$5.00/per night - 30 amp power hookups, $7.50/per night - 50 amp power-$7.50, $15.00/per night 100-amp power hookups
Dock. Fresh Water Connections:
Available.
Showers:
Available.
Laundromat:
Available.
Restaurant:
two on-site
Restaurant Recommendations:
Delphinas (910) 457-1222, Jules Salty Grub and Island Pub.
Provisioning Possibilities:
yes Market Deli and Cafe, Maritime Market - 1 1/2 miles away, golf carts and bicycles for rent, Dockmaster - snacks, fishing equipment, ice, t shirts & souvenirs
LPG (Propane) Availability:
Available. LPG tank exchange available by golf cart at the hardware store
Not a cruiser any more (cruising is how I discovered this place!) but live here full time. There are lots of choices on where to eat. Here’s the list during full season. Off season, many will close or reduce their hours. It’s too early to tell right now. Here goes: Open to everybody: At the Marina: Delphina (Opened 5/3 for linch; Should open 5/17 for dinner): Mexican, Southwestern, Cuban. Full Liq. Everything under $14 SandPiper cafe: Great Premium Ice Cream and Super coffee/ cappuccino. Mojo’s at the Harbor: Full Menu, Full Liq. Could be great cruisers bar but not. Pricey! Soft serve and and Snow cones. Will ‘O the Wisp: At the sail shop on the marina. Self serve beer and wine. Also have Luna Pops (a fruit based popsicle known in Mexico as Paletas. Outrageously addicting and refreshing! Best place to hang out and socialize.
Elsewhere on the island: Peli: At the Bald Head Island Club; by the Tennis courts. Breakfast, lunch and dinner menu. Open to everybody and you do NOT need to be a member. About 1mi from marina. Maritime Market cafe: At the market mid island. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Market is slightly more expensive than mainland markets ans has most everything. Good selection of Beer and wine. About 2 mi from marina. Mike’s Bites: at the east end of the island. Take away only. Mostly premade sandwiches. We do expect changes this year but are not known just yet. About 4mi from marina.
Available with temporary membership to transients (temporary memberships are available at the marina and are about $20. Rates may have gone up): Bald Head Island Club: Two dining rooms, great food and full use of facilities: Pool, tennis, croquet, exercise room. Golf is extra. About 1mi from the marina. Shoals Club. East end of the Island. Dinning room and Sandbar Grill. About 4+mi from the marina. That’s it. If I can supply any more information please don’t hesitate to let me know. Brewse Barnard formerly of S/V Integrale
Claiborne, We are here at Bald Head Island Marina on the end of A dock. Made “reservations” by phone. Entrance had a crane working on the S side of inlet as we came in and were able to dodge it. The current was ebbing but didn’t note it as I was trying to miss the crane. Went to fuel pier first, Will helped us there and loaned, us an adapter (50 to 30 amp) for the power. He ran around to help us tie up and plug in. Good friendly service, floating dock so goes up and down with the tide; so did not notice any current in the marina. The marina appeared less than 50% full, but was told that those slips were owned. The marina is busy with the ferries, vehicle and passenger. We bumped at the slip, but that was the wind. Most people did not seem to be on their boats so the small restrooms were not a problem. We ate lunch at MoJo’s the dock side restaurant, pot roast sandwich, excellent ( I ordered it out of curiosity) My wife had grilled chicken sandwich with bacon, very good, for dessert we split a creme brûlée cheese cake, out of this world! We were too full to go back for dinner. For lunch the next day we had chicken caesar wrap at the Maritime Market, best we ever had. However this is about a 3 mile walk, one way. In general a friendly, laid back place would come again. Good sailing, Bob
We spent two nights tied up at the Bald Head Island Marina. Marina staff were excellent. We rode our bikes and also rented a golf cart for a few hours. The Marina restaurant was excellent. On the negative side, there can be a significant surge inside the marina . We were at C dock and danced around for two days. We did have a great time and will return . Tom and Melesia Goodman, Monk 36 “Journey” on the “Great Loop”
Bald Head Island is at the mouth of the Cape Fear River where it meets the Atlantic Ocean. When going south down the Cape Fear River it is located further southeast past the point where the ICW leaves the river at Southport. The inlet to the marina is on the west end of the island, or equivalently the east side of the river. It is well marked and framed by two short rock jetties. The current on the river runs fast and entrance into the inlet must take that into account. Additionally, the inlet channel shoals and is routinely dredged to maintain ferry access to the island. Transiting at mid to high tide is prudent. The marina has floating slips and T-heads and good space for transient boaters. There is one restaurant and a ship’s store in the marina plus restrooms and showers. Fuel and a pump out are available. Kayaks and golf carts can be rented to use on the island (there are no cars allowed). This marina is an excellent jump off point for boaters going offshore headed south. It’s only a short 30 mile trip to the Little River Inlet at Myrtle Beach. Ray Kurlak
