Southport-Fort Fisher Ferry Reviews

State run ferry. Very professionally run. It was raining on our ride over but calm. Beautiful scenery and the fishing is great on the point once you get on the Ft Fisher side. If you plan to take the ferry back to South Port in the afternoon, get there early. We arrived 25 min early and the 4 o'clock was already full. So we made an hour long trip by road back to our destination.

A really nice way to travel back and forth to Southport. You can take your car or go as a pedestrian or on a bike. Low cost for such a service of a 30 minute water ride. Really nice views and refreshing on a hot summer day! Extra plus as you past by on the right side heading to Southport from Ft Fisher is the Civil War era Price’s Creek Lighthouse. Little bit of history added to this fine way to travel.

The Fort Fisher Ferry was a pleasant and alternative way to go from Southport to the Wilmington area (and return) and the beaches and boardwalk on that side. Everything was on time, and the crew was friendly and efficient. The cost was $7 / car and the ride was approximately 30 minutes. Very easy and convenient.

Ferry is clean and efficient. Great views. Well with $7 and not having to drive another 30 minutes to the beach.

Because it does not go on the open ocean the ride is smooth. 30 minute ride close to shoreline. No food but clean restrooms.

Wow for $5 per car and a quick way to get across to South Port how can you go wrong! A short wait to get on but quick trip across and nice ride. Highly recommend the trip for this leisure ride.

Everyone, especially our 21 mo old grandson enjoyed the trip.

We made a last minute decision to catch the ferry and got there 10 min before departure. We were lucky on the Ft Fisher to Southport leg. On the way back we were there 12 min before departure and they sold out (3 cars ahead of us LOL). I’m not complaining, just letting folks know that if you get there ‘last minute’ expect you might be out of luck.

We decided to just drive from Southport to Carolina Beach.

Nice peaceful cruise to get to beaches. First time on a car ferry, and it was relaxing and great scenery.

This is a beautiful ferry ride from Southport to Fort Fisher. You can drive your car on the ferry and get out and enjoy the sea air and wildlife. When it is time to get back in your car, they announce it on the speaker. The cost is only $5 for the car!

The Southport- Fort Fisher Ferry is a great trip for young and old alike. Crew is very knowledgeable and friendly. Views are very nice and it's is a quick trip. Watch your time because the LAST ferry is around 19:00 and It's a long drive if you miss it.

The DOT does a great job running the coastal ferries. If you have time to spend, they are a great way of seeing the coastal beauty that you will miss on the highways.

Fast, efficient service. A nice ride. Very short waiting time.Courteous staff. And a Duke Blue Devil logo on the boat!

At the recommendation of a business colleague, my wife and I traveled to the ferry for a day trip to Southport and surrounding areas. What a wonderfully beautiful experience it was. The sights, wildlife, bird-watching and 'old time' ambiance of the ferry was enchanting. The 30 minute trip was too short to take in the sights, sounds and smells as we crossed. Once we got to the other side, we disembarked for a wonderful day exploring Southport, Oak Island, some civil war battlefields and other areas as we made our way back to our hotel Wilmington. An unforgettable;e experience we are looking forward to doing many more times after we retire and hopefully relocate.

This is the easiest way to get from Southport to Wilmington. It’s about a 30 minute boat ride with plenty of views!

Took the ferry to get to Southport. It was an excellent experience. We saw many different ships and boats as we crossed. It was so relaxing versus driving to Southport.

Ferry service, runs on time, is very reasonable price wise, efficient and safe. Parking and rest rooms also no problem.

This is the favorite part of the whole trip! For a while 7 bucks you get to drive the car onto a fairy and once the fairy is loading you can get out of the car and enjoy the views... You can stay on the dock or go up to the lounge and get drinks and snacks. It's about a 30 min ride.

We used the ferry both ways. The loading and unloading was done efficiently. The observation deck and inside observation room were enjoyed by many passengers. The staff told us not to feed the birds, but some people disregarded their instructions, and the gulls left deposits on our car and others. Maybe someday the free handouts will cease and thus the messes will be a thing of the past.

For just 5 bucks you can enjoy a 15-20 minute ride from Southport to Fort Fisher and visit the Aquarium or Fort Fisher itself.

I know a lot of people use the ferry as a necessity, but we just love to go for a ride across the water! It's a fun, cheap way to spend a few hours.

I'm a Civil War buff so wanted to see Fort Fischer. Spending that night in Southport so the ferry made sense. Fun and relaxing trip.

This ferry is a wonderful way not only to go between Southport and Fort Fisher (and from there to area beaches and Wilmington) but is also a great way to get out on the water for a token fee! The ferry takes about 30 minutes during which you can truly enjoy a boating experience for only $5 each way. The only down side is that It makes the astronomical fees charged by the Bald Head Island ferry more galling. So if you're on a budget, skip Bald Head Island and take a ride or two on this ferry. The last time I visited this area, I took it 3 times and enjoyed every trip, even though the weather was bad.

Been a commuter for 5 years now absolutely love my cruise to and from work

The crews on each boat are very nice, me being the social butterfly that I am i talk to everyone.

Staff on each side are very nice

We have used the ferry several times in the past as well as over Memorial weekend. The wait usually is not bad to board. The route is quite scenic as well. No complaints at all

We took the ferry to Fort Fisher and back in an afternoon and had a good experience. The price is a bit high but the view and the experience are great.

I was out walking around the Fort Fisher and decided to take the ferry over to Southport for lunch.

It's a 30-minute boat ride and only cost $7. Pretty reasonable.

Some people were out walking around but they all wore their masks.

Worth doing, as I live in Leland, and it gave me the opportunity to drive home a different way.

Great way to get to fort Fisher and the aquarium, other beaches. Price is higher than I saw online, $7 per car. You can get out and sit up top or in
a/c. Bring some snacks to feed the birds. Or a deck of cards to play inside. Tip: get there at least a half hour early in busy times or you'll get stuck waiting 1 hour for next ferry. Plan ahead!

What an efficient operation from the parking , to purchasing tickets, to loading, to unloading. They have got the process down pat. Very enjoyable ride over and back to the island. Nice seating indoors for hot or rainy weather. Fun to stand up front if you don't mind getting splashed once in awhile.

We have been using NC ferries for many years but only recently used this ferry. Perfect weather enhanced the 25 minute trip to Fort Fisher. On time as all the ferries and much more fun than driving into Wilmington the long route.

You can't beat this ferry ride for the price! Great way to cross over to Fort Fisher when in Southport or vice versa.

I just love taking the Ferry! Nothing is better than standing on the deck watching the water go by, Easy and fast way to get to different areas ! A must to do when in Southport.

I will never take the Ferry again!!! How can they hire such ignorant and rude people. I got stuck in the bathroom because the lock broke. I was able to call my family who were also on the boat to get help. They were told by crew to "take a number", "she just needs to turn the lock", and some that just ignored my family. I am a 28 year old women in pretty good shape. I know how to unlock a door. I was kicking and pushing on the door also turning the lock several different ways. They finally came to help and were very rude. When they were able to pry the door open after being stuck in the very hot bathroom for 20 mins. I was told "now you have a great story to tell" instead of "We're so sorry" I understand things like this happen, but with a crew that was rude and didn't want to be bothered was ridiculous. This was a very minor emergency, I would hate to see a real emergency with this crew.

Had no intention of taking this ferry till I timed out the trip via car from Carolina Beach to Southport and THEN found out the ferry is only $5! We got there half hour before boarding and were 3rd in line, it's only April so everyone got on the boat, I'm sure it backs up over the summer. But it's $5 no matter how many people. Quick ride across the river and you can go up on the top deck and look around. Very nice.

Hope on the ferry for a smooth ride to Southport for delicious steamed shrimp at the Provision Company!

When visiting Southport, NC and you are looking for something fun to do take a trip on the Southport/ Fort Fisher Ferry.

Tickets are first come first serve and it was fantastic. Boats run continuously and we waited both times about 30 Mins. Easy and fun to drive your car onboard and off.

Fun time for the kids in all of us.

Great chance to get on the water and visit either Southport on one side or Ft. Fisher on the other. You can get out of your car and either sit inside or stand at the boat railings.
Fun for kids to see the seagulls following the ferry.
Cost is $5.00 per car, price for motorcycles, bikes is less.

The ferry is an alternative from Southport to Wilmington. Arrive at least 30 mins before scheduled departure and line up with the cars. Birds tend to follow the ferry hoping for food handout. Be aware that they drop “bombs.” I was hit on back of my windbreaker. Ferry attendant found me a water hose to wash away the doo doo. Upon arrival to land there are a museum and old fortress. Linger and enjoy.

