Boating Guide

Boats anchored off of Cape Lookout.

NPS Photo

The islands of Cape Lookout National Seashore are reachable only by boat. While many visitors take a ferry, most paddlers and sailors prefer to take their own boats across to the islands. Learn how to safely operate a boat within Cape Lookout National Seashore. More information about where boats can operate within Cape Lookout National Seashore can be found in the Superintendent's Compendium. Cod's Creek dock and Portsmouth Village dock are open for public use for the duration of you visit.

Navigating the shallow waters of the sounds is a challenge. The average depth in the channel is about 5 feet, with the surrounding water averaging under 3 feet and filled with shoals. Tidal changes can make an area impassable at low tide. Knowing how to "read the water" as well as a chart is essential to safe boating. At Cape Lookout, it is not a matter of "if" you'll go aground but more "when" and how hard.

NOAA Chart 11545 (Cape Lookout, Shackleford Banks, Barden and Beaufort Inlets) and NOAA Chart 11550 (Ocracoke Inlet, Portsmouth, Core Banks) are key to knowing the waters. Learning the area can bring years of enjoyable and safe boating.

Kayaking & Canoeing	Personal Watercraft	Tide charts (NOAA)
Windsurfing	Houseboats	Weather

 

Prohibited Areas Near Cape Lookout Lighthouse and Shackleford Banks

Private motor boats may moor for a maximum of 15 minutes at seashore public docks while actively loading and unloading, except for specific closures posted at docks, or as otherwise noted below:

Former U. S. Coast Guard Dock

The former U. S. Coast Guard Dock at Cape Lookout is closed to all public mooring and vehicle use, except as otherwise authorized. The dock is closed to all public entry. 

Harkers Island Boat Basin

The use of non-motorized vessels (canoes, kayaks, etc.) within the Harkers Island Boat Basin is prohibited. The launching/landing area for these craft is behind the rock sill at the Harkers Island Picnic Area parking lot. Harkers Island Boat Basin is an congested, active harbour used by ferry and Cape Lookout National Seashore. 

Area Near Lighthouse Dock

The waters within the areas marked off by the lines of buoys to the north and south adjacent to the lighthouse dock and the dock are closed to mooring/anchoring; vessels may use the dock only while actively loading and unloading passengers and gear. Kayaks, canoes, and similar watercraft should beach their crafts outside of the buoys.

Area Near West End of Shackleford Dock

The waters within the areas marked off by the lines of buoys to the east and west adjacent to the Shackleford dock and the dock itself are closed to mooring/anchoring; motorized vessels may use the dock only while actively loading and unloading passengers and gear. Kayaks, canoes, and similar watercraft should beach their crafts outside of the buoys.

East and West Ends of Shackleford Banks

The waters within the areas marked off by the Island Express Ferry signs posted on the west and east ends of Shackleford Banks. 

 

Boating Near Great Island Cabin Camp

Operators of private motor boats may use for a maximum of 15 minutes the Great Island boat basin, and the small dock at the basin, while actively loading and unloading, provided that:

Private Boat Operators

• Within the boat basin, private boat operators immediately give way to any arriving/departing permitted ferry.
• Private boat operators immediately yield the main dock at Great Island Cabin Area to any ferry operating under a permit issued by the National Park Service.

 

Boating Near Long Point Boat Basin

Private boaters may use the dock in the boat basin for a maximum of 15 minutes, while actively loading and unloading. A limited number of boats may be beached on the shore near the ferry loading ramp (mostly behind the breakwater), provided that:

Private Boat Operators

• Boats beached on the shore do not interfere with permitted ferry operations and that private boat operators immediately move boats on request of permitted ferry operators.
• Boats may dock or tie up on the north end of the commercial ferry ramp, provided that the vessels do not interfere with ferry operations or rest past the pilings marked with red reflective tape. This is on a first-come, first-served basis. Usually no more than 2 boats at a time. 

 

Launch Areas for All Boat Types

Free boating access ramps are provided on the mainland by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. The closest ramps to the islands of Cape Lookout National Seashore in Carteret County are listed below. A checkmark (√) symbol indicates those ramps considered fully accessible due to designated disabled user parking, paved walkways to the launch ramps, and barrier free docks.

Morehead City

Intracoastal Waterway: Travel east along US 70 2.7 miles form the intersection of US 70 and NC 24, turn right beside Visitor's Center. Area located behind Visitor Center.

Beaufort

Taylor's Creek: From the Beaufort US 70 drawbridge, travel east along US 70 for 1 mile and turn right on Lennoxville Road. Proceed 1.6 miles and the access area is located on the right along the waterfront in Graydon Paul Park.

Strait's Landing

North River: Travelling east on US 70 from Beaufort, approximately 0.75 miles east of Otway at the intersection of US 70 and SR 1332 (Harkers Island Road), turn right onto SR 1332. Travel approximately 3.8 miles to the area. Area will be located on the right just before crossing the causeway onto Harkers Island.

Oyster Creek

Oyster Creek: Beginning from the junction of US 70 and NC 101 east of Beaufort, travel east on US 70 for 18.5 miles. The area will be located on the right.

Salters Creek

Salters Creek: From Beaufort travel east on US 70 toward Cedar Island, area located at the northeast end of the high-rise bridge that crosses Nelson's Bay at the community of Sea Level.

Cedar Island

Pamlico Sound: Travel on US 70 east from Beaufort then NC 12 to Cedar Island. Entrance to area is located on Driftwood Road 0.1 mile before state ferry entrance.