A limited portion of the ferry dock at Cape Lookout Lighthouse is once again in operation, Cape Lookout National Seashore / NPS file

The Christmas Eve winter storm of 2022 at Cape Lookout National Seashore caused a fair bit of damage to the ferry dock at Cape Lookout Lighthouse. So much so that the dock was closed to the public, resulting in the ferry dropping passengers between 500 – 1,000 yards away, depending on tides. 

The National Park Service has since completed repairs and augmentations allowing for limited use of a portion of the dock. While the largest portion of the dock remains closed due to damage, the National Park Service has completed repairs and augmentations for limited use by the passenger ferry of a small section of the dock which will eliminate the 500-1000 yard walk on the beach. 

Passengers should be aware that while using the reduced docking area, ferry boarding and disembarking may take longer than normal. Passengers should also be aware that while the dock remains in limited service, it is not accessible by wheelchairs. Wheelchair accessibility will be returned when permanent fixes are completed, and the dock is restored to full service. 

Island Express Ferry Service, the authorized concessioner for passenger ferry traffic to the Lighthouse Dock, will begin using this dock immediately. For additional information on scheduling ferry transportation, visitors may contact Island Express directly at (252) 728-7433.