Very well organized and run operation. Ferried car from Fort Fisher to Southport and saved at least an hour driving time and subsequent gas. Paid, got in line, waiting 10 minutes, and were on our way. A really neat way to get across the river. Keep in mind that at this time they are requesting everyone to stay in their cars during the ferry. But you still get a nice view from your vehicle.

My husband and I took the 10:45 a.m. ferry from Ft. Fisher to Southport for sightseeing and loved it. This is a 35-minute ride, which was extremely relaxing. The price per vehicle is based on each vehicle's size. We drove a Ford F150 crew cab with 6.5 foot bed and it was $5 for us to board.

Tips: Check the ferry schedule online and arrive at least 30 minutes to ensure a spot on the ferry. As you wait for the ferry, you can take in the local scenery, purchase snacks, or utilize available restrooms.

Took the ferry to go to the NC Aquarium at Ft. Fisher. Price is great and the employees are nice too.

The rider lounge has terrific AC and the bathrooms are good too.

I was a little worried as I’d never done this before. You can’t screw up as the staff makes it easy. Do this! Each car is only $7.

It may not be a big cruise ship and a days long ride over the high seas, but the Southport -Ft. Fisher ferry is the best, most enjoyable way to get to either the town of Southport or to the historic Ft. Fisher or Aquarium at Kure Beach. And, it costs only $5.00 per car to make the 20-25 minute crossing. Sights on the way include Bird Island, the Bald Head Island lighthouse, The Oak Island lighthouse and the country’s largest military ammunition shipping terminal, Sunny Point. Kids have a blast throwing food to the ever-present flock of seagulls trailing the back end of the boat. You’ll find a good number of restaurants at either terminus if your hungry. The Southport - Ft. FIsher ferry is an inexpensive and fun thing to do. No matter how many times I’ve crossed the Cape Fear on the ferry, I’ve never been bored with my mini-cruise.

Excellent, really great trip. Very, super well organized. Must do! Worth it even just for the experience.

the staff does a awesome job, very easy to board and unboard. and a quick cheap ride on the icw is never a bad thing

Great experience traveling from Fort Fisher, Kure Beach over to Southport, highly recommend this way to travel over to Southport.

This is truly a great value. Only $7 for our vehicle w/ four people. Short, stable ride with lots to see. Getting on & off was smooth & well-organized. Definitely recommend this!

Great way to go from Southport to Ft. Fisher historical site and aquarium. Bring stale bread to feed the gulls from the back of the boat. Be sure to get there in time, especially during the summer.

We took the ferry from Southport to Fort Fisher. It was a beautiful ride ! The staff was friendly and helpful !! We will be back again one day !!

Excellent transportation at a fantastic price. I’ve taken many Ferry’s over the years in particular when we lived on Long Island we would take the ferry to Connecticut. The cost for two people and a vehicle was usually around $30-$40 each way. The ferry to Fort Fisher is a very enjoyable ride at a fantastic price. I would highly recommend this trip to anyone, particularly families with young children that want to go over to the aquarium.

Cars are $7. You'll need at least a bicycle on the Southport side since it's about 2 miles from downtown.

All of the ferry personnel seemed very professional and nice.

The ride takes about 35-45 minutes and you get a good view of the Cape Fear River.

Southport has a number of interesting shops and restaurants within walking distance of downtown.

We all had fun on this ferry ride to the aquarium! Nice views and could see a lot of birds up close.

A wonderful way to reach Fort Fisher. Easy on, easy off. Just $7 for the car. After a fun visit to Southport, it’s just a short ride to the boat

The ferry ride was a treat for the family. It was our first time in a ferry. The breeze and the views were amazing

We only got to ride one way because it was Memorial Day Weekend. We rode over to Fort Fisher and the Aquarium for the day. We were on our way back to the ferry and there was a huge line so we decided to go through Wilmington because the last ferry across was at 7pm. So..... Note to self! Make sure you allow yourself plenty of time to be in line long before the last ferry ;)

On time , safe, bathrooms available, great views. Cheap
Bring bread feed the seagulls. Very clean. Tenders are very kind.

My husband and I enjoyed the ferry to go to and from Southport. Very reasonably priced and a very pleasant trip. A good way to see some of the area.

Great time. Like being on vacation. Great way to hop over to Carolina Beach, Kure beach or Wilmington.

We enjoy the Ferry Ride and a great opportunity to see more of Mother Nature. If you are going to the Aquarium from Southport it is mush quicker that going thru Wilmington.
The price can't be beat. The ferry runs about every 45 min.

We take the ferry to go over to the aquarium from Southport. It’s got a great inside with a snack machine and the transit itself takes around 40min. Bring bread for
The birds. A Carload cost 5$ and will be the highlight of the trip. Where else can you rent a boat for 5$ that has bathrooms and tables. Heard there is even weddings on the ferry.

$7 for you and your car and a 25 minute ferry ride? I’m not sure that this kind of treat exists anywhere else in the country. We were delighted. We are from Massachusetts where this kind of ride would have been $30++. And with Southport on one end and Fort Fischer on the other —you cannot go wrong! Can’t wait to come back and do this on my bike

We took the ferry over to Oak Island for an afternoon adventure. It was a fun ride and a worthwhile trip. It's $5.00 one way, a pretty cheap boat ride. They have a nice inside area but stand outside for sure. Dogs are allowed and my dog got out and walked around on his leash.

I have taken this Ferry for many years when visiting the Southport, Fort Fisher area. The aquarium is great, as well as the civil war museum and the Kure and Carolina Beach areas.

We were visiting the aquarium in Fort Fisher and decided to take the ferry to get there.

It proved to be very good value for the round trip.

The crew were helpful and cheery during the boarding and unloading process.

Views across the Cape Fear River were unparalleled.

If I lived locally, I would ride the ferry every day just for the views and the experience.

We enjoy taking the Southport-Fort Fisher Ferry ride. Mostly just to do something different. Southport and Fort Fisher both have lots to offer, so it does not matter which direction you go, as you can head back later on the same ferry.
The cars are packed tightly, though you can get out to walk around, go upstairs for the view, or just sit in your car and relax.
Great scenic venture for not much money!

I live in Southport and my favorite day is going to WQilmington and seeing a doctor, getting the car serviced and just shopping and then driving to Fort Fosher and taking the ferry home. Get out of my car and go up top and just take in the sea air, the beautoiful water and the birds--it is an AWESOME stress reducer

We went from Fort Fisher to Southport and back on the ferry with our bikes. Everyone helping on the boat was very friendly and helpful. It is quite the efficient system and we did not have to wait long at all. The trip takes about 35 minutes and it was $2 each for us with our bikes. It is $7 for a car. Fun way to get out and explore.

Fun short ferry ride that’s very smooth. Schedule is always on time. kid friendly. Nice day trip from Pleasure Island

Enjoyed the ferry ride. Fort Fisher is very pretty. Wish we had more time to explore. We were only able to drive through southport. Will go back soon to explore.

A great way to get from the Mainland to Fort Fisher near the aquarium and historical park. Bring cash for the ferry in case the credit card machine is down. There is an inside area with vending machines.

We took the ferry from Southport to Fort Fisher to visit the aquarium and Carolina Beach. It was interesting to see how they loaded the cars and we really enjoyed getting out to walk around the ferry. Couldn’t believe that it was only $7. Definitely a fun way to get across.

Seamless, relaxing transportation with a view! NC Ferry Systems are terrific and after taking a scenic highway view between Carolina Beach and Calabash we elected to change it up on the way back. As always for us the wait, loading, trip and unloading was all seamless with friendly and well trained staff.

We spent the week on Oak Island and mid-week when the weather was overcast we decided to ride the ferry to Fort Fisher. The Ferry is $5 for a regular sized car. It was a fun experience. You can see both the OKI lighthouse and the Bald Head Island lighthouse. You can get out of your car and go up to the observation deck or inside the lounge. There are vending machines in the lounge -- but look out for the gulls!! The breeze on the observation deck was so nice on a muggy day.

Excellent way to travel and save time. can get a lot of work done or just relax during the trip over and back.

We LOVE riding the ferry. It costs $5 a trip, but it's well worth the money. There's a ferry leaving either side every 30 minutes, so the wait isn't overlong. At peak times, it can get pretty crowded, but still a good trip. There's easy access to the ferry landing on the Southport side & the Wilmington side.

I was bicycling from Virginia to Florida and followed the Adventure Cycling route south. After camping for an evening in one of the state parks, it was a short ride to the ferry. Even though it was undergoing maintenance and was delayed by a couple of hours, the staff was kind and informative and the area good for killing a little time.

