Wild Horse & Shelling Safari - Shackleford Banks

Take a 15 minute ferry ride over to the pristine Outer Banks Island of Shackleford Banks, which is part of the Cape Lookout National Seashore. There you will be introduced to the Wild Horses of Shackleford Banks.

This free roaming herd is believed to have descended from Horses that were brought here roughly 500 years ago, and still survive as one of the last isolated groups of wild horses in the US. You will help your guide track the horses and see first hand the fascinating behavior of horses in the wild, a rare experience with nature that you'll never forget. Bring your camera for pictures that will forever remind you of this amazing place and its fascinating inhabitants.

After the tour, you will be directed to one of the best shelling beaches in all of North Carolina where you can spend some time on your own shelling your way down the beach, with the Cape Lookout Lighthouse off in the distance. Shackleford is well known as one of the best shelling destinations on the East Coast. Among other things, you can find Conchs, Whelks, Queen’s Helmets, Scotch Bonnets, Olive Shells, Sand Dollars, and more.

You can spend the rest of the day at the Seashore and catch the ferry back to Beaufort whenever you're ready, and you can even bring your chairs and coolers!

Find whole Conch Shells, Scotch Bonnets, Queen's Helmets, and More!

WE PROVIDE SHELL BAGS

Your best chance to experience the Wild Horses of Shackleford Banks!!

Adults - $25

Kids 11 and Younger - $15

Price includes Round Trip Ferry to/from Shackleford Banks

Call for Reservations

(252) 342-0715

Reservations are Required

BRING YOUR CAMERA !

Call Now for Reservations!!

General Information

The Shackleford Wild Horse & Shelling Safari is scheduled by reservation only as long as we can reach a minimum number of guests and are able to schedule a guide

The tour meets at 8:45am at the Island Ferry Adventures ticket booth, located in the Historic District of Beaufort, NC - Click Here for a Map

The tour is by reservation only. You must speak with a member of our staff to confirm your reservations.

What do we need to Wear?

You should wear what you would normally wear for a "Day at the Beach" - Many people like to wear their bathing suit so that they are able to swim if they choose.

You will want to wear shoes that you don't mind getting sandy or wet. We find that the best choices are sandals with a heel strap, Crocs, water shoes, or the equivalent. You probably don't want to wear sneakers and socks, or any type of shoe with a heel.

A hat is a good idea - there is very little shade on the Island

What do we need to Bring?

You are welcome to bring as much or as little as you like. Since you are able to spend additional time on the island after the tour, you are welcome to bring coolers, beach chairs, umbrellas, beach bags, fishing rods, etc... Many folks like to bring a picnic lunch and stay on the island for an extra hour or two after the tour to have lunch, spend more time looking for shells, go swimming, go fishing, or whatever else. Shackleford is a great place to spend the day relaxing and soaking up the sun.

It's important that you know there are no concessions of any kind on the Island, so you will need to bring whatever you need to be comfortable with you.

You should definitely bring some water. Other things to consider bringing: sunscreen, camera, binoculars, snacks, etc...

How long will we be on the Island?

The minimum amount of time you will be on the island will be 2 hours.

SCHEDULE	TIME	NOTE
Arrive and check in at IFA Ticket Booth	8:45 AM	It is very important that you arrive on time. Allow yourself plenty of time to park.
Ferry Boat leaves the dock in Beaufort	9:00 AM	The Ferry Boat will leave promptly at 9:00 AM
Ferry arrives at Shackleford Banks	9:15 AM	The Tour will assemble at the "Ferry Landing" signs. You will meet the Ferry at the same location at your pre-scheduled pickup time.
First available Ferry pickup time	11:15 AM	Arrive back in Beaufort @ 11:45 AM
You can also choose this pickup time if available - Pickup times are selected on the morning of the tour on a first come, first serve basis.	12:15 PM	Arrive back in Beaufort @ 12:45 PM
You can also choose this pickup time if available - Pickup times are selected on the morning of the tour on a first come, first serve basis.	1:15 PM	Arrive back in Beaufort @ 1:45 PM
You can also choose this pickup time if available - Pickup times are selected on the morning of the tour on a first come, first serve basis.	2:15 PM	Arrive back in Beaufort @ 2:45 PM
You can also choose this pickup time if available - Pickup times are selected on the morning of the tour on a first come, first serve basis.	3:15 PM	Arrive back in Beaufort @ 3:45 PM
You can also choose this pickup time if available - Pickup times are selected on the morning of the tour on a first come, first serve basis.	4:15 PM	Arrive back in Beaufort @ 4:45 PM

Details and Frequently Asked Questions