CEDAR ISLAND

• Latitude: 35.0181
• Longitude: -76.3131
• US East Coast
• Port in US

Location: US

Cedar Island is a small coastal region located in North Carolina, primarily known for its natural beauty and its role as a transportation hub for ferries, particularly those heading to Ocracoke Island. While Cedar Island itself does not boast a large commercial marine port with extensive specifications, it’s worth understanding the facilities available and their significance.

Cedar Island Ferry Terminal

Location:

• State: North Carolina
• County: Carteret County
• Geographical Coordinates: Approximately 35.0021° N latitude and 76.3354° W longitude.

Key Features:

• Ferry Services: The main feature of the Cedar Island area is the Cedar Island Ferry Terminal, operated by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT). This terminal is a crucial link between Cedar Island and Ocracoke Island in the Outer Banks.
• Route: The ferry route from Cedar Island to Ocracoke is about 22 miles and typically takes around 2.25 hours one-way.
• Vessels: The terminal accommodates several types of ferries that can carry both passengers and vehicles. These ferries are built to handle varying weather conditions given the coastal and sometimes turbulent environment.
• Capacity: Ferries can usually transport multiple vehicles and several hundred passengers per trip, but the exact capacity might vary depending on the specific ferry in operation on any given day.

Facilities:

1. Parking: Adequate parking spaces for passengers who may want to park their vehicles before boarding the ferry.
2. Ticketing Office: Available for purchasing tickets and making reservations.
3. Restrooms: Basic amenities for travelers.
4. Waiting Area: An area for passengers to wait for boarding.
5. Docking Area: Equipped to handle small and medium-sized vessels for loading and unloading vehicles and passengers.

Accessibility:

• Vehicle Access: Cars, motorcycles, RVs, and trucks up to a certain size and weight are allowed on the ferries. Specific vehicle size and weight limits are subject to the ferry’s specifications.
• Passenger Access: Pedestrian passengers and bicyclists can also travel on the ferry.

Specifications:

Given Cedar Island's primary function as a ferry terminal rather than a commercial port, the specifications would be specific to the ferry operation:

• Draft Depth: Typically sufficient for ferry vessels but not designed for deeper-draft commercial ships.
• Berth Length: Designed to accommodate the length of ferries used in the route, generally between 150 and 300 feet.
• Navigation Aids: Lighted buoys and markers for safe navigation in and out of the docking area, particularly vital given some shallow and shifting sands common in coastal areas.
• Environmental Considerations: Given the region’s emphasis on tourism and natural beauty, efforts are made to minimize the ecological impact through regulated waste disposal and low-emission vessels when possible.

Nearby Amenities:

• Lodging: Small motels, inns, and rental cabins are available for travelers.
• Dining: Local eateries serving seafood and regional cuisine.
• Recreation: Fishing, bird watching, and kayaking are popular activities in the area.

Importance:

Though Cedar Island does not function as a major commercial port, its role as a ferry terminal is crucial. It serves as a lifeline for residents, businesses, and tourists traveling to the Outer Banks, making it an essential part of the local transportation network and coastal economy.

If you need specific details or recent updates, it's always a good idea to contact the NCDOT Ferry Division or visit their official website.