News Release

Temporary Fix Restores Limited Service to Portion of Lighthouse Dock

Date: April 5, 2023
Contact: Nate Toering, 252-838-8909

HARKERS ISLAND, NC – The winter storm on December 24th, 2022 caused substantial damage to the ferry dock at the Cape Lookout Lighthouse. Following that damage, the dock was closed to the public. During that closure, the ferry was forced to drop passengers between 500-1000 yards away from the dock, depending on tides.

The National Park Service has completed repairs and augmentations to allow for limited use of a portion of the dock. While the largest portion of the dock remains closed due to damage, a small section of the dock has been repaired and cleared for use by the passenger ferry. Reopening this portion of the dock will eliminate the 500-1000 yard walk on the beach.

Passengers should be aware that while using the reduced docking area, ferry boarding and disembarking may take longer than normal. Passengers should also be aware that while the dock remains in limited service, it is not accessible by wheelchairs. Wheelchair accessibility will be returned when permanent fixes are completed, and the dock is restored to full service.

Island Express Ferry Service, the authorized concessioner for passenger ferry traffic to the Lighthouse Dock, will begin using this dock immediately. For additional information on scheduling ferry transportation, visitors may contact Island Express directly at [phone].