BEAUFORT HORSE FIELD GUIDE
Hike to Shackleford Banks: A 3‑Hour Wild Horse and Shelling Safari from Harkers Island
A guided, three-hour walking tour that combines a 15‑minute ferry crossing, rugged shoreline hiking and guided tracking of Shackleford Banks’ free‑roaming wild horses—essential pre-trip facts for nature-minded visitors.
Hike to Shackleford Banks: A 3‑Hour Wild Horse and Shelling Safari from Harkers Island.
Departing from Harkers Island, this three‑hour outing ferries you across a short stretch of sound to the pristine Outer Banks island of Shackleford Banks, part of Cape Lookout National Seashore. Expect a guided, on‑foot exploration of dune, maritime forest and beach as you track a free‑roaming herd of wild horses that are believed to descend from animals brought here roughly 400 years ago.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Close Encounters with Free‑Roaming Wild Horses
The tour focuses on locating and observing the herd of Shackleford Banks horses in their natural habitat—an uncommon opportunity to study equine behavior in the wild and to photograph animals that have survived here for centuries.
A Short Ferry to an Untouched Barrier Island
A roughly 15‑minute ferry ride delivers the group from Harkers Island to the sand and maritime landscapes of Shackleford Banks, placing you immediately into the Cape Lookout National Seashore and the island’s shoreline ecosystems.
Rugged Terrain and Hands‑On Tracking
This is a complete walking tour over uneven, coastal terrain; guests hike with their guide to locate horses and search for shells, making the outing best suited to those prepared for up to about two miles on foot.
What the day feels like
What the Safari Feels Like
The rhythm of the outing is straightforward and physical: a short ferry crossing, then sustained on‑foot exploration of dunes, flats and shoreline as guides lead small groups in tracking the Shackleford herd and hunting for shells. It’s intimate, tactile work—camera at the ready, footing uneven—and built around close observation rather than long periods of transit.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this tour suits — and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Bring a camera for wildlife and shoreline photography; be prepared for a full walking tour across uneven coastal terrain.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the tour?
The tour is three hours in total.
Is there a ferry ride involved?
Yes — the outing includes a roughly 15‑minute ferry crossing to Shackleford Banks.
Are dogs allowed?
No—dogs are not permitted on the guided tour; guests who arrive with dogs will be asked to forfeit guided participation and will only be able to ride the ferry without the guided portion.
What are the age and pricing categories?
Adults (ages 12+) pay $39.95; children ages 3–11 pay $24.95; infants age 2 and under ride free. Active military and seniors (65+) have a reduced rate of $38.95 with ID at check‑in.
Is the tour suitable if I can't walk far?
This is a complete walking tour; if you cannot work up to approximately two miles, the outing is not appropriate.
Should I bring a camera?
Yes—guides recommend bringing a camera for photographs of the horses and the island.