Ferry to Wild Shores: Beaufort’s 15-Minute Gateway to Shackleford Banks
A fast ferry from Beaufort delivers you to wild horses, empty beaches, and shell-strewn shores—no complicated logistics required.
The boat noses away from Beaufort’s timbered waterfront and the river unfurls like a dare. The current prods you seaward, past anchored shrimp boats and the masts that chime in the morning breeze. Pelicans ride the slipstream at eye level, banking as if to escort you out of Taylor’s Creek. In 15 minutes—just long enough to feel the salt take hold—you’ll slide onto Shackleford Banks, a slender barrier island where wind writes new maps daily and wild horses keep their own counsel.
Trail Wisdom
Mind the Return Pick-Up
Note your beach landing point and confirm the last ferry time before wandering; sand and dunes look similar from a distance.
Give Horses Space
Stay at least 50 feet from the wild Banker horses—approaching or feeding them is dangerous and illegal.
Pack More Water Than You Think
There’s no potable water on the island; aim for at least 1–2 liters per person for a half-day visit.
Check Wind and Tide
Onshore winds can build surf and rip currents; choose a sheltered stretch on breezier days and swim with caution.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Northwest flats at low tide for tidal pools and shorebirds
- •Shell-rich drift lines near the island’s eastern hook after a mild blow
Wildlife
Wild Banker horses, Brown pelicans
Conservation Note
Stay off the dunes and use existing footpaths to protect fragile vegetation and nesting habitat. Pack out everything—this undeveloped island depends on visitor stewardship.
Shackleford Banks is part of Cape Lookout National Seashore; nearby Beaufort Inlet waters hold the wreck of Blackbeard’s Queen Anne’s Revenge, discovered in 1996.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Wildlife watching, Shelling
Challenges: Chilly water temps, Nesting shorebirds require extra caution
Mild air and greener dunes make spring a great time to spot foals and migrating birds. Expect variable weather and cooler swims.
summer
Best for: Family beach days, Swimming
Challenges: Heat and high UV, Afternoon storms and biting insects
Peak ferry frequency and long daylight hours. Start early, pack sun protection, and keep an eye on thunderstorm forecasts.
fall
Best for: Calmer surf, Photography
Challenges: Hurricane season peaks in September, Shorter days
Warm water lingers while crowds thin. Clear light and cooler air make October especially appealing.
winter
Best for: Solitude, Birding
Challenges: Cold winds, Limited ferry schedules
Empty beaches and dramatic skies reward hardy visitors. Dress in windproof layers and plan around reduced departures.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Wide-Brim Sun HatEssential
Relentless sun reflects off sand and water—shade your face and neck for hours.
Closed-Toe Water Shoes
Protects feet from shells, oyster beds, and hot sand during beachcombing and wading.
Soft Cooler with Ice PacksEssential
Keeps water and snacks cold when there are no services on the island.
Lightweight Beach Shelter
A low-profile shade or umbrella provides respite on wind-moderate days with little natural shade.
Common Questions
How long is the ferry ride?
About 15 minutes each way between Beaufort and Shackleford Banks, with departures typically every 30 minutes in summer.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes—pets are allowed on the ferry and island if kept on a leash; be mindful of wildlife and hot sand.
Are there bathrooms or water on Shackleford Banks?
No. There are no services on the island—bring all water, snacks, and sun protection, and pack out all trash.
Is swimming safe?
Swimming is allowed, but surf and rip currents vary with wind and tide. Choose calm areas and supervise children closely.
What’s the best time to visit to avoid crowds?
Early mornings and weekdays, especially in shoulder seasons (late spring and fall), offer quieter beaches and easier shelling.
Can I approach or feed the wild horses?
No. Maintain at least 50 feet of distance and never feed wildlife; it’s unsafe for you and harmful to the animals.
What to Pack
Extra water and electrolytes—there’s no potable water; UPF sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sun shirt)—the sun reflects off sand and water; Sand-ready footwear—protect feet from shells and hot sand; Dry bag—keeps phone, camera, and keys safe during landings.
Did You Know
Shackleford Banks is home to the wild Banker horses, a herd managed cooperatively by the National Park Service and the Foundation for Shackleford Horses; the animals are believed to descend from colonial-era stock and have adapted to survive on dune and saltmarsh vegetation.
Quick Travel Tips
Arrive 20–30 minutes early to sort parking and tickets; Mark your landing zone with a visual cue so you can find your pick-up point; Carry small bills or a card—some vendors along the waterfront are cash-friendly; Check NOAA tide tables for Beaufort Inlet to plan the calmest swimming windows.
Local Flavor
Post-ferry, stroll Beaufort’s boardwalk for a cone at Beaufort Creamery, then grab shrimp and grits at Beaufort Grocery Co. or oysters at Clawson’s 1905 Restaurant & Pub. For a local pint, Fishtowne Brew House pours easy-drinking ales perfect after a sunlit beach day. Cap it with a quick spin through the North Carolina Maritime Museum to connect the day’s seafaring threads.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: Coastal Carolina Regional (EWN) in New Bern, ~40 minutes by car. Departure: 600 Front St, Beaufort Town docks. Drive time: 5 minutes from central Beaufort lodging; 35–45 minutes from Atlantic Beach/Morehead City. Cell service: Good in Beaufort; spotty on Shackleford. Permits: None required for day visits; follow Cape Lookout National Seashore rules. Parking: Public lots near the waterfront—arrive early in summer.
Sustainability Note
This island is part of Cape Lookout National Seashore—pack out all trash, keep 50+ feet from horses and shorebirds, and avoid trampling dunes or vegetation. Reuse water bottles and skip single-use plastics to keep the wrack line wild.
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