United States
Shackleford Banks West End to Beaufort Ferry
Schedule, crossing time & sailings for 2026
Departs
Shackleford Banks West End
North Carolina
Arrives
Beaufort
North Carolina
Cape Lookout National SeashoreAt a glance
The Shackleford Banks West End to Beaufort ferry takes about 25m, with 19 sailings a day between 09:00 and 18:00. It is operated by Cape Lookout National Seashore.
- First sailing
- 09:00
- Last sailing
- 18:00
- Sailings / day
- 19
- Crossing
- 25m
Shackleford Banks West End to Beaufort ferry timetable
| Departs | Arrives | Duration | Operator | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 18:00 | 18:25 | 25m | Cape Lookout National Seashore | Daily |
Times are indicative and may change seasonally. Confirm with the operator before travelling.
About the Shackleford Banks West End – Beaufort crossing
The return leg runs half an hour later at each end: first boat 09:00 against 08:30 outbound, last 18:00 against 17:30. Same 133 sailings a week, same 25 minutes, same single calendar.
That half-hour offset is the whole timetable in miniature — the vessel crosses, unloads, loads and comes back, and the schedule is simply the outbound sheet shifted by the length of a turnaround.
Beaufort is one of the oldest towns in North Carolina, founded in 1709, with a waterfront of eighteenth-century houses facing Taylor's Creek. Blackbeard's Queen Anne's Revenge ran aground nearby in 1718 and was found on the seabed in 1996. The boats leaving the barrier island in the afternoon are bringing people back to all of that.
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
What time is the last sailing?
Sailings run from 09:00 to 18:00.
Do I need a passport for this ferry?
No, it's a domestic crossing within United States.
Which operator provides this service?
Cape Lookout National Seashore operates this route.
How many times a day does it sail?
19 sailings a day.
How long does the crossing take?
About 25m.
How do I get back from Beaufort?
Check the Beaufort to Shackleford Banks West End ferry for return times.
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 09:00, last 18:00), 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
Shackleford Banks West End on the map
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