North Carolina Department of Transportation Ferry Division — Local services in Hatteras Island

You have to be smart and get here early to beat the crowds. The ride over is at least 45 minutes. Even with several boats running, the wait times can be high. Now especially, the route is longer and if the wind is kicking up, the ride can get a little bumpier so they have to slow down to keep things safe. But the experience is unforgettable especially at sunset! I will tell you this, do not feed the seagulls in line. While we were at the beach a seagull got into our stuff and ripped open an unopened bag of snacks. Instead of just throwing them away, were decided to toss them out to the seagulls at the ferry line. The people running the ferry line came back and said it used to be OK, but now the park service gives you a fine for feeding them. It makes them rely on people for food. Completely understandable to me. But, if you are going to change the rules with a penalty of a fine, PUT UP A SIGN so law abiding people know not to break that rule. Don't just change something and then not inform the public.... A little common sense...

None of the employees walking around notified those of us waiting in our cars that one of the ferries was out of service, nor that there would be a 2+ hour wait for the ferry. People pulling up less than 10 minutes before scheduled departure got on, but those of us waiting for hours are still sitting here waiting. For an hourly ferry service, that is “free” the service is terrible. Prepare to be there early and wait hours on end. Do not make any plans to be anywhere in a hurry with the poorly managed...

Same complaints as the others. Literally no logic or fairness around boarding, so obviously giving spots to their friends or family or favorites or whatever, while ignoring people who have been waiting for hours. When confronted about it, the employees said “it’s complicated,” when it very clearly wasn’t. Bribes? Who knows.

Definitely not equipped to handle to volume/demand which is currently seeking ferries. They really could have just built bridges...