Air  

The Crystal Coast's sole airport, located in Beaufort, offers only chartered or private aircraft service. A modern facility, it is the sixth busiest municipal airport in North Carolina. The fixed base operator is Seagrave Aviation, which handles all fueling, rentals, flight instruction, charters and sightseeing flights. The airport has pilot-controlled runway night lights, a localizer for 2.6, six different GPS approaches and a non-directional beacon (NDB) on runway 14. The airport is named for Capt. Michael J. Smith, a Beaufort native and pilot of the space shuttle Challenger, who perished with eight others when the shuttle exploded on takeoff.

Craven County Regional Airport
200 Terminal Dr., New Bern
(252) 638-8591

Craven County Regional Airport in New Bern is the nearest commercial service airport to Morehead City, Atlantic Beach, Beaufort and points Down East. This airport offers daily flights to Charlotte and Atlanta on USAirways Express and on Delta Connection carrier Atlantic Southeast Airlines. The general aviation side of the airport has a fixed-base operation, (252) 633-1400, offering full aviation services. The airport is equipped with GPS, ILS, pilot-controlled runway lights and a tower. Car rental agencies are based at the airport, and taxi services to Havelock and the Crystal Coast are wise to the arrival schedule for passengers' convenience.

Albert J. Ellis Airport
264 Albert J. Ellis Airport Rd., Richlands
(910) 324-1100

Commercial air service to the Crystal Coast is available from the Albert J. Ellis Airport, 20 miles northwest of Jacksonville off U.S. Highway 111 toward Richlands. It is the closest airport to Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville. The airport offers flights each day to Charlotte and Atlanta. Car rental and taxi services are available at the airport. Jacksonville Flying Services offers a full-service flight school.

Raleigh-Durham International Airport
Aviation Pkwy., Morrisville, 10 miles from Raleigh
and Durham just off I-40
(919) 840-2123

Raleigh-Durham (RDU) is the major international airport serving North Carolina. RDU is a three-hour drive from the Crystal Coast. The airport is a major hub for domestic and international travelers and is served by 19 carriers and 18 regional carriers. Car rentals, shuttle buses and a variety of parking options are available at the airport. A new one-million-square-foot terminal is set to open in the summer of 2008.

Sea

Visitors arriving by sea most often come via the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW), which provides access by water to the Crystal Coast and passes by Morehead City, Beaufort, Swansboro and along Bogue Banks. To reach New Bern by water, slip into Pamlico Sound and head up the Neuse River. Beaufort is a favorite stop for boaters on the north-south ICW run in the spring and fall. Transient dockage at either the Beaufort Town Docks or Town Creek Marina is hospitable, and anchorage and docking points are available in several areas for both overnight or long-term stays. See our chapter on Marinas for details.

Ferries

Cedar Island–Ocracoke Toll Ferry

The Cedar Island-Ocracoke Ferry Service carries passengers and vehicles between the Crystal Coast and Ocracoke Island. The Cedar Island ferry terminal is about 45 miles east of Beaufort, but allow at least an hour and a half for the car trip. Ferry reservations must be claimed 30 minutes before departure time or they will be canceled. Call the ferry terminals at Cedar Island, (252) 225-3551 or (800) 856-0343, or Ocracoke, (252) 928-3841 or (800) 345-1665, for reservations and to verify times.

2¼ hours crossing

Reservations recommended at least one month in advance

* Additional departures mid-May through late September

Fares (One Way):

Pedestrian, $1

Bicycle & Rider, $3

Motorcycles, $10

Vehicle and/or combination less than 20 feet, $15

Vehicle and/or combination 20 feet to 40 feet, $30

Vehicle and/or combination over 40 feet and up to 65 feet, $45

Maximum length 65 feet; up to five axles

Ocracoke–Swan Quarter Toll Ferry

For departures from Ocracoke, call (252) 928-3841 or (800) 345-1665; from Swan Quarter, call (252) 926-1111 or (800) 773-1094.

2½ hours crossing

Reservations Recommended

Fares are the same as those for the Cedar Island–Ocracoke Toll Ferry.

