Bald Head Island Area Information

Your Guide to Bald Head Island

I'm Greg Roels, co-owner of iTrip VC Beaches with my wife Elisa, and when it comes to Bald Head Island, we don't just manage properties here, we live here.

Elisa and I have been coming to Bald Head Island for over 35 years. We came the first time by our own boat, staying in the harbor, and over the years we've stayed in rentals across every part of the island before eventually owning here ourselves. We've raised our four kids on the island and now bring our six grandkids, so we've experienced Bald Head Island from just about every angle: family trips, fishing, quiet off-season stays, and the busiest weeks of summer.

Our daughter, Bianca, who manages our day-to-day field operations on the island, grew up coming here and now works here most days. When it came time for her wedding, there was never any question about where it would be. She and Elisa planned the entire event together at Marina Park in Harbour Village, and it’s still one of the most beautiful days we’ve had on this island. We own a home here, keep a slip in the harbor, and operate our business here as well. We also keep a place on the mainland near Snow’s Cut, which gives us flexibility to move back and forth by boat or car, depending on the day.

Even with all the changes over the years, what makes Bald Head Island special hasn’t changed. It’s still quiet, still unique, and still one of the most different coastal experiences you’ll find on the East Coast.

There are no personal vehicles on Bald Head Island. You arrive by passenger ferry from Southport, and once you’re here, you get around by electric golf cart, bike, or on foot. The pace slows down immediately. You’re not dealing with traffic, crowded parking lots, or long walks from public access points. You pull up to a beach access, park your cart, and walk out onto wide, uncrowded beaches. You’ll occasionally see commercial trucks and work vehicles for island operations, but the roads and paths belong to carts, bikes, and pedestrians.

How to Get to Bald Head Island

Most visitors arrive by passenger ferry from Deep Point Marina in Southport. Round-trip tickets are $23 for adults and $12 for children ages 3–12, with children 2 and under riding free. In peak season, booking ferry tickets well in advance is strongly recommended. Seats are limited, and ferries fill quickly.

Book Ferry Tickets

If you’re flying in, Wilmington International Airport (ILM) is about 30–40 minutes from Deep Point. Once you arrive at the marina, you’ll park, check in, and board the ferry. The tram service handles luggage transport between the ferry landing and your rental. Make tram reservations when you book your ferry, especially in summer. Tram reservations do not guarantee a ferry seat, so plan to arrive at least 40 minutes before your scheduled departure.

Tram Reservations

The ferry also makes it easy to take a day trip to Southport, a small waterfront town with shops, restaurants, and a relaxed pace worth exploring. Island Times Cafe at Deep Point is a good stop before or after your crossing.

For guests arriving by private boat, Harbour Village offers slip rentals and marina services. Coming in by water adds flexibility — more supplies, mainland access on your own schedule, and for owners, simpler logistics managing a property here.

Harbour Village Marina

Getting Around — Golf Carts, Bikes, and Walking

Once you’re on the island, everything revolves around electric golf carts. You can get from one end of the island to the other in about 10 minutes from almost anywhere — no traffic, no hunting for parking, no stress.

There are no personal vehicles and no traffic lights on Bald Head Island. Stop signs keep things orderly, and the pace is entirely different from the mainland. There are also no street lights, which is intentional and important. See the Dark Skies section below. Work and service vehicles occasionally appear, but they’re part of the island’s operational infrastructure. The roads belong to golf carts, bikes, and pedestrians.

All rental homes include golf carts, and the number and size vary by property. Bikes are popular along the shaded maritime forest roads and through Cape Fear Station. Bald Head Island is also one of the most dog-friendly destinations on the NC coast. Dogs are welcome on beaches and trails, and the low-traffic environment makes it an easy place to bring a pet.

The Maritime Forest — What Makes Bald Head Island Unique

The maritime forest is one of the first things that strikes visitors when they arrive, and it’s still what sets Bald Head Island apart from every other beach destination on the coast. Strict building and land-clearing rules have preserved it, which is why the island still feels so natural compared to most developed beach areas.

Live oaks, palmettos, and native vegetation cover much of the interior. If you’re staying in the forest, you’re surrounded by shade and quiet, and in many homes, you can hear the ocean at night while being just a short golf cart ride from a beach access. It’s a level of privacy and stillness you don’t find in typical beachfront communities.

