United States
Harkers Island to Shackleford Banks East End Ferry
Schedule, crossing time & sailings for 2026
Departs
Harkers Island
North Carolina
Arrives
Shackleford Banks East End
North Carolina
Cape Lookout National SeashoreAt a glance
The Harkers Island to Shackleford Banks East End ferry takes about 25m, with 23 sailings a day between 08:15 and 17:45. It is operated by Cape Lookout National Seashore.
- First sailing
- 08:15
- Last sailing
- 17:45
- Sailings / day
- 23
- Crossing
- 25m
Harkers Island to Shackleford Banks East End ferry timetable
| Departs | Arrives | Duration | Operator | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08:15 | 08:40 | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 08:45 | 09:10 | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 09:15 | 09:40 | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 09:45 | 10:10 | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 10:00 | 10:25 | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 10:15 | 10:40 | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 10:45 | 11:10 | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 11:15 | 11:40 | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 11:30 | 11:55 | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 11:45 | 12:10 | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 12:15 | 12:40 | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 12:45 | 13:10 | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 13:00 | 13:25 | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 13:15 | 13:40 | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 13:45 | 14:10 | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 14:15 | 14:40 | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 14:45 | 15:10 | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 15:15 | 15:40 | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 15:45 | 16:10 | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 16:15 | 16:40 | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 16:45 | 17:10 | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 17:15 | 17:40 | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
| 17:45 | 18:10 | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
Times are indicative and may change seasonally. Confirm with the operator before travelling.
About the Harkers Island – Shackleford Banks East End crossing
Twenty-three departures from 08:15 to 17:45, every day, on a single calendar. No weekday version and no weekend one: the same twenty-three times whatever the date.
Twenty-five minutes out to the barrier island
3.2 nautical miles across Back Sound from Harkers Island to the eastern end of Shackleford Banks, part of Cape Lookout National Seashore in North Carolina.
The wild horses are the traffic
Shackleford Banks has no roads, no buildings and a herd of around a hundred feral horses descended from colonial stock. The ferry exists to put visitors on the beach and take them off again before dark.
15 April 2026 to 28 February 2027
A ten-and-a-half-month window. The service stops at quarter to six because the island has nowhere to stay and no lights — the last boat is not a convenience, it is the end of the visit.
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 does the crossing take?
About 25m.
When's the last ferry of the day?
The last sailing leaves at 17:45.
How often does the ferry run?
23 sailings a day on this route.
Do I need a passport for this ferry?
No, it's a domestic crossing within United States.
Is a return sailing available?
Yes — see the return route for its schedule.
Who runs this ferry crossing?
Cape Lookout National Seashore.
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 08:15, last 17:45), 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.
Same departure port
More ferries from Harkers Island
Everything else that sails from the same quay.
Sharing a stop
Crossings calling at Harkers Island or Shackleford Banks East End
Nearby links that share a quay with this one.
Timetable valid Apr 15, 2026 – Feb 28, 2027.
Reviewed by Serhat Özçelik, Founder & Editor of Ferry Schedule Hub · Last updated August 11, 2026.
Operated by
Ports on this route
Harkers Island on the map
Travelled the Harkers Island → Shackleford Banks East End ferry?
Rate this crossing to help fellow travellers.
Help us keep schedules accurate — we read every report.