessioner
- Vehicle ferries to Great Island and Long Point cabin camps
Vehicle space is available on this route — book early, especially in peak season. Onboard facilities and vehicle, pet and luggage policies vary by operator and vessel; confirm details with the operator before booking.
Getting to & from the ports
Frequently asked questions
How long is the ferry ride?
Around 25m, depending on sea conditions.
Can I book the return crossing too?
Yes, check the return route for its own times and fares.
Does this ferry cross an international border?
No, it's entirely within United States.
Who runs this ferry crossing?
Cape Lookout National Seashore.
What time is the last sailing?
Sailings run from 08:30 to 17:30.
How often does the ferry run?
19 sailings a day on this route.
How much does a ticket cost?
Ticket prices vary by operator, season and whether you bring a vehicle. Check the operator (Cape Lookout National Seashore) for current fares.
Can I do this as a day trip?
A day trip is often possible: with a crossing of about 25m and several sailings a day (first 08:30, last 17:30), you can return the same day. Always check the return timetable before you go.
Does the ferry run all year?
Sailings run daily, and frequency can change between the summer and winter seasons. The timetable above shows the latest published departures — confirm with the operator for off-season dates.
Can I take a car on this ferry?
Yes — Cape Lookout National Seashore carries vehicles on this route. Book your car space in advance, especially in peak season, and check the specific sailing for size limits.
Can I take a pet on this ferry?
Most ferry operators allow pets on this route, usually in a carrier, on deck or in designated pet areas or cabins, and registered assistance dogs travel free. Rules and any fees vary by operator and vessel — check with Cape Lookout National Seashore, so declare your pet when booking.
What's the luggage allowance?
Foot passengers can normally bring their own luggage aboard at no extra charge, with racks or a luggage area near the entrance, and there is usually no airline-style weight limit. Oversized or excess items may carry a fee, so check with the operator if you are travelling with bulky baggage.
Timetable valid Apr 15, 2026 – Feb 28, 2027.
Reviewed by Serhat Özçelik, Founder & Editor of Ferry Schedule Hub · Last updated August 12, 2026.
Operated by
Ports on this route
Beaufort on the map
Travelled the Beaufort → Shackleford Banks West End ferry?
Rate this crossing to help fellow travellers.
Help us keep schedules accurate — we read every report.