Four miles off the coast of Southport and the mainland, at
the mouth of the Cape Fear River, is the island of Bald Head. The island is
easily identifiable in the distance by the Bald Head Island Lighthouse.
Built in 1817 and retired in 1935, the lighthouse is cataloged as the oldest
lighthouse in North Carolina.
Once a favorite hiding spot for pirates such as Blackbeard
and Stede Bonnet, Bald Head Island is now an affluent residential and resort
community of about 220 year-round residents. It can only be reached by the
island's private ferry or by personal boat. The island is graciously open to
the public, and the summer population can reach from 4,000 to 6,000, with
visitors renting vacation homes and playing golf (see our
Golf chapter
for course information).
It is probably safe to say this is one of the most
unspoiled beach and maritime forest areas on the North Carolina coast. The
island's natural beauty is protected, despite residential development as
well as a few commercial amenities such as a restaurant, bed and breakfast
inns, general store with deli, marina, golf course, specialty store, and
golf cart and bike rental business.
The island has 14 miles of beaches, dunes, creeks and
forests. The 2,000 acres of land are surrounded by 10,000 acres of salt
marshes. The owners have deeded nearby Middle Island and Bluff Island to the
state and The Nature Conservancy. The Bald Head Island Conservancy, a
nonprofit organization, was formed to ensure that the unique natural
resources of the island are maintained and preserved.
Turtle nesting on Bald Head Island accounts for 50 percent
of all turtle eggs laid in North Carolina. The Sea Turtle Program, featured
on public television, protects and monitors these wonderful creatures. There
is an Adopt-a-Nest Program that pairs concerned humans with turtles in an
effort to protect the nest and encourage the hatchlings toward the sea.
Studies in which female turtles were tagged have revealed that pregnant
turtles return to the same site to lay eggs every other year. Due to the
many species of birds found on the island, the Audubon Society conducts an
annual count here as part of its national program.
Something quite special about the island is the absence of
cars. Gasoline-powered engines, with the exception of security and
maintenance vehicles, are not allowed. The residents and visitors who rent
homes all drive electric carts or ride bicycles. The resulting lack of noise
pollution and exhaust fumes is one of the finest features of the place.
A visitor can come for the day by private ferry service
from Indigo Plantation in Southport. The cost is $15 round trip. Day parking
in Southport is $5 or $7 depending on the lot you choose. For a longer stay,
there are many rental units on the island. The cost, compared to rental on
much of the mainland, is slightly on the upper end, but so is the experience
for the visitor who wants to really get away from it all in quiet style.
Despite Bald Head Island's private status, the welcome mat
is always out for visitors. The lighthouse can be toured for a small fee.
The well-appointed marina welcomes transients.
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