What an enjoyable boat ride. Drive on, get out and enjoy the sunshine and breeze while they take you across Cape Fear River to Southport, NC. Drive off and spend the day seeing the sites in Southport. Teenagers loved it too! Reasonably priced as well, $5 one way for a car load.

We took a day trip to Southport so we could take our first ferry ride a few weeks ago. We had a great time, and the ferry operators were very nice. On the return trip we ended up getting lucky and were at the end of the line. One of the ferry operators noticed we were in a wheel chair van, so they moved us to where we could get our son out so he could see everything up close and personal.

It was a great little trip, and it's well worth the price. The views were awesome, and Southport is a beautiful town too. This is another must see trip/adventure for the whole family while visiting the Wilmington area.

We took the Ferry over to Southport one morning en route to Bald Island. We got there, paid, and got in line. It was about a 20 minute wait and the ride was smooth and easy, about 25 minutes. The staff were great, but the best part was the cost was only $5.00 and saved us a lot of time and driving. During the day you need to get there early as the ferry holds a limited amount of cars. Definitely would do this again!

Particularly in the off season when the lines are shorter, this ferry is a great $5 form of entertainment for adults and kids. We take the trip frequently and always enjoy it. Get a bag of popcorn at the dollar store and feed the seagulls! Head on up to Carolina Beach, take in the aquarium, or just take the ferry back to Southport.

This inexpensive ferry is a terric way to see the Cape Fear River. While there is not much to see but dolphins and seagulls, we enjoyed the cool breezes.

I like ferries anyway but for $7.00 for us and a car, the 20 minute ride was fun. The crew knew their craft well, people loaded on and off quickly. Worth it

Day visit to the beach and tried re-creating a photo from about 10 years ago of my girls on the ferry since they were home from college. It’s a nice scenic ride where you can get out of your vehicle and go upstairs and take pictures. Always loved taking the ferry when going down to Southport and Ft Fisher.

We took the ferry to Southport from Carolina Beach. Enjoyed a few shops, and drove on to Wilmington (30 miles from Southport) for some other restaurants and shops. Ferry was on time and only $5 ! About a 25 min. ride to Southport.

The Southport Ferry is such a relaxing ride to one of the most wonderful places in earth. It's a fun way to spend family time on the way over and the memories and on the way back. The birds always !and for a fun ride as well. Dont miss it you are in the area!

Loved taking the ferry and walking around while traveling back to South Port from Wilmington. Its a nice way to save some gas money and still get to take in all the sights.

We took the ferry to the aquarium and back. It was a great scenic ride. My family loves to take the ferry.

Would love to go back when all stores and restaurants are open. This was off season. Easy to rent a golf cart.

It's a fun thing to do and a nice view of Southport, going up the Cape Fear River towards Fort Fisher and Wilmington.

We've been using this ferry for years. A great way to get to Carolina beach, Ft. Fisher, and Kure beach without having to go through Wilmington. Great experience! Kids can stand at the back and feed the sea-gulls. (To the disgust of the crew. lol. They don't stop you though.) Short trip. About 35 minutes one way. Talk to the crew. They know a lot of history about the area ( Fishing, Cival War, Cargo ships, etc...)

Took the ferry over in order to visit the civil war museum. The 12:15 ferry was sold out when we got there so had to wait for the 1pm. There is an air conditioned visitors center you can hang out in while you wait for the ferry with snack machines and restrooms. Scenic and quick way to get to Fort Fisher. Be sure to plan ahead so you don’t have to wait like we did.

We took the ferry across on July 5th...and although it was busy, we just had to wait for 1 ferry time slot, as the original departure time we wanted was full to capacity. The ride is relatively quick, but the crew is efficient with getting the cars on and off the ferry with ease. The ride was smooth and a nice change from driving. I would recommend it, and the price is right!

I have ridden this ferry numerous times and have always loved the ride and beautiful scenery. My wife and I love the Southport-Fort Fisher area and the ferry ride is always on our agenda to do when we are in the area. One suggestion: could some type of audio narrative or handout be made to give information about the sights a person sees while riding the ferry? I'd like to know more about places of interest along the trip like the large factory and its dock near Southport, the jetty near Fort Fisher, the islands in the river, and the state port.

Excellent way to explore Southport. The ferry operated like every 30-40 minutes and takes about 20-25 min to travel. Lots of sea birds and there is an observation deck to ride on stay in your car. You should try it!

Our grandchildren loved taking the car ferry from Southport to Ft. Fisher! It was an easy trip! Our wait was minimal to get on!

I hesitate to give this my BEST rating... only because I'm not sure I want to divulge this "secret" opportunity! For $5 you can ride a fun ferry to Fort Fisher, get a great view of the landscape from the water, and enjoy the awesome Civil War museum there. Or, go to the NC Aquarium nearby. This aquarium is so much more than you'd ever expect to find in such a remote corner of the state.

We took the Ferry to Southport, so we could visit some friends at Oak Island.
it was a fun ride, no driving stress and only $5 per car

What a great deal $5.00 per car. It 's just a mere 35 minutes to Fort Fisher. Once there go to aquarium. It was very nice. Make sure to see mermaid show . You can also drive to Wilmington from here.

Used the ferry to get over to Southport. Excellent service right on time and scenic for a great price!

Using the scheduled Southport-Fort Fisher Ferry Service can be a time saver when one wants to transition to/from Southport and Carolina Beach areas. The price is only $5 for car and occupants. The trip is a nice change of pace while being scenic experience. Give it a go!

Perfect addition to our trip to Southport! Just long enough to snap a few pictures and relax a minute. Gorgeous view the whole time! Best $5 ever.

We drove down to Southport which took us about an hour going through Wilmington but on the way back we took the ferry. We had to wait about 20 minutes before the ferry was scheduled to leave and was only about 30 minutes to reach Fort Fisher which left us a short ride to where we were staying. Everyone was real nice especially one of the boat captains that nicely escorted my wife from the restricted area up by where the captain was driving the boat.
It was easy and a nice smooth trip.

I'm not a ferry rider on a regular basis so this was a treat for me! The cars line up in lanes, then the crew cleverly arranges parking on the ferry. You are free to walk around during the ride, there is an upper deck, inside seating, bathrooms too. The ride is about 30 minutes and the wind is strong. We passed the other ferry going the opposite way, as well as other boats and barges. The charge is per vehicle, plus per person. So for the 2 of us with the car it was seven dollars to southport and the same price back,

A classic service by the NC DOT that's been around for decades. A highly recommended way to get around the eastern coast when traveling.

I still can't believe that a car with 6 people costs only $5 for a great 25 minute ferry ride. We left from Fort Fisher after spending a few days in Carolina Beach. We wanted to check out Southport which is a great little town. Ferry was prompt and it is first come first served. We arrived at 10:30 for !0;45 ferry and got on with no problem. It is the off season so I am sure the summer is a lot more crowded. I still can't get over the cost. I am from Northeast where ferry rides cost 10 or 20 times as much.

Took the ferry from Fort Fisher to Southport. A great way to spend a little time with my wife. Very pleasant trip, just like clockwork, great view. Would recommend the experience.

Take this ride whenever I go to Southport. Staff is nice and it is a pretty ride. Also, the price is right.

I mean its just a ferry but my grandkids had never been on one and thought it fantastic. Polite and helpful staff, timely, and a good value.

Our visit to Southport was highlighted by our round-trip ride on the Southport-Fort Fisher Ferry. The weather was picture-perfect, with a cloudless sky and a very pleasant, mild temperature. In short, an excellent day for being on the water. Originally, we were going to go over to Fort Fisher by taking our vehicle on the ferry, but while chatting with the very pleasant lady in the ticket booth, she said that if we weren't going to do any walking over at the island, we could take the ferry as simply walk-ons and instead of paying $7 for us in our vehicle, we would simply pay $1 each way for us of us. 'Long story short, we had a super, wonderful boat ride to the island and back, and it only cost us a total of $4 round-trip!! What a fantastic ride it was, We sat outside on the upper deck and had a super time! We encourage any and all who visit the area, make sure to ride the Southport-Fort Fisher Ferry. It's a great experience for all ages. Highly recommend.

My wife and I were visiting some family vacation in Myrtle Beach SC. We decided to take a cruise to the NC coast and see some things we haven’t. We found this cool ferry around 3:28pm on 4/22/18! Luckily the next one came at 4pm! Perfect timing... The ferry is only $5 with 2 people in the car. They have restrooms and picnic tables while you wait. All the cars line up in 3 different lanes. Last car on is the first one off FYI. The ferry only took about a half a hour to get us to our destination. It was a cool comfortable ride with great staff! Everyone had smiles and it is always fun to put your car across the ocean waters. Awesome experience any day of the week. You can ride inside your car or get out and step to the back of the ferry to feed the seagulls. Thank you to NCDOT ferry system and all the employees that keep things running smooth.

