Fort Fisher–Southport Ferry

The state ferry across the mouth of the Cape Fear River is a 35-minute cruise for the price of a toll. Drive the car aboard to reach Southport, or walk on at Fort Fisher and ride straight back for a cheap 70-minute trip on the water.

• Kure Beach & Southport
• Boats
• All ages
• Year-round

Why families go

Families say the crossing is the part of the trip the kids remember. The ride is smooth and inexpensive, with time to walk the deck and watch big cargo ships heading up the channel to the Port of Wilmington. The crew are consistently friendly. There are no reservations on this route, so on summer weekends arrive early or expect to wait for the next boat.

Don’t miss

• The view from the deckContainer ships in the channel, gulls on the pilings, and the river opening to the ocean. On a clear day you may spot Bald Head Island’s Old Baldy lighthouse.
• Southport for the afternoonTake the car across, or walk on and stroll the waterfront swings, the Maritime Museum and the shops.
• The walk-on round tripPark at Fort Fisher and ride over and back without getting off. It’s a cheap 70-minute boat ride.
• A day at the south endPair it with the Fort Fisher historic site and the state recreation area, a few minutes from the terminal.

Photos: NCDOT (CC BY 2.0)

Before you go

• There are no reservations; boats load first come, first served and leave about every 45 minutes on busy days.
• The ferry occasionally stops for repairs or weather; it closed twice for ramp work in 2026. Check NCDOT’s ferry status before you drive down.
• Restrooms and vending are on board and at the terminals; there’s no food service. Pets stay leashed or in the car.
• Tolls are one way and depend on vehicle type; children under 5 ride free as pedestrians. A 2026 state budget provision may change ferry tolls in 2027.

Plan your visit

• Where: Fort Fisher terminal: 2422 Fort Fisher Blvd. S., Kure Beach, NC 28449 · Southport terminal: 1650 Ferry Rd. SE, Southport, NC 28461
• From Topsail: About 1 hour 15 minutes from central Surf City to the Fort Fisher terminal.
• Hours: Year-round, roughly 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., with more weekday departures from late March to early September. See NCDOT’s current schedule.
• Admission: Paid one-way toll (pedestrian, bicycle, motorcycle and vehicle rates).
• Schedule & status: NCDOT Ferry Division: schedules and status
• More nearby: more family fun in Kure Beach

A short drive from the island. Browse our Topsail Island vacation rentals, all cared for by our local team.

Based on official information from the attraction and the agencies that run it; checked October 2026. Hours, seasons and schedules change, so confirm before you go.