Shackleford Banks Private Island Eco Tour: Local Boat, Wild Horses & Beach Fishing
Skip the crowded ferry and take a private boat from Beaufort to Shackleford Banks with a local captain. This four-hour eco tour combines beachcombing, wildlife viewing (including Banker horses), fishing, clamming, and photography with hands-on gear provided.
The Experience
Before You Go
Plan around tides
Tide level affects beach access and clamming—ask your captain about the best windows for landing and digging.
Sun protection is critical
The open water and white sand amplify UV exposure—wear a broad-brim hat, sunscreen, and polarized sunglasses.
Bring secure footwear
Expect shell-strewn sand and slippery boat surfaces—closed-toe water shoes or sturdy sandals protect feet and improve traction.
Pack a dry bag for gear
Phones and cameras should stay dry during landings and splashy rides—use a dry bag and zipped pockets.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Early-morning sandbars exposed at low tide that reveal small tide pools
- •Sheltered coves on the lee side where shorebirds concentrate at high tide
Wildlife
- •Banker horses
- •shorebirds like willets and terns
Conservation Note
Visitors should follow Leave No Trace and avoid approaching or feeding wild horses; sticking to established landing spots minimizes dune trampling and disturbance to nesting birds.
Shackleford Banks is part of Cape Lookout National Seashore; its landscape and coastal use reflect centuries of fishing, small-scale harvesting, and shifting barrier island dynamics.
What to Bring
Polarized sunglassesEssential
Reduces glare for better visibility of wildlife and underwater features.
Closed-toe water shoesEssential
Protects feet on rocky or shell-covered beaches and during boat transfers.
Dry bag (small)Essential
Keeps camera, phone, and snacks dry during landings and open-water travel.
Light waterproof windbreaker
Useful for cool, windy mornings and spray on the way back to shore.
Common Questions
Do I need a fishing license?
No—this operator carries a blanket license and provides gear for fishing, crabbing, and clamming for everyone on board.
Where do tours depart from?
Tours typically launch from the Beaufort/Harkers Island area; your booking will list the exact marina or meeting point and timing.
Are the Banker horses guaranteed to appear?
No—wild horses roam freely and sightings are common but not guaranteed; your captain will steer toward known areas when possible.
Is this tour suitable for young children or infants?
Yes—infants must sit on an adult’s lap; the tour is described as easy physically, but parents should account for sun, water safety, and boat movement.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
4 hours
Location
Beaufort, North Carolina
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; involves short beach walks and getting on/off a small boat
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