The Ferry to Southport from Fort Fisher is a nice ride. It is nice to see the Oak Island Lighthouse in the background. We go back and forth since it is nice to use the ferry to go to the Fort Fisher Aquarium. It is also a great thing to do after the ferry ride. Please try this. The people who run the ferry are always pleasant.

A nice relaxing ride across the Cape Fear River. If you aren't sure what to do with company, walk on for $1 and walk back on next ride for $1.

From Southport to Fort Fisher, the ferry is the way to go. Fort Fisher offers exploration of the fort as well as the Aquarium and is a nice short cut to Carolina Beach. We counted 35 cars on our trip the other day. Well organized and efficient. It is high season so getting there early is necessary to not having to wait til the next ferry and please pay attention when the announcement to return to your cars prior to boarding.

I would recommend this to anyone as a way to travel over to Wilmington and other beaches. Ferry was clean and they had a nice viewing area up top where you could stand and just take in the sights. Not a long ride and you can feed the gulls at the back of the ferry if you want to feel like you're in a Hitchcock movie, lol! Loved it!

My family decided to use the ferry to visit Fort Fisher and Carolina Beach from Southport one day. We enjoyed the pretty ride, and the cost was great as well. We will definitely use it again if we are in the area.

We were staying at Kure Beach and took the ferry from Ft Fisher over to Southport for lunch and shopping. It was an easy trip and beautiful views as we went across. Know that it is 2 miles from the drop off to town so you will need to take your car over on the ferry.

This is a nice easy trip over to Fort Fisher to enjoy the Civil War history there and the aquarium. Very inexpensive fee.

$7 to ferry your car on a 35-minute boat ride! Unbelievable! My wife and I stumbled upon this due to our GPS. We were at firstthinking, "Darnit! Don't want to pay for a ferry!" Then we googled it and found out it was only $5. (Actually was $7, so that info was either out of date, or inflated for weekend / holiday) Nonetheless. It was real nice. I've never been on a car ferry before. Half hour boat ride, went up top to take pics and enjoy the scenery. They even have an air conditioned indoor seating area with some light refreshments. It was quite nice! We almost wanted to turn around to take it back, and then back again. We may have if we weren't so hungry.

Was a great value for a car ferry for $7.50 and a 30 minute boat ride. Road from Fort Fisher to Southport. Saw lots of birds and other wildlife.

Loved ridding on the ferry to Southport and back again. Beats driving and the views of the waterways and birds were great to look at. I recommend this way of travel if you never have tried it before.

The ferry is so fun and relaxing to ride either to Southport or Fort Fisher. Love standing on the open upper deck on the ride over to either side. A great view of Prices Light House and Bald Head Island. Can sometimes see dolphins. And the Captains and crew are friendly and awesome. They are always willing to help and answer any questions you have.

Nice 25 min ride time to relax and enjoy the sounds and the sites all this place has to offer i really enjoyed the ride

For $5 per trip this was a fun ride to the Fort Fisher Aquarium. Saved drive time and it was relaxing to get out on the ferry and enjoy the views.

This was a great and well organized service! Really enjoyed this portion of our trip to Fort Fischer!

Beautiful views and a bit quicker than driving around. Get there 1/2 hour or more before ferry departure time. Both Southport and Fort Fisher are fun family destinations, with amazing Southport restaurants and quaint downtown and Aquarium, beach, and Civil War museum at Fort Fisher.

The Ferry leaves from Southport and lands at Kure Beach. It is about a 30 minute ride and a very pleasant ride. It is easy to drive on and off, as there is always good guidance. The pilots are very experienced and friendly. You can get out as soon as you have your car secured and go upstairs and enjoy the view for the trip. Some folks like to stay towards the back and feed the seagulls that know this is the boat to follow! If you want to go to Kure Beach from Southport, this is the fastest route. In the summer months, the ferry fills up quickly so you will need to allow extra time. It is worth it though. The price is only $5.00 for a carload.This will definitely be a highlight of your Southport vacation.

A tourists can't go wrong taking this NC State ferry ride to Fort Fisher or the Southport side of its journey. It is inexpensive and you get to leave the driving to the ferry's captain. While you and passengers get to relax, stretch your legs and enjoy the crossing.

This ferry is pretty bare bones (some vending machines) but a “must do” when in the area. It’s a very inexpensive, scenic (Pelicans swooping in catching fish, occasional dolphin sightings, etc. ) way to get from one side of the Cape Fear river to the other. It beats the heck out of driving around crossing bridges. Very capable, courteous crew. Great for kids and adults.

Such a fun addition to our trip. Took the ferry to Southport. Only $5, fun experience for the family!!

This is the cheapest harbor cruise you'll ever take. Our car and all its passengers rode for $5.00. It's not luxury cruising, but it's fun to be out on the water.

Had our 5 year old grandson for the day and looking for fun thing to do! Ferry ride was spot on and he hasn’t stopped talking about it since. Lots of river traffic with sailboats, yachts, commercial craft and a very large cargo ship

Great way to travel over to Fort Fisher.
Pay the $5 bucks drive onto the ferry, relax and enjoy the 20 minute ride..
You can get out and enjoy the viewing deck..watch the wild life, feed the birds or just hang out in your car.
Staff are friendly and efficient.
Best way to travel from Southport to Fort Fisher...by far.
We'll be back!

Always a smooth trip across the river . Experience a large boat ride seamlessly . Great views of the shopping channel into wilmington . Then when you get across explore Kure And Carolina beach . Highly recommend a trip to the North Carolina Aquarium . The historic sight at at Firt Fisher is great if you like history .

Came across the ferry and figured we would take it for fun. We went across in record timing and got to enjoy the scenic views.

Travelled on this ferry to get to Fort Fisher, and while buying the tickets was confusing (because we showed up at lunch time), the ride itself was great! It was just long enough to keep my daughter entertained, and it goes through a quiet, peaceful sound, so we saw lots of birds and didn't have to deal with a lot of wake. The price is very reasonable per car, as well!

Great way to see the Cape Fear River and travel between Southport and Wilmington (just north of the landing at Ft Fisher).

from the time we boarded until we deembarked to go to the NC Aquarium, the staff, breeze in our faces, birds swirling everywhere, pointing out landmarks from a different perspective--fun, fun, fun

Convenient to transport between Southport and Fort Fisher.

For some reason, in the middle of the ride, one of the attendants came around to each of the vehicles and tapped on the windows and gruffly motioned to shut off the engine. It was in the upper 90s and stiflingly hot and humid and we we're running the AC. Was the first time we were ever asked to do that.

This was a fun Ferry ride especially for my teenaged daughter that had never been on one before. It was cold and windy on the day we went so the indoor seating was a nice option. Since it was later in the day we decided to just ride instead of bringing our car, not realizing you can’t walk to anything once on the other side. Our mistake. It was very cheap so not a big loss. Would ride this again but definitely bring a car next time.

Comfortable and scenic crossing on the sunny but windy day we sailed to FT Fisher. Photo ops made the trip pass quickly.

This is a neat trip back and forth to Bald Head Island NC. The views are great and you can’t get to the Island without it. I do suggest making a reservation on line before you go. The capacity is somewhat limited and if you don’t have a reservation you can miss that boat and have to wait an hour for the next one. For the return trip if you have a can or Uber waiting you wouldn’t check your bag or you would be delayed. Going over it isn’t that big of a deal. They have a tram system or whomever you are visiting will pick you up.

We love to ride the ferry year round. We live here and our visitors love to jump on the ferry to go visit Fort Fisher and Kure Beach. It's so relaxing and fun!

We drove to Ft Fisher from Holden Beach and took the ferry back to Southport. We had to wait about 45 minutes for the ferry but it was very much worth it. For $7 total, the four of us and our vehicle were transported across while enjoying some interesting scenery and many flying sea birds. At one point a line of more than 20 pelicans flew past us. I would do it again.

During my recent visit to Southport I would have liked to take the Fort Fisher Ferry to Wilmington. Unfortunately it was shut down. Later I learned that it is expected to reopen early April 2020.

If you check the schedule you can get to ft fisher and up to Carolina beach in record time, but it is a fun way to travel, and a lot less stressful than driving ..plan to stop in at the Aquarium..fun for the whole family.

A nice scenic boat ⛵️ ride over the cape fear it’s a wonderful enjoyable ride and views. A must place to visit.

What a great way to be on the water! A very fast and efficient way to reach Wilmington. We take all our visitors on this ferry. The views are beautiful.

