Discover Cape Lookout, Shackleford Banks & Wild Horses from Beaufort

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.