How to get to Cape Lookout & Shackleford Banks
If you’re venturing towards Morehead City, Atlantic Beach, Emerald Isle or Harkers Island this summer, consider a trip out to Cape Lookout National Seashore, a truly incredible place in the world that I think you’ll love. In the Southern Outer Banks, a string of barrier islands curves from the Atlantic Ocean back into the coast of NC. Between the towns of Ocracoke and Atlantic Beach lies Cape Lookout National Seashore – a sandy, salty paradise of unspoiled North Carolina beauty.
Unlike some of the other National Seashores I’ve visited (including Hatteras in the Outer Banks), Cape Lookout is unique because it is accessible only by boat. No houses, no roads, no facilities.
Today I’m sharing tips & tricks I’ve learned from my crossings to Lookout. This is one of my favorite places in the world, in part because it’s a bit of an adventure and comes with a few challenges – it’s a barrier island after all. Let’s talk about how to make your visit to Cape Lookout National Seashore one of your best memories of North Carolina.
Reserve your place on the ferry
Ferry services connect visitors to the South Core Banks from 4 areas – Beaufort & Harkers Island for passengers only, Davis & Atlantic (NOT Atlantic Beach) for vehicles.
Passenger Ferry
Island Express operates the passenger ferries. Book your passage in advance online, which ensures a spot on the ferry for you.
From either location you can access Cape Lookout or Shackleford Banks, although the drop off points on Shackleford are on different sides of the island. You can also book a combination ticket that allows you to visit both in one day.
Both islands are worthy of a visit, but it’s also nice to just set up for the day and enjoy one spot, which is always my family’s preference. You can’t go wrong with either option, but if you’re looking to just enjoy beach fun, I think Shackleford gets the slight edge. If you love lighthouses, Lookout is a must.
Make sure to arrive a few minutes early to check in. Parking in Harkers Island is available at the Visitors Center. In Beaufort, you can park on Front Street near Grayden Paul Park, which is super close to the check in desk.
Vehicle Ferry
If you’re debating the vehicle ferry, know that a four-wheel drive vehicle is absolutely essential. There are sand “roads” on the island that allow you to take in the entirety of the seashore (except for Shackleford Banks which is completely vehicle free). This is most popular with folks who want to fish. Click here to book the ferry from Davis to South Core Banks & here for Atlantic to North Core Banks.
If you do drive over, make sure to head to Bare Sand Beach or, if you’re into the idea, plan to camp for the night in the National Seashore.
Pack shade & sunscreen
It’s important that you know there is little shade on these islands. You can walk into the island interior to find forested areas, but in the summer these interior spaces are so hot. It’s almost a desert-like environment and you’ll want to be close to the shore, where you’ll get that life-giving breeze off of the water. Unless you can take hours of direct sunlight, you should take shade. We love this Shibumi Shade so much, because it is easy to set up and packs down to the smallest, lightest weight shoulder bag. It’s a life saver on these kind of outings.
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Likewise, take plenty of sunscreen and appropriate clothing. I have seen people get off the ferry in jeans, with no hat, half a bottle of water, no sunscreen, etc. They never last very long and we often see them back in line for the return ferry within an hour. Remember, this can be a harsh environment, especially in the summer. Think of this like a beach day, but without the easy escape to your house or car. You will want to be in the water and exploring the coast. You know what works for you, so take what you need.
CC Favorite: Need sunscreen recommendations? For kids, try the Blue Lizard 50 lotion & the face stick. We also love the Alba Botanica spray & anything Supergoop! For adults, SunBum is a favorite and smells delightful.
Take LOTS of water & beach supplies
Honestly, take more than you think you need. It’s not a nice feeling to be out on a summer’s day without enough water and it’s not always simple to refill your bottle. The only refill station is located at the Light Station Visitor Center, so plan to bring all that you need.
Also, there aren’t many places to sit, so bring a beach chair for those who require a place to relax. Coolers, beach chairs, wagons, etc. are all allowed on the boat, just remember that you cannot pack glass.
Quick-tip: Looking for recommendations for summer beach gear for the family? Our Best Family Beach Gear post has recommendations for everything you need.
Visit the Cape Lookout Light Station Visitor Center
Make sure you go and learn about the history of the lighthouse and the famous “graveyard of the Atlantic.” It’s a spellbinding history and the lighthouse keepers are super knowledgeable and excited to greet visitors. Unfortunately, the lighthouse is currently closed for climbing but the visitors center is open.
Leave living creatures as they are
As you’ll probably hear on the ferry (if they’ve got their speaker system turned up loud enough to be heard over the wind), you are allowed to search for shells of DEAD sea creatures. If there is a living creature in the shell, you must leave it in the ocean.
There are also beautiful wild horses roaming the islands. Visitors are required to stay at least 50 feet away. There is really no reason to try to get close to them – let them stay wild! As with all national parks, this is a great way to teach kids about respecting the environments of these incredible creatures.
If you come across bones of any kind (think whales), you are not allowed to bring them back with you. You are allowed to bring back reasonably sized pieces of driftwood.
Early birds get the good shells
Shackleford Banks is unmatched for finding whole conch shells, sand dollars and other beauties if you’re into shelling. From the Beaufort ferry drop-off point at the north-western tip of the island, head to the right, wading about knee-to-hip-deep, dragging your feet through the sand and waiting for it to bump into something hard. It may not sound that fun straight away, but it’s strangely addicting. It’s also a popular activity, so if you’re into being up early, you can catch one of the first boats over and have the best shelling area mainly to yourself.
Look for the safe swimming spots
On both Cape Lookout and Shackleford Banks you’ll find some sweeping views of the Atlantic in full force. Be really careful about where you (and especially your kids) swim. There are VERY strong currents going around these islands, so we always stick to the rule of enjoying the view and splashing around in the breakers on the southern side of Shackleford and the eastern side of Lookout. Instead, we will set up our stuff on the sound-facing sides of each island. Here you’ll find super shallow beaches with calm waters, which is a dream with kids and super relaxing for adults.
I really can’t tell you how much we love to come here and just let the kids swim.
On the Beaufort to Shackleford ferry, turn to the left when you get off the ferry to find the calm waters of the sound, facing Beaufort and the Rachel Carson Nature Preserve.
On Lookout, passengers are dropped off on the sound side and can swim with the lighthouse looking down on you. If you walk across to the other side of the island, you’ll have those uninterrupted views of the ocean, just be careful!
If you’re confused at all, just check in with your ferry captains, who will happily direct you the right way as you’re getting off the boat.
Overestimate your homeward trip
When you are traveling with Island Express, you’ll have to give a time for your homeward journey. OVERESTIMATE! You’re guaranteed a spot on this ferry, but are welcome to board an earlier one if there is space. I’ve never been denied a spot on the boat when wanting to leave early, so would suggest choosing the latest time you want to be out on the island so you can enjoy it. If set up properly, you may not want to leave. Just keep in mind that if the reserved time is missed, a spot on remaining boats is not technically guaranteed. I doubt you wouldn’t be able to get on, but better safe than sorry!
Cape Lookout National Seashore is one of those places that will get in your blood & will have you wanting to go back again & again. I hope you’ll give it a try this summer & let me know what you think.
Be sure to check our other posts about the North Carolina coast!
Things to do near Atlantic Beach, NC