Very efficient loading and unloading. The ferry has Restrooms, an outside observation deck, and inside cabin. Or stay in the car for a quick nap. The 25-30 minutes goes by so fast and beats the 50 minute drive around to Carolina Beach.

Took the ferry from Southport to Fort Fisher as part of our road trip to Wrightsville Beach. Only $5 to cross. My boys and I loved it. Nice waiting area if you do t make the first ferry you arrive for. We had to wait but liked the shady picnic areas to hang out!

The 11 kids with us really enjoyed the ride. So did the 13 adults. Very pleasant and cool We have enjoyed this ferry for many years.

We have used the Ferry several times, it is a great way to cross - and we make it a must do on every trip to Visiting the Aquarium, or Fort. Its $5 per crossing. Worth doing.

The ferry goes between Southport and Fort Fisher. At a minimal cost the 30 minute ferry is a great way to see the Cape Fear River and surrounding areas. It runs every couple of hours and both destinations have things to see and do.

This was a great ride, which was very convenient, and at a very reasonable price.
A wonderful way to get from Fort Fisher to Southport.

My toddler enjoyed it.

We took the ferry from Kure Beach to Southport. Tickets are reasonably priced. The ferry ride was about 30 minutes and the scenery on the way was enjoyable.

I think most people forget about the ferry, but it's a great way to get from Southport, to the Wilmington area. It's not expensive and it drops you off at Kure beach, Carolina beach area. There is plenty to do in Southport & those areas.

Fun experience over from Southpoint. 35 minute ride, clean ferry, nice staff, good time and a quick way to get over to Fort Fisher, Kure and Carolina Beaches. Only $7.00 per car each way. Can't find a cheaper boat ride anywhere else. Get there early in the summer as wait times can increase. Ferry only holds about 30-35 cars.

Another way to Wilmington from Southport-- with less traffic! There is a passenger lounge upstairs; for me, the view was fine from my car. Scenic, & a $5 fare.

Always fun to ride the ferry back and forth from Ft Fisher to Southport. Crew is very friendly, birds flying over, the occasional dolphin or turtle. This time a huge container ship was coming in river to the Port of Wilmington.

My wife and I recently took our granddaughter for a ride on the Southport-Fort Fisher Ferry and then lunch at the Provision Company.

She had never been on a ferry so it was a totally unique experience for a 2 1/2 year old. Once the ferry got under way from Fort Fisher we exited the car and went up the stairs to the passenger viewing area.

It was real nice out and the water was calm so the ride was very relaxing. Our granddaughter enjoyed the view and all the seagulls that were following us out on the river. Plus a little blackbird landed on the railing right next to us and she thought that was real funny.

The Southport-Fort Fisher Ferry is operated by the North Carolina Transportation Department and they do a real good job....The ride was inexpensive, safe and a nice way to get out and enjoy the beauty of the area....

December trip so no crowd. Boarded on time, smooth ride across and easy loading and unloading. For $5 a car, it sure beats that harbor cruises!

I know, it is just a short ferry ride and hardly a sight-seeing cruise, but we always have a great time and the price is right. We always take several bags of popcorn with us to feed the seagulls, since we can feed them here without irritating other people.

We loved our ride from Southport to Fort Fisher, even though it was really hot that day. Happily, there were some refreshing breezes off the water to keep us comfortable. The ferry was very easy to find, arrived on time and the staff there made loading all the cars a very efficient process. We highly recommend this special opportunity to travel on the water!

Can't beat a $7 boat ride! Ft. Fisher is the site of the biggest land/sea battle of the cIvil War. We then went North to Lure Beach and Carolina Beach to pick up 17 south. Don't do it, take ferry back if you are going south.

We took the ferry from Ft Fisher to Southport today. Reasonable price, so organized, fun for the kids to ride on a ferry with our car!!!!! The times are on the NC DOT website...so much better than driving over an hour from our vacation rental to Southport. Took 35 minutes one way which includes loading all of the cars on the ferry and traveling on Cape Fear River to Southport.

This was just another day in a wonderful adventure. The deck hands are always helpful and friendly and try to accommodate what ever needs to be done. The trip is short and is always a smooth voyage. You can either stay in your vehicle or go into the air conditioned cabin of the ferry. A very enjoyable trip

Every think is always better on the water and this is an easy way to get a boat ride. Quick and easy. We enjoyed this quick ride over to Fort Fisher. Just check the schedule so you can time your arrival and not have alot of wait time.

Great way to spend a sunny afternoon enjoying the salt air on the ferry to Fort Fisher! And don't forget to bring your stale bread to feed the seagulls, as that alone is worth the price of the trip.

A 1/2hr ride from Southport, NC to the peaceful beach of Ft Fisher. Very relaxing round trip visit. Perfect because we had all of our beach stuff in the car!
Fun to get out of the car and enjoy the scenery.

Fun for the entire family and lovely people. The children love to feed the gulls and the ferry captains are welcoming and will point out the sights. You may see ibis and dolphins.

For three months the Southport - Ft Fisher ferry will be out of service for repair. Please plan accordingly!

Great way to sight see for cheap! Quick boat ride able to walk to upper deck and see the sites. Worth the 7$

This ferry service is the best way to get from Carolina/ Kure Beach to Southport or into South Carolina. For $5.00 a car it is quick and efficient and there is raely a long line up unless you want the last ferry from Southport back to the island. The staff are great and the views amazing with the occasional sight of dolphins in the Cape.

After paying and advising of our dog was a service dog and would it be acceptable, boarded the ferry. Once the ferry was moving we were told that our dog could not be inside the passenger area. WHY wouldn't they have advised us of this prior to boarding the ferry?
Incredibly rude and insensitive ferry staff. We had hoped this to be a great tourist adventure but instead we are banished to our vehicle in 32 degree weather as opposed to seeing the view. I will be demanding a refund.
Ps: someone parked next to us walking into the passenger area with a small dog....hmmm, I thought dogs/pets were not allowed?

I can't say that this little trip was unusual or boring. It went along with seeing Fort Fisher and going to Southport for supper.

Reliable service provided to get from Fort Fisher and Southport. I have always thought the Fort Fisher side is much nicer and the better side to have to wait if you time it incorrectly.

Had a great trip over to the NC Aquarium and to the beaches. However, could not get back due to multiple ferries being full.

We moved to a Southport 4 years ago. The ferry is a great deal, gets you out on the water and over to Ft. fisher. We encourage all friends and family who visit to take advantage of such a treasure. Easily affordable for all!

Not a lot of ferries left so for that alone it is a great experience. The $7 35 min ride is a great way to get across the water and save a lot of driving time, while taking in a great view. Friendly helpful crew.

Besides being a convenient way to get between Fort Fisher and Southport, its a really nice ferry ride. You can get out or stay in your vehicle, your choice. If you plan it right, take stale bread with you and you can feed the gulls off the back of the boat. Some will even take it from your fingers. So, its also cheap entertainment.

For $5, you can cut from Southport NC to Kure Beach using the Ferry. This is an excellent option when you want to visit the NC Aquarium, Fort Fisher, Kure or Carolina beaches, or just go for an outing.

We've seen sea turtles and dolphins from the deck. It's wonderful to be able to get out of your vehicle and feel the breeze as the ferry travels between terminals.

This ferry is a cheap way of transportation. It was an ok experience. If you have nice car and don't want anyone possibly banging it on the ferry then I would recommend not taking it. They try to fit too many cars and park people very close to each other. Unfortunately someone hit our truck door with their car door. Overall it was an ok experience.

What a great way to cut off several miles between Southport and Carolina Beach. We had to drive around going back as it closes at 7PM and that is a long ride.

We have taken this ferry back and forth from Fort Fisher to Southport. This is one of the best buys - it costs only $5 each way per car, does not matter how many people. During the busy months, you can find the ferry leaving every hour. You can park your car and go up in observation deck and enjoy the fews of Cape fear River and the ocean.

Took the ferry from Southport to Fort Fisher on a Saturday. Arrived for the 1:45 ferry but it was full. Had to wait for the 2:30 ferry. There were restrooms and an information center. Ferry ride was good. There are restrooms aboard.

We decided to take the ferry to Fort Fisher on a rainy afternoon to go to the aquarium. The ferry trip was fun and cheap! Drive your car straight on to the ferry and in 30 minutes you are on Kure Beach and at the aquarium. Much more relaxing than driving there!

Where else can you get a scenic boat ride for four dollars? Arrive at least 30 minutes before scheduled departure during summer season. Relax on the top deck outside with the breeze or in the lounge under the air conditioning.

Wonderful trip over the water to the aquarium. Great sights on the way over and the lounge has AC for those super hot days.

