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    1. Local experiences
    2. /Things to do in Beaufort…
    3. /Water Activities
    4. /Boat Tours
    5. /See Wild Horses & Dolphins at Sunset in Beaufort
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    See Wild Horses & Dolphins at Sunset in Beaufort

    Enjoy a narrated sunset cruise with dolphin spotting and an hour on Shackleford Banks.

    4.8 stars• 2K reviews

    Duration

    2 Hours

    Includes

    Sunset cruise, Shackleford stop

    Highlights

    Enjoy a narrated sunset cruise from Beaufort to Shackleford Banks and back. Watch for wild horses and dolphins, with one hour on the island.

    1. Cruise at sunset with narrated commentary
    2. Watch for wild horses on Shackleford Banks
    3. Look for dolphins along the route
    4. Spend one hour exploring the island
    5. Return to Beaufort after your island time

    Things to know

    Arrive 30 minutes before departure; late arrivals may be moved to a later ferry and are nonrefundable. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 ft, and stay at least 50 ft from the wild horses. This special cruise is subject to a minimum of 10 adult fares. Each person is allowed two free personal items (carry-ons), and any additional pieces of luggage beyond those two can be added for an extra cost.

    Cancellation Policy

    Cancel at least 24 hours before departure to be refunded or rescheduled. If the operator cancels due to weather, you may reschedule or receive a full refund. No refunds on Special Events & Holiday Trips.

    Product ID: ZC89AR

    FAQs

    Arrive 30 minutes before departure. If you arrive late, you may be moved to a later ferry if there is room, and late arrivals are non-refundable.

    Yes. You must pick up your actual tickets at the ticket booth when you check in.

    Bring sunscreen, insect repellent, water, snacks, comfortable shoes, and beach towels (depending on how long you plan to stay).

    Meeting details

    Island Express Ferry Service LLC - Beaufort, 600 Front Street, Beaufort, NC 28516

    Experience provided by Island Express Ferry Service

    Perfect for

    • Couples seeking a romantic coastal evening with wildlife viewing
    • Families with kids wanting accessible island exploration
    • Pet owners looking for leash-friendly outdoor adventures

    Related locations

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    We are here to assist with special requests, large groups, last minute needs, and any questions you may have.

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    Adult

    $39.42

    Round-Trip Price | Ages 12+

    0

    Child

    $25.49

    Round-Trip Price | Ages 3 to 11

    0

    Infant

    $0

    Ages 2 and Under | Must be included for headcount

    0

    Why book through Greetwell?

    • No Added Fees

      No booking or service fees, ever

    • Concierge Support Included

      Real humans ready to help with timing, questions, or special requests

    • Free Cancellation Available

      Most experiences can be cancelled for a full refund

    Discover what we've curated for you

    Review summary

    4.8
    Excellent
    2K reviews•Google Maps
    1,588
    208
    43
    13
    25

    The staff really stands out here, with everyone from the ticket counter to the boat captains getting consistent praise for being friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable about the islands. Reviewers describe this as an "old school business" with reasonable prices and genuinely nice people, which seems increasingly rare. Several visitors mentioned crew members going above and beyond, like coming early to pick up passengers when weather turned bad or helping out when travel plans got complicated. The destinations themselves, Shackleford Banks and Cape Lookout, are clearly the main draw with their wild horses, excellent shelling, and serene beaches. Travelers rave about spotting horses along the shoreline and feeling like they have the island to themselves. A couple practical tips from recent visitors: bring serious bug spray since mosquitoes can be intense, and watch out for parking enforcement near the dock since signage isn't great. Overall, this comes across as a straightforward, well-run operation staffed by people who genuinely care about giving visitors a good island experience.

    What people are saying

    Review 1 of 3
    5/5

    The boat service was great and the staff was great too.

    Photo of Chris Roehm

    Chris Roehm

    September 2, 2026

    Review 1 of 1
    5/5

    The boat service was great and the staff was great too.

    Photo of Chris Roehm

    Chris Roehm

    September 2, 2026

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