Cost of Bald Head Island Ferry Trip Could Jump

Are you serious!!!

Bald Head Island Transportation, Inc. has petitioned the N.C. Public Utilities Commission to let the company increase its general round-trip ferry ticket from $16 to $28. So a day tripper and their companion would have to shell out $56 bucks just to get to and from the island.

Are we supposed to believe this after watching Bald Head Island, Ltd. build a brand-new, multi-million dollar facility at Deep Water Point Marina? Have you been to Bald Head Island lately? They don't look like they are starving out there.

The company cites a decrease in riders and increased fuel costs as reasons for the need to raise the fare. Bald Head Island Transportation, Inc. further states the ferry service has seen its lowest level of riders in seven years because of the economic downturn.

So almost doubling the current rate will attract riders and thus increase tourism to Bald Head Island?

Duh!

Bald Head Island To Open New Ferry Terminal on June 2, 2009

Bald Head Island Limited announces that Deep Point Marina, the new mainland ferry terminal for Bald Head Island, will open to the public on Tuesday, June 2, 2009. Ferry operations from Indigo Plantation & Marina, the current embarkation point for Bald Head Island, will be suspended permanently at that time. A ribbon cutting ceremony at the new ferry terminal at 10 a.m. on June 2 will celebrate the Deep Point Marina grand opening.

The 40,000-square-foot ferry terminal consists of two levels, similar to an airport, with arrivals and departures on separate levels. The facility provides a host of creature comforts, including indoor and open-air waiting areas with dramatic views of the Cape Fear River, as well as a snack bar, the Deep Point Galley, which offers grab-and-go food options, soft drinks, beer, wine and coffee. Guests vacationing through Bald Head Island Limited enjoy an easy start to their stay at the rental check-in desk, while The Island Agency's professionally staffed real estate sales desk answers questions relating to island properties for sale.

Ultimately, Deep Point Marina will house a number of other functions for Bald Head Island Limited, including administrative offices, a marine maintenance facility, a shipping and receiving center, and a harbour master building that will accommodate the recreational marina operation. The site also features a new 82-slip marina, opening later in June, which provides fuel and transient dockage, as well as short-term and long-term slip rentals.

Deep Point Marina is located at 1301 Ferry Road in Southport just before the state-operated Southport-Fort Fisher Ferry Landing. Entering Southport on Route 211 South (Howe Street), take a left on East Moore Street and then a right onto Ferry Road at the roundabout. Proceed about a half mile and then turn right into the entrance to Deep Point Marina, following the signs to the ferry terminal.

We hope you enjoy the amenities, services and conveniences offered by Deep Point Marina, the modern new gateway to Bald Head Island. For more information on Deep Point Marina or to download a complete ferry schedule, visit www.ferrytobhi.com. Ferry reservations can be made by calling 910-457-5003.