The ferry to Southport/Fort Fisher is great. Stop in the center prior to leaving, to get some info about the area. The boat ride itself is about 30 minutes long. Its only $5 to have your car transported. Very reasonable. There's an observation deck, as well as bathrooms aboard. Well worth the time and money.

Have taken this ferry about three times so far. Such a lovely excursion! Cannot beat the price of $5.00 for a typical passenger vehicle and less for walk-ons. Travelers are permitted to exit their vehicles and enjoy the view from the deck or indoor lounge. On our most recent trip, I watched two dolphins following the boat. Staff have always been courteous and friendly. Particularly enjoyed talking with the woman in the Southport ticket booth. When time permits, this is our preferred way of traveling from Southport area to Wilmington. Give it a try!

Wonderful smooth crossing. Convenient and efficient. Very professional crew, highly recommended. Weekend hours limited but workable.

Rely on the ferry to get from Southport to Fort Fisher. $5 per car. Well worth the fee to save roughly an hour drive time. Plan accordingly - check the schedule in advance and enjoy the scenery. Trip takes less than 20 minutes.

The ferry is one of my family's favorite things to do. For $5 you take your entire car, but they have walk on and bike prices too. The views are lovely, and it's just long enough at half an hour. Great way to land near Wilmington and Carolina beach, without a long, boring drive.

The best way to get to Fort Fischer and the Aquarium, while having an enjoyable boat ride. You can get out of your car and go into aan enclosed lounge of outside deck.
The ride is 30 minutes long, and leaves every 45 minutes from either side. Would recommned getting to the ferry about 15 minutes early during the summer months as the ferries do fill up.

Take a relaxing ride from Southport to Fort Fisher and no need to break the bank. Once at Fort Fisher you are only minutes away from a number of fun things to do. Stop at the Aquarium, stroll the grounds of Fort Fisher, head to Wilmington. And if you have grandkids along, they will surely enjoy the sail up the river.

The Southport to Fort Fisher ferry is one of our ‘must do’ adventures during our annual trip to Oak Island. Run by the NCDOT this is a very reliable service running from the charming seaside town of Southport across the Cape Fear River to Fort Fisher, which is home to the Ft Fisher State Recreational area. Ft Fisher is the site of the largest land/sea battle of the Civil War and is the location of the delightful NC Aquarium.

The 30 minute ferry trip itself is beautiful with lost of seashore to see as well as bird watching. AND it costs only $7 each way per vehicle.

$7.00 trip from Southport to Fort Fisher. Been on the ferry several times. Easy on easy off...A nice viewing platform to see 360 view. Great to enjoy a pleasant trip to Fort Fisher, Kure Beach or Wilmington.

We arrived and left via the Fort Fisher- Southport Ferry and for $5 each way, can't beat the experience.

Our family takes the ferry every time we come to the beach. We enjoy the quick ride through the sound. The ferry tends to be prompt and the staff friendly. It adds a little “adventure” to every trip over to Fort Fisher.

What a great way to get to Carolina Beach for a fantastic dinner, see the fireworks and relax on the water for only $7 one way.

I was so excited to find this car ferry. Easy to use and really cheap. We stayed by our car and watched the scenery. Super fun!

When visiting Fort Fisher, NC, my family and I rode the local car ferry to Southport, about 45 minutes away. I highly recommend this to anyone who has never been on a ferry ride before! The cost is $5.00 each way and the scenery and wildlife is priceless. Every ferry ride we took that week was on time and so much fun for the entire family. A snack shop, restrooms, and look out were available as well as inside and outside seating. The crew were anxious to answer any/all questions our little ones posed and were very gracious about taking multiple pictures throughout our rides. If you want to experience NC you will need to take a ride on the local ferry!

We stayed at Kure Beach and used ferry a few times. Great relaxing ride. We will used again next trip there

A buddy of mine and I used the ferry to get from Fort Fisher to Southport and back a couple of weeks ago. It was fun and interesting and saved us many driving miles. You can sit in your vehicle or get out and enjoy the breeze while standing on the bow. A little salt water and wind in the face is good for the soul!

Since moving to Southport, we have discovered the Ft. Fisher Ferry to be a fun way to go to Carolina Beach or Wilmington. The trip takes only a 1/2 hour and the cost is $7.00 for the car. On a nice day, we enjoy getting out of the car and taking in the sea breeze and watching the birds or taking in the sight of a huge container ship. You may look up the ferry schedule on line. Only downside is they don’t run at night.

We were exploring. Took the ferry from Fort Fisher Island over to Southport nice little ferry ride. Ferry was clean well-maintained people were friendly and the price was right only five bucks

Was a short 35 min ride over to Fort Fisher. If you’re not in a hurry, recommend this. Great experience.

You just can’t beat this ferry for great scenery at a low cost. We go often in off-season. Spend some time at the aquarium and Fort Fisher, then ferry back to Southport.

Nice 30 minute trip on the cape Fear river. Great crew! one of the crew, Larry Modlin, has even written a book about the Ferry.

This trip will save you a lot of driving and a lot of time. It’s cheap, plus it is an absolute beautiful area, and what a way to take it in!!

Since I was a child I have enjoyed taking the Ferry ride across the Cape Fear River between Southport and Fort Fisher. The schedule is managed well enough that you don’t have to wait in line very long before the next ferry has arrived, and is ready to load for the next trip across. Parents with children should never underestimate the excitement that comes with parking your vehicle on a boat and then riding it across the water. The voyage itself is just a bit over 30 minutes, so it’s not too long, and gives your family just enough time for an enjoyable experience. You can either sit in your vehicle (if you end up being directed to an advantageous spot on the ferry) or go up on the observation deck. Either way, it’s worth the cost of a trip across, which was $7.00 for a standard passenger vehicle.

Whenever we have guests in town we take them on the car ferry from Fort Fisher to Southport. It’s always an enjoyable ride in all seasons and all weather. Our elderly grandparents, to teens, to littles all enjoy the outing. We have lunch or dinner in Southport, sightsee/shop in the quaint town a little, then drive back to Wilmington north along 133.

Wonderful ride from Carolina Beach to Southport.
Bring bread for the seagulls, everyone love seeing the birds following the ferry!

With the cost of doing almost anything at the beach, you can't go wrong with this attraction. The ferry ride is all of $5 for you AND your car! We went from Ft. Fisher to Southport as a short cut to get back to our hotel in Leland NC. and explored the historic Carolina coast and lowlands of the Cape Fear River. This is a wonderful way to spend the day anytime of year and we are sure to do the reverse trip since we have relocated and now live in Brunswick County, NC.

It was so inexpensive and saved so much time to take this cool ferry across to Southport from Fort Fisher. We had a gorgeous view on our quick trip across the bay. Calm seas, pretty scenery. What's not to love? Do it.

Always adore my ferry rides from Ft. Fisher to Southport and back. Wonderful ride on the ferry;love everything about this. Well worth doing. Cost $5.00 each way. Well worth it.

I have taken this ferry several times, and it has consistently been orderly and smooth. And it is fun to stand at the back with kids and throw bits of bread into the air for the birds.

Beautiful day and lovely ferry ride for little money. The day was sunny and beautiful so the 30 minute ride to Fort Fisher was delightful and highly recommend this inexpensive mode of transportation.

We often travel on the ferry for a Day Away Vacation - often take our bikes! love this quick trip to Souhtport!

We took our van on the ferry over from Fort Fisher so we could sightsee in Southport. When we headed back, we were loaded pretty quickly on the Southport ferry. We had beautiful, sunny weather and enjoyed sitting out on the deck. When we arrived back at Fort Fisher, we were unloaded very quickly, too. A very pleasant ride!

Followed up by bringing grandkids on ferry to aquarium. Their first boat trip. The trip was fun and the aquarium is good for little ones (ours were 1 and 2).

Nice staff, so quick, only $7 each way for our F-250. Our dog loved it too. We had fun exploring the island and it was easy on-easy off, both ways

I love to take my guests to South Port through the Ferry every time someone is visiting me. We have such a good time. DOn't forget to bring bread to feed all the seagulls if you have children they will love it!!!

This was a great way to avoid backtracking through Wilmington. We stayed at Carolina Beach State Park and were heading to Charleston, SC. Loved the ease of FCFS and cost - very reasonable. Both Southport and Fort Fisher are great towns to explore. Kure Beach & Pier as well.

Every year on our vacation to the area we as a family take the ferry ride from Southport to Ft. Fisher to have dinner. The grandkids love it.

