How do return times work if you want to come back earlier?

Choose the latest return time you want. If you decide to return earlier, go to the ferry pick-up location; the captain boards riders with that time-slot reservation first, then boards everyone else first come, first served. The main office cannot change your return time.

Are there extra fees for bags or coolers?

Your round-trip fare includes 2 free carry-ons per person (such as a backpack, folding chair, small cooler, or tote). Each additional carry-on costs $5.

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Sunset Dolphin & Wild Horse Cruise From Beaufort

Cruise at sunset with a 1-hour Cape Lookout stop

4.8 stars• 2K reviews

Duration

2 Hours

Includes

Catamaran cruise, Cape stop

Highlights

Ride a catamaran at sunset for a narrated water-view tour with a pass by Shackleford Banks. You’ll also get a 1-hour drop-off on Cape Lookout to explore on your own.

Board a catamaran for a 2-hour sunset cruise
Listen to the captain’s historical water-view narration
Pass by Shackleford Banks to look for dolphins and wild horses
Spend 1 hour on Cape Lookout during the drop-off
Bring up to 2 free carry-ons per person
Plan for a $5 fee per additional carry-on beyond the first two

Things to know

Trips may be monitored and schedules modified due to the current fuel crisis. Late arrivals are non-refundable.

Cancellation Policy

Cancel at least 24 hours before departure for a refund. If Island Express Ferry Service cancels due to inclement weather, you can reschedule or receive a full refund.

Product ID: VPNWAK

FAQs

Yes. Pick up your actual tickets at the ticket booth when you check in.

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. Trips may be monitored more closely and schedules may be modified due to the current fuel crisis.

Review summary

4.8

Excellent

2K reviewsGoogle Maps

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

The sunset cruise to Shackleford Banks was great. We saw a large pod of dolphins, wild horses on 2 different islands, and spent an hour wandering on Shackleford. Will do it again on our next trip to Emerald Isle.

Chris Murphy RHL Audio

October 2, 2026

Chris Murphy RHL Audio

October 2, 2026

Meeting details

Beaufort, NC

Experience provided by Island Express Ferry Service

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Book with confidence

No hidden fees
The price you see is the price you pay. Nothing is added at checkout.
A real concierge team
Questions, changes or special requests? Our concierge team sorts it out with the operator for you.
Flexible cancellation
Most experiences refund in full when you cancel within the cancellation window.