Five Minutes to a Wild World: The Ferry Ride to Carrot Island
5-10 Minute Ferry Ride • All Ages • EVERY GUEST NEEDS TO BE ACCOUNTED FOR EVEN INFANTS!!
The ferry slips away from Beaufort’s low-slung docks with the casual assurance of something that’s done this a thousand times. The town’s clapboard roofs and flagpoles shrink into a line on the horizon while marsh grass—silvery, bowed, and alive—rises to meet you. In five to ten minutes you’ll cross a sliver of sound and land on Carrot Island, part of the Rachel Carson Reserve, where mudflats, salt marsh and upland scrub stitch together a compact theater of coastal life. The ride itself is unpretentious—short, scenic, and a clear invitation to slow down—but what waits on the other side is the kind of concentrated nature that makes you want to hold your breath and listen.
Trail Wisdom
Check the Tide Table
Plan your visit around low or high tide depending on whether you want exposed mudflats for shorebirds or higher water for different bird activity.
Wear Sturdy, Mud-Friendly Shoes
Trails are marshy and studded with sandspurs; hiking shoes or water-resistant sneakers are best.
Bring Sun and Bug Protection
Open marshes offer little shade; sunscreen and insect repellent will make your visit more comfortable.
Book Return Passage at the Dock
Reserve your return trip when you check in—ferry pickups are limited and you’ll want a guaranteed seat back to Beaufort.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •The narrow boardwalk sections at low tide where shorebirds concentrate
- •Quiet upland knolls with the best light for photographing horses
Wildlife
Banker feral horses, Sharp-tailed sparrows and a wide variety of shorebirds
Conservation Note
The reserve is managed to protect fragile marsh and shorebird habitat—stay on trails, limit disturbance to wildlife, and pack out all trash.
The Rachel Carson Reserve is named for author and marine biologist Rachel Carson and is part of North Carolina’s coastal reserve system protecting estuarine habitats.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Migratory birds, Wildflower blooms, Comfortable temperatures
Challenges: Mud during rainy spells, Variable tides
Spring offers peak bird migration and mild weather—expect busy birding and lush marsh growth.
summer
Best for: Long daylight hours, Warm water scenes, Family outings
Challenges: Heat, sun exposure, mosquitoes
Summer is busiest—bring shade and insect repellent and start early to avoid heat and bugs.
fall
Best for: Fall migration, Clear light for photography, Fewer crowds
Challenges: Cooling temperatures and early sunsets
Fall combines crisp air and excellent bird activity; dress in layers for changing conditions.
winter
Best for: Quiet solitude, Shorebird concentrations, Clear visibility
Challenges: Colder winds, limited services
Winter visits are peaceful with strong visibility for birding, but plan for wind and colder temps.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Waterproof/hiking shoesEssential
Keeps feet protected from mud, sandspurs, and marsh terrain.
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)Essential
Open marshes offer little shade; protect skin and eyes from prolonged sun exposure.
Insect repellentEssential
Controls mosquitoes and biting flies common in marshy areas.
Insulated cooler or water bottleEssential
No services on the island—bring water and snacks to stay comfortable.
Common Questions
How long is the ferry crossing?
The ride is approximately 5–10 minutes each way; pickup times are at :25 and :55 past the hour, with the last pickup at 5:25 p.m.
Can I bring my dog?
Dogs are allowed on the ferry at no extra charge, but trails have cactus and sandspurs—dogs are not recommended for the island interior.
Are there restrooms or services on Carrot Island?
No—there are no facilities on the island, so bring water, snacks and plan to use restrooms in Beaufort before boarding.
Do I need a permit to visit?
No permit is required, but you must purchase ferry passage and follow reserve rules; check the operator’s booking page for updates.
Is the island accessible for strollers or wheelchairs?
Much of the terrain is uneven and can be muddy; access is limited—call the ferry operator to discuss specific mobility needs before booking.
When is the best time to see the feral horses?
Horses are most visible in the cooler parts of the day—early morning or late afternoon—when they browse upland grasses away from the hottest sun.
What to Pack
Water bottle (hydration); waterproof shoes (mud/sandspurs); sunscreen and hat (sun protection); insect repellent (bugs)
Did You Know
The Rachel Carson Reserve is part of North Carolina’s Coastal Reserve and was named in honor of marine biologist Rachel Carson, author of Silent Spring.
Quick Travel Tips
Arrive 15 minutes before departure; reserve return passage at the dock; check tide times before you go; expect limited cell service on the island
Local Flavor
Return to Beaufort’s waterfront for seafood—local shrimp and oysters are regional highlights—and visit the North Carolina Maritime Museum for context on the area’s fishing and maritime history.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest major airport: Raleigh-Durham International (RDU) ~2.5 hours; Closest regional airport: Coastal Carolina Regional (EWN) in New Bern ~45 minutes; Ferry departs from downtown Beaufort dock—short walk from downtown; Cell service: intermittent on the island; Permits: none, but ferry fare required and reservations recommended.
Sustainability Note
This reserve protects sensitive estuarine habitat—stay on marked trails, keep dogs off fragile areas, and pack out all trash to minimize impacts.
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