Ferry always clean and on time. Great way to miss Wilmington traffic while relaxing and enjoying the scenery

The Ferry leaving out of Fort Fisher and arriving at Southport has an active schedule each day. This ferry transports cars also at a cost of $7 per one way trip. It crosses the Cape Fear River with wonderful views of bird life, marshes and even dolphins. The return trip from Southport runs regularly also, to the minute. It is a wonderful way to be in the middle of nature at a most reasonable price

So easy…answered our questions so pleasantly!! INEXPENSIVE…$7 with car!! Plenty of room to sit or stand!! Fun ride!!!

As always on a trip to Carolina beach we get something to eat sit on the beach for a while the kids play in the water for a couple hours after that we drive down to Fort Fisher to get on the ferry to cross over to Southport fun day

The ride was pretty. Took much less time then expected. Worth the $7 cost one way, got to go home a different way.

I wish someone would have told me that I could take the ferry from Southport to Fort Fisher and save myself an hours drive to get to Carolina beach! It's only $1 one way to ride if you leave your car parked and only $5.00 to take it with you. The ride is only 30 mins and is quiet and pleasant. Fido can come along for your adventure but must be in a personal vehicle. Only service animals are allowed in the enclosed passenger area. Don't forget to get an up to date schedule as hours do change with seasons. Enjoy the ride!

It had been since I was very little that I had been on a ferry. My husband and I absolutely loved it!

We took the ferry to Southport and had a wonderful ride. About 45 minutes to get to Southport. A wonderful little town full of shops and restaurants. Very easy but you have to time the ferry ride or you might wait an hour waiting for the next ferry.

It was great to just sit and watch nature...the birds, the water...BEAUTIFUL. We took the ferry three days in a row, just to relax a bit. Reasonable and relaxing!

A ferry ride isn't something you find anymore. This is a must do for only $7. Crossing the beautiful Cape Fear to Southport, which is a beautiful little town. You can ferry back across or travel another way back to the other side. This was the highlight to our trip.

Living in TN, there aren’t ferries, so this was a treat for us. It’s affordable at $7 per vehicle. Once on the ferry, you can get out and take photos. I wish we had brought something to feed the many gulls that followed the boat. The ride was about 30 minutes I believe.

Everyone there was nice. There was no wait (April 5th), and it was easy on and off. Definitely worth doing this to get to the NC Aquarium. Overall, it was a positive experience!

Easy on and off, a quick 30 minute ride in either direction, and saves a big trip up to Wilmington if you are headed for the beaches.

The ride is pleasant, about 20 minutes. Some interesting sights. Nice shortcut to get to Ft Fisher and NC Aquarium or to Southport, going the other way. Saves 1hr+ versus the drive via Wiliminton, even waiting for the ferry. Light snacks onboard. Restrooms. Seagulls ride along. Boats and trailers in tow allowed.

Took the ferry from Ft. Fisher area to Southport and it was great. Nice way to see the area from a different perspective and since you take your car, getting to Southport is easy and then you can explore that lovely town. Cost is very reasonable and they are very organized. Just be sure to arrive early on good weather days/tourist time of the year so you make the ferry that you want.

Get a big box of cheez-it crackers. Stand on the fan-tail and hold one out above your head …they fly in and snap it up.

We love going from Ft. Fisher to Southport on this ferry. It's a nice way to get from point A to point B without having to drive. It was $7 for us to take the trip in a GMC Acadia

$7 for a 35-minute cruise followed by a drive to Wilmington and back to Myrtle Beach all in a day. Part of the NC ferry system. The Fort Fisher history museum is a mile or two up the road so hiking from the ferry dock to it would take a while.

The ferry ride itself is great fun but it also connects two very historic places in North Carolina history. It's a fun adventure no matter your age or interests. And at the time of this review, it's only $5 per car!!

Took advantage of the ferry to visit Fort Fisher & the aquarium on a drizzly day. Definitely arrive 45 mins before the departure time to ensure you make it on! Nice waiting area with snacks and info on the local sights.

We love riding the Ferry with the kids. They get to see the coast line and watch the birds. Just plain on arriving early if you want to get to the other side for a scheduled time.

Enjoyed the trip over so much that we decided we would take it back as well. The pricing is amazing at only $5.00 per car each way.

If you are visiting in the area this Ferry is worth a ride. It's cheap- 14 dollars roundtrip and that's including an entire car load. Once the Ferry starts you are allowed to walk around. I highly recommend bringing along food to feed the sea gulls or buying food from the vending machine for them. It is such a fun experience. My children loved it. Riding the ferry was literally their favorite thing of our trip and we did it twice! Such a fun, cheap activity. Also in South Port there is a lot to see as well and the beaches are so pretty and free.

My sister, my hubby, and I visited recently. We all like being on the water, and enjoyed our ferry trip.

The entire team here deserves a raise.... honestly idk how they do it. Not only are the doing there job. They are super nice, always smiling and will stop and take pics for families without being asked. Its people like these guys that make NC amazing.

Nice way to get from Southport to Port Fisher, and cheap, only $7.00 for my wife and I and our car.

There is an Aquarium near the Ferry in Port Fisher. Very pleasant 30 min ride.

Decided to take the long way back up north. $5 the ferry was so easy, left Southport and than a beautiful drive up to Carolina beach and northward

On-time, inexpensive, and convenient. What else can you ask for? The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because of its limited capacity which can be an issue during the summer months.

It had been many years since I traveled on this ferry... Great day for the ferry... Makes it a lot easier (& quicker) to get up & down the Cape Fear to all the nearby locations.

We took this to go to the aquarium with our kids. Fun to go to the observation deck upstairs! There’s both open air and a closed space.
Arrive early to make sure the ferry doesn’t fill up! We were 15-20 mins early but that wasn’t enough for a Saturday - we ended up getting in line for the next one (45 mins later) so we had a lot of time to sit and wait. There are bathrooms and free maps and magazines.
On the way back from Fort Fisher, we had the same problem, so instead of waiting another hour, we just drove up the coast and back down again to Southport! - With a stop at Britts Donuts on the Carolina Beach Boardwalk on the way :)

the ferry is always a fun thing to do and takes you over to southport and oak island its a great thing for a day trip to go across and see more of our beautiful coast

Very relaxing ride. Liked it so much we came back and rode again. The workers were very friendly. We got right in the front. So we sat in the vehicle and enjoyed the sights and the ride.

This is something to do for a day trip from Myrtle Beach or other destination. Such a wonderful Ferry Boat ride, call for times the Ferry runs. Take you car with you even if you have a pet they go also and love the ride because they are in the car. Lets you off at Ft. Fisher wonderful place to take you time and just enjoy. Great views and plenty of room to roam. You can also get the Ferry from Ft. Fisher back to Southport. Great trip for Fall or anytime.

We enjoyed riding on the ferry, however there was a long line of cars waiting to get on so if the ferry fills up you just have to wait in line for the next one...45 minutes...but check the schedule for specific times. That being said, it was worth it!

Caught an early ferry over to Southport on a fine Carolina morning. The 20 minute or so ride was smooth and comfortable and good value at $7 one way. Any passengers in the car ride free. Great staff directing your car on board, this is a fun option, especially if you have kids.

I use this Ferry often for work. I cannot think of a better "bang for the buck" travel wise. If you're a regular, it's nice to be able to depend on a committed schedule. If you're a 1st timer....it is an enjoyable 20 minutes or so..........for a very fair price.

"Because it is there" is more than enough reason to take this ferry from Fort Fisher to Southport - or reverse! Six of us crossed on bikes for 12 and one of us went in a car for 14 (one way) and it was SO worth it. We biked to the ferry port...very efficiently purchased tickets and were loaded, had a blissful 30 minute trip, departed and biked into town. After a nice lunch, we biked to the ferry, via the scenic (read ice cream stop) route and after an equally efficient purchase and loading returned to our origin. Just a great experience - for the less than the cost of a coffee! Bring a small picnic, load up the car and go. You can sit inside if the wind is too much or the day is cold. I only saw one bathroom on board, so perhaps use the facilities before boarding.

Our granddaughters absolutely love the ride....to the point that we,have gone over just to come back.

This thirty five minute ferry ride is a delightful way to reach the beautiful town of Southport. You will have a chance to see dolphins, lighthouses and islands as you ride.

Fort Fisher to Southport is one of the shortest ferries we have taken. Definitely would do it again. Have found the staff at the Hatteras to Ocracoke ferry to be more neighborly. However both are Pet Friendly and an enjoyable adventure!

For a few dollars you can take a ride to Southport/Fort Fisher and walk on the ferry and see the marine life and maritime traffic along the river. A great adventure.

