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    1. Local experiences/
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    5. Explore Shackleford Banks on a Low-Tide Shelling Tour
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    Explore Shackleford Banks on a Low-Tide Shelling Tour

    Search for shells on a guided low-tide walk at Shackleford Banks

    4.8 stars• 82 reviews
    From$75/ personincl. taxes and fees

    Duration

    3 hours

    Includes

    Guided tour, Naturalist

    Highlights

    Join a guided shelling tour on Shackleford Banks and learn about the island as you look for a variety of shells. Your naturalist guide may also point out wild horses along the way.

    • Ride a ferry to Shackleford Banks with your group
    • Walk with a naturalist guide on sandy terrain
    • Search for different types of seashells at low tide
    • Learn the history of Shackleford Banks as you explore
    • Spot wild horses along the route when conditions allow

    Things to know

    No dogs allowed; arriving with a dog means forfeiting tickets and riding the ferry without the guided tour. There are no facilities on Shackleford Banks.

    Cancellation Policy

    Cancel or reschedule at least 48 hours prior to departure to receive a refund. Cancellations within 48 hours are non-refundable.

    FAQs

    No. Dogs are not allowed. If you arrive with a dog, you will forfeit your tickets and you can only ride the ferry without the guided part of the tour.

    Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and any other necessities you may need. There are no facilities on Shackleford Banks.

    Wear shoes you don’t mind getting sandy and a little wet. You will walk on sandy terrain during the guided walking tour.

    Meeting details

    Island Express Ferry Service ticket booth at 600 Front Street in Beaufort

    Experience provided by Shackleford Wild Horse and Shelling Safari
    Experience provided by Shackleford Wild Horse and Shelling Safari

    How can we help?

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

    Call or text (650) 414-7338

    Report an issue

    Reference #8YZ25Z

    Adult

    $75.12

    Ages 12+

    0

    Child

    $57.76

    Ages 3-11

    0

    Senior/Active Military

    $73.96

    Must present ID at check in

    0

    Why book through Greetwell?

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      No booking or service fees, ever

    • Concierge Support Included

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    Discover what we've curated for you

    Review summary

    4.8
    Excellent
    82 reviews•Google Maps

    This tour stands out because you're not just getting dropped off at the island - you're getting expert guides like Jake, Cindy, and Sara who really know where to find the wild horses. Multiple reviewers mention seeing all three herds or getting close encounters with mares and foals, which doesn't seem to happen on every boat ride to the island. The guides carry sunblock and bug spray, share detailed knowledge about individual horses, and go the extra mile to make sure everyone spots these beautiful animals. The island itself is gorgeous, with excellent shelling opportunities (one guide even gifted a rare unbroken lightning whelk she found), clear water for swimming, and peaceful beaches. Be prepared for the terrain though - you'll be hiking through soft sand and up dunes, so wear closed-toe shoes and pack light. Some reviewers mention ticks in the wooded areas and spider webs if you venture off the marked trails. The tours are well-organized with a good amount of time on the island (typically around 3 hours), and the overall vibe is enthusiastic, with travelers consistently saying they'd recommend this experience to anyone visiting the area.

    What people are saying

    Review 1 of 4
    5/5

    I have to say that we paid a little more for this boat ride out to the island than we could have bought tickets at the dock from other places. HOWEVER, this was not just a boat ride to Shackleford Island. We got a tour guide. Jake. He was super familiar with the island and knowing where to find the horses. Some people on the boat had a ride to the island. They did not get to see the horses that day. Jake was our tour guide and went out of his way to find the horses for us. He was fantastic. He also had sunblock and mosquito spray we could use. You do have to walk a lot through soft sand so be prepared and don't wear flip flops or open toed shoes.

    Photo of Debra Johnson

    Debra Johnson

    October 31, 2025

    Review 1 of 1
    5/5

    I have to say that we paid a little more for this boat ride out to the island than we could have bought tickets at the dock from other places. HOWEVER, this was not just a boat ride to Shackleford Island. We got a tour guide. Jake. He was super familiar with the island and knowing where to find the horses. Some people on the boat had a ride to the island. They did not get to see the horses that day. Jake was our tour guide and went out of his way to find the horses for us. He was fantastic. He also had sunblock and mosquito spray we could use. You do have to walk a lot through soft sand so be prepared and don't wear flip flops or open toed shoes.

    Photo of Debra Johnson

    Debra Johnson

    October 31, 2025

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