We think Baldhead is also a great stop, with a lighthouse within walking distance of the marina that you can go up in and have a great view. Most of the other North Carolina lighthouses are well off the path of loopers, so this is a good reason to stop at Baldhead as well. Betsy Johnson Rick ‘n Roll
This is Janice posting from [AGLCA] Lieutenant Sponsor, Bald Head Island. This is a beautiful marina and you should be sure to stop by when you’re doing the Intracoastal in North Carolina. Ben and Doug say “Hello” to all of you! Safe cruising, Janice Kromer
This was our destination for Saturday morning. We took our boat so we could come and go as we pleased. I reserved a golf cart ahead of time at http://www.riversideadventure.com/Carts/tabid/127/Default.aspx. This is the only transportation on the island as no cars are allowed. The roads are narrow paved passages. It is a wonderful way to enjoy the scenery. The lighthouse (Old Baldy) has a museum you can visit. Also a short walk and you will be at the local Post Office. Across the street is the most peaceful looking church you would ever want to attend. If you take the road on the beach side there will be parking places all along the way for a short walk to the beach. At the end of the island is the point a beautiful beach area to set up for the day. But be sure and stop by the market to pick up what you need for a picnic lunch. After a very enjoyable morning we headed back toward the marina. A beautiful place to dock or rent a transit slip for the night. This is definitely a place you will want to spend some time. The afternoon was spent heading out to one of the reefs to do a little fishing. Caught a couple of blue and sea trout, nothing to brag about. Cathy Gillenwater
We stayed at Bald Head Marina for one night. The dockmaster is extremely helful and a pleasure. With our bikes we saw the entire island and enjoyed seeing the gorgeous homes and pristine beach. Saw a small gator in the harbor. Restaurant was good. Loved the lighthouse. Climb the steps!
In the Cape Fear/Southport NC area you are just 3 miles from Southport to the harbor on Bald Head Island. It is well worth a visit if you have time. Good restaurants, historic village, beautiful homes, and wide open beaches. You can stay overnight at the marina there. Bob Duthie
We stayed at the Bald Head Island Marina last December. We hadn’t planned to, but we were chased in by 12ft-18ft seas (bigger as we entered the Cape Fear River due to an opposing ebb) and 35kt+ winds after rounding Cape Fear. After entering the river at dark and just puttering around until daylight, we kissed the ground quickly at the marina. The pros: Nice docks, decent showers/facilities, nice employees, two restaurants attached to the marina, protected basin, beautiful beaches and scenery within walking distance. The cons: Expensive, grocery and all other stores require expensive golf cart rental, everything is pretty expensive since it’s an “exclusive” island, wireless was NOT free. One other note – before we entered the entrance channel (somewhat narrow, and when there is a flood tide you’ll get SEVERAL knots of current through the channel) we called the marina to check depths (we draw 6′). They told us we would be fine. We got there, made our turn towards our slip and immediately grounded in soft mud with 5′ showing on the sounder. We pushed through the mud and were able to almost make it to a T-head, where we waited for high tide to tie up to it. Apparently, spring tides have a major effect on depth at the marina. The island IS beautiful and it was nice to visit there. By the way, they just built (are building?) the Deep Point Marina just up the river and were very excited about it. It’s supposed to be a lot less expensive with nicer facilities, and one of the former mayors of Southport will be the dockmaster (and he’s a VERY nice guy and proud of his town). Chris S/V Pelican
Bald Head Island for two days; we rented an electric golf cart (necessary). Beach and restaurants are excellent, facilities are good, service is great, and dockage only $2/ft. I highly recommend this stop Best regards, Chuck Tontsch s/v Memories Oriental, NC
Reviews from Cruisers (12)
Not a cruiser any more (cruising is how I discovered this place!) but live here full time. There are lots of choices on where to eat. Here’s the list during full season. Off season, many will close or reduce their hours. It’s too early to tell right now.
