Swansboro Information
Swansboro is about two and half hours from Raleigh. It is a great place to spend the day. RSPS has held many events here. These include kayaking trips to Bear Island and Fun and Fishing Rendezvous.
Marinas and Charters
- Dudley's Marina, Inc. 106 Cedar Point Blvd. (252)393-2204. They have a complete line of tackle, fishing and boating supplies. They are also the only place that sells non Ethanol gas.
- Casper's Marina 301 Water st. Swansboro (910)326-4462. They have fuel, ships store, and good place transient docking.
- Nancy-Lee fishing Charters 128 Corbett Ave. Swansboro (252)354-3474. They have bait, tackle and good charters for bottom fishing.
Bear Island - Hammocks Beach State Park
Hammocks Beach State Park is located at 1572 Hammocks Beach Road, Swansboro, NC 28584. This is the closest place to start a trip to Bear Island. Depending on the route you take, the trip to Bear Island can be 3 to 4 miles one way. You can get there either by boat, kayak/canoe, or ferry. When traveling to the island by boat, you should navigate along the ferry route. When traveling to the island by kayak or canoe, you can follow the ferry route or take the canoe trail. For those not interested in paddling or boating, there is a ferry that runs between the park and the island. There is a concession stand that sells cold drinks and snacks on the island, but is not always open. There are also restrooms, water fountains, showers, and covered shelters on the island as well as at the State Park. The facilities on the island are about half a mile from the ferry dock and one mile from the boat beach. Activities available on the island include fishing, and swimming. To kayak out to Bear Island, you will need a PFD, kayak, and paddles. I would recommend a tandem kayak for anyone with children under 12. You will also need drinking water, a hat, sun block, and water shoes. A towel and comfortable walking shoes are nice to bring along but not necessary.
| Points of Interest | ||
| Bear Island Boat Beach | N34 38.242 | W77 07.721 |
| Cedar Point Boat Ramp | N34 41.493 | W77 05.226 |
| Hammocks Beach State Park | N34 40.309 | W77 08.322 |
| Stella Boat Ramp | N34 46.509 | W77 09.154 |
| Swansboro Boat Ramp | N34 40.662 | W77 06.548 |