For a far less congested way to tour the southern North Carolina coast, hop aboard the Southport-Fort Fisher Ferry for a unique water tour  you’ll only find in the Tar Heel State. Residents and visitors of Carolina Beach find this fun water tour is a fun way to explore expansive views of the Cape Fear River while also circumventing a very long alternative driving route to get to Fort Fisher via a bridge all the way up in Wilmington.

The Southport-Fort Fisher Ferry is one of seven inland ferrys along the North Carolina coast.
TripAdvisor/Matthew W
The ferry allows passengers and their vehicles passage from the mainland to Pleasure Island via a fairly straight shot across the Cape Fear River.
TripAdvisor/Michael Linton-Long
Although it's a straight shot, the ride takes a full 35 minutes and there's much to see and admire along the way.
TripAdvisor/Ray
Passengers are encouraged to get out of their vehicles to enjoy the views, the fresh air, and the sunshine. There is always plenty of space to walk around on the boat's main deck.
TripAdvisor/joanjordanrinaldi

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Some people even bring along bread crumbs to feed the seagulls that flock to the front of the ferry for handouts.
TripAdvisor/50Awn
The ferry runs seven days a week. You can see the schedule here.
TripAdvisor/kgarwood13
The cost of the service varies by vehicle type and length. See the full fee schedule here.
TripAdvisor/Matthew W
In Southport, you'll catch the ferry at the Fort Fisher Ferry terminal at 1301 Ferry Rd SE, Southport, NC 28461.
Google Maps

Have you ever ridden the Southport-Fort Fisher Ferry before? How was it? Awesome? Let us know in the comments!

For another kind of boat cruise in North Carolina: The Riverboat Cruise In North Carolina You Never Knew Existed.

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1301 Ferry Rd SE, Southport, NC 28461, USA