Shackleford Banks
Shackleford Banks
4.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
237 reviews
Excellent
188
Very good
33
Average
9
Poor
4
Terrible
3
John W
1 contribution
Oct 2021 • Couples
At first, I thought they were great. We overslept and they graciously moved our tour to the following day. But then at 8:26 AM as we were pulling in to park, after getting up early and driving half an hour, they called to inform us they’re canceling due to weather. The kicker? The day before, even after the tour left, we still could have just taken the ferry on our own, seen the horses on our own, and collected shells on our own. Don’t bother making advance bookings unless it’s super busy. Now I have to wait a week while the refund processes, and I’m out the gas. This might be a good time, but do it on your own.
Written October 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anthony C
1 contribution
May 2021 • Friends
Overall it was a successful day but I’d suggest just taking the ferry to the island to explore yourself rather than doing the horse tour. I understand these are wild creatures and may or may not appear while there, but the trip was described as a horse and shelling tour. The guide would stop every 20 feet or so to tell a long winded story and any time we provided any sort of banter (as she started the trip very light hearted and fun) we were met with digs such as “this isn’t the time to be funny or to be a marine”. There were others but without the context they won’t make sense. We finally made it to the beach to shell after only seeing ONE horse on the horizon (needed to use a zoom lens to see it) where she said we had an hour on the beach before needing to be back at the boat. Well after about 10 minutes of shelling she went up ahead with the rest of the group leaving 5 of us behind! We stayed there to shell not knowing really where to go and ultimately missed the ferry back. Luckily they come hourly so that wasn’t a big deal. It just seemed unorganized and lack-luster. After she left us we actually found 6 horses on our own! I’d still suggest going to the island for the day- but explore on your own! The tour wasn’t all that great.
Written May 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karl N
Chesapeake, VA70 contributions
Jun 2020 • Family
My family and I visited Cape Lookout for an unfortunately rainy weekend in June.
The highlight of the trip was the afternoon we got at Shackleford Banks.
If you're a fan of remote beaches, and getting away from people, this is your happy place. The place is totally undisturbed by people, not even a trash can.. you can walk for miles on the shoreline and not see another person, just birds, bunnies, wild horses, and sea shells. It's a little muddy, lots of bugs, some sticker grass inland, but definitely a memorable place to unwind..
Bring bug spray, shoes to walk in mud, (flip flops don't work), water and sunscreen!
The highlight of the trip was the afternoon we got at Shackleford Banks.
If you're a fan of remote beaches, and getting away from people, this is your happy place. The place is totally undisturbed by people, not even a trash can.. you can walk for miles on the shoreline and not see another person, just birds, bunnies, wild horses, and sea shells. It's a little muddy, lots of bugs, some sticker grass inland, but definitely a memorable place to unwind..
Bring bug spray, shoes to walk in mud, (flip flops don't work), water and sunscreen!
Written June 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sharon M
33 contributions
Oct 2021 • Family
Seeing the wild horses was worth every penny of the ferry fee! We spent two hours exploring the island and had a blast. Be aware there are no restroom facilities on the island and depending on where you disembark the ferry you may be wading in ankle deep water. Other than that you couldn’t ask for a better wildlife adventure with beautiful sea shells to boot!
Written October 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mikeandterri
Vienna, VA140 contributions
Oct 2020
Took the Island Express ferry with Captain Amy to the island. She was funny and informative and the trip was pleasant even though we had to wear a mask. The island was beautiful and the horses were pure bred Spanish Mustangs. If you want shells, go early or on the first boat after high tide. The best shelling is when the tide is going out.
Written October 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Morgan S
5 contributions
May 2021 • Couples
We took a ferry from the park service to Shackleford Banks and to Cedar Point. At Shackleford Banks we saw the wild horses and walked around the shore for an hour. It was very peaceful - I’d definitely recommend it!
Written May 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarah A
Carroll, OH39 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
Great day trip for families. We had a great day on the island. We took the ferry which was fun. We took our kids ages 11,8, and 3. Very fun looking around at horses and the shells. We never did find the bathroom. We were able to stay 3 hours. The kids just got tired of walking and there’s not much shade. You must bring everything you would need . You can swim there if you bring your swimming things and are careful.
