Bald Head Island is a Barrier Island located in the southernmost part of North Carolina. The Island is only accessible by ferry or private boat. There are no autos on The Island and transportation is by foot, bike, golf cart or our wonderful Tram Service. The vegetation is deemed semi-tropical and is the northernmost range naturally of Sabal palmetto. Our beautiful forest of live oak are adorned with Spanish moss and we have 10,000 acres of undeveloped nature preserve and 2000 acres to be developed and used by us humans.
We have 14 miles of beaches facing the east, south and the west beaches are facing the Cape Fear River. All beaches are accessible by all visitors.
There are The Bald Head Club and the Shoals Club. Both Clubs are private and are accessible by guests of properties holding memberships
This property owns Membership at The Shoals Club allowing our guests to purchase a Temporary Guest Membership.With optional Guest Membership at The Shoals Club
1-3 days $120 (2017)
4-7 days $200 (2017)
The Shoals Club is a relaxed, family-focused beach club, built for the enjoyment of Bald Head Island property owners and their guests. Overlooking the legendary Cape Fear Point, the Shoals Club takes its name from the sandy “Frying Pan Shoals” that extend some 20 miles from the cape. From the club’s extraordinary vantage point, members and guests enjoy fine and casual dining, swimming, direct beach access, and a host of activities for children and adults.
Our Island is home to The Bald Head Conservancy. The Barrier Island Study Center (BISC), is the first community-based barrier island research and education facility in the nation. The project was awarded LEED Gold Certification by the US Green Building Council, one of 71 gold projects in the state and one of only six gold certified projects in southeastern North Carolina for new construction. This 5,000 square foot facility will host research specific to Bald Head Island and relevant to all barrier islands and provide scientists, student and researchers with the labs, library and facilities needed to conduct high-level research. The Center will allow the BHI Conservancy to expand educational opportunities to the public and provide the BHI community with the information needed to make lasting decisions regarding sustainable living on BHI.
Efforts to protect the habitats and activities of sea turtles on Bald Head Island go back to 1980. Since its inception in 1983, the Bald Head Island Conservancy has coordinated and sponsored the Sea Turtle Protection Program, in cooperation with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission and the National Marine Fisheries Service. As one of NMFS's 'index beaches', Bald Head Island is nationally recognized for its sea turtle nesting activity, and for the Conservancy's efforts to protect this resource.
Each summer, the Conservancy funds and houses six interns to conduct field work for the Sea Turtle Protection Program, under the direction of our sea turtle biologist. The interns are typically undergraduates majoring in natural interns resource related fields. This internship opportunity is both unique and demanding. The interns not only conduct nightly patrols of the beach, but also experience the full range of job functions associated with running a small nonprofit organization.
Bald Head Lighthouse, known as Old Baldy, is the oldest lighthouse still standing in North Carolina. It is the second of three lighthouses that have been built on Bald Head Island since the 18th century to help guide ships past the dangerous shoals at the mouth of the Cape Fear river. It is open for tours and private walks.
Maritime Market has everything you need to satisfy your hunger, thirst and cravings. Leave your coolers behind, and leave it to the Market - from fresh local NC seafood, USDA Prime Meats and local produce, to an extensive wine collection and seasonal Ice Cream Shop, you'll find just what you're looking for and more.
Savor one of the gourmet creations at the Maritime Market Cafe or grab a delicious breakfast or lunch on the go. With a little advance notice, the Market can customize take-out appetizers or complete meals for the entire family. Make it even easier for yourself by pre-ordering your groceries and meals online and have them delivered to your home just before you arrive.
