A 20-minute ferry ride from Southport, NC brings you to the pristine island of Bald Head. Located between the Atlantic Ocean and the Cape Fear River, Bald Head Island is the southernmost cape island in North Carolina. The limited access allows visitors to enjoy nature as it should be, with low pollution and noise. A variety of outdoor activities are available on the island, with some of the most popular activity choices listed below.
Beaches
With 14 miles of coastline, you’ll be able to find your perfect beach spot. For calmer waters, perfect for young families, head to South Beach. If beachcombing is one of your favorite pastimes, you’ll want to explore the stretch of sand between South Beach and West Beach. For rougher seas, perfect for boogie boarding and surfing, check out East Beach. Beachfront Bald Head Island vacation rentals are available year-round so you can walk right outside your door onto the beach. Equipment and game rentals are available at each beach when you need chairs, umbrellas or a bocce ball set.
Bikes
Bike rentals are available on the island if you’re looking for a fun family activity. Without the threat of cars, you can enjoy pedaling all around Bald Head Island safely. The smooth, flat terrain makes bike riding easy and fun for everyone. Remember to wear your helmet and move to the right when golf carts or trams need to pass you. Travel the 15 miles of roadway for a lovely day in nature while getting some exercise.
Sea Turtles
Turtle Walks, a unique Bald Head Island experience, allows you to get up close and personal with loggerhead sea turtles. Each summer, the loggerheads come to Bald Head to lay their eggs. The Bald Head Island Conservancy protects the nesting mothers and monitors the nests for hatching. If you’re lucky, your turtle walk will be filled with hundreds of tiny hatched loggerhead turtles making their way to sea.
With so many interesting ways to appreciate the outdoors on Bald Head Island, you’ll want to come back year after year. The ideas listed here can help you get started with planning your trip, but there are many more options available. You can try a historic tour, a lighthouse climb, a kayaking trip or, if you’re feeling more adventurous, a kiteboarding lesson. One thing is certain, boredom will not have a chance to seep into your next vacation when you choose Bald Head Island.
