Horses on the Wind: A Wild Shelling Safari on Shackleford Banks
Ferry across Back Sound for a close-but-respectful look at Shackleford’s wild horses and some of the best shelling on the Crystal Coast.
The ferry noses past Beaufort’s waterfront and into the green shimmer of Back Sound, skimming a corridor of wind and tide. Laughing gulls escort the bow like old friends. The current shoulders you forward as if the island itself is calling. Fifteen minutes later, sand rises from the horizon—Shackleford Banks, first a mirage, then a living, shifting line of dune and sea oat. The engine idles. Salt air climbs the deck and the breeze starts talking—bring water, respect the sun, walk softly. Then you’re stepping into ankle-deep surf, with wet sand pressing cool and firm underfoot and a guide quietly scanning the horizon for what everyone has come to see.
Trail Wisdom
Give Horses Space
Stay at least 50 feet away from all horses. Use a zoom lens rather than approaching for photos.
Footwear That Can Get Wet
Closed-toe sandals or water shoes protect against sharp shells and make surf landings comfortable.
Hydrate and Shade Up
There’s no shade infrastructure on the island—pack two bottles of water in summer and wear a brimmed hat.
Mind the Tides
Shelling improves around lower tides and recent storms. Check tide charts and follow guide instructions.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Quieter shell lines along the sound side after a strong northwest wind
- •A tucked-away dune swale where egrets and ibis forage near low tide
Wildlife
Bottlenose dolphins, Brown pelicans
Conservation Note
Stay off fragile dunes, give all wildlife generous space, and pack out everything you bring. Your choices help protect habitat in Cape Lookout National Seashore.
Shackleford’s horse herd is believed to descend from early colonial or shipwrecked stock, and today is managed in partnership with the National Park Service to maintain a healthy, sustainable population.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Mild temperatures, Active wildlife viewing
Challenges: Windy days, Unpredictable showers
Wildflowers dot the dunes and horses graze openly. Cooler air makes walking on sand more comfortable, though breezes can be brisk.
summer
Best for: Family trips, Warm-water wading
Challenges: Heat and humidity, Mosquitoes and biting flies
Prime beach weather and consistent ferries. Start early, hydrate often, and bring sun and bug protection for the midday intensity.
fall
Best for: Peak shelling, Golden light photography
Challenges: Occasional storms, Shorter daylight
Storm-driven surf reveals excellent shells and horses are active in cooler air. A sweet spot for fewer crowds and standout images.
winter
Best for: Solitude, Crisp visibility
Challenges: Cold wind, Limited tour schedules
Empty beaches and clear air offer quiet encounters, but dress warmly and check tour availability before you go.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Closed-Toe Water Shoes or SandalsEssential
Protect feet from sharp shells and make wet landings and sandy walks more comfortable.
Wide-Brim Hat and SPF 30+ SunscreenEssential
There’s minimal shade; a hat and sunscreen are key to staying comfortable under strong coastal sun.
Lightweight Daypack with Water and SnacksEssential
There are no services on the island; carry hydration, a snack, and a small bag for shells.
200mm+ Zoom Lens or Binoculars
Gives you respectful reach to observe horses without approaching too closely.
Common Questions
How long is the tour and how much walking is involved?
The experience lasts about 3 hours, including a 15-minute ferry each way and up to 2 miles of walking on sand to view horses and explore shelling areas.
Are dogs allowed on the tour?
No. Dogs are not permitted on this guided tour. Guests arriving with a dog will be asked to forfeit the guided portion and may ride the ferry only.
Can I collect shells?
Yes—only empty shells. Any shell with a living creature must be returned to the water per National Park Service guidelines.
Is this suitable for young children?
Yes, it’s family-friendly. Children should be comfortable walking on sand and staying with the group; infants can ride the ferry but strollers are not practical on dunes.
What about bathrooms and facilities?
There are no restrooms or concessions on Shackleford Banks. Use facilities before departure and bring all water and snacks you need.
What happens in bad weather?
Trips may be delayed or canceled if conditions are unsafe. Your operator will notify you of weather decisions and rescheduling options.
What to Pack
Two liters of water per person for summer heat; closed-toe water shoes for surf landings and shells; brimmed hat and reef-safe sunscreen for all-day sun; small dry bag to keep phone and camera gear protected from spray and sand.
Did You Know
The Shackleford Banks wild horse population is typically managed between 110–130 animals to protect both the herd and the island’s ecology, a program coordinated with the National Park Service.
Quick Travel Tips
Book morning departures for cooler temps and calmer seas; bring cash or card for parking and snacks before departure; check tide and wind the night prior for shelling potential; arrive 30 minutes early to check in and gear up without rushing.
Local Flavor
Post-safari, stroll Beaufort’s Front Street boardwalk for fresh local seafood and hushpuppies, or grab a craft beer at a waterfront spot and watch shrimp boats slide in at dusk. If you have time, pop into a maritime museum for context on the shipwrecks that shaped this coast.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: EWN (New Bern) ~45–60 minutes; OAJ (Jacksonville) ~1.25 hours. Departure: Ferry launches from Beaufort area to Shackleford Banks. Driving: 5–15 minutes from most Beaufort/Morehead City stays. Cell service: Spotty on the island; download essentials. Permits: No permit required for the guided tour; follow NPS rules for wildlife and shell collection.
Sustainability Note
Shackleford Banks is part of Cape Lookout National Seashore—pack out all trash, avoid stepping on dune vegetation, and maintain a minimum 50-foot distance from horses to reduce stress and preserve natural behaviors.
Continue Reading
Throttle Into Lake Wateree: Jet Ski Rental Days That Fly
Carve coves, chase open-water straights, and let South Carolina’s Lake Wateree show you how a day on a jet ski can fly. Here’s the how, when, and where to make the most of a half- or full-day rental.
Camden, South Carolina
Lake Champlain, Your Way: A Private Day Cruise From Burlington
Settle into a 90-minute private yacht cruise on Lake Champlain, where you call the shots—BYOB, picnic on deck, and soak up Adirondack-to-Green Mountain views. It’s an easy, flexible way to see Burlington’s waterfront and the region’s quiet grandeur from the best seat in the house.
Burlington, Vermont