This ride is beautiful and sure beats having to drive around to reach Carolina Beach/Southport. There is a lot of road construction going on now and its more than worth the $5 fare! My kids loved it - you should do it at least once during your trip!

so took from south port to fort fisher , took roughly 30 minutes was easy enjoyed able ride , nice breeze for a very hot day . well organized enjoyed the crossing and ride

Hey, where are you going to get a wonderful, relaxing ferry ride for $5? The woman at the entry gate couldn't have been more friendly and helpful, the wait to get on the boat was short and the ride from Southport to Fort Fisher was a real joy. We were on road-trip vacation and found the trip a great way to cover some ground with the salt air in our faces. One of the highlights of our visit to Southport. Plus it was a great way to get to Wrightsville Beach

It's great to travel by sea to your destination. Let someone else navigate and you enjoy the salty air and the sunshine.

Staying in Carolina Beach and heading to Southport was made easy using the ferry. A nominal $5 charge for a car, full or one person, was an inexpensive and quick way to get to our destination. Southport had many shops, antique and gift, to keep us going all day long. Much nicer here than Carolina Beach which has hardly any quaint shops.

Such a fun way to travel! If you're coming down to Southport for the day, the Ferry is the best way to arrive! Or, when in Southport, take the Ferry over to the aquarium for the day. Either way, be sure to check the schedule and plan accordingly. Also, arrive early because it can fill up and you'll have to wait an hour for the next one. Take your car, go by bike, or just buy a pedestrian ticket and enjoy the ride!

What can I say...it’s a ferry ride. If you catch the ferry it will save you about 30 minutes versus driving up and back down through Wilmington. It’s $5 each way, but the ride is generally very nice.

In the off season, you can arrive 5 minutes before the scheduled departure. In the summer, definitely plan to arrive 20 minutes or more early because the lines can get pretty long.

Enjoyed boarding the ferry to cross from one side to the next. On busy/peak days/times I’d recommend arriving at least 30 minutes prior to the scheduled time to be sure to board at the time you want/need. The ferry holds quite a few cars but I wouldn’t want to have to wait another 45 minutes for the next ferry. Great views along the way and you may be lucky to see dolphins!

Took the ferry to the Aquarium ....the LOVED the water journey. We'll do it again next time they're in STJ....

We had spent a day in Oak Island/Southport and frankly I could not face the trip back to our hotel in Carolina Beach via the hassle that is the road system around Wilmington.
As an alternative we took the ferry to Fort Fisher. What a lovely way to shorten the journey and to enjoy the wildlife of the Cape Fear River. 7$ well spent

Car ferry between Fort Fisher/ Kure Beach and Southport. Seemed to be run very efficiently. Nice quick trip across the water. Enjoyed watching the pelicans dive for their lunch. $7 for a car.

We enjoyed the relaxing trip across the Cape Fear river from Southport to Fort Fisher. The beautiful weather and scenery add to the fun of the crossing.

You board the boat, get ready for a fine water ride to, or from Southport.. On nice days, you can stand outside and let the world pass by, as you move across the water...

For $5 one way, the Ft Fisher ferry is an awesome way to get from Southport to Ft Fisher island. Definitely be sure to check the ferry times as they change seasonally and differ on the weekends. And depending on time of day and weather conditions, arriving 30 min early will most likely ensure you get on the next ferry. The ferry building at Southport offers indoor restrooms and vending machines. The ferry itself also has restrooms (although not handicap accessible). You are welcome to get out of your car and enjoy the outdoor observation deck or the air conditioned interior passenger lounge (both located on the upper deck). The ride itself wasn’t more than 20-25 min in length and was a fun way for our group, which included a 4 year old and a 6 year old, to get over to the Ft Fisher Aquarium from Southport. The ferry staff are very efficient and friendly. Great way to get across the Cape Fear River going either way!!

Fun 35 minute trip from Southport to Ft Fisher and a bargain at $7.00 per car! Ferry was on time and loading and unloading was fast and organized. Standing on deck was sunny with some curious sea gulls and great for pictures. Upper lounge was air conditioned and comfortable. Person overseeing the lounge was friendly and knew a lot of the history of the area which was interesting. Ft Fisher area is serene and beautiful for pictures. Wish they had a later pm ferry from Ft Fisher to Southport.

Went from Kure Beach to Myrtle Beach, ferry cut down on time and provided a great start to our day. To ferry is clean, efficient and has lookouts.

We saw dolphins jumping beside the ferry which was a highlight. Lots to see and do and greet for kids to explore. They wanted to do it again

For only $14 total round-trip, you can take the ferry across the Cape Fear River from Fort Fisher/Kure Beach/Carolina Beach to Southport or vice versa. A quick 20 minute trip, but get there 30-45 mins before departure to ensure your spot. So cool to drive your car onto the ferry and then be able to get out and walk around while on the river.

For 5 bucks it can't be beat. Depending upon when you arrive at the "toll booth," you may have to wait 20 or 30 minutes, but once on the ferry things work with dispatch. Smooth, and no problems.

The Southport-Fort Fisher Ferry is a fun an inexpensive way to avoid traffic and get to Carolina Beach and Wilmington. Only $5.00 one way....what a bargain and so enjoyable. Watch the boaters out on the Cape Fear River, pelicans diving for fish, and enjoy the wind in your hair. I highly recommend it!

Nice, smooth, quick and convenient way to get from here to there. Plus it's really cheap! Make sure you are there on time because the ferry sticks to it's schedule!

Relaxing route to Southport. The employees operate the ferry efficiently. Quick disembarkment of arriving ferry and we boarded just as quick. $7.00 per car. Restrooms on ferry were clean.

My wife and I were in downtown Southport on vacation and our next stop was Carolina Beach. Was prepared to drive all the up to Wilmington and come back down on the other side of Cape fear River. Saw the sign for a Ferry. A few minute drive from downtown Southport. Was only $7 for the two of in our rental car. About a 30 minute ferry ride across the mouth of the Cape fear River and we headed right to Carolina Beach, about another 10 minutes. So relaxing!!!!

So glad ventured to Southport for the afternoon. Well organised ferry ride and sooo cheap at$7 each way!! All enjoyed our few hours looking for Dawsons creek locations!

This particular route on the NC Ferry System is one we have taken hundreds of times. Always fun, safe and convenient!

We try to ride ferries any chance we get since we are from the landlocked midwest. So excited to find that this car/passenger ferry is a 30 minute ride, much longer than many ferries, and all for only $5.00! Employees are nice and knowledgeable. Save the drive time through Wilmington and take the ferry!

We biked, husband, 16 year old and 10 year old, from Carolina Beach to ferry. The AC was a great treat on the ferry after the 6 mile bike ride! It was convenient and cheap to put 4 bikes on the ferry ($8). Would do it again!

We always take this ferry back and forth between Southport & Ft. Fisher. Much less time than driving by car, and very inexpensive.

We took the Fort Fisher Ferry from Southport, NC today to go to Fort Fisher for the Kite Festival. The Ferry runs every 45 minutes, and holds up to 30 cars. The cost was $7 for the two of us, and our vehicle. We were able to get out of our truck, and go up to the main deck to see the other boats pass, and view the coast. It was about a 30 minute ride, and very relaxing. A couple brought bread, and threw it up to the seagulls at the back of the boat. I would say it was well worth the $7 fee! We really enjoyed it!

We took this ferry on a rainy day to see the aquarium. Saw dolphins very close to the ferry. Loved the trip.Very inexpensive. Relaxing as you do not have to get out of the car.

Quick route between Southport and Wilmington area. Our grandchildren enjoy it (as did our children when they were young). You can take your car or a bicycle.

Not my first experience here but was my daughter’s and she was so amazed. The guys were so nice and very informative and patient when my 5 yr old wanted to ask questions while we waited for our boat. The bathrooms were clean which was great with a sensory child.

My husband and I took the ferry from Fort Fisher to Southport for the afternoon. Just drive right on and then hop out and enjoy the 20-25 minute ride. We will definitely do that on future trips with the kiddos. A fun little experience for $5!

Prepare to wait if it is during the busier times. I found the afternoon was busier than early morning. Although it rained it was better than driving! Take crackers to feed the seagulls as they ride the ferry too! Weather permitting you can get out of your vehicle and enjoy the view from the top. The ferry even has restrooms. Nice smooth ride over and was told it only closes for hurricanes or extreme fog.

Like we can take our car and be on the water for a short time and drive away. We have gone on this several time and for the price it is a good deal. I don't think it saves that much time because of getting in line before, but it does save driving.

A must do everytime I visit Southport! BEAUTIFUL views along the way. Great way to travel across the ocean!

This is probably no big deal for many people. But it was the first time I had used a car ferry. It was a fun way to get from Southport to Kure Beach. I think children would enjoy it as well.
We especially enjoyed the beach area at Fort Fisher. There was almost no one there. The large granite boulders along the shore was unique. It was a peaceful beach.