Ferries cruising past Cape Lookout lighthouse at sunset

Discover Cape Lookout, Shackleford Banks & Wild Horses from Beaufort

Scenic catamaran and ferry trips from Beaufort and Harkers Island — narrated tours, wildlife viewing, sunset cruises, and UTV rentals for island exploration.

Featured Trips & Experiences

Choose narrated catamaran cruises, short ferry shuttles, sunset wildlife cruises, and UTV rentals to explore Cape Lookout National Seashore.

Harkers Island

Experience Harkers Island's Wild Horses and Dolphins on a Scenic Sunset Cruise with Cape Lookout Stop

Discover the wild Banker horses and playful dolphins of North Carolina’s Outer Banks on a 2-hour sunset cruise from Beaufort, including a one-hour stop on Cape Lookout. Capture unforgettable sunsets and coastal wildlife on this serene catamaran journey.

Experience Harkers Island's Wild Horses and Dolphins on a Scenic Sunset Cruise with Cape Lookout Stop

water activities

wildlife nature

Harkers Island, North Carolina

Beaufort

Explore Cape Lookout Lighthouse: Scenic Ferry from Beaufort, NC to Untouched Seashore

Embark on a 5-hour ferry journey from Beaufort, NC, to Cape Lookout National Seashore, where wild horses roam and pristine beaches await. Discover why this ferry trip is the perfect gateway to one of the East Coast's most untouched coastal treasures.

Harkers Island

Explore the Untouched Beaches of Shackleford Banks from Harkers Island

Discover pristine beaches and wild horses on Shackleford Banks just a quick ferry ride from Harkers Island. Experience North Carolina’s coastal wilderness like never before with frequent summer departures every 30 minutes.

Explore the Untouched Beaches of Shackleford Banks from Harkers Island

Harkers Island

Scenic Summer Ferry from Harkers Island to Cape Lookout Lighthouse: A Family-Friendly Coastal Escape

Board the ferry from Harkers Island Visitor Center for a short, scenic 15-minute round trip to the historic Cape Lookout Lighthouse. Perfect for families and pet owners, this summer ferry service highlights stunning coastal views and maritime heritage along North Carolina’s Crystal Coast.

Beaufort

Explore Shackleford Banks via Beaufort Ferry: Your Gateway to Untamed Barrier Island Beaches

Catch a quick ferry from Beaufort to Shackleford Banks and immerse yourself in wild horse sightings, pristine beaches, and untouched coastal habitats. Discover why this barrier island remains a top outdoor adventure destination near Beaufort, NC.

Beaufort

Experience Beaufort’s Wild Horses and Dolphins on a Scenic Sunset Cruise to Shackleford Banks

Cruise from Beaufort to Shackleford Banks for an unforgettable sunset adventure featuring wild horses, dolphins, and pristine coastal landscapes. Discover why this scenic evening trip is a must for wildlife lovers and outdoor enthusiasts visiting North Carolina’s Crystal Coast.

Harkers Island

Explore Shackleford Banks and Cape Lookout Lighthouse: Ferry Adventure from Harkers Island

Discover the wild horses of Shackleford Banks and historic Cape Lookout Lighthouse with a scenic ferry ride from Harkers Island. Experience North Carolina’s coastal beauty and rich maritime heritage in one unforgettable trip.

Harkers Island

Explore Cape Lookout by 4WD Kubota UTV: Scenic Island Adventures from Harkers Island

Discover Cape Lookout’s rugged beaches, historic village, and wildlife with an exhilarating 4WD Kubota UTV rental from Harkers Island. Explore farther, see more, and enjoy the island’s natural splendor in a unique way.

About Island Express Ferry Service LLC

Island Express Ferry Service LLC operates scheduled ferry and catamaran services from Beaufort and Harkers Island, North Carolina, providing access to Cape Lookout National Seashore and Shackleford Banks. The company offers a range of trip formats including narrated scenic catamaran cruises, short round-trip ferries, extended visits with beach time, and UTV rentals for on-island exploration. Several departures run every 30 minutes during the summer for short round trips, while extended options include a five-hour Cape Lookout outing and sunset cruises that include one hour ashore at Cape Lookout or Shackleford Banks.

Trips commonly feature opportunities to spot wild Banker horses on Shackleford Banks and dolphins near the waterways. Some routes are narrated to provide local history and natural highlights. Families and pet owners can book options that allow leashed pets on certain short ferry runs. Island Express offers a 4WD, 4-seater Kubota side-by-side UTV rental to explore Cape Lookout’s routes, shelling spots, and fishing access, and notes that this is the site’s available UTV rental option.

