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.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; no strenuous activity required.
Wildlife
History
Cape Lookout's lighthouse has been guiding sailors since 1859, marking a key point along North Carolina’s Outer Banks.
Conservation
The Outer Banks area's protected seashores support fragile ecosystems, with careful wildlife management preserving the wild horses and marine life.
Island Express Ferry Service LLC
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.
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.
Frequent Departures
Every 30 min
Short trips run every 30 minutes in summer
Destinations Served
Cape Lookout, Shackleford
Direct service from Beaufort and Harkers Island
UTV Rentals
4WD Kubota
On-site 4-seater Kubota side-by-side rental
Family Friendly
Pets OK
Leashed pets allowed on select short trips
Reserve narrated tours, sunset cruises, short ferry shuttles, or a Kubota UTV rental to explore the islands — plan wildlife viewing and beach time now.
Bring binoculars for wildlife spotting
Enhance your view of the distant wild horses and dolphins with a good pair of binoculars.
Dress in layers for the evening breeze
Coastal sunsets can get chilly; wear layers to stay comfortable during the cruise.
Arrive early for check-in
Getting to Beaufort with time to spare ensures a smooth boarding process and prime seating.
Keep a camera ready
Sunset lighting and active wildlife make for memorable photography moments—have your camera on hand.
Windbreaker jacket
Protects against cool coastal breezes during spring evening cruises.
spring
Sunglasses
Reduces glare from setting sun over the water for clear views.
summer
Camera or smartphone with good zoom
To capture distant wildlife and sunset scenery.
Reusable water bottle
Stay hydrated while enjoying the fresh sea air.