Written July 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Adam J
Anderson, IN86 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
Took the ferry out to the island, are given times to depart to the island and you can pick a time to be picked up. The ferry we took came back every hour. Ferry was about a 20 minute ride- beware there is sea spray as the ferry enters an area where it can go faster. Island is huge and has an atlantic side and sound side. Tons of shells to get, and the interior is where the horses hang out. They are standoffish which is fine. Definitely a must go if you enjoy hiking in nature.
Written April 2, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gloria V
Lenoir, NC107 contributions
Aug 2021
We spent 5 hours exploring the island. We enjoyed walking along the beach. Easy to cool off in the ocean. We found several shells, although only one large Whelk shell this time.
We then went inland and were lucky enough to observe three of the wild horses. We remained very quiet and they came close enough to get some really good pictures. It was a very rewarding trip. 15,550 steps by the end of our stay.
We then went inland and were lucky enough to observe three of the wild horses. We remained very quiet and they came close enough to get some really good pictures. It was a very rewarding trip. 15,550 steps by the end of our stay.
Written August 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tiaalvis
Louisville, KY12 contributions
Jul 2020 • Couples
Saw wild horses grazing on beach. More sea shells on beach than at cape lookout. Wish I would’ve stayed longer although be careful of high tide. May not be able to leave same way you came.
Written July 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Are there bathrooms on the island?
Written September 30, 2021
Yes, just one to the left of the landing.
Written October 1, 2021
Wanting to visit with our 5 kids in July. East or West end better? Come from Beaufort or Harker Island? We hope to see horses but mostly want to swim & shell
Written February 6, 2020
No idea. We got taken on a friend's boat all over through there. You may want to look at Sand Dollar Island though.
Written March 3, 2020
Jacqueline B
Raleigh, North Carolina
When are the best months to visit? I heard the water is still warm even in November. Thanks in advance!
Written October 6, 2019
For shelling, I understand the winter months are best, but I feel that the island is a shellers paradise no matter when, as far as shells goes. If you are interested in swimming, of course the summer months are best, but beware, the tides and currents are tricky and I don't recommend swimming off Shackleford, in general. Ferry service is more sporadic in the off season, too.
Written October 10, 2019
Good Day, we heard there were lots of bitting flies on the island. Just wanted to know if you had this problem? Maybe because of the horses. Which end of the island did you find the most shells? Thanks
Written May 1, 2019
Sabrina G
Harkers Island, North Carolina
Backpacking stoves are permitted at your campsite -- as always use caution, remember that you are the fire department while you are on the island.
Any open flame fire such as a campfire or bonfire must be built on the beach in damp sand below the high tide line. Firewood is best brought with you, most of the convenience stores in the area sell bundles of firewood. When through with your fire, put it out with water, don't just throw sand on it! A fire is not out until it is "cold and out" (can touch the coals with your bare hand).
Written June 2, 2018
First time at Shackleford. Where do you find large conch? What other shells are good finds?
Written May 9, 2018
You find conch shells everywhere, nowhere and rarely. We didn't find one. We said a single passenger on our ferry of about 100 found one. No one location routinely has more shells than others. Propelled by storms and tides, shells scatter over the shore with no particular preferences. i
Written May 27, 2018
Yes, but in certain places the island has very strong currents that can easily pull a swimmer out to sea. If you ask the captain on the boat, he can point out the dangerous places, particularly on one side of the island. The other side was calmer.
Written June 1, 2017
Any recommendations on taking a toddler? I don't think a jogger would work
Written April 16, 2017
Sabrina G
Harkers Island, North Carolina
When bringing youngsters, always consider how far you are going to want to walk and that they may not be able to handle a long stay at the beach. Until they get older, plan on a shorter visit to the island. If you don't want to carry them, a jogging stroller or a wagon with wide sand wheels will work the best for "off-road" exploration. Just be mindful that the sand can be very soft and hard to maneuver a wheeled carrier in. For sun safety, an umbrella that can be attached to the stroller/wagon is a good thing to have. A good thing to include in your beach gear is a small folding umbrella to use as a parasol for shade, they don't take up much space, are easily tucked into your beach gear and can handle rain or sun.
Written April 18, 2017
Is there one area better than other to see ponies
Written March 11, 2017
Sabrina G
Harkers Island, North Carolina
The horses can be found in various locations on the island depending on the phase of the tide, the wind direction and other factors. But, perhaps the "easiest" location is the eastern salt marshes at low tide, the horses like to go feed out on the salt marsh grass and are easily seen from the ferry on its way to the lighthouse.
Written March 11, 2017
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