A relaxing 35‑minute ride across the Cape Fear River that connects historic Southport with the beaches and attractions of Fort Fisher and Kure Beach.
The Southport–Fort Fisher Ferry remains one of coastal North Carolina’s most enjoyable ways to travel, offering a slow, scenic glide across the Cape Fear River and Intracoastal Waterway. Locals rely on it as a practical shortcut, while visitors treat it as part of the adventure—an easygoing ride with wide‑open water views, seabirds overhead, and the occasional dolphin pacing the boat. The ferry accommodates vehicles of all sizes, allowing drivers to simply roll on, park, and roll off at the other side. Many passengers choose to leave their vehicles during the crossing, stepping out onto the deck to enjoy the open sea air, watch the river widen toward the Atlantic, and take in the kind of views you can’t get from the highway.
On the Fort Fisher side, the terminal sits at 2422 Fort Fisher Boulevard South in Kure Beach, just minutes from the North Carolina Aquarium, the Fort Fisher State Historic Site, and the protected shoreline of the Fort Fisher State Recreation Area. Travelers boarding from Southport depart near the town’s waterfront district, a short drive from shops, restaurants, and the historic harbor that has long defined the community’s charm. The ferry’s 35‑minute crossing makes it easy to pair a day of exploring Southport’s walkable streets with an afternoon on Fort Fisher’s beaches, trails, and family attractions, or vice versa.
Schedules and fees vary by season, and the North Carolina Ferry System encourages riders to check the latest information online or by calling 1‑800‑BY‑FERRY The service accommodates walk‑on passengers, bicycles, motorcycles, and vehicles ranging from compact cars to RVs and trailers. Boarding is first‑come, first‑served, and arriving early, especially during summer or holiday weekends—helps ensure a smooth trip. Pets are welcome when leashed or kept inside the vehicle, making the ferry a flexible option for families and travelers.
For many, the ferry is more than transportation. It’s a moment of calm between destinations, a chance to step out of the car, breathe in the coastal air, and enjoy a view of the Cape Fear region that can’t be seen from the road. Whether you’re heading to the aquarium, exploring Southport’s waterfront, or simply looking for a peaceful ride across the water, the Southport–Fort Fisher Ferry remains one of the area’s most memorable experiences.
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