Hatteras–Ocracoke Inlet Free Ferry

40-minute crossing

No Reservations Accepted - Free Ferry

Jan. 1 - April 28, 2008 and Jan. 1 - April 27, 2009 Departs Ocracoke and Hatteras every hour from 5 AM through midnight

Oct. 28 - Dec. 31, 2008 
Limited departures during this time 
Departs Hatteras 7:30 AM, 8:30 AM, 9:30 AM, 5:30 PM, 6:30 PM
Departs Ocracoke 8:30 AM, 9:30 AM, 10:30 AM, 5:30 PM, 6:30 PM

Cherry Branch– Minnesott Beach Free Ferry

The Cherry Branch–Minnesott Beach Ferry is essential for commuters from Oriental who must travel across the Neuse River to work in Havelock, at Cherry Point Marine Air Station and surrounding areas. On the Crystal Coast side, the Cherry Branch terminal is off N.C. Highway 101, about 5 miles south of Havelock. This is a short ride for anyone interested in just experiencing a ferry ride while on the Crystal Coast. This 20-minute free ride allows for great views of the impressive Neuse River as well as a chance to sit back and relax for a bit and watch the water and the sky.

20-minute crossing

No Reservations Accepted – Free Ferry

Hammocks Beach State Park Ferry

The seasonal passenger ferry (no cars) at Hammocks Beach State Park provides transportation from the park headquarters terminal to Bear Island. The ferry terminal is off N.C. 24, 2 miles west of Swansboro at the end of State Road 1511. If you are visiting Bear Island between Memorial Day and Labor Day, get to the ferry landing early to avoid long lines. Pets are not allowed on the ferry, and alcoholic beverages are prohibited in the park (see our Attractions chapter for more about Bear Island and Hammocks Beach State Park). Call Hammocks Beach, (910) 326-4881, to verify ferry times.

25-minute crossing – No vehicles

No Reservations Accepted

Memorial Day through Labor Day

The ferry runs daily. From the mainland, the ferry departs every hour on the half-hour from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM. From Bear Island, the ferry departs every hour on the hour from 10 AM to 6 PM.

May and September

The ferry runs Wednesday through Sunday.

October through April

The ferry runs Friday through Sunday. A private water taxi service operates the ferry November through March. Call the park for details.

Fares (round trip):

Adult, $5

Senior Citizens, 62 and older, $3

Children ages 6 to 12, $3

Privately owned vessels also stand ready to carry passengers to popular destinations along the Crystal Coast. And you always have the option of hiring other private vessels complete with crew and catered meals or renting a sailboat, motorboat, houseboat or kayak to do your own navigating. Whatever your choice, there is a lot to explore by water on the Crystal Coast.

Along with state-owned ferries and private charters, the National Park Service (NPS) offers contracts to what it refers to as "concessionaires." These folks, operating under NPS guidelines, carry passengers and/or vehicles to the uninhabited Cape Lookout National Seashore (see our Attractions chapter). The Seashore is a 56-mile stretch of barrier islands made up of North Core Banks, home of Portsmouth Village; South Core Banks, home of Cape Lookout Lighthouse; and Shackleford Banks, home to wild horses.

The NPS allows privately owned ferries to carry passengers and vehicles to North and South Core Banks and Portsmouth Village, where there is also a landing strip for small planes (see descriptions below). These small ferries operate out of the Down East communities of Davis and Atlantic and don't have all the extras you will find on the state ferries because of the depth of the water in which they operate. They do have medium-size, seaworthy vessels equipped to carry a handful of vehicles, a few passengers and some equipment. They normally operate from April to December, although schedules and fees vary. Most concessionaires require reservations, so it is best to call ahead for schedule information, to check current fares and to see if there is room aboard for you, and also to check weather conditions. Each concessionaire can provide information on cabins and camping (see our Accommodations and Camping chapters). Pets in pet carriers are allowed by most concessionaire ferry services, and pets must be maintained with a 6-foot leash at all times on the islands.

Morris Marina Kabin Kamps and Ferry Service Inc.
Morris Marina Rd., Atlantic
(252) 225-4261

From the Down East community of Atlantic, which is off N.C. 12, this ferry and cabin rental service transports passengers, vehicles and all-terrain vehicles to Portsmouth or to the south end of North Core Banks at Drum Inlet from March through early December. Trips run four times a day, and the time varies. Trips can also be run by request. Morris Marina's transportation cost is about $15 round-trip for adults with children younger than 6 years old traveling for free. Round-trip vehicle fees start at $75 for a standard-sized vehicle and increase based on size and length. Island transportation and delivery of supplies (ice, groceries, etc.) may be arranged. See our Accommodations chapter for cabin rental information.

Great Island Fishing Camps
(252) 225-4261

This ferry and cabin rental business serves South Core Banks and carries passengers, vehicles and all-terrain vehicles five times a day from late March through mid-December on a reservation basis. Fares are about $15 round-trip for adults, with children 6 years of age and younger traveling for free. The cost for a standard-size vehicle is $75, and prices increase depending on the size and length of your rig. The cabins are rustic and can be a great alternative when seeking a little bit of respite from the hectic pace of today's world. For more information about the fishing camps, see our Accommodations chapter.

