Boating

The Bald Head Island Marina is managed by the marina’s dockmaster. Before planning a trip to the island by boat to dock, contact the marina by calling 910-457-7380 or emailing the dockmaster at dockmaster@bhisland.com. For more information about the marina CLICK HERE.

Marina Channel Entrance Idle Speed/No Wake Signage

The Village has installed “IDLE SPEED/No Wake” signage directed at vessel traffic both entering and exiting the marina.  While ferry and barge traffic must maintain steerage when entering the channel with cross currents, and keep aligned with the channel, many smaller non-commercial vessels are not maintaining idle speed until exiting the channel.  The Village would appreciate all vessels keeping it at idle as the wakes do have an impact on the jetty walls and rock extensions.

No Wake Zone in Bald Head Creek

The Village of Bald Head Island received Division of Coastal Management (DCM) approval to install three (3) “No-Wake” buoys within the navigable waters of Bald Head Creek.  This to ensure that the No Wake Zone established by an NC General Assembly bill passed in 1987 can be enforced.  The bill titled “An Act to Establish a “No-Wake” Speed Zone for Motorboats at Sunset Harbor and The Village of Bald Head Island states:

• No person shall operate any motorboat or vessel at greater than no-wake speed upon any of the waters within the community of Sunset Harbor and the Village of Bald Head Island, provided that the restricted areas are marked in accordance with the Uniform Waterway Marking System by the community or its designee.
• ‘No-Wake speed” is idle speed or a slow speed creating no appreciable wake; and
• Any person who violates this act shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction thereof shall be subject to a fine not to exceed two hundred and fifty dollars ($250.00);
• This law shall be enforced by officers of the Wildlife Resources Commission, and by the Brunswick County Sheriff Marine Patrol Unit.

The primary purpose of the no-wake zone is to ensure safety in areas of the creek known to be used by kayakers, canoers,  stand-up paddleboarders,  as well as swimmers.  It also helps to minimize erosion of the estuarine shoreline and the undermining of existing bulkhead walls which protect the adjacent homes and roads along this area of the creek.