MOREHEAD CITY BOAT RENTAL FIELD GUIDE
Journey to the Past: A private boat to Ye Olde Cemetery and the wilds of Shackleford Banks
A five-hour private eco-excursion from Morehead City that visits the island's Old Cemetery, winds through maritime forest to High Hill and the dunes, and offers chances to see wild horses and dolphins.
Journey to the Past: A private boat to Ye Olde Cemetery and the wilds of Shackleford Banks.
Adventure brief
Journey to the Past: A private boat to Ye Olde Cemetery and the wilds of Shackleford Banks
From Coral Bay Marina off Morehead City, this private H2O Captain eco-tour carries small groups across the inlet to Shackleford Banks for an intimate, off-the-beaten-path exploration of the Old Cemetery, a maritime-forest hike to High Hill, and views from the dune plateau where the island's wild horses still follow trails carved over centuries.
Off the coast of North Carolina lies Shackleford Banks, a remote barrier island in the Cape Lookout National Seashore, known for its wild horses and untouched natural beauty. The "Journey to the Past: Ye Olde Cemetery & Beyond…" eco-tour offers visitors an intimate and immersive exploration of this unique landscape, blending history, wildlife, and scenic coastal wilderness into a singular adventure. Visitors embark from Morehead City, a vibrant harbor town that serves as the gateway to these remarkable shores. The tour leads you to the Old Cemetery on Shackleford Banks, an evocative site that captures a slice of the region’s past. Here, weathered headstones hint at generations of early settlers and maritime visitors, setting a poignant tone for the journey. Hiking beyond the cemetery reveals a dense maritime forest, an environment shaped by salt spray and coastal winds. Towering live oaks draped with Spanish moss create a shaded canopy, while palmettos and salt-tolerant shrubs carpet the forest floor. This mix of flora is as rare as it is beautiful, supporting a delicate ecosystem quietly thriving on the island. What elevates this adventure is the chance to see the famous Shackleford wild horses roaming freely along the beach and through the island’s varied terrain. These mustangs have lived here for centuries and embody the spirit of untamed coastal wilderness. Their presence is a highlight that draws nature lovers and history buffs alike. The eco-tour is careful to minimize environmental impact, adhering to strict leave-no-trace principles and educating passengers on the preservation of this fragile habitat. This respect for ecology enhances the experience, creating a genuine connection to place and time. The tour’s blend of history, natural beauty, and wildlife encounter makes it stand out in the Outer Banks region. It’s perfect for travelers interested in a low-impact, enriching day outdoors that combines coastal hiking with storytelling, wildlife viewing, and seascape sights all in one trip. For anyone visiting Morehead City or nearby towns, the Shackleford Banks eco-tour is a memorable way to understand the heritage and wild charm of North Carolina’s coast. Whether you’re an avid photographer, history enthusiast, or casual adventurer, this trip delivers compelling scenery and meaningful engagement with one of the East Coast’s most distinctive outdoor venues.
Route Schematic
Route schematic and stops
Key stops and moments along the roughly five-hour private excursion across to Shackleford Banks.
Coral Bay Marina — departure
Board the private excursion at Coral Bay Marina in Morehead City, where complimentary parking is available and departures are generally scheduled for 10:30 a.m.
Ye Olde Cemetery
A visit to the island's only cemetery to acknowledge the earlier residents and gain historical context before hiking inland.
Maritime forest to High Hill
A scenic hike through the maritime forest leading to a tranquil clearing at High Hill and onward along trails made by the island's horses.
Plateau beyond the dunes / Beach or boat alternative
Descend to the plateau beyond the dunes to watch horses grazing; guests who prefer not to hike can remain on the beach or on the boat where a dining table can be arranged.
The hike can be strenuous depending on length, weather, and insects; passengers are advised to consider additional physical requirements and to call Captain Mark at 202-369-1063 before booking to confirm suitability and any needed accommodations.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Ye Olde Cemetery on Shackleford Banks
Visit the island's only cemetery and pay respects to earlier residents before setting out across the interior—an uncommon look at the human story woven into this barrier island.
Wild horses that shaped the landscape
Over 400–500 years the island's feral horses have carved the routes you follow; on lucky days you may see them grazing in the green beyond the dunes.
Maritime forest, High Hill and the dune plateau
A scenic hike through maritime forest leads to a clearing on High Hill and then to a plateau above the dunes, where sea views and solitude reward the effort—time and energy permitting, a short dune stroll opens a sweeping view of the Atlantic.
What the day feels like
How the excursion unfolds
You depart in a private vessel with up to six passengers and cross to Shackleford Banks, disembarking to visit the Old Cemetery before hiking along horse-made trails through maritime forest to a clearing at High Hill. The day can include a descent to the plateau past the dunes to watch the wild horses and a brief walk over dunes to look out across the Atlantic; alternately, less active guests may remain on the beach or on the boat where a dining table can be arranged and dolphin sightings are possible.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who gets the most from this trip—and who should reconsider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
General departure is 10:30 a.m.; the excursion is approximately 5 hours long and is offered Wednesday through Sunday.
Expect potential insect activity and variable weather—bring sun protection, water, appropriate footwear for sand and trails, and insect repellent; consider the hike's length and conditions before booking.
This is a private boat excursion by H2O Captain Eco-Tour for up to six passengers; complimentary parking is available at Coral Bay Marina. Contact Captain Mark at 202-369-1063 for pre-booking questions about physical requirements.
Special pricing is $699 for up to four passengers with an additional $30 for passengers five and six; an optional $200 deposit may apply.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
What time does the trip depart?
General departure time is 10:30 a.m., though the operator will accommodate schedule changes if needed.
How long is the excursion?
The tour lasts approximately 5 hours.
How many people can come on a private trip?
The private excursion accommodates up to six passengers; pricing covers up to four with additional fees for passengers five and six.
Is this a shelling tour?
No. This excursion is not designed as a shelling tour; its focus is the cemetery, maritime forest hike, views and wildlife.
Is there parking at the departure point?
Yes. Complimentary parking is available at Coral Bay Marina in Morehead City.
Is there a military discount?
Yes. A military discount is offered to qualifying guests; ID is required at check-in.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-08-24T21:44:27.857Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.