Search for shells on a guided low-tide walk at Shackleford Banks
3 hours
Guided tour, Naturalist
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.
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.
Cancel or reschedule at least 48 hours prior to departure to receive a refund. Cancellations within 48 hours are non-refundable.
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.
Island Express Ferry Service ticket booth at 600 Front Street in Beaufort
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.
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.
Debra Johnson
October 31, 2025
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.
Debra Johnson
October 31, 2025