Here goes:
Open to everybody:
At the Marina:
Delphina (Opened 5/3 for linch; Should open 5/17 for dinner): Mexican, Southwestern, Cuban. Full Liq. Everything under $14
SandPiper cafe: Great Premium Ice Cream and Super coffee/ cappuccino.
Mojo’s at the Harbor: Full Menu, Full Liq. Could be great cruisers bar but not. Pricey! Soft serve and and Snow cones.
Will ‘O the Wisp: At the sail shop on the marina. Self serve beer and wine. Also have Luna Pops (a fruit based popsicle known in Mexico as Paletas. Outrageously addicting and refreshing! Best place to hang out and socialize.
Elsewhere on the island:
Peli: At the Bald Head Island Club; by the Tennis courts. Breakfast, lunch and dinner menu. Open to everybody and you do NOT need to be a member. About 1mi from marina.
Maritime Market cafe: At the market mid island. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Market is slightly more expensive than mainland markets ans has most everything. Good selection of Beer and wine. About 2 mi from marina.
Mike’s Bites: at the east end of the island. Take away only. Mostly premade sandwiches. We do expect changes this year but are not known just yet. About 4mi from marina.
Available with temporary membership to transients (temporary memberships are available at the marina and are about $20. Rates may have gone up):
Bald Head Island Club: Two dining rooms, great food and full use of facilities: Pool, tennis, croquet, exercise room. Golf is extra. About 1mi from the marina.
Shoals Club. East end of the Island. Dinning room and Sandbar Grill. About 4+mi from the marina.
That’s it. If I can supply any more information please don’t hesitate to let me know.
Brewse Barnard
formerly of S/V Integrale
Claiborne,
We are here at Bald Head Island Marina on the end of A dock. Made “reservations” by phone. Entrance had a crane working on the S side of inlet as we came in and were able to dodge it. The current was ebbing but didn’t note it as I was trying to miss the crane. Went to fuel pier first, Will helped us there and loaned, us an adapter (50 to 30 amp) for the power. He ran around to help us tie up and plug in. Good friendly service, floating dock so goes up and down with the tide; so did not notice any current in the marina. The marina appeared less than 50% full, but was told that those slips were owned. The marina is busy with the ferries, vehicle and passenger. We bumped at the slip, but that was the wind. Most people did not seem to be on their boats so the small restrooms were not a problem.
We ate lunch at MoJo’s the dock side restaurant, pot roast sandwich, excellent ( I ordered it out of curiosity) My wife had grilled chicken sandwich with bacon, very good, for dessert we split a creme brûlée cheese cake, out of this world! We were too full to go back for dinner. For lunch the next day we had chicken caesar wrap at the Maritime Market, best we ever had. However this is about a 3
mile walk, one way.
In general a friendly, laid back place would come again.
Good sailing,
Bob
We spent two nights tied up at the Bald Head Island Marina. Marina staff were excellent. We rode our bikes and also rented a golf cart for a few hours. The Marina restaurant was excellent. On the negative side, there can be a significant surge inside the marina . We were at C dock and danced around for two days. We did have a great time and will return .
Tom and Melesia Goodman,
Monk 36 “Journey” on the “Great Loop”
Bald Head Island is at the mouth of the Cape Fear River where it meets the Atlantic Ocean. When going south down the Cape Fear River it is located further southeast past the point where the ICW leaves the river at Southport. The inlet to the marina is on the west end of the island, or equivalently the east side of the river. It is well marked and framed by two short rock jetties. The current on the river runs fast and entrance into the inlet must take that into account. Additionally, the inlet channel shoals and is routinely dredged to maintain ferry access to the island. Transiting at mid to high tide is prudent.
