Hammocks Beach State Park and Bear Island
Important Notice for Visitors
Spring & Summer 2025
The Bear Island ferry is now running!
After a year-long pause for a major construction project, the Hammocks Beach State Park ferry service to Bear Island has officially resumed for the 2025 season. Visitors can once again enjoy easy access to this beautiful barrier island by ferry. For the current schedule, fees, rules, and FAQs, click here.
Want a more personalized experience? Contact our expert local tour operators for private charters, eco-tours, or water taxi service options.
Walk through downtown Swansboro on any given day and you're likely to see any number of kayakers and paddle-boarders making their way through the Intracoastal Waterway headed towards the many scenic beaches along Bogue Inlet. Others may want to fish…or water ski…or just cruise up and down the White Oak River. If you're more of a land-lover, Swansboro loves YOU, too!
Swansboro has historical sites to discover, eclectic shops to explore, and lots of 'family-friendly' recreation like biking, hiking, camping, and outdoor concerts…just to name a few! And, of course, it's always OK to do a little bit of NOTHIN'! After all, you are at the coast!
