MOREHEAD CITY BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Shackleford Banks by Private Boat: Wild Horses, Untouched Beaches and World-Class Shelling from Morehead City
A privately guided, 4-hour Boat • Walk • Beach excursion led by Captain Mark that visits undeveloped Shackleford Banks to view wild horses, search for shells, and return via the Rachel Carson Reserve.
Shackleford Banks by Private Boat: Wild Horses, Untouched Beaches and World-Class Shelling from Morehead City.
Embark on a four-hour private excursion from Morehead City that threads the Intracoastal Waterway and Beaufort Inlet to the remote, undeveloped shores of Shackleford Banks, where guided walks bring you up-close to wild Banker horses, maritime forests, dunes and long, shell-strewn beaches.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Shackleford’s Wild Banker Horses
The tour visits the uninhabited Shackleford Banks where guided land walks put the famed wild Shackelford Banker horses on the itinerary — a defining draw of the excursion and a top reason visitors choose this trip.
Pristine, Untouched Shorelines
Travelers land on remote ocean-facing beaches accessed only by private boat and explore dunes, maritime forest and quiet stretches of sand far from ferry routes — the solitude here is part of the appeal.
Exceptional Shelling and Tidepool Finds
Guides help identify sought-after finds — from Lettered Olives and Northern Quahog clams to helmets and the occasional Scotch Bonnet — making shelling a centerpiece of the beach visit.
What the day feels like
What the four hours feel like
The day moves from salt-streaked sightseeing on the Intracoastal Waterway past the NC State Port of Morehead City and USCG Station Ft. Macon, to a sheltered four-mile run along Shackleford Banks; on shore, a guided walk across trails, dunes and maritime forest unfolds into a long, private beach where shelling and a swim in protected waters punctuate the visit before the boat returns through Middle Marsh and the Rachel Carson Estuarine Reserve toward Morehead City’s waterfront.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this private excursion suits — and what the operator notes about booking and discounts.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The provided description does not list specific gear requirements or a required packing list.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the excursion?
The Boat, Walk, Beach private excursion is four hours in duration.
When does the trip depart?
General departure time for this excursion is 11:00 a.m.
What will we see and do on the tour?
The itinerary includes passage along the Intracoastal Waterway and Beaufort Inlet to Shackleford Banks for a guided land walk to view wild horses, explore maritime forest, dunes and beaches, shell for species like Lettered Olives and Scotch Bonnets, and a return route through the Rachel Carson Estuarine Reserve to Morehead City’s waterfront.
How much does the trip cost?
Published pricing for the excursion starts at $549.
Is there parking at the meeting point?
Free parking for vehicles is available at the operator’s marina in Morehead City.
Are there any discounts available?
A military discount is available to qualifying travelers; a military ID is required at check-in.