The marina has floating slips and T-heads and good space for transient boaters. There is one restaurant and a ship’s store in the marina plus restrooms and showers. Fuel and a pump out are available. Kayaks and golf carts can be rented to use on the island (there are no cars allowed).
This marina is an excellent jump off point for boaters going offshore headed south. It’s only a short 30 mile trip to the Little River Inlet at Myrtle Beach.
Ray Kurlak
We think Baldhead is also a great stop, with a lighthouse within walking distance of the marina that you can go up in and have a great view. Most of the other North Carolina lighthouses are well off the path of loopers, so this is a good reason to stop at Baldhead as well.
Betsy Johnson
Rick ‘n Roll
This is Janice posting from [AGLCA] Lieutenant Sponsor, Bald Head Island. This is a beautiful marina and you should be sure to stop by when you’re doing the Intracoastal in North Carolina. Ben and Doug say “Hello” to all of you!
Safe cruising,
Janice Kromer
This was our destination for Saturday morning. We took our boat so we could come and go as we pleased. I reserved a golf cart ahead of time at http://www.riversideadventure.com/Carts/tabid/127/Default.aspx. This is the only transportation on the island as no cars are allowed. The roads are narrow paved passages. It is a wonderful way to enjoy the scenery.
The lighthouse (Old Baldy) has a museum you can visit. Also a short walk and you will be at the local Post Office. Across the street is the most peaceful looking church you would ever want to attend.
If you take the road on the beach side there will be parking places all along the way for a short walk to the beach. At the end of the island is the point a beautiful beach area to set up for the day. But be sure and stop by the market to pick up what you need for a picnic lunch.
After a very enjoyable morning we headed back toward the marina. A beautiful place to dock or rent a transit slip for the night. This is definitely a place you will want to spend some time.
The afternoon was spent heading out to one of the reefs to do a little fishing. Caught a couple of blue and sea trout, nothing to brag about.
Cathy Gillenwater
We stayed at Bald Head Marina for one night. The dockmaster is extremely helful and a pleasure. With our bikes we saw the entire island and enjoyed seeing the gorgeous homes and pristine beach. Saw a small gator in the harbor. Restaurant was good. Loved the lighthouse. Climb the steps!
In the Cape Fear/Southport NC area you are just 3 miles from Southport to the harbor on Bald Head Island. It is well worth a visit if you have time. Good restaurants, historic village, beautiful homes, and wide open beaches. You can stay overnight at the marina there.
Bob Duthie
We stayed at the Bald Head Island Marina last December. We hadn’t planned to, but we were chased in by 12ft-18ft seas (bigger as we entered the Cape Fear River due to an opposing ebb) and 35kt+ winds after rounding Cape Fear. After entering the river at dark and just puttering around until daylight, we kissed the ground quickly at the marina. The pros: Nice docks, decent showers/facilities, nice employees, two restaurants attached to the marina, protected basin, beautiful beaches and scenery within walking distance. The cons: Expensive, grocery and all other stores require expensive golf cart rental, everything is pretty expensive since it’s an “exclusive” island, wireless was NOT free. One other note – before we entered the entrance channel (somewhat narrow, and when there is a flood tide you’ll get SEVERAL knots of current through the channel) we called the marina to check depths (we draw 6′). They told us we would be fine. We got there, made our turn towards our slip and immediately grounded in soft mud with 5′ showing on the sounder. We pushed through the mud and were able to almost make it to a T-head, where we waited for high tide to tie up to it. Apparently, spring tides have a major effect on depth at the marina. The island IS beautiful and it was nice to visit there. By the way, they just built (are building?) the Deep Point Marina just up the river and were very excited about it. It’s supposed to be a lot less expensive with nicer facilities, and one of the former mayors of Southport will be the dockmaster (and he’s a VERY nice guy and proud of his town).
Chris
S/V Pelican
We always stop here if going by. The marina is easy to enter, excellent staff and Bald Head Island is beautiful.
Bald Head Island for two days; we rented an electric golf cart (necessary). Beach and restaurants are excellent, facilities are good, service is great, and dockage only $2/ft. I highly recommend this stop
Best regards,
Chuck Tontsch
s/v Memories
Oriental, NC