It's a sure sign of the arrival of visitor season on the Outer Banks - the North Carolina Ferry System is beginning its annual switchover to busy summer schedules today.

The system's most popular route, between Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands, is increasing its number of daily round trips from 26 to 36. That schedule will remain in place through October 1. [Please note that Sundays have a different schedule.]

On May 22, the two ferry routes between the mainland and Ocracoke Island will also enhance their schedules. Cedar Island-Ocracoke will go from three daily round trips to five, while the Swan Quarter-Ocracoke route will go from three daily round trips to four. Those schedules will run through September 24.

For a complete list of North Carolina ferry schedules and other information, go to www.ncferry.org.