The forest connects to trails managed by the Bald Head Island Conservancy, which offers educational programs and guided tours for guests interested in the island’s natural history and sea turtle nesting season.

Bald Head Island Conservancy

Dark Skies, Sea Turtles, and the Night Beach

One of the most unique things about Bald Head Island is something you’ll notice as soon as the sun goes down: The sky is genuinely dark here. There are no street lights on the island, and from May 1 through November 15, a strict lighting ordinance protects nesting loggerhead sea turtles. This makes Bald Head Island one of the best dark-sky destinations on the East Coast.

During turtle season, ocean-facing homes must turn off exterior lights and close blinds from dusk to dawn. White lights, including flashlights and phone screens, can disorient nesting mothers and hatchlings. Red light only on the beach at night. The BHI Conservancy’s Turtle Central shop sells approved red flashlights and headlamps.

A few things to know during turtle season: remove beach chairs, toys, and tents by 9pm; fill in all sand holes before leaving; if you see nesting activity or hatchlings, turn off all lights and call the BHI Conservancy at 910-457-0089.

The tradeoff is extraordinary. Without light pollution, the night sky over Bald Head Island is something many East Coast visitors have never seen. Stargazing from the beach or porch is one of the more unexpectedly memorable parts of a stay here.

BHI Conservancy Sea Turtle Program

Village of BHI Sea Turtle Page

BHI Association Turtle Season Guidelines

Sea Turtle Guide

Where to Stay on Bald Head Island

Access to beaches, clubs, and activities is consistent across the island. Choosing where to stay comes down mostly to setting and feel.

Harbour Village

Marina views, close to the ferry landing, shops, and restaurants; the most social and walkable part of the island with a small seaside village feel.

South Beach

Wide beaches, open ocean views, and a more traditional beachfront experience.

East Beach / Cape Fear Station

A guest and local favorite for its clearer water and exceptional shelling at low tide along Cape Fear Shoals. Conditions near the shoals can shift quickly. Elisa and I visit East Beach regularly. We live on the golf course and love it for the views and easy access to the harbor and island services.

Maritime Forest

Quiet, shaded, and private. Many homes here are just a 5-minute cart ride to a beach access, and you can often hear the ocean at night.

Golf Course / BHI Club Area

Central location with easy access to BHI Club amenities including golf, dining, and family programming. Where we call home on the island.

One of the most important decisions when choosing a rental is club access. Some properties include temporary memberships to the Shoals Club, the BHI Club, or both, and that can significantly shape how you experience the island.

Browse all Bald Head Island vacation rentals

Beaches and Beach Access

Beach access on Bald Head Island is genuinely simple compared to mainland beaches. No crowded parking lots, no long walks; you pull your cart up, park, and walk out. The Village of BHI maintains beach access points across the island.

East Beach is a favorite for clearer water and shelling opportunities along Cape Fear Shoals at low tide. Conditions near the shoals can change quickly, so pay attention to water movement. South Beach offers long, open stretches of sand and a more traditional beach experience, popular with families who want space and easy ocean access.

Beach Access Points

Clubs: Shoals Club and BHI Club

Club access plays a major role in how guests experience the island and is worth understanding before you book. Both clubs require membership or a guest pass; some rentals include temporary access to one or both.

The Shoals Club — Oceanfront Dining and Beach Access

Members and Guest Pass Holders only • shoalsclub.com

Perched along the Atlantic with sweeping ocean views of Cape Fear, the Shoals Club is our personal favorite setup on the island. The beach access is right there, chairs and umbrellas are set up for you, and between the pool and dining options, you can make a full, effortless beach day out of it.

The club offers three dining venues: Aqua for flagship oceanfront dining, Latitudes for cocktails and lighter fare, and Sandbar Grille for grab-and-go between beach and pool. Beyond dining, the Shoals Club offers direct beach access, pools, recreation programming, and family events throughout the season.

Shoals Club

BHI Club — Dining, Golf, Fitness, and Family Programming

Members and Guest Pass Holders only • bhiclub.net

The BHI Club is the larger of the two clubs and offers the broadest range of amenities on the island.

Dining includes The Grille (fine dining, Wed–Sat, dress code), The Palms (gastropub, al fresco terrace), Horizons (casual poolside), and The Bean Bar (coffee and pastries inside Horizons). The Aquatics Complex includes multiple pools, a splash pad, water slides, and a Cabana Bar. The Fitness Center includes Peloton bikes, group fitness, and personal training.

