A Hidden Picnic Table and Wild Horses: Private Boat Access to Shackleford Island’s Quiet Heart

MOREHEAD CITY BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE

A Hidden Picnic Table and Wild Horses: Private Boat Access to Shackleford Island’s Quiet Heart

A four‑hour private boat excursion from Morehead City that delivers a secluded picnic table tucked in cordgrass dunes—reached by a 20‑minute walk—with a strong chance of encountering the famed Shackleford Banker Horses.

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A Hidden Picnic Table and Wild Horses: Private Boat Access to Shackleford Island’s Quiet Heart.

Duration
Contact operator
Location
Morehead City
Operator
H2O Captain Eco-Tour Private Boat Excursions
Category
Boat Tour
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Embark from Morehead City for an exclusive four‑hour boat journey to a tucked‑away picnic table on Shackleford Island. The site sits amid cordgrass dunes at the island’s core and is reached via a roughly 20‑minute walk, offering rare privacy and frequent sightings of the wild Shackleford Banker Horses.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE LANDSCAPE

A Picnic Table Hidden in the Cordgrass

The trip’s focal point is an intentionally discreet picnic table set within the island’s cordgrass dunes—an unusual, private beachside retreat accessed by a short walk from the landing.

THE WILDLIFE

High Probability of Banker Horse Sightings

On the walk to the secluded spot guests have a strong likelihood of encountering the wild Shackleford Banker Horses, one of the trip’s signature experiences.

THE ROUTE

Short Walk, Distinct Microclimate

The landing and inland picnic area are separated by about a 20‑minute walk; note that the secluded table area can run as much as 10 degrees hotter than the beach landing on warm days.

What the day feels like

What the outing feels like

This private boat excursion unfolds as a deliberate, four‑hour escape: a short run from Morehead City, a beach landing, a roughly 20‑minute walk through island grasses to a hidden picnic table, and time to linger while watching for the island’s wild Banker Horses.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this trip is best for — and who should plan accordingly.

1
Small private groupsIdeal for couples or small parties up to four people—the advertised base rate covers up to four passengers.
2
Larger parties (5–6)Groups of five or six can join for an additional fee per passenger; the operator accepts up to six with surcharges for passengers five and six.
3
Military travelersActive or qualifying military travelers can receive a discount—military ID is required at check‑in to apply the discount.
4
Visitors with mobility or heat sensitivity concernsParticipants should be able to manage a roughly 20‑minute walk across island terrain and account for the fact that the picnic site can be notably warmer than the beach landing; those unable to walk this distance should plan accordingly.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Duration

General departure time is 11:00 a.m., though the operator will accommodate alternate departure times when needed. The excursion runs about 4 hours.

What to Bring

Consider leaving your lunch behind for this exclusive picnic spot; be aware the inland picnic area can be up to 10 degrees hotter than the beach landing on warm days.

Logistics & Parking

Complimentary parking is available at Coral Bay Marina in Morehead City for guests using the departure point.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the excursion?

The trip is four hours in duration.

When does the tour depart?

General departure time is 11:00 a.m., and the operator can accommodate different departure times if needed.

Where do I park?

Complimentary parking is available at Coral Bay Marina in Morehead City for guests.

Will we see the Shackleford Banker Horses?

There is a strong likelihood of encountering the wild Shackleford Banker Horses on the walk to the picnic table.

How many passengers can ride, and what does it cost?

The advertised base covers up to four passengers; additional passengers five and six incur a surcharge per person.

Is there a military discount?

Yes—the operator offers a military discount to qualifying guests; military ID is required at check‑in.