Other Ferries

A few other passenger ferries are permitted by the NPS to transport island hoppers to Cape Lookout, Shackleford Banks and the Rachel Carson Research Reserve -- which is made up of such places as Carrot Island, Sand Dollar Island and Bird Shoals. Most of these ferries can also be hired for service to other areas or just for a cruise around the harbor. Reservations should be made in advance, and always call ahead to check the weather conditions. Charter and rental boats are available for getting around the area's waterways (see the Fishing, Boating and Watersports chapter).

Calico Jack's & Cape Lookout Ferry Service
Calico Jack's Inn & Marina, Harkers Island
(252) 728-3575

Passenger-only ferry service to the Cape Lookout Lighthouse is a 10-minute boat ride from Calico Jack's Marina. The ferry departs for the Cape or Shackleford Banks on demand for $10 per adult round trip, $6 per child. Campers with gear are ferried for $15 per adult and $12 per child. There is a $30 trip minimum, and there is a fee to park your vehicle in the departure area. Service begins in early March and ends in early December or later if the weather permits. Those who don't want to walk once they get to the island can take the Pony Express Shuttle, available with reservations. This shuttle can be arranged through Calico Jack's and costs $15.

Ferry To Cape Lookout
Harkers Island Fishing Center
Harkers Island
(252) 728-3907

Barrier Island Transportation provides passenger ferry and water-taxi service to Shackleford Banks and the Cape Lookout Lighthouse area. No vehicles are accommodated. Fares are $10 round-trip per person, $6 for children 8 and younger, and $15 for overnight adult campers with gear and $12 for children campers. There is a parking fee on the mainland. Group rates are offered. The ferry leaves at 45 minutes after the hour starting at 8:45 AM from the Harkers Island Fishing Center on Harkers Island. The ferry picks up on the hour until 5 PM. Service begins around Easter and continues through November or early December, depending on the weather. Reservations are not required but are recommended for large groups.

Island Ferry Adventures
618 Front St., Beaufort
(252) 728-7555

Local Yokel Ferry and Tours
516 Island Rd., Harkers Island
(252) 728-2759

Outer Banks Ferry Service
328 Front St., Beaufort
(252) 728-4129

Once You're Here

Once you arrive, you'll find that a car is essential to see the Crystal Coast. There is very little public transportation service in the area, and one look at the map will show you that most communities are far enough apart to make a car the best way to get around.

There are some marked bike routes, but remember you're in a tourist area, and vehicle traffic is often heavy during the summer. Beaufort has a 6-mile marked bike route — a route guide is available at the Safrit Historical Center, 138 Turner Street in Beaufort. Biking in residential developments on Bogue Banks and in Morehead City neighborhoods is safe and pleasant. Morehead City continually adds new walking and biking paths throughout town. The Atlantic Beach Causeway has biking and walking paths that link Atlantic Beach with Morehead City in relative safety. The wide shoulders of N.C. 58 from Fort Macon State Park through Emerald Isle offer bikers an opportunity for riding with traffic-watching care. Also, the Town of Atlantic Beach and the Town of Emerald Isle continue to add more sidewalks for walkers, runners and bikers. A 26-mile bicycle touring route is marked in and around Swansboro.

U.S. Highway 70 is generally very easy to drive from New Bern through Havelock and on to Morehead City, Beaufort and Down East. From Beaufort east, U.S. 70 is a two-lane highway that winds through communities, marshes and between canals. An important detail to remember about U.S. 70 is that it has many names as it traverses Carteret County. In Morehead City, it's Arendell Street, the main street through town. It's also the Morehead-Beaufort Causeway. In Beaufort, it's called Cedar Street until it takes a left turn and becomes Live Oak Street. And by any name, it's always heavily trafficked in the Morehead City and Beaufort areas.

Beach Wheels Bike Rentals
607 Atlantic Beach Cswy., Ste. 103, Atlantic Beach
(252) 240-0273
www.deannahullrealty.com

Offering "different spokes for different folks," Beach Wheels Bike Rentals provides one of the best and largest selections of bikes on the island. Beach Wheels offers beach cruisers, adult bikes, children's bikes, tag-a-longs, adult trikes, tandems and more. In its sixth year of business, this company provides friendly and convenient service with free delivery and pick-up service anywhere on the Crystal Coast. Call ahead, reserve your wheels, and when you arrive your bikes will be waiting.

Visitor Centers