Island Retreat Spa & Salon offers massage, body treatments, facials, hair, nails, yoga, Pilates, barre, infrared sauna, spa packages, and event services. The BHI Club also offers an 18-hole George Cobb golf course rated Top 100 You Can Play in America, tennis, pickleball, croquet, summer camps, movie nights, holiday events, and family programming year-round.

BHI Club Activities

Island Retreat Spa & Salon

Dining, Drinks, Shopping, and Island Provisions

Dining on Bald Head Island is not like a typical mainland beach town. There is no commercial strip, no fast food, and hours vary significantly by season. Planning ahead always helps, especially in winter and shoulder seasons, but the island has more variety than many first-time visitors expect.

Cozumel — The newest addition in Stoked Village, serving upscale Mexican cuisine with a full bar. It has quickly become a regular stop because the food is good, the price point is more accessible than many island options, and the hours tend to be better than most.

Cape Fear Distillery — One of the most unique stops on the island. Cape Fear Distillery offers tours, tastings, and hand-crafted spirits directly on site. Cape Fear Winery operates next door.

Cape Fear Distillery

Copper's Wood-Fired Kitchen — Inside the Maritime Market, serving Neapolitan-style pizza from a 900-degree oven. A reliable casual dinner option.

Copper's Wood-Fired Kitchen

Jules' Salty Grub & Island Pub — Waterfront dining in Harbour Village and one of the livelier independent spots on the island.

Jules' Salty Grub

Boat House BHI — Diner-style breakfast, brunch, and lunch near the ferry landing. One of the more reliable stops for an easy meal early in the day. Sandpiper Coffee & Ice Cream is right next door.

Boat House BHI

Midway Coffee — Centrally located and a good morning or mid-day stop when moving around the island by cart.

Midway Coffee

Jailhouse Provisions / Mike's Bites — Casual grab-and-go near the Conservancy, with sandwiches, snacks, frozen treats, and the best hot dogs in the Cape Fear region.

Jailhouse Provisions

Bald Head Bottle Wine Shop and Bar — Wine, craft beer, and small plates in The Esplanade along Maritime Way. A good low-key evening option.

Will O' the Wisp — Waterfront wine and beer bar near the Sail Shop at 98 Keelson Row. Casual, relaxed, and a nice place to unwind near the water.

Will O' the Wisp

Maritime Market & Cafe — The island’s main grocery and provisioning stop, with breakfast, lunch, pizza, groceries, and supplies. For longer stays, planning around what you bring over and what you pick up at the Market is part of the island rhythm.

Maritime Market

Shopping on Bald Head Island is smaller and more relaxed than mainland beach towns, but there are still several good local stops spread throughout Harbour Village, Maritime Way, and the clubs.

Island Passage — Apparel, gifts, beachwear, and island merchandise in Harbour Village.

Riverside Adventure Company — Outdoor gear, bike rentals, kayaks, paddleboards, and apparel.

Riverside Adventure Company

Bald Head Blues — Coastal apparel and lifestyle shop known throughout the island.

Bald Head Blues

Room Service Decor — Furniture, home decor, gifts, and interior pieces.

Coastal Urge — Surf, apparel, outdoor, and coastal lifestyle gear.

Coastal Urge

Near Deep Point Marina, Southport

Island Times Cafe (910) 269-2337, islandtimescafe.net - Grab-and-go breakfast, lunch, and snacks before you hop on the ferry.

Middle Island

Jailhouse Provisions (910) 477-9368, jailhouseprovisions.com - Wonderful new addition to Bald Head's restaurant options!
Midway Coffee (910) 477-9368, midwaycoffeebhi.com - Coffee, acai bowls, smoothies, specialty breakfast toast, ice cream, and more!
Maritime Market Café (910) 457-7450, maritimemarketbhi.com - Get your groceries, yummy lunch, or a sweet treat.
Copper's Wood-Fired Kitchen (910) 457-7450, maritimemarketbhi.com - Delicious pizza, part of the Maritime Market.
Noonie Doodle Sweets and Treats (910) 769-2611, https://www.facebook.com/nooniedoodlecandy/ - Local candy shop with chocolates, candies, kids crafts, and more.

Near the BHI Marina

Jules Salty Grub & Island Pub (910) 457-7217, julessaltygrubbhi.com - Waterfront spot in the heart of the island serves southern and seafood with a coastal flair.
Sandpiper Coffee and Ice Cream (910) 457-1222, sandpipercoffee.com - Enjoy a hot brew or some cold custard.
Will O' the Wisp (910) 363-1887, thewispbhi.com - Island Style Pizza, Cocktails, Cold Drinks, and Frozen Treats.
Boat House BHI (910) 457-1222, boathousebhi.com - Family-owned restaurant serving authentic southern cuisine favorites.

Club Dining on the Island

Bald Head Island Club: bhiclub.net/dining

You will need to purchase the temporary membership to the BHI club to have access to these restaurants. We have sent all the information for purchasing the club via email, but if you need help, let us know.

Horizons (910) 477-5011 - Poolside, outdoor/indoor coastal cuisine with a twist; lunch, dinner, and take out available.
Palms Room (910) 363-0939 - Casual dinner atmosphere with beautifully crafted cocktails.
Grille Room (910) 363-0939 - Fine dining with exquisite dinner and dessert.
The Terrace - Al fresco dining for lunch and dinner featuring great views.
The Bean Bar - Located inside the Horizons - Freshly brewed coffee and tasty breakfast treats or dishes.

Shoals Club: shoalsclub.com/web/pages/dining

You will need to purchase a temporary membership to the Shoals Club to have access to these restaurants. Depending on the property you are staying at, you may or may not have access to purchase a Shoals Club membership. If you are unsure if you have access to purchase Shoals Club, please contact us.

Aqua (910) 454-4888 - Fine dining with simple, yet sophisticated preparations of fresh, regionally sources, seasonal ingredients.
Latitudes (910) 454-4888 - Amazingly crafted drinks, from coffee to cocktails.
Sandbar Grille (910) 454-4888 - Poolside causal dining with a Caribbean, Asian, and local flare.

Near the BHI Conservancy

Mike's Bites (910) 275-8185 - Everything from Italian ice, sandwiches, and hot dogs for your appetite.

Catering & Private Chefs

Coastal Catering and Events - Joe Caldropoli, Owner & Executive Chef. Joe is an extremely talented chef who truly understands food. His goal is to create beautiful, delicious dishes which he can take from our kitchen to yours without disturbing the integrity of the cuisine.
The Maritime Market also has family meals with everything from lasagnas, barbecue trays, shrimp & grits (an Island favorite!), lobster mac 'n cheese and much more. They also do catering on occasion, contact them for more details: (910) 457-7450, maritimemarketbhi.com.
Gabe's Gourmet Personal Chef Services - gabesgourmetpersonalchefservicesllc.com

Fishing and Water Activities

Fishing and boating are a major part of life on Bald Head Island. The back marshes, creeks, and nearby offshore waters offer excellent opportunities for redfish, flounder, speckled trout, grouper, snapper, black sea bass, and more depending on the season. Charter fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and exploring the creeks around the island are all popular with guests looking to spend time on the water.

Boat Services & Charters

Other Things to Do on Bald Head Island

Beyond the beaches, clubs, fishing, and dining, there are still plenty of ways to spend time around the island, especially if you enjoy nature, history, boating, and slower-paced coastal activities.

Old Baldy Lighthouse — The oldest standing lighthouse in North Carolina and one of the island’s signature landmarks.

Old Baldy Foundation

BHI Conservancy Programs — Nature walks, turtle education, kids programs, guided tours, and seasonal events centered around the island’s wildlife and ecology.

Exploring Harbour Village — Walking the marina, watching boats come and go, grabbing drinks along the waterfront, and spending time around the harbor.

Day Trip to Southport — Easy by ferry and a good change of pace for restaurants, shops, and waterfront walking.

Visitors Information & Activities

Village of BHI Podcast

Events Calendar

Cruise on or off the island with Coastal Urge to rent out bikes, carts, paddleboards, and kiteboards. Visit rentals.costalurge.com for more info. Coastal Urge has a "Luxury Tent Package," which includes delivery and set up of a custom 10x10 beach tent, 4 adjustable chairs, a Bluetooth-enabled Smart Cooler, ice, 6 bottles of water, a corn hole set, and a trash bag for easy clean-up. All items are delivered to the beach access of your choice by 10:30am each morning and taken down after 5pm. Reservations for the coming season are now available - Contact Coastal Urge for more information! 1-800-383-4443.
Rent out beach equipment, including bikes, umbrellas, chairs, beach games like bocce, croquet and bean bag toss through Riverside Adventure Company. Visit riversideadventure.com for more info or call (910) 457-4944.
Beach & Baby Equipment Rental also offers beach rentals including bocce ball sets, beach carts, chairs, and tents, in addition to baby supplies. Visit their website at baldheadbabies.com for more info or call (910) 833-0446.
For another option, Baby Quip also offers baby equipment. They will meet you at the ferry with the equipment you need. babyquip.com
Visit the Bald Head Island Conservancy or the Sail Shop for a great adventure with turtle sightings, hikes, spooky ghost walks, treasure hunts, fishing, sailing adventure, or kayaks and canoes. Visit bhic.org or thesailshop.com for more information or call (910) 457-6844.
Need a place to unwind and recoup? Visit the Island Retreat Spa and Salon for all your relaxation needs. islandretreatspa.com
Create memories at historic sites like the Bald Head Light House at the Smith Island Museum. Old Baldy is the oldest standing lighthouse in North Carolina AND you can get a magnificent view of the whole island from the top if you decide to climb up the 109 feet. You can also go on a historic island tour to learn about revolutionary war history and more from the Old Baldy Foundation. Visit oldbaldy.org for more information or call (910) 457-7481.
Wildlife exploring and nature walks are all around the island. You can go bird watching, trek the turtle trail, and maybe see an alligator in the gated pond.
Take a hike off of Federal Road near the market on the M. Kent Mitchell Nature Trail that provides a 360-degree view of the marsh. For a guided hike or other fun activities, visit the Bald Head Island Conservancy. You can also go on a guided kayak or canoe trip along the marshes through the Bald Head Island Conservancy as well.
The Village Chapel of Bald Head Island provides all people an opportunity to worship God, express faith, and observe Judeo Christian traditions. Visit villagechapelofbaldheadisland.org for more information.
Check out the Southport mainland on a quick trip on a water taxi, or take the ferry. There are many shops and places to eat to explore for the day at Southport! Call the Southport Water Taxi to set up your day trip at (910) 457-7141.
Take a fishing trip through charters on the island. Visit baldheadassociation.com/boat-services-charters to make your reservations during your stay. Fishing licenses are available at ncwildlife.org.

Weddings and Events on Bald Head Island

Bald Head Island has become one of the most sought-after wedding destinations on the NC coast. The maritime forest, harbor, beach, and car-free environment create a setting that’s difficult to replicate anywhere else.

We know this firsthand. Our daughter Bianca had her wedding at Marina Park in Harbour Village, and Elisa and Bianca planned the entire event. Bianca will share the full story in an upcoming blog.

Marina Park at Harbour Village — Waterfront, intimate, and completely unique.

The Shoals Club — Oceanfront wedding venue with options including the Presentation Deck, Verandahs, Event Pavilion, and BHI Chapel with golf cart procession. Contact Michelle Alexander: 910-454-4899.

Shoals Club Weddings

The BHI Club — Ocean Room and Ocean Terrace, with Atlantic views and flexible indoor/outdoor event space. Contact: [email protected] or 910-477-5006.

BHI Club Weddings

Planning well in advance is essential. Ferry logistics, vendor access, guest transportation, and accommodations need to be coordinated carefully, but for couples who embrace the process, the result is unforgettable.

Bald Head Island Throughout the Year

Summer is peak season and the busiest time on the island. Ferry reservations, tram reservations, club access, dining, and rentals should all be planned well in advance.

Spring and fall often offer the best balance of good weather, full amenity access, strong fishing, and a more relaxed pace.

Winter is genuinely quiet. Restaurant hours and club activities are limited, but the island has a peacefulness peak-season guests never see. It can be a strong option for longer monthly stays at reduced rates, and on warm sunny days, there’s nothing quite like having the beach largely to yourself.

Planning Your Stay

Bald Head Island rewards a little planning, but once you’re here, everything slows down in the best possible way. For guests who understand what the island offers and what it doesn’t, BHI tends to become a place they return to year after year.

Visitor Information

If you already own a home on Bald Head Island, or are considering it, understanding how guests experience the island is one of the most important parts of making it a successful rental. We’re happy to talk through what that looks like.

Talk to us about your property

Bald Head Island Vacation Rentals — Complete Visitor Guide