Island Express Ferry Service LLC departs from the Town of Beaufort Ferry Gateway and the Harkers Island Visitor Center, linking visitors to iconic destinations such as the Cape Lookout Lighthouse and the Point. The company’s program includes a beach shuttle discount on specific extended trips. All descriptions and schedules are presented to help visitors plan wildlife-focused, scenic, and family-friendly outings from Beaufort and Harkers Island.

Two ferries gliding across calm bay under dramatic sunset sky

Cape Lookout lighthouse rising above maritime dunes and trees

Island Express Ferry Service LLC — Beaufort, North Carolina

Island Express Ferry Service LLC operates ferry and catamaran tours from Beaufort and Harkers Island to Cape Lookout National Seashore and Shackleford Banks. The company offers a variety of departures — short 15-minute round trips, extended five-hour adventures, narrated sunset cruises with time ashore, and UTV rentals — all designed for wildlife viewing, beach time, and island exploration.

Key Destinations

Cape Lookout Lighthouse: Reach the iconic lighthouse and the Point on extended trips. One popular offering is the Town of Beaufort Ferry Gateway → Cape Lookout Lighthouse five-hour narrated catamaran trip, which includes beach time and a beach shuttle discount.
Shackleford Banks: Known for the Banker horses, Shackleford Banks is a frequent stop on sunset cruises and short ferry hops from Harkers Island Visitor Center.
Harkers Island & Beaufort Gateway: Regular departures connect the Harkers Island Visitor Center and the Town of Beaufort Ferry Gateway to these island destinations.

Popular Trips (factual summaries)

Harkers Island Scenic Sunset Wild Horse & Dolphin Cruise w/ ONE HOUR ON CAPE LOOKOUT: A sunset catamaran cruise with narration, wildlife viewing, and a one-hour stop at Cape Lookout.
Town of Beaufort Ferry Gateway → Cape Lookout Lighthouse: An extended five-hour narrated boat ride with beach time, shelling, and potential dolphin and wild horse sightings; includes a beach shuttle discount for the Point.
Harkers Island Visitor Center → Shackleford Banks: Short 15-minute round trips departing every 30 minutes during summer, suitable for families and quick visits.
Harkers Island Visitor Center → Cape Lookout Lighthouse: Short 15-minute round trip service, with departures every 30 minutes in summer; pets on leashes are welcome on select trips.
Town of Beaufort Ferry Gateway → Shackleford Banks: Short round-trip service from Beaufort, running every 30 minutes in summer; family- and pet-friendly options are available.
Beaufort Scenic Sunset Wild Horse & Dolphin Cruise w/ ONE HOUR ON SHACKLEFORD BANKS: Evening narrated cruise to Shackleford Banks with an hour ashore and wildlife viewing opportunities.
COMBO: Harkers Island Visitor Center → Shackleford Banks → Cape Lookout Lighthouse: A combo ferry connecting both Shackleford Banks and Cape Lookout in a single outing.
4WD 4-Seater Kubota Side-by-Side: UTV rental for exploring Cape Lookout’s interior routes, shelling areas, and fishing spots. The site notes this Kubota is the available UTV rental option.

Wildlife, Sunset Cruises, and Family-Friendly Options

Island Express offers multiple sunset cruises and daytime narrated trips that emphasize wildlife viewing — keep an eye out for dolphins in the surf and the wild Banker horses on Shackleford Banks. Short, scheduled round-trip ferries depart every 30 minutes during summer stretches, providing frequent access for families and visitors. Some short ferry routes allow leashed pets, creating more flexible options for travelers with animals.

Planning & Practical Details

Departure points: Town of Beaufort Ferry Gateway and Harkers Island Visitor Center.
Trip durations: Options range from 15-minute round trips to five-hour extended outings and sunset cruises with one hour ashore.
On-island access: Beach shuttle discounts are offered on specific Cape Lookout trips for access to the Point.

Why Book These Trips

Booking with Island Express Ferry Service LLC connects visitors in Beaufort and Harkers Island to Cape Lookout National Seashore and Shackleford Banks with frequent departures, narrated catamaran rides, and a distinct mix of short shuttles and longer beach visits. The combination of sunset cruises, wildlife viewing, and the availability of a 4WD Kubota UTV rental provides a range of ways to explore the islands, whether seeking a quick scenic ride, an extended beach day, or a sunset wildlife cruise.

Wooden dock leading to passenger ferry on coastal inlet

Book Cape Lookout & Shackleford Banks Trips from Beaufort Today

Reserve narrated tours, sunset cruises, short ferry shuttles, or a Kubota UTV rental to explore the islands — plan wildlife viewing and beach time now.