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Special Event
Event
Crystal Coast Star Party 2025: Starlight Cruise to Cape Lookout Lighthouse
This event has already occurred. This page is provided for reference only.
Fee:
Starlight cruises are reservation only. The ferry service is run by Island Express Ferry Service. For reservations call 252-728-7433.Location: LAT/LONG: 34.685654, -76.526238
Visitors will catch the Island Express Ferry from Harkers Island Visitor Center
Dates & Times
Date:
Friday, April 25, 2025
Time:
7:30 PM
Duration:
3 hours
Type of Event
Boat Cruise
Campfire/Evening Program
Partner Program
Talk
Ferry cruises are weather dependent. In the event of the inclement weather, there will be astronomy programs/presentations inside.
Description
During our annual star party, join a park ranger for a starry night beside the Cape Lookout Lighthouse. The park ranger will give a program about different constellations, stories about using the stars for navigation, and more. Enjoy the first International Dark Sky Park on the East Coast. Visitors will experience the night skies with the sound of the waves crashing along the shore.
Island Express Ferry Service will be taking visitors from Harkers Island Visitor Center to Cape Lookout Lighthouse by passenger ferry. Ferry passengers will disembark from the starlight cruise for a laser-pointed tour of the night sky by a park ranger.
Visitors should bring chairs, bug spray, jackets, and red-light flashlights. The program will be around the Cape Lookout Lighthouse, where chairs are not available. Restrooms are available at the Light Station Visitor Center and at Harkers Island Visitor Center.
This program is weather dependent. If rain or wind is predicted, the event will be canceled.
Reservation or Registration: Yes
To purchase tickets for the starlight ferry cruise, please call Island Express Ferry Service at 252-728-7433
Please register in advance so we have an accurate head count of people attending our coastal star party.
Image Gallery
NPS Photo/S.Godin