Travels by Tom: Bald Head Island

The Ferry

Bald Head Island is a developed Island off the SouthEast Coast of North Carolina. Automobiles are not allowed on the Island, all Island transportation is via electric Golf Cart. To get to Bald Head you have to take a passenger Ferry, checking your luggage in a similar manner as for air travel. Cars must be parked in several very large and well landscaped parking lots across the road from the Ferry Terminal. It's a relaxing way to start your adventure to Bald Head, much like starting out in Disneyworld.

Waiting for the Bald Head Island Ferry

Libbie Studies an Island map while waiting for the Ferry

The Ferry transit time is 20 minutes, leaving the mainland on the hour and leaving the Island on the half hour.

We took the 3 PM Ferry which arrived at 2:50 to unload passengers and containers of checked luggage.
Once all had disembarked, we were allowed to go on board. Libbie and I chose an outdoor seat in the back on the upper deck. Since it was late Sunday afternoon there were significantly more people returning from the island than going there. At exactly 3:00 the steam whistle blasted a loud sound and we cast off. It's a beautiful sunny afternoon and as soon as the Ferry leaves the no wake zone we pick up speed and glide across the water on the two pontoons below the main deck.

As the Ferry approaches the Harbor on Bald Head Island, an army of trams with blue tarps for luggage can be seen. These trams transport clients to their Island destination. We had a tram waiting for us to take us to the Marsh Harbor Inn.

Bald Head Island Ferry entering the Harbor on Bald Head Island

Welcome to Bald Head Island

Marsh Harbor Inn

Once on the island we were met by the Tram which efficiently took us to our lodging, the Marsh Harbor Inn, a short distance around the Harbor.

Marsh Harbor Inn as seen from the Ferry

Marsh Harbor Inn from the Street

Our Electric Golf Cart was waiting for us parked in front of the Marsh Harbor Inn. After checking in, we promptly took our little cart out for a drive around the island.

The Island

This attractive "golf cart sized" wood bridge crosses the salt marsh near the light house. It serves to